How to Find the Most Comfortable Dress Shoes for Men

Find the dress shoes that work for you.

Finding the most comfortable dress shoe for men can be a challenge. However, keeping in mind a few basic tips, you'll be walking in comfortable shoes. Remember that men's shoes tend to be conservative. The focus is on the fit, not the fashion. This doesn't mean that men's dress shoes have to be completely conservative, but they need to be appropriate to your industry. Finding a dress shoe requires some time and money, but high-quality shoes last for years.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine your budget. Good quality dress shoes that last for decades cost upward of $300 as of this publication. Even better quality can cost thousands. While this investment is steep, it's cost-effective as the shoes will last.

2. Look for shoes that match your industry. American shoes tend to be clunky, British-made men's shoes are conservative and Italian men's shoes are the most fashionable.

3. Get your foot measured. As you age, your fit changes in size. Have the shoe seller measure your foot in terms of length and width to ensure you're trying on the right size.

4. Try on the shoe. Fit is critical. The toe box should not pinch and your heel needs to stay in the shoe when your step forward.

5. Start with a black shoe. Brown is very difficult to match. Black is the most conservative and fits the most situations. Look for burgundy or ox-blood for semi-casual and honey or almond tones for casual shoes.

References

• Forbes.com; The Best Men's Shoes; Neal Santelmann