Most popular men’s wedding shoes for different settings and dress codes

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably deep in wedding planning mode. So, firstly, we want to say a huge congratulations from everyone at Cheaney! With all the big bookings like the venue, band, and catering out of the way, you can now start thinking about the all-important details that will make your wedding day unique and super special.

As the groom, one crucial decision you must make is what you’re wearing on your feet! There are several factors to consider when choosing your wedding shoes, such as the style and colour of your wedding suit, the wedding colour scheme, the time of year, the wedding location, and the wedding dress code. 

You will also want to make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable and high-quality, as you will be walking, standing, and dancing throughout the day. You may also want them to last past the big day. 

At Cheaney, we are experts at helping grooms select the perfect wedding shoes for their big day. This guide will outline the most popular men’s wedding shoes for different wedding settings, seasons, and dress codes so you look and feel great on your wedding day.

What shoes should a groom wear?

It’s your big day, so naturally, you will want to look and feel your best. Whether you’re going for a morning coat, tuxedo, or suit, or a more casual chino and shirt, dress shoes are the best option for the groom’s footwear. Here are the first rules for choosing a groom’s wedding shoes.

1. Dress shoes are a must!

Depending on the formality of your wedding, you can choose from a range of dress shoes, from black oxfords or monk shoes to more casual slip-on loafers, derbys, or brogues. But don’t worry if you’re unsure. We’re here to help you choose the best shoes for your wedding aesthetic.

2. Choose good-quality wedding shoes

Make sure you choose high-quality shoes for your big day. The last thing you want at your wedding reception is a wardrobe malfunction! At Cheaney, we pride ourselves on high-quality soles, leather, and suede, as well as outstanding craftsmanship. So when you choose your wedding shoes from us, you won’t have to worry about anything other than enjoying your special day.

3. Make sure your wedding shoes fit

It’s also crucial that you find the best-fitting shoes for your wedding. We always recommend trying on shoes before you buy them. When you choose Cheaney for your wedding shoes, we can help you find the right fit in one of our stores. Or, if you are unable to get to a store, make sure to view our fitting guide before you buy.

With our selection of last shapes, you can find a shoe that fits your unique foot shape. Why not book a personal in-store wedding shoe-fitting appointment where one of our dedicated team can help marry you to the perfect shoe?

4. Don’t forget to break them in!

You’re likely to be doing a lot of walking and standing up at your wedding, so make sure you wear them a couple of times before the big day. Find out how to break in new shoes in our helpful Breaking in Shoes guide.

Men’s wedding shoes for different seasons, settings and dress codes

Of course, the location of your wedding will affect what wedding shoes you choose. This location and the season will naturally determine the formality and the dress code you set. Here are some of the most popular wedding locations and dress codes, and the best shoes for each.

Formality & dress code

Men’s formal wedding shoes

Most weddings will likely have a formal dress code. If you’ve decided to have your wedding in a stately home or a grand wedding venue, you will likely be wearing a suit, perhaps a three-piece, white or black-tie, or mourning suit. Therefore, you need a pair of formal men’s wedding shoes to match.

Wedding men’s shoes for suits

If you’re opting for a suit, a pair of sleek calf-leather oxfords is the best option. They offer a timeless aesthetic, helping you to put your best foot forward on the big day. For the ultimate touch of luxury for this dress code, opt for leather-soled shoes.

For an elevated selection of men’s smart wedding shoes, consider our Imperial collection. Featuring impeccable silhouettes, the finest leathers, oak bark in-channel soles, and hand-painted fiddle waists, these are the absolute pinnacle of English shoemaking and perfect for a formal wedding.

Smart men’s wedding shoes based on suit colour

Wedding suits come in a range of colours, and we assume you’ve selected your suit colour based on your wedding colour scheme or the season. Once this is decided, you can now choose the groom’s shoes to match the suit.

Here are the most common wedding suit colours and the best leather colours to pair with them:

• Black suit: Black shoes 
• Navy suit: Dark brown or mahogany shoes
• Blue suit: Chestnut brown or dark-leaf shoes 
• Grey suit: Black shoes or burgundy
• Brown suit: A contrasting brown shoe to the shade of the suit
• Sand suit: Beige shoes
• Green/ brown tweed suit: Plough brown shoes

We have written extensively about which suit colours pair best with which shoes. So that we won’t repeat ourselves, find the best colour suit-and-shoe combination in our complete Wedding Shoe Guide.

