What shoes do you wear with a tuxedo?

Some popular shoe choices to wear with a tuxedo are patent leather oxfords, velvet loafers, and black or blue derby shoes. It's best to consider the formality of the wedding, as you'll want to dress appropriately for the affair. You may also want to take the venue and location into account when shopping for your wedding day look, as this can help you narrow down the style and aesthetic you're going for.

Do tuxedo shoes have to be shiny?

Traditional tuxedo shoes are typically crafted from a patent (high-shine) material, but it is completely acceptable to wear formal shoes with a more natural, less shiny finish with a formal suit or classic tuxedo .

Do I have to wear socks with tuxedo shoes?

Definitely not. A loafer is the best shoe option to wear without socks. Plus, it's an utterly timeless choice for a completed black-tie-worthy look.

The 16 Best Tuxedo Shoes of 2024

When the wedding dress code is black tie, a tuxedo is an obvious choice for grooms, groomsmen, and wedding guests. This ensemble requires tuxedo shoes to finish the look, preferably a pair that matches both the tuxedo and the wearer’s personal style. From simple, traditional lace-ups and loafers to statement-making velvet and colored options to classic, comfortable shoes that will remain staples in your closet, multiple options are available for anyone seeking formal footwear. No matter which pair you settle on, your investment in tuxedo shoes should be worth it—especially if you’re the groom.

To help narrow your search for the best tuxedo shoes, we researched various pairs to help you find the best options for the big day.

Our Top Picks

Best Traditional:

Ferragamo Fosco Leather Derby Shoes at Neiman Marcus

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Best Oxfords:

Joseph Abboud Soiree Patent Leather Dress Shoes at Josbank.com

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Best High-Shine:

To Boot New York Perry Venetian Loafer at Nordstrom

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Most Comfortable:

Calvin Klein Brodie Black Tuxedo Shoes at Amazon

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Best Cap-Toe:

Beckett Simonon Norman Cap Toe Derbies at Beckettsimonon.com

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Best Loafers:

Prada Saffiano Leather Penny Loafer at Neiman Marcus

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Best Patent Leather:

Magnanni Men's Jadiel Patent Cap-Toe Oxfords at Neiman Marcus

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Best Plain-Toe:

Allen Edmonds Leeds Dress Plain-Toe Blucher Shoe at Amazon $250

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Best Monk Strap:

Carlos by Carlos Santana Monk Strap Slip-On at Amazon

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Best Velvet:

Magnanni Men's Jareth Velvet Venetian Loafers at Bergdorfgoodman.com

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Best Traditional

Ferragamo Fosco Leather Derby Shoes

PHOTO: Neiman Marcus

View on Neiman Marcus

Few brands are more classic than Ferragamo, so opt for these sleek leather oxfords in black if you want a traditional pair that’ll never go out of style.

Size Range: 7E-13E | Materials: Goat leather/leather

Best Oxfords

Joseph Abboud Soiree Patent Leather Dress Shoes

PHOTO: Josbank

View on Josbank.com View on Menswearhouse.com

Patent oxfords are tried-and-true, classic tuxedo shoes—this style is no exception. With a cushioned insole and various widths to accommodate different foot sizes, comfort is a guarantee in this pair.

Size Range: 8-15 | Materials: Polyurethane leather

Best High-Shine

To Boot New York Perry Venetian Loafer

PHOTO: Nordstorm

View on Nordstrom View on Saks Fifth Avenue View on Bloomingdales

This Venetian loafer comes with a liquid-shine finish and elegant grosgrain trim for a bold, yet timeless look. The upper is crafted from a leather and textile blend, while the lining and sole are made from high-quality leather.

Size Range: 7-15 | Materials: Leather and textile upper, leather lining and sole

Most Comfortable

Calvin Klein Brodie Black Tuxedo Shoes

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Macy's

This classic tuxedo shoe style is built for comfort thanks to a cushioned insole. The shiny black finish makes this pair versatile enough for formal attire, while the lace-up front and square toe add sophistication.

Size Range: 7-15 | Materials: Patent leather upper, leather lining, rubber sole

Best Cap-Toe

Beckett Simonon Norman Cap Toe Derbies

PHOTO: Beckett Simonon

View on Beckettsimonon.com

Cap-toes are subtle yet stylish details that level up a typical tuxedo shoe. This full-grain leather pair from Beckett Simonon is handmade by artisans in Bogotá, Colombia, and is even made to order (meaning it takes longer for yours to arrive, so plan accordingly). Plus, the leather-lined insoles are flexible enough to mold to your foot, ensuring comfort on your big day.

Size Range: 7-14 | Materials: Leather

Best Loafers

Prada Saffiano Leather Penny Loafer

PHOTO: Prada

View on Neiman Marcus View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

Penny loafers can be dressed up or down, but this luxe leather Prada pair is polished enough for tuxedo ensembles. Built to last, these loafers will get you through any wedding or other formal occasion on your calendar.

Size Range: 6UK-12UK | Materials: Leather upper, lining, outsole; stacked rubber outsole

Best Patent Leather

Magnanni Men's Jadiel Patent Cap-Toe Oxfords

PHOTO: Neiman Marcus

View on Neiman Marcus View on Bergdorfgoodman.com View on Selfridges.com

Sporting patent leather is a great way to add panache to an otherwise simple black shoe, and the cap toe detailing on these patent leather oxfords adds another great stylish detail.

Size Range: 7D-15D | Material: Patent calf leather upper, leather lining

Best Plain-Toe

Allen Edmonds Leeds Dress Plain-Toe Blucher Shoe

PHOTO: Amazon

$250 at Amazon View on Allenedmonds.com

An expertly crafted shoe that isn't too shiny or overly statement-making, this option is timeless and blends seamlessly with a black tux. The CustomCork insoles also mold to the shape of your foot and provide maximum comfort, so you can wear them all day long for any event.

