The best formal shoes under £150 for black-tie dressing on a budget
Formal shoes don't always get the wear they deserve, so siding with a budget-friendly option may well be your best bet. Herewith, GQ's edit of brogues, loafers, monk shoes and more for the best formal shoes under £150
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Rightly or wrongly, formal shoes are more of an investment than one might think. Often made from luxe leather or supple suede constructions, the fabrication and craftsmanship of formal footwear can lend them a significant price tag. And, with rescheduled weddings and black-tie events back on our calendars, this year we've been forced to make a sudden shift from the comfort of slippers and slides to the more tailored world of loafers and brogues on many more occasions than one.
Thankfully, this doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. Just as with affordable jeans and budget-friendly trainers, we've done the legwork to track down the best formal shoes that will bulk out your rotation without damaging your wallet. From the classic Derby shoes of Kurt Geiger to the youthful loafers of Ted Baker, they may not come with the painstaking craftsmanship of Burlington Arcade's most prestigious shoemakers, but there's a design out there for every occasion.
So if you're looking to step into something a little more sophisticated with a little less financial concern, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling for GQ's pick of the best formal shoes for under £150.
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1/22Ted Baker
For the past four decades, Ted Baker has been the go-to brand for some of the most stylish-looking guys out there, and it’s because of shoes like the ‘Amaiss’. Made from aniline leather, the burnishing and waxing is done completely by hand for a unique look that adds a ton of character to each pair. If you’ve worn them for one too many journeys, Ted Baker will gladly bring them back to life with a buff of natural clear beeswax that’s worth all the buzz. Pun intended. £110. tedbaker.com
2/22Next
Monk shoes have been around since the early 15th century. While they used to be worn by, well, monks, these days they’re mostly spotted on the feet of the tailoring elite. Featuring a black leather construction, this pair from Next is detailed with the legendary double buckle design that we all know and love. It also sits on top of an Ortholite foam sole for even better comfort and cushioning, and it’s rounded off with an almond toe for that classic aesthetic. Throw these on with a crisp white dress shirt and a blazer and you’re good to go. £49. next.com
3/22Clarks
Clarks has been around for about two centuries, so you can bet that they know a thing or two about making great formal shoes on a budget. Take the ‘Howard’, for example. The perfect combination of classic and contemporary, it’s outfitted in rich black leather that’s ideal for even the most sartorial fits, and fitted with ‘Comfort Plus’ tech for unbeatable cushioning. What’s more, the laces and sole are infused with recycled material, making these a pretty good choice for those who have the planet's best interests in mind. £70. clarks.com
4/22Birkenstock
When you think of Birkenstock, the first models that pop into your mind are probably the ‘Boston’ or maybe even the ‘Arizona’. But, believe it or not, the German footwear company can also get pretty fancy thanks to silhouettes like the Naples. The epitome of “business up front, party in the back,” these hybrid loafers are crafted from buttery smooth suede throughout. Down below, the midsoles are made from EVA foam and are housed in cork for comfort levels that we thought to be possible. Seriously. £108. At matchesfashion.com
5/22G.H. Bass
Should Roger Moore be your choice of best-dressed Bond, you’ll likely be on the lookout for a '70s-coded loafer. If Gucci’s horse-bit classics make a mockery of your budget, try a G.H. Bass Weejun pair instead. With a horse-bit detail and a puckered penny loafer finish, they’re every inch the gentleman spy. £165. At matchesfashion.com
6/22Schuh
While the ‘Pierre’ by Schuh may look like they cost a pretty penny, they’re actually very friendly to your bank account. Constructed using genuine leather that’s smooth and supple, the insides are lined with soft fabric so you can rock these with or without socks. A playful tassel can be found up front, and all of this rests on top of a chunky rubber midsole that’s extremely grippy, making this the perfect companion for those wet and windy months ahead. £70. At schuh.co.uk
7/22Moss London
Moss London's aptly named ‘Mayfair’ dress shoes know precisely where they belong, and it's in London's most glamorous West End. Ultra-polished in every sense of the word, these dress shoes boast a patent leather so shiny that you can all but check your hair in them. Whether your destination is a wedding or a formal dinner, they won't fail to impress. £69.95. moss.co.uk
8/22River Island
There’s just no way you can talk about the best formal shoes under a bill without giving these ones from River Island a special shoutout. Boasting a traditional brogue design, they’re fitted with earthy brown laces and drenched in a very tasty-looking caramel hue. If for whatever reason this colourway isn’t your thing, they also come in a slick black style too. But we haven’t even mentioned the best part yet, as you can get all of this for less than half of your budget, which is just wild. £45. At asos.com
9/22Walk London
Loafer lovers, listen up. For a timeless take on the style which won’t break the bank, Walk London offers this ‘Tino’ design. Accented by a gold-toned branded trim across the front vamp, they’ll instantly bend themselves to any type of social scenario, helped by the apron toe with reversed stitch detailing. You have three colours to choose from, but we suggest the brown option since autumn is on its way. £75. At walklondonshoes.com
10/22Oswin Hyde
Big yes to Oswin Hyde for sealing his latest formal shoe design with a statement. This comes courtesy of the shade – a striking turquoise green – which clads the soft velvet upper of these smoking slippers. Combining comfort and sophistication through the heeled base and cushioned insole, make sure to pair them with muted shades to let the bold silhouette speak for itself.
