When choosing a shoe to wear with a suit, or to smarten up your look, many men avoid brogues – perhaps because they look like Oxfords with ideas above their station. But hold on there, because we’re about to blow your mind. Those perforated holes aren’t just for decoration; they allow the shoe to dry out quickly after a soaking. They’re also typically more water-resistant because they’re usually made from leather and rubbed with candle wax. Pretty handy if you live in a country that gets a bit damp from time to time.
Brogues have also shrugged off their countryside associations and you’re just as likely to see them in a city, perhaps paired with chinos. If you need new smart shoes, give these 13 pairs a look rather than running to the safe embrace of the Oxford.
If you’ve ignored brogues because you don’t think they can hang with your demanding day-to-day, know that Rockport’s VP Tony Post ran the 1990 New York Marathon in a pair. While we wouldn’t advise trading in your running shoes for a pair, the EVA outsole and shock absorbing truTech cushioning in the heel should see you through a day on your feet just fine. £115, buy on johnlewis.com
Kurt Geiger has been making great quality and affordable footwear since the 1960s. With pedigree like that, the label is our go-to for a traditional tan brogue like this one. £99 (currently reduced to £49), buy on kurtgeiger.com
If you do plan on stomping around the countryside, you’ll be thankful for the chunky sole on this British shoemaker’s pair. They’re no ugly clodhoppers though, thanks in part to the rich tan stain that has been hand-painted over the shoes’ natural colour. £220, buy on grenson.com
The deep burgundy colour on these wingtips (which describes the shape of the cap on the front, in case you weren’t sure) will add that extra touch of class to any business attire. £139, buy on remusuomo.com
These high-shine black leather brogues deftly avoid the “stuffy” slur by adding a contrasting colour around the sole and toe for a contemporary look. £95 (currently reduced to £57), buy on dunelondon.com
As you’d expect from a shoemaker that supplies HRH The Prince of Wales, these brogues are built for country pursuits and look the part too. £395, buy on trickers.com
The casual wedge rubber sole make this pair a great match for denim. £100 (currently reduced to £60), buy on dunelondon.com
One of England’s best-known shoe brands has been crafting footwear in Northampton since 1873. These brogues may be a little expensive, but they will last a lifetime and will never go out of fashion. £525, buy on matchesfashion.com
Thought you were stuck with traditional brogues if your budget was confined to two figures? Then consider this two-tone model replete with front fringe detailing. £72.99, buy on baselondon.com
We’ll finish how we started – by blowing minds. That’s right, this is a brogue boot (a boot?!) with a rubber sole for better grip. Absolute scenes. £250, buy on loake.co.uk