Size Range: 5-16 (multiple widths available) | Materials: Leather lined interior, cork insoles

Best Monk Strap

Carlos by Carlos Santana Monk Strap Slip-On

Carlos by Carlos Santana Freedom Monk Strap Slip-On

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon View on Dsw.com View on Macy's

Show off your colorful personality in this pair of monk-strap dress shoes made from high-quality leather for superior durability. With a lightly padded footbed, they’re also as comfortable as they are smart.

Size Range: 7-14 | Materials: Leather and rubber sole

Best Velvet

Magnanni Men's Jareth Velvet Venetian Loafers

PHOTO: Bergdorf Goodman

View on Bergdorfgoodman.com

These slip-on loafers feature many distinctive features, like a lush velvet exterior, a grosgrain trim, and an almond toe shape, while remaining simple enough to sport during formal occasions.

Size Range: 7D-14D | Materials: Velvet

Best Slip-On

Donald Pliner Rex Loafer

PHOTO: Nordstrom

View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Donaldpliner.com

Speaking of slip-ons, we love these loafers for both their versatility and design. Made from stretch leather and with a padded insole, these are both noticeably sleek and comfortable.

Size Range: 7-15 | Materials: Leather or textile upper, leather lining and sole

Best Wingtip

Allen Edmonds Cambridge Shell Cordovan Wingtip Dress Shoe

PHOTO: Allen Edmonds

View on Allenedmonds.com

Wingtip details feel both stylish and classic, making these oxford options worth the splurge for your wedding or other formal events. The brogue design adds flair, while the shiny black hue (this pair also comes in burgundy and brown) and lace-up closure are standard elements that work with any tuxedo.

Size Range: 5-16 (multiple widths available) | Materials: Shell cordovan leather, leather lining and soles, CustomCork™ insoles

Best for a Summer Wedding

Del Toro Men's Cognac Raffia Milano Loafer

PHOTO: Del Toro

View on Deltoroshoes.com

While suede may not seem like the most suitable material for summertime, Del Toro's high-quality, Italian-made suede loafers are lightweight and breathable enough to sustain the heat. The raffia detailing on the vamps adds a beachy detail and the loafer's light brown hue is the perfect color choice for summer nuptials.

Size Range: 8.5-12 | Materials: Leather, suede, raffia

Best for a Black-Tie Wedding

Dior Timeless Derby Shoe

PHOTO: Courtesy of Dior

View on Dior.com

If the invitation says black tie, you can't go wrong with this elegant Dior tuxedo shoe. High-shine, patent calfskin looks so sophisticated on the shoe's slim silhouette. It's a well-made tuxedo shoe you'll be able to wear for many wedding seasons to come.

Size Range: 5-15 | Materials: Leather

Best All-Purpose

J. Crew Ludlow Tuxedo Oxfords in Patent Leather

PHOTO: Courtesy of J.Crew

View on Jcrew.com

These patent leather tuxedo shoes will work for a variety of weddings. They have a glossy look, and the leather is designed to break in over time, leading to a comfortable shoe that molds to your foot. The brand notes this shoe even is somewhat waterproof, so you don't have to worry if you spill a little bubbly.

Size Range: 7-13 | Materials: Leather

Most Versatile

Saks Fifth Avenue Made in Italy Patent Trim Loafers

PHOTO: Courtesy of Saks Off Fifth

View on Saksoff5th.com

This Italian-made shoe is elegant enough for a formal ceremony, yet understated enough for more casual wear. The black color features a textile upper with patent-leather trim (in gray, the upper is suede) and an almond toe. A padded insole and slip-on style make it easy to wear.

Size Range: 7-13 | Materials: Textile, leather

What to Look for in Tuxedo Shoes

Type of Tuxedo: If you're throwing a black-tie wedding and donning a traditional black tux, you can never go wrong with classic dress shoes like oxfords and loafers in black or navy. For a blue or tan tuxedo, black still works well, but you can go for a dressy brown shoe for a slightly more casual effect. And if you're more of the statement-making type, there are plenty of bold shoes on the market like velvet smoking loafers and textured derby-style shoes.
Venue: If you’re headed to a wedding (whether someone else’s or your own), consider the venue to make a wise decision about footwear. Traditional venues like churches don’t require any special kind of tuxedo shoes, meaning leather and velvet oxfords and loafers will work, yet if the occasion is outdoors, consider more durable footwear. Walking on grass or sand can be tricky with delicate fabrics and slippery soles, so an option with tread and breathable fabrics provides a great alternative.

FAQ

What shoes do you wear with a tuxedo?

Some popular shoe choices to wear with a tuxedo are patent leather oxfords, velvet loafers, and black or blue derby shoes. It's best to consider the formality of the wedding, as you'll want to dress appropriately for the affair. You may also want to take the venue and location into account when shopping for your wedding day look, as this can help you narrow down the style and aesthetic you're going for.
Do tuxedo shoes have to be shiny?

Traditional tuxedo shoes are typically crafted from a patent (high-shine) material, but it is completely acceptable to wear formal shoes with a more natural, less shiny finish with a formal suit or classic tuxedo.
Do I have to wear socks with tuxedo shoes?

Definitely not. A loafer is the best shoe option to wear without socks. Plus, it's an utterly timeless choice for a completed black-tie-worthy look.

Why Trust Brides

Madison Barber is a commerce writer at Brides, not to mention a fashion and shopping obsessive. She spent hours researching to find the best tuxedo shoes, deciding on only the best options for Brides readers. Laura Lajiness also contributed to this article. She focuses on fashion, accessories, and fine jewelry, and her work can be seen across various outlets, including ELLE, InStyle, Glamour, and Refinery 29.