There are many different cap-toe styles available for men, from classic Oxfords to more modern Bluchers. Indeed, the cap-toe is probably one of the most common styles when it comes to the realm of fine men’s shoes.
Yet, this wide universe of options can make it difficult to settle on a pair when shopping online. For this reason, we’ve put together our favorites ones available for sale now on Zappos. We’ve also covered the basics of cap-toe shoe styles including what they are, how to wear them, and their seasonality.
Interestingly enough, the cap-toe is a great choice if you’re shopping for your first pair of more formal or dressier shoes. Likewise, they’re also the top choice when it comes to the most classic and traditional wardrobes. Ultimately, this means that not all cap-toes are made the same, and this guide should serve as a perfect primer.
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What Is A Cap Toe?
A cap toe is any kind of shoe that has horizontal stitching across the toe box that extends to the welt on either side, thus forming a “cap” on the toe. In some cases, the seam is holding an additional piece of leather atop the toe cap.
Like broguing, a cap toe is not a structural element, but rather an aesthetic one.
We bring this up because there is a common misconception that cap toes must be oxfords, must have laces, or some other misinformation. While it’s true that many lace-up shoes have cap toe detailing, this can also be seen on monkstraps, boots, loafers, and the like.
One could even make the argument that both semi- and quarter-brogues are cap toes as well.
In all of these cases, the construction or material from which the shoe is made is inconsequential. What makes a cap toe a cap toe is the seam across the toe box. Simple!
Construction: Does It Matter?
Because a toe cap is aesthetic and not structural, the shoe it adorns can be made any which way. They can be:
- Goodyear welted
- Blake constructed
- Open-throat bluchers
- Closed-throat oxfords
- Monkstrap Shoes
- Boots
Where Did They Come From?
There isn’t much research as to when cap-toe seams on shoes came into use. We do know that oxford shoes, on which toe caps are most popular, showed up at Oxford University in the early-to-mid 17th century as “Oxonians.”
It is common to refer to cap-toe oxfords as “Balmorals,” after Balmoral Castle in Scotland. There is a connection there, but further details are forthcoming from sartorial historians.
As stated above, sometimes toe caps are leather pieces sewn atop a shoe’s toe box as opposed to being just a seam of stitching. It’s reasonable to assume that this is done to provide reinforcement for the shoe’s toe box, which is the area of a shoe’s upper that gets dinged most frequently and attracts the most attention.
How Do You Wear Cap-Toe Shoes?
There are dozens of different styles of shoe where a cap toe detail can show up, so it’s difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to that question. Throughout this article, you will see pictures of shoes of very different styles, all of which are cap toes. Below, for example, is the classic black cap toe Oxford:
Generally, cap toes find their way onto shoes that are more formal than they are casual. For example, a plain black cap toe oxford (sometimes referred to as a “Balmoral”) is widely considered to be the most formal of daytime business shoes. In fact, when polished to a high shine, they are considered appropriate for black-tie ensembles.
On the other hand, some of that formality can be toned down when we see these as a brown blucher, or perhaps a monk strap shoe.
Even some sneakers, such as the Converse All-Star or Jack Purcell, have cap toe details.
Seasonality
Cap toes can be worn any time of year, any time of day. Use the time of year and time of day to narrow your choices down. We offer a few suggestions below:
- Spring: Light-colored leather or suede
- Summer: White quarter brogue
- Autumn: Tobacco or burgundy calfskin
- Winter: Black or chocolate calfskin, black patent leather (evening only)
Who Should Own Cap Toes?
If you’re a man who wears suits, you absolutely should own at least a pair in black and a pair in brown. If you’re a guy who dresses in jeans and a blazer, you should take a look at some more casual options, such as tan blucher cap toes or suede monkstrap cap toes. If even that is too dressed up for you, pick up a pair of Chuck Taylors to wear super casually.
Make a cap toe one of the first shoes you buy as you build your collection.
- Color: Black, Brown
- Material: Full-Grain Calfskin
- Pricing: $395 [Buy From Zappos]
These classic cap-toe oxfords are made in the USA by Allen Edmonds. The brand’s flagship shoe, it features a Goodyear welt and is crafted from premium calfskin leather. If you’re looking for high-quality yet more-or-less affordable craftsmanship, they’re well worth the investment.
- Color: Black, Brown Suede
- Material: Full-Grain Leather
- Pricing: $178.95 [Buy From Zappos]
A brand that truly deserves more attention, CARLOS by Carlos Santana approaches traditional shoemaking with a stylish twist. Inspired by the legendary artist’s music, each shoe is designed with its own unique features. Admittedly, the Woodstock is perhaps their most traditional shoe. Nevertheless, it’s not without zeal.
Made from full-grain leather with a Goodyear welt, they also offer excellent value!
- Colors: Black Brush-Off
- Material: Full-Grain Leather
- Pricing: $129.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
A cap-toe with subtle broguing elements, the Bradford from Johnston & Murphy offers a little more flash compared to the traditional, if slightly sterile, cap-toe style.
Employing premium leather uppers, the Bradford is currently only available in a jet-black tone which ensures the decorative elements don’t push the pair too far into the casual realm. These also possess sheepskin linings, a cushioned footbed, a rubber pad at the heel and classy leather outsoles.
- Colors: Cognac, Black
- Material: Italian Calf Leather
- Pricing: $394.95 [Buy From Zappos]
Bruno Magli’s Butler cap-toes exemplify how treatment of a leather upper by experienced cobblers can produce an outstanding pair of cap-toes that nevertheless do not stray from tradition in their design.
Presented here in cognac-tinted Italian calf leather, these Butlers also boast blind eyelets and fine stitching details. The inside of the shoe is enhanced by a complete leather lining and a cushioned, leather-covered footbed. And while they’re also available in black, this cognac option allows the high-end leather used for the upper to shine through much more than the darker option.
- Colors: Black, Brown Nubuck
- Material: Leather
- Pricing: $295 [Buy From Zappos]
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include a boot style on this list of the best cap-toe shoes. While the cap-toe is most often associated with traditional footwear, some of the most popular shoe styles employ cap-toe details to break up the outline of the toe box. If nothing else, the added details make boots more visually intriguing.
Here, on the Samuel Hubbard Uptown Mavericks, the boot is already a handsome one with its brown nubuck construction and multi-panel leather accents. Decidedly casual, these can also be worn with slightly formal outfits such as chinos or the right pair of dress trousers. If you’re hoping to stay within the formal realm, definitely stick to the black tone, however, we couldn’t pass the chance at this nubuck example that is sure to develop some very attractive patina.
What Next?
Now that you have learned about cap toe shoes and the best ones you can source from Zappos, check out some our related footwear guides for men:
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