Men’s wedding tuxedo shoes

If you’re opting for a white or black-tie wedding, you will want to wear the correct shoes for this dress code. As discussed in our Tuxedo Shoe Guide, the best tuxedo shoes for the groom are Patent Oxford shoes. The Oxford style provides the groom with an ultimate sophisticated look, featuring a sleek, slimline silhouette. Alternatively, you can wear leather whole-cut Oxford shoes with your tuxedo, but it’s your wedding, so why not go all out with shiny patent leather? 

Men’s casual wedding shoes

If your wedding is on the more casual side, perhaps in a barn or farm with a marquee, with no formal dress code, you have a range of options. Plus, there is more room for creativity and personal style. 

Casual wedding shoes for the groom could include brogues. The decorative perforations add character and personality to your wedding getup. Derby shoes could also count as casual men’s wedding shoes. The open-lace system also offers more room for a higher instep and more comfort for all-night dancing, while still looking smart. For a more casual wedding, you could also opt for rubber-solued shoes such as those from our studded or diamond collections, giving you more grip on the dance floor! Suede or brown shoe leather colours are also considered less formal, perfect for a light-hearted wedding. 

For a super laid-back wedding, you could also opt for loafers or boat shoes for the ultimate comfort move in warmer climates. Plus, you can easily slip them on and off to enjoy the sand and waves in your wedding photos.

Location & setting

Men’s wedding shoes ideas for a garden or outdoor wedding

If you’re a groom looking for shoes for a garden wedding, the style will depend on the garden. For example, your style and aesthetic will differ widely among a casual family back-garden wedding, a wedding in the gardens of a stately home, and a wedding in a forest setting.

For a simple back garden wedding with a marquee or a farm aesthetic, you may want to lean toward a more casual or decorated dress shoe. A derby in grain leather or with brogue detailing will look smart and laid-back for your special day. Stick to brown or warm tones and textured or suede leather for a casual aesthetic.

If your garden wedding is situated on the grounds of a gorgeous countryside mansion, you may require a more formal shoe. Stick to Oxford or monk shoes for an elegant, sophisticated look.

For a whimsical wedding in a forest setting, you might opt for wedding shoes with more coverage. A smart pair of chukka boots offers the perfect balance of rustic aesthetic and smart wedding attire.

Men’s beach wedding shoes

If you’re the groom and having a romantic beach wedding, your wedding aesthetic will more likely be on the casual side. Whether you’re wearing a linen suit or chinos and a short-sleeved shirt, we recommend a laid-back dress shoe; the loafer is perfect for beach wedding attire. Alternatively, a boat shoe is a perfect choice for men’s shoes at a beach wedding if you want to lean into the nautical theme. The laid-back nature of these shoe silhouettes makes them the ideal beach wedding groom shoes.

Your colour scheme and suit colour will determine which shoes you choose, but beach wedding men’s shoes usually gravitate towards sandy tones, linens, and tan suits. If this is the case for you, we recommend the beige, sorel or caramel loafers to match this colour scheme.

Men’s shoes for a wedding abroad

If you’re jetting off to your dream destination wedding, you need the shoes to match. Similarly, you probably wouldn’t wear the same dress shoes if you were getting married in a vineyard compared to a château.

So, as you would in the UK, choose your men’s abroad wedding shoes based on how formal your venue or dress code is. If you’re hosting a swanky wedding in a European villa, opt for sleek black monk shoes. The buckle, rather than laces, will give your wedding look a continental edge.

Or, if you plan to enjoy the foreign sun during your wedding and have your guests mingling outdoors, opt for a more laid-back brogue shoe or loafer.

Men’s wedding shoes based on seasonality

Of course, the time of year will also impact what you wear for your wedding, your colour scheme, and your shoe colour. Although you can never predict the weather at your wedding, you might be able to predict a rough estimate of what the weather will be doing based on the season.

Men’s summer wedding shoes

For example, if you have a summer wedding, you may choose lighter-coloured men’s shoes, such as almond, sorrel, or caramel, or more colourful suits, and your summer men’s wedding shoes should match. For example, you may also want a laceless shoe, like a loafer, to relax during your summer wedding.

Men’s wedding formal shoes for winter

Vice versa, a winter or autumnal wedding might feature richer, darker tones like Dark Leaf red, brown or navy blue, which will impact the colour of your shoes. Due to the colder weather, you may want a laced shoe, such as an Oxford, Derby, or Monk shoe, or a warmer boot that still fits the formality, like a pair of Chelsea boots.