Top 10 Best Men’s Dress Shoes For Standing All Day: Formal Footwear For All Day On Your Feet

1. Wolf & Shepherd Closer [Comfortable Oxford Shoe]

A young albeit celebrated premium footwear brand, Wolf & Shepherd has garnered a cult following thanks to its innovative designs. On the exterior, their footwear looks like traditional dress shoes with full-grain calfskin uppers. However, the interior is a very different story.

For instance, they’re equipped with EVA heels, memory foam cushioning, lightweight PheonixTECH outsoles, and engineered support. As a result, they’re made for comfort. Although we were initially sceptical, we’ve tried enough of their shoes to realise how beneficial they are when standing all day!

2. Beckett Simonon Dean [Oxford Shoe]

Should you have a preference for traditional craftsmanship, Beckett Simonon is an alternative and more affordable brand that we would recommend instead. Indeed, Beckett Simonon shoes are benchmade in a Colombian workshop using time-tested techniques.

Beckett Simonon craft their shoes using a Blake stitch construction. Although Goodyear-welted shoes are often regarded as being a better choice, Blake stitched shoes tend to offer greater flexibility as well as a faster break-in time. Both of these are quite beneficial when on your feet all day.

3. Wolf & Shepherd Breakaway [Dress Boot]

Wolf & Shepherd also produce high-quality boots, which are worth considering if the dress code permits it. Indeed, they’re produced with all the same features as their Oxford shoes. However, the boots also offer added ankle support, which is great when spending a lot of time standing.

Nevertheless, the Breakaway boot is not quite as formal. While the cap toe does add some dressiness, it can’t be worn in any formal situation. Therefore, you’ll need to consider whether it’s appropriate.

4. Beckett Simonon Lopez [Formal Boot]

Taking inspiration from the original First World War service boot, Beckett Simonon have rendered the Chukka boot more formal. Indeed, unlike most boots in this style, the Lopez is quite a dressy option.

Constructed with the same Blake stitching and calfskin leather, it’s beautifully made and offers additional ankle support. Furthermore, the rubber outsole provides some shock absorption and a vachette lining prevents rubbing.

5. Allen Edmonds Strandmok [Brogue]

Thanks to Allen Edmonds’ own 360° Goodyear welt, the Strandmok is surprisingly cosy! Indeed, it’s considerably less stiff and quicker to break in than most other Goodyear welted shoes. Furthermore, the Dainite rubber outsole adds significant additional shock absorption with every step.

We’ve been very fond of the Strandmok ever since we reviewed it and it continues to perform well all these years later. The calfskin leather patinas beautifully and becomes effortlessly supple with time.

6. Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtip [Brogue Boots]

Brogue boots are particularly popular these days. While there are many options on the market, we’re extremely fond of the Dalton by Allen Edmonds. Like the Strandmok, they’re constructed using a 360° Goodyear welt as well as calfskin uppers.

Furthermore, they’re available in a variety of styles. You can opt for leather or Dainite soles and there’s even a model in Cordovan leather. Whatever your choice in upper, we’d insist that you opt for the Dainite soles in order to benefit from their additional comfort.

7. Beckett Simonon Douglas [Jodhpur Boots]

Jodhpur boots are a rarity but they can be very stylish when worn well. Although we didn’t initially expect it, we were very impressed by their level of comfort. Rather than using laces, a single strap wraps around the ankle with a brass buckle.

Although your feet feel securely held in place, the buckles don’t apply too much pressure. Similarly, the uppers are quite minimalist so you don’t experience any chafing against the tongue. Consequently, they’re quite comfortable for wearing over long periods of time.

8. Mephisto Cap Vert [Business Casual]

Although we appreciate Mephisto’s quality and renowned comfort, we tend to avoid them as they’re not particularly attractive. However, the Cap Vert is certainly an exception. As penny loafers, they’re a business casual option. Therefore, we wouldn’t pair them with a suit but they’re an excellent choice when being up on your feet all the time.

The padding tongue reduces pressure points. Meanwhile, an extra soft leather lining is designed with a special Air-Relax cushioned insole for additional breathability. Therefore, they’re an excellent option in any season.

9. Rockport DresSport Business 2 [Brogue]

The DresSport Business 2 is a brand new range by Rockport that builds upon their orthotic expertise. Indeed, they’re much more attractive than their usual creations. Furthermore, they’re quite affordable too! If you were tempted by Wolf & Shepherd but didn’t have the finances, this would be a great alterantive.

However, you do exchange quality for affordability. Therefore, while they’re cheaper, they won’t quite look as elegant and may not quite last as long as Wolf & Shepherd’s shoes.

10. Ecco Seattle [Formal Loafer]

Ecco have a somewhat similar reputation to Mephisto in terms of aesthetics. Even if they’re more affordable, they don’t tend to be particularly attractive. That being said, the Seattle range offers an excellent balance between aesthetics and functionality.

The shoes feature a removable footbed and PU sole as well as a so-called Comfort Fibre System for improved air circulation. You can choose between laced or slip-on loafers. We’d suggest that the slip-on is a particularly good option for people who work in either hospitality, catering or even the medical sector.