The best formal shoes to smarten up your footwear

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 7-13

Reiss knows how to serve quality menswear styles at a fair, mid-range – a fine case in point being these ‘Amalfi’ shoes. Falling into the Monk category of formal footwear, their dark brown silhouette features the eye-catching double straps most associated with the style, and are assembled from a high-shine leather to keep you looking prim and proper. If a summer wedding sits on your imminent social schedule, these will serve you well.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 6-11

Brought to life from a supple chocolate brown leather, Paul Smith’s ‘Bari’ Oxford shoes are a fine example of the British tailor’s classic craftsmanship codes. Featuring all details most commonly associated with the dapper design – from the shoelace eyelet tabs to the rounded toe and finishing shine – they’re the ultimate dress shoe to enhance the base of your formal outfit: ideally a beige linen suit for the warm months ahead.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 7-12

Looking for a modern take on the loafer? AllSaints has got you covered with this latest ‘Sammy’ style. Updating the traditional penny design through a contrasting white panel at the front and contemporary weaving around the frame, it’s made from a shiny leather and features the brand’s capitalised signature at the corner of the heel. FYI, this design is currently on sale, so be sure to make the most of the offer before it’s too late.

• Fabrication: Polished-leather
• Sizes: 6-12

The good thing about a penny loafer is that it works well for pretty much any outing, whether it be a formal soirée or an afternoon spent strolling around the city. Designed with all accommodations in mind, Mr Porter’s latest leather ‘Scott’ shoe is stitched with split apron toes, based on a study sole and contrasted with beautiful brown leather for the lining. We suggest wearing them with white socks for contemporary appeal.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 6-12

Yep, you read that right. M&S is no longer reserved for posh biscuits and upmarket meal deals. Recent times have seen the brand engage in some rather delectable menswear, especially in its formal department. These brown leather Derby shoes take notes from Mod styles of the 1960s with their treaded sole and rounded toe, uniting contemporary and classic features in one rather slick pair.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 5-13

Team GQ loves a little dose of logomania, especially when it comes courtesy of Prada. Characterised by the Italian house’s enamelled metal triangle logo at the centre, this black pair of loafers are made from the brand’s signature Saffiano leather: shaped to an elegantly curved silhouette and based with a slim rubber sole.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 6-13

Since 2011, Manchester’s very own Represent has always been mad about sneakers but, now, the British streetwear label is ready for some serious business with models like the very appropriately-named Derby. Crafted from luxurious leather throughout, it’s slick, it’s cool, and it can be worn with anything from suits to sweats (and anything in between). The choice is yours.

• Fabrication: Glossed leather
• Sizes: EU 40-46

Back in the early 1900s, Loewe was the official supplier to the Spanish royal family. That’s because the fashion house has always prioritised quality and craftsmanship over anything, making Derby shoes like the Terra quite literally fit for a king. Finished with glossy leather, wear these with a nice dress shirt or a knitted polo for an aesthetic that screams “I summer in the Riviera".

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 7-10

The Kooples has always been known for its punky style, and while you might think that this would be impossible in a pair of formal shoes, the Parisian imprint is here to prove you wrong. Infused with a rock ‘n’ roll-inspired design, these are constructed from buttery smooth leather and are detailed with metal around the heel. So whether you’re surfing the web in the office or the crowd at a gig, this pair has your name written all over it.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 6-12

Where you once visited a high-street Clarks store for the annual selection of school shoes, the brand is now home to a reliable stock of menswear gems, and its collection of wallet-friendly formal shoes shouldn't be overlooked. These Kerton black leather Oxfords are particularly deserving of a double-take. With their minimalistic cut, they're smart in every sense of the word, making a very strong case for their inclusion in your new-season shoe trunk.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 5-12

You simply don't replace a shoe like this. With its burnished leather and slick silhouette, cared for correctly this John Lobb Oxford will stand the test of time, elevating your tailoring at weddings and work functions alike. They are to your feet what a Patek Philippe is to your wrist.

• Fabrication: Polished leather
• Sizes: 5-13

One of the first brands that comes to mind when a GQ staffer is on the hunt for a new pair of dress shoes that'll stand the test of time is, unquestionably, Church's. A family shoemaker of nearly 150 years, now owned by Prada, the brand puts artisanal expertise into every pair. The Shannon is its most iconic derby, made from a single piece of leather given a glossy binder finish. It's a classic, and it'll go with any suit.

• Fabrication: Leather
• Sizes: 6-12

Every man should own one pair of brown shoes, and these John White Derbies make a compelling case for that spot in your collection. Affordable without compromising a supple feel and comfortable fit, they lend themselves well to lots of suited looks as well as those more smart-casual combos.

• Fabrication: Patent leather
• Sizes: 6-12

To our delight, with the next Kingsman release comes a range of stylish suits, shoes and accessories exclusive to Mr Porter, and these Oxfords in collaboration with the Royal Arcade's George Cleverley have caught our eye (and not just because of the glare from their patent leather). The refinement is exquisite here, from the super supple lining to the luxurious ribbon laces. A tuxedo's dream pairing.