Within the spanning Oxford and Derby shoe categories, there is a unique design that you’ve likely encountered many times before, yet perhaps you never knew what to call it. On this page, we’re talking wingtip shoes.
Not exclusive to a specific shoe class, the wingtip term speaks more to the decorations found on the upper of a shoe. In most cases, this upper is crafted from leather, though modern techniques (and some of the shoes we highlight here) have resulted in more than just leather wingtip shoes.
Follow along as we delve into the history of the wingtip and then provide some of the best examples found in Zappos’ extensive inventory, which is undoubtedly one of the largest on the web and is only made more convenient by its free shipping and return policies.
The wingtip shoe is often confused with other types of brogue shoes. The Brogue category, which speaks to the decorations on the leather upper, does indeed encompass the wingtip. However, wingtips are recognized by a specific type of decoration, the “wingtip” pattern, on top of the toe box. Strictly speaking, if this “bird’s wing” pattern isn’t present, then the shoe should not be called a wingtip.
History Of The Wingtip
The wingtip shoe got its start in the early 1900s when it was first seen on English country shoes and American golf shoes. The original design was meant to add durability to these shoes as they were often subject to outdoor activity and, as a result, more wear and tear.
While the wingtip’s origins are found in function, the style has since been adopted by some of the most iconic shoe brands in the world and is now seen as a staple in many men’s closets.
The Modern Wingtip
These days, you can find wingtips made from all sorts of materials, including leather, suede, canvas, and even denim. The design has also been adapted for many different types of shoes, such as the oxford, the Derby, the brogue, and even some sneakers.
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Should You Invest In A Pair?
You should consider adding a pair of wingtips to your shoe collection for many reasons. For starters, they’re highly versatile as they can fit into dress codes across the spectrum. They’re also perfect for those who want to add a touch of personality to their look without going “over the top.”
And because wingtips often come in classic colors like black, brown, and tan, as well as all different types of leather, they’re easy to incorporate into any existing wardrobe. Once you integrate the first pair into your wardrobe, you’ll understood what you were missing out on.
Styling Wingtips
The great thing about wingtips is that they can be dressed up or down depending on the upper materials as well as the rest of your outfit.
For instance, for a more formal look, you can take some black wingtips and pair them with tailored trousers and a button-down shirt. On the other hand, for a more casual aesthetic, pair some suede wingtips with premium denim (such as selvedge) and a blazer or cashmere sweater.
No matter how you style them, wingtips are sure to add a touch of dapperness to your look.
Now that you know a little bit more about wingtip shoes, it’s time to take a look at some of the best examples that can be found at Zappos. We’ve scoured their inventory and put together a list of 5 great choices.
- Style: Wingtip
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $168.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
The Johnston & Murphy Cambridge shoes are a phenomenal pair of wingtips as they employ critical elements very well.
First of all, these are crafted from a beautiful tan oiled suede that not only looks luxurious but is mostly unstructured so the shoe will easily mold to your foot. The second commendable aspect of the Cambridge Wing Tip is the fact that they are true wingtips, given that they do not employ the additional broguing of a longing that is all-too-often paired with the wingtip. Finally, the decorations on the leather are expertly executed, so much so that they don’t necessarily stand out among the rest of the shoe, however, they do impart a critical bit of elegance to an overall muted design.
Additional details include the breathable leather lining, as well as the painted edges around the throat and opening of the shoe. Perhaps the only characteristic to be criticized here is the fact that they’re not Goodyear welted and therefore difficult to resole; however, such traditional construction would undoubtedly put the Cambridge past the $250 price level, one which it currently beats by a wide margin being priced at around $170.
- Style: Wingtip
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $120 [Buy On Zappos]
Given their cognac-toned leather upper, the Florsheim Midtown Wingtip resides clearly in the formal end of the spectrum. Indeed, the burnished accents of the leather make these an ideal pair to gray trousers.
Yet, the Midtown Wingtips have a number of elements that likely make them much more comfortable than traditional dress shoes. For instance, they boast moisture-wicking linings along with a removable OrthoLite high-rebound foam insole that imparts shock resistance and support to the arch of the foot. Lastly, the black rubber outsole, which aside from appearing as a more traditional leather sole, also helps ease pressure on the foot when wearing the shoes for an extended period.
- Style: Wingtip
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $180 [Buy On Zappos]
Cole Haan is one of the shoe manufacturers that often wander past traditional rules of style and, in the majority of cases, produces some intriguing and appealing shoes. This 7Day Wing Oxford is one of those successful examples.
While at a glance it may appear that this is a traditional wingtip, the wing pattern is in fact stitched into the leather upper itself. The pinking perforations are genuine, as are most of the other decorative elements.
Surprisingly, this design works quite well, especially given the “soft sage” tone of the upper paired with the brick-orange rubber sole. Wear these with light denim and a blazer, and you’ll shine in relaxed business casual settings. Otherwise, you could even pair these with shorts as the light tone of the leather makes them an ideal summer and early spring shoe.
- Style: Wingtip Boot
- Formality: Business Casual
- Pricing: $495 [Buy Now On Zappos]
The Weller from To Boot NY demonstrated how the wingtip pattern is not reserved solely for shoes. Rather it can make for an outstanding pair of boots as well.
Naturally, with To Boot New York, there are other elements implemented to make this a premium pair of boots. Namely, the manufacturer chose a scotch tan leather for the upper; it’s also worth noting that this type of leather is tanned and produced exclusively for To Boot. Additionally, there are hand-burnished accents near the toe and waxed laces to put these dress boots over the top, and the boot is made in Italy.
Finally, the commando-style lug rubber sole ensures these don’t appear as too classy a pair of boots but rather one which can be roughed up and worn without worry.
- Style: Wingtip Sneaker
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $125 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Earlier in this list, we showed how Cole Haan took the wingtip style and added their own flair to it. With the Original Grand Stitchlite, the brand further adds the “Cole Haan touch,” resulting in a unique pair of sneakers.
Here, the wingtip elements are woven into the black fabric of the upper itself. In this manner, they can be appreciated from up close while looking like a normal pair of Cole Haan shoes from afar. Largely qualifying as sneakers, these Original Grand Stitchlites possess a contrasting outsole that is lightly cushioned for very comfortable wear, just as every sneaker should.
Pairing these with any kind of formal outfit is likely to be a poor choice. However, during the warmer seasons, these can pair perfectly with shorts or light jeans for a comfy yet polished look.
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