£85£55. At burton.co.uk
11/22G.H. Bass
If you’re in the market for something that’s both casual and dressy at the same time, then the Weejuns Larson Loafers by G.H. Bass should be on your radar. Proudly made in the U.S. of A, they’re crafted from finely polished leather and are fitted with a classic penny bar strap and apron-stitched toe. To make the most of them, rock them with a wool overshirt and some nice trousers. You’ll also want to make sure that your sock game is on point too. £141. At matchesfashion.com
12/22Bolongaro Trevor
Shaped with a rounded toe, chunky sole and lace up fastening, Bolongaro Trevor’s latest formal shoes are an essential addition to your footwear collection. Subtly reminiscent of collegiate styles through their silhouette, we suggest styling them with your best Ivy League-inspired pieces – from a corduroy blazer to an Oxford button-down shirt – for maximum effect.
£225£52.50. At asos.com
13/22H&M
In a smooth brown faux-leather construction, these lace-up shoes from H&M tick every box for classic Derby design. Made up of clean, undulating lines, this pair (worn with plain socks) is ideal for pairings with navy, pastel or green suits. £32.99. hm.com
14/22Ben Sherman
Hats off to British designer Ben Sherman for offering a selection of formal shoes with modern sensibilities. Case in point? This leather Derby design, which has been elevated through a chunky sole and wide laces for a contemporary take on the traditional style. Currently on sale at half of the original price, be sure to add these to your basket before it’s too late.
£95£47.50. At burton.co.uk
15/22Asos Design
Few textures add a finishing touch of pizazz more than polished leather, and Asos understands this well. Patent around the toe cap and lace-up fastening, this pair of black Oxford shoes are built on a sturdy flat sole and a subtly embossed with dotted detailing to split up the frame. An easy choice, if you ask us. £54. At asos.com
16/22Dr. Martens
At a five-drink round over £100, these Docs are still on the more affordable end of the spectrum, particularly when you consider how long they’ll be in your wardrobe. Take leather treatment to these perforated brogues and they’ll last you a good many years of formal dressing with a subtle alt twist. £149. drmartens.com
17/22Bershka
Who says formal shoes should be reserved for traditional silhouettes? Certainly not Bershka, which elevates the classic derby shoe with a chunky sole for modern appeal. Fitted with a lace-up fastening and pull tab around the back for easy entry, we suggest styling them with an oversized suit for a truly trendy formal look this winter season. £55.99. asos.com
18/22Burton
As a failsafe source for formal shoes which won’t put a dent in your bank account, Burton excels in this classic monk design. Crafted from a black leather and detailed with brogue-like embellishments around the body, the side strap is finished with the style’s acclaimed buckle detail. Offered for a very good price, they’re guaranteed to see you through any season.
£69£41.40. At burton.co.uk
19/22Base London
Base London’s handling of the classic derby shoe allows for subtle flourishes of originality: slightly exaggerated eye holes, a raised heel and pull tags to the back all make this Tatra style a contemporary win. Wear with the smart pieces you ordinarily would, but get these shoes in your casual trousers and shirt rotation for the weekend, too. £80. At schuh.co.uk
20/22John Lewis
Defined toe caps and pared-back but effective topstitching make these John Lewis own design Oxfords a masterclass in restrained chic. Coming in black and dark brown, they’ve been tailored to the specifications of everyday understated smart dressing and are finished with rubber soles to save you a premature trip to the cobblers. £90. At johnlewis.com
21/22Jones Bootmaker
Whilst a buckle-laden leather shoe may at first sound a little — how should we say? — pirate-y, the ever-suave monk shoe is anything from shabby-chic. Adored for its hardware-heavy take on formality, monk shoes are sleek, sharp and lightly gothic, and Jones Bootmaker's Nathaniel pair is certainly no exception. £99. jonesbootmaker.com
22/22M&S
In a slick, polished look punctuated by a squared-off toe, these Derby shoes from M&S were designed to make your life, and formal events, easy and effortless. Made from a high-quality faux leather, these shoes mean you can get glammed up guilt-free… and with their ‘Freshfeet’ technology, there's no need to worry about pesky odours either. £35. marksandspencer.com
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