8 Best Designer Shoes for Men: Premium & Functional in 2024

It’s important to save your money, but it won’t hurt to treat yourself every once in a while. When it comes to clothing, owning designer brand items will impress not only your friends and family but also your date.

Imagine wearing luxury footwear as a stylish finish to your outfits. You’ll immediately turn into the center of attention.

The tricky part, however, is finding the best designer shoes for men, and I got that covered for you. I searched high and low looking for cool pairs, whether you’ll need brand new work shoes or premium leather sneakers.

Keep reading to find the solution you’ve been looking for.

Key Takeaways

Searching for the best designer shoes for men requires reading through dozens of brands and Amazon listings. I judged each pair based on material, style, size, and fit.

The Aurélien Classic Beige Yacht Loafers stand at the top because of their timeless and versatile design while still maintaining a breathable fit. They’re followed by the Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Sesame Boots, which are affordable premium Chelseas that add a flattering touch to your outfit.

Why they’re great: The Aurélien Classic Beige Yacht Loafers have a strong focus on timeless style. Made with calfskin suede uppers, they offer a premium aesthetic to your summer attire without sacrificing comfort. The unlined construction ensures that these designer shoes for men have optimal breathability and flexibility.

The zig-zag edge on the tongue provides a snug fit, and the rubber outsoles and hand-stitched craftsmanship make sure they stay intact even after multiple use. The almond-shaped toes make them easy to slip on and off, too. The Yacht Loafers come in three soothing colors, and you can pair them with your favorite linen shirts and pants, completing your classy beach outfit.

Who are these for? Perfect for men who want luxuriously comfortable loafers.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re designed as summer shoes more than anything else.

Material: 100% Calfskin suede | Sole Material: 100% Rubber latex | Sizes Available: 39–47 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Loafers

Why they’re great: Made by Italian artisans, the Closed Low Leather Trainers come with cowhide uppers that give them a premium vibe. The logo badges are crafted from soft nappa leather, which adds a smooth and refined appearance. These kicks don’t fall short on comfort, either, because the calfskin insoles and lining provide the cushion and support your feet need to stay cozy.

The rubber outsoles don’t just look great but they also offer excellent traction and grip on any surface. The Low Leather Trainers come in only one color, but the design makes them easy to match with any casual clothes.

Who are these for? People looking for stylish trainers will enjoy the Closed Low Leather.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These are some of the best designer shoes for men. However, some might be put off by the lack of other color options.

Material: 100% Cowhide leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 40–46 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Sneakers

Why they’re great: Made outstandingly tough, the Velasca Milano Babau Laced Boots have full-grain calfskin leather uppers that feature pebbled surfaces. They have a natural, worn-in yet elegant appeal. Their buckle and decorative toe caps give the design refined elegance, elevating any outfit you wear.

The Blake stitch constructions give these designer shoes for men extraordinary durability, effectively keeping both the fabric soles intact. The Vibram rubber lug outsoles bring together the durability of hiking boots and the grip of climbing shoes, giving you the proper grip and traction you need to conquer any surface.

Who are these for? Outdoorsy guys who need sturdy yet comfortable work and travel shoes should try the Babau.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Some might not like the shoes’ unique design.

Material: 100% Calf leather | Sole Material: 100% Vibran mountain rubber | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Boots

Why they’re great: If you’re looking for durable sneakers for daily wear, then go for the MYRQVIST Båstad Beige Suede. They’re crafted with natural grain leather uppers, contrasted with beige suede, giving a sharp and attention-grabbing appearance. The robust rubber outsole secures your grip, preventing you from slipping on any wet surface when walking.

These designer shoes for men are constructed with sidewall stitching, which is a method that seamlessly attaches the upper directly to the sole, ensuring a robust bond. The cup sole design also adds timeless elegance while also maintaining optimal durability, ensuring that they last a lifetime. These sneakers come in two colors, which you can match with your jeans and graphic tees.

Who are these for? Excellent for guys who are searching for durable kicks.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: You need to break them in before they get comfortable.

Material: 100% Natural grain leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 2.5–13.5 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Sneakers

Why they’re great: Elevate your formal attire with the Velasca Milano Giacalustra Oxfords. These dress shoes for men are built with smooth calfskin leather from the outermost layer. This material is considered the most premium part of the animal, which also gives the footwear their natural shine.

Each pair goes through the double stitching method, both on the inside and outside, leading to durable shoes that can tank against daily use. The leather sole also adds a luxurious appeal to the design because its edges are smoothed, polished, and brushed. The engraved brand logo not only proves the artisan’s craftsmanship but also provides a premium feel.

Who are these for? Excellent for anyone looking for stylish, true-to-size Oxfords.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The laces aren’t as sturdy as the shoes.

Material: 100% Italian leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Oxfords

Why they’re great: The Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Sesame Boots come with a round-toe construction, giving you ample wiggle room to stay comfy when worn. Their pull tabs make them easy to slip on and off, and the classic Chelsea silhouette adds sophisticated elegance to your smart-casual attire. They’re also true-to-size so you wouldn’t worry about getting the wrong pairs as long as you have your measurements.

