If you’re searching for a new pair of dress shoes to add to your wardrobe, it’s probable you’ve already delineated a budget to which you plan on sticking to.
Fortunately, if you’re working with a budget of $250 or less, then you’re in a great position to find a pair of dress shoes that will not only look great but you can also be sure that they’ll last a long time, too. Yet, just because you’re paying a high price for a shoe, it does not mean that you’re getting quality footwear.
For this reason, we’ve put together the following article. On this page, we’ve hand-selected the best shoes within this budget on Zappos, given that the online shoe retailer boasts not only the most varied inventory but also regularly run sales that allow you to get a deal on your favorite styles.
We’ve also included a section on what you can expect from dress shoes at this price, and we lead with this information below!
What You Get From $250 Dress Shoes
Although it can be tempting to buy more affordable dress shoes when on a tighter budget, there are benefits to forking out a little extra.
When you buy shoes for $250 instead of $100, for example, you’ll own a more durable shoe that benefits from higher-quality materials and construction methods. Let’s take a look at some of the features that you’ll gain access to on a $250 budget.
Leather Quality
Whilst cheaper shoes may use low-quality leathers for the uppers, a higher budget will grant access to higher grades. Consequently, cheaper shoes tend not to offer much information on what leather is used.
Meanwhile, more expensive shoes will provide greater transparency. Whilst “genuine leather” sounds like a reassuring claim, it’s actually one of the lowest qualities and is best avoided, especially when paying three figures for a pair of shoes.
If possible, try to settle on top-grain leather, which comes from the outer layers of the hide. With denser fibers, the leather is stronger and more durable. Ideally, you’ll want full-grain leather from areas that are close to the spine, as this will be tighter.
Furthermore, top-grain leather consists itself of five subgrades. However, a $250 budget won’t necessarily give you access to the very best. Nevertheless, you’ll likely be able to find something of relatively suitable quality.
When purchasing the shoes, make sure that they’re free of any blemishes or veins. You’ll also want the shoes to look the same. If they don’t, it may be because the manufacturers used different hide parts.
Of course, this isn’t easy if buying shoes online, but you can always check them out once you’ve received them. If they’re no good, you’ll likely be able to send them back for no extra cost if the retailer is reputable.
Welting & Construction
An aspect that can drastically affect the final retail price of a shoe, the welting method impacts its overall quality. In short, welting is the process of fixing the soles to the rest shoe.
There are many different techniques for doing this, and most cheap shoes under $100 will opt for cementing. This is the quickest and cheapest method, which involves using an adhesive to fuse the shoe with the sole.
However, cementing tends not to last much longer than the guarantee and the shoe can’t be resoled. Unfortunately, cement-soled shoes are still prevalent within the $250 budget range.
Occasionally, some brands will opt for a Blake stitch at this price point. Indeed, investing in this construction method would be a much wiser use of your money.
Although it is often looked down upon by people who favor Goodyear-welted shoes, bear in mind that the Blake stitch does have its advantages.
Firstly, the break-in time is quicker, and the shoes tend to have a lower sole profile. Additionally, the outsoles can still be recrafted multiple times, unlike cemented shoes.
Therefore, you’ll have shoes that will last you many years to come if you look after them.
Better Quality Soles
On the subject of soles, you should expect higher quality with $250 shoes than with cheap ones. You’ll want to avoid soles that simply consist of chunks of rubber.
Instead, seek out a combination of higher-quality rubber and leather. Although it will eventually boil down to personal preference, leather is traditionally the best material for dress shoe soles. These are usually stacked in the heel, which is why you may see faint stripes.
However, some dress shoes will provide layers of rubber on the outsole, which will give the wearer better traction. This is especially the case in the rain where leather soles can get very slippery.
Best Zappos Dress Shoes Under $250
- Style: Oxford Shoe
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $185 [Buy On Zappos]
These J&M Melton Cap Toes are a prime example of the brand’s dominance in this price range, not only in value but also comfort, thanks to their Optima comfort system and Goodyear welt construction.
Being classic Oxfords, these are ideal for wearing in any formal situation. For instance, you could easily wear these on a daily basis at the office. Otherwise, they’re perfect for formal black tie events too.
Whilst black is the best and most traditional color for a pair of conventional Oxfords, you could opt for either burgundy or tan calfskin instead. However, these are more casual, so keep this in mind when purchasing.
- Style: Monkstrap
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $138.95 [Buy On Zappos]
We’re quite fond of Carlos Santana’s eponymous shoe brand and we feel that it doesn’t get enough love. Indeed, it’s a great affordable choice and presents great value for money given that the shoes are made in Spain from full-grain calfskin leather.
Furthermore, the shoes exude an elegant design with a distinctive Latin streak. The profiles feature sleek silhouettes, which look simply splendid with a suit. On most occasions, the shoes are made with a Blake stitch construction as well.
The Freedom monk strap displays all of the brand’s hallmarks in a stylish way, and given the price point which is significantly under $250, it’s an excellent option.
- Style: Derby / Blucher
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $298
- On SALE for $235 [Buy On Zappos]
The Bruno Magli Soldo dress shoes are made from high-quality leather and feature a sleek and sophisticated design that can be worn for a variety of formal and semi-formal occasions. Normally retailing for a touch under $300, you can grab them now for less than $250 thanks to Zappos’s current sale.
Comfort has not been sacrificed with the Soldos, seeing as how the cushioned insole provides excellent support and reduces foot fatigue, while the soft leather lining ensures a comfortable fit throughout the day.
Naturally, these being made in Italy, style has not been sacrificed, either. Boasting the unique double monk profile, the Soldos features contrasting metal buckles and a finely-stitched toecap which will stand out from all of the other laced shoes in your wardrobe (and the others around the workplace).
- Style: Double Monkstrap
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $234.90 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Magnanni has previously been featured among our favorite Spanish shoe brands, and for good reason. It has a wide variety of footwear that caters to different budgets, but the quality is always there. Since it was founded in 1954, Magnanni continues to operate in Almansa as a three-generation family business.
The Cotillas is a classic double-monk strap, much like the Bruno Maglis featured above. Yet, they boast a slightly different design.
For instance, note the almond toe shape, which is much more pronounced here. Additionally, they are available in a beautiful Cognac leather option with a hand-burnished toe. While less formal than a black shoe, the brown is more versatile and can accompany you both inside and outside the workplace.
- Style: Oxford Shoe
- Formality: Business Professional
- Pricing: $234.95 [Buy On Zappos]
As we alluded to above, Johnston & Murphy dominates this price point not only in value for the price paid but also in variety. With these Kenmoors, we can see how the brand is also able to offer another classic style, the longwing, while staying below the $250 threshold.
Marked by their shined leather upper, these Kenmoors are also available in black and cognac calf if a more matter appearance is your preference. Nevertheless, regardless of the upper tone, you can count on the durability of a Goodyear welt construction, leather outsoles, and a leather-lined interior.
Pair these with formal trousers for a sophisticated look or with dark denim during date night to highlight a refined demeanor. And while maintaining the shine may take a bit of dedication (and elbow grease), you’ll be more than satisfied as the leather wears in with regular use.
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