What makes a shoe a brogue?
Brogues are one of the most versatile types of men’s footwear.
Since the shoe type is characterised by perforated decoration around the upper, they can count for just about any leather silhouette you can find. It could be trainers, boots or, more commonly, shoes like Oxfords or Derbies.
So, they’re not necessarily smart or casual. You could wear certain styles with jeans and a t-shirt – like a substantial triple welted Derby – while others would be best worn with a suit for a black tie event – for this, you should be looking for an elegant high-shine Oxford.
Either way, it’s good to have options across the palette of black and brown so you’re covered whatever your outfit – the former will give you a little more outfit mileage while the latter is best with earthy and neutral tones. But take note: when you’re looking for brown shoes, steer clear of anything tan or caramel and instead stick to rich chocolate or burgundy-like hues.
When choosing the right pair for you, it’s best to go for styles which have a bit of substance constructed using quality leather. Anything flimsy or badly made will cheapen your outfit. Though they can sometimes be a little pricey, it’s an enduring design that’s never going out of style, so see it as an investment.
Whether you prefer heritage label Grenson’s first-rate Derby or British high-street hero Russell & Bromley’s elegant Oxford, we’ve rounded up a selection below of the best available to buy now.
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Black brogues
Grenson Aldwych Triple Welt
Leather footwear is heritage label Grenson’s speciality. From the triple welt (the leather strip sewn around the edge of the upper to attach the sole) to the double leather sole, these are a substantial option that look as expensive as they feel.
Buy now £510.00, Grenson
Next Black Leather Cleated Sole Brogue Shoes
It can be hard to find a well-made pair of brogues for under £50. Luckily, Next’s offering hits the mark for just £48. They balance a real leather upper with great cushioning underfoot and a chunky cleated outsole – a triple threat.
Buy now £48.00, Next
Dr. Martens 3989 Shoes in Black
From the signature yellow stitching to the AirWair cushioned sole, just a glimpse of these brogues gives them away as Dr. Martens. First introduced by the brand in the mid-60s, they’re an enduring style that’s not going anywhere in the fashion space.
Buy now £150.00, Dr. Martens
Russell & Bromley Antiqued Brogue Oxford
If you’re in the market for formal footwear, Russell & Bromley has just what you need – a pair of Oxford brogues crafted using a polished black leather. Whether it’s for black tie or a smart wedding, these are a useful shoe-rack investment which you’re sure to use regularly over the years.
Buy now £295.00, Russell & Bromley
G.H.Bass Monogram Double Brogue Wingtip Black Leather
Known better for penny loafers, G.H.Bass’ collection actually goes far beyond its trademark style. The good news? The entire collection boasts the same levels of quality and comfort as the loafers – and these brogues are no exception. They boast a high-shine finish, a hand-stitched construction and, our favourite part, a small antique gold plate on the sole which is hallmarked with the brand’s monogram.
Buy now £220.00, G.H.Bass
Brown brogues
Paul Smith Bordeaux Leather 'Count' Brogues
Would it be Paul Smith without a pop of colour? As usual, the menswear expert has given a classic his signature playful makeover – this time, it’s with a contrast strip at the top of the sole which works perfectly with the merlot-tone leather.
Buy now £400.00, Paul Smith
Jones Bootmaker Bushwick Goodyear Welted Leather Brogues
For reliable leather shoes at an accessible price, Jones Bootmaker has you covered. These classic Oxford brogues would be the perfect finishing touch to neutral suiting.
Buy now £59.00, Jones Bootmaker
Hush Puppies Kingston Leather Brogues in Chocolate
Designing comfortable footwear is Hush Puppies’ MO – the brand’s name actually comes from the term ‘barking dogs’, which is slang for sore feet. So, naturally, these are some of the comfiest pairs of brogues you’ll come across – signature cushioned insole included.
Buy now £100.00, John Lewis
Yearn Shoemaker OXF 593 Brown Brogues
Arterton is a go-to for luxury men’s footwear. One of the brands it stocks is Yearn Shoemaker, a Chinese label which handcrafts every pair of shoes in the Chengdu-based workshop using local artisans. With a high-shine finish, rich brown hue and slim silhouette, these are perfect for formal occasions when you’re wearing earthy tones.
Buy now £520.00, Arterton
MR P. Jacques Waxed-Leather Brogues
As you can see from the tonal waxed-leather upper and cleated Vibram sole combo, Mr. Porter’s own brand, MR P., is a pro at designing solid menswear classics. Worn with indigo jeans or neutrals, these will take your outfit up a notch.
Buy now £275.00, Mr. Porter