The Tommy Hilfiger Sesame Boots are your alternative work footwear in case loafers and Oxfords become too boring. They’re priced between $50 and $70, which easily makes them one of the more budget-friendly luxury footwear available.

Who are these for? Anyone looking for sleek boots will love these designer shoes for men.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: These guys will crease easily. If you’re not after a worn-in look right away, skip ‘em.

Material: 100% Faux leather | Sole Material: 100% Synthetic rubber | Sizes Available: 7–14 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Boots

Why they’re great: The Ferro Aldo Dylan MFA19671 Moc-Toe Penny Loafers are built with durable synthetic leather. They have water-resistant properties and offer adequate breathability, making them ideal for travel.

The sleek moc-toe design allows these pennies to match well with dress pants and other formal attire. You can wear them for weddings, business meetings, and even during romantic dinners, adding a touch of elegance to your outfits without falling short on comfort. These designer shoes for men come in 20 different colors, with others featuring suede uppers for a more relaxed fit.

Who are these for? Men who want dressy pennies should try these on for size.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: They’re built narrow: wide-footed men need not apply.

Material: 100% Vegan synthetic leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 6.5–13 | Colors Available: 20 | Style: Loafers

Why they’re great: The KOIO Capri sneakers are an excellent choice if you want minimalist casual footwear. The sleek, white color of these designer shoes for men ensures that they’ll pair perfectly with both jeans and the right dress pants, making them great for both business-casual and relaxed settings. The Italian cow leather upper not only looks smooth but also feels like it.

The cotton laces are free from any harmful chemicals, and they’re soft enough to make fit adjustments a total breeze. The double-stitched seams provide exceptional durability, ensuring that they’ll last longer while preventing water from seeping into the interiors. The OrthoLite® Hybrid™ insole gives your feet the cushion and comfort they deserve.

Who are these for? Fans of leather sneakers will get a knack out of the KOIO Capri.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The KOIO Capri doesn’t come in sizes fit for wide-footed guys.

Material: 100% Natural grain leather | Sole Material: 100% Rubber | Sizes Available: 7-16 | Colors Available: 25 | Style: Sneakers

Buying Considerations For the Best Designer Shoes For Men

Size & Fit

To make your designer shoes for men more comfortable, you need to wear pairs that are closest to your measurements so they won’t feel too tight or loose. If you have wide feet and the brand doesn’t offer specialized fits for you, then order a size up to give your toes more wiggle room. Make sure that they match the width, too, so they won’t feel too stuffy on the sides.

Material

Most luxury brands use premium fabric like full-grain leather or suedes for their uppers with sturdy rubbers for the outsoles. Depending on your preferences, you might find them attractive options. Some pairs have synthetic materials mixed in, which adds functionality like moisture management and odor control. They also come at a more affordable price, too.

Style

Your style and outfit choices will determine the right footwear for you. If you’re often wearing dress pants and suits, then go for Oxfords, penny loafers, and Chelsea boots. Sneakers and trainers are ideal choices if you prefer jeans and athleisure clothes. It’s better to have a pair for each occasion so you’ll always look your best during any situation.

How We Chose

Most designer brands will claim that they have top-quality footwear without offering proof to back them up. Although some pairs are built better than others, it’s unwise to rely on generic marketing fluff. To give you an accurate assessment, I chose the best designer shoes for men using the following factors:

Construction: Were the shoes built by artisans or were they produced by machinery? I made sure that each pair comes from the hands of experts who can craft top-notch footwear.

Brand Reputation: How long have the manufacturers been in the shoe business, and how many people buy from them? A brand’s reputation directly translates to the quality of its products.

Customer Reviews: Customer reviews provide unique and valuable information about the shoes’ performance. Their first-hand experience also helps you figure out which item matches you the most.

Price: You shouldn’t spend on the most expensive item when there are more economical alternatives. I made sure that there was a harmonious balance between quality and price when making these suggestions.

Why Trust Us?

You need to have a keen eye for detail and a strong background in men’s clothing to identify the best designer shoes for men. Joe Niehaus is an expert fashion writer, lifestyle blogger, and product reviewer who crafted pieces for notable websites such as Travel+Leisure and The Adult Man. He’s also covered similar categories like finding wingtip boots and Venetian loafers for guys, so he has a strong familiarity with the kind of footwear men need.

His approach includes analyzing the products’ features and judging their materials while also looking into customer reviews so readers will have access to expert knowledge backed by real-life testimonials. In turn, they’ll get accurate information, allowing them to make informed decisions about their purchases.

Final Verdict

The best designer shoes for men should have a striking balance between comfort and style. The Aurélien Classic Beige Yacht Loafers come as classy and versatile slip-ons made from premium suede uppers and durable rubber latex outsoles. Their excellent breathability, flexibility, and seamless construction prove that they’re pairs to have if you want the finest luxury footwear.