How to Choose Quality Dress Shoes

When it comes to dress shoes, quality matters. High-quality dress shoes not only look better but also last longer and provide more comfort. Here are four simple aspects to consider before you spot a good pair of shoes:

Material

 

Good dress shoes are usually made of leather. Leather is durable, looks great, and ages well. Look for full-grain leather—it’s the best quality, with a premium look and feel. This type of leather is not sanded, preserving its natural appearance and strength. A simple test you might perform while purchasing shoes is smelling the leather. Yes - that is right. As you breathe in, the smell of leather should be blatantly obvious. If not, just ask the storeowner for a non-leather show so you might see the difference

 

Construction quality

Check the construction of the shoes. Well-made dress shoes have solid stitching without loose threads or gaps. The sole should be stitched, not glued. Visible, even stitching on the underside is a good sign. If the stitching is ragged or uneven, the shoes are poorly made.

Comfort

 

Comfort is crucial. Look for shoes with cushioned insoles and good arch support. Leather soles become soft and flexible over time. The more layers in the sole, the better. A triple-leather sole lasts much longer than a single-leather one. 

Here it is important that you either try the shoes in-store, or, that you order from brands that allow you to try on product and return easily if they are not a fit.

Price

 

Price doesn’t always indicate quality. High-priced shoes may not always use high-quality materials. Always check the materials used before buying. If the materials aren’t top-notch, the shoes aren’t worth the price.

In this regard, we recommend certain brands that we believe offer "a good bang for your buck:" 

Bostonian - not cheap, but very well done. 

Bosi - if you ever have the chance of traveling to Latin America - we highly recommend the quality of this leather brand