Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Groom's Shoes for Your Wedding: Complementing Your Groom Attire

On the wedding day, many eyes remain on the suit regarding the groom's attire. However, any well-dressed groom knows that the right pair of shoes is more than just an afterthought. The groom’s shoes are essential to groom attire, telling the story of class, dedication, and completion. Shoes complete your overall look on that special day, ensuring you look sharp and polished. They also carry you through one of the most important days of your life.

From walking down the aisle to dancing into the night, your shoes should be as confident, comfortable, and refined as you feel. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best groom shoes. The decisions you need to make, from understanding different styles to ensuring all-day comfort. Whether you’re going for a timeless tux or a relaxed beach vibe, the perfect pair awaits you.

Photo by Badis Benkhelil: A wedding ring between the heels of black kiltie loafers.

Why Your Groom’s Shoes Matter

To be honest, wedding days are long. As the groom, you’ll be on your feet for most of the day: standing at the altar, posing for photos, greeting guests, and hitting the dance floor. Comfortable groom shoes don’t become an option but an essential for your outfit that day.

However, comfort isn’t everything. Your shoes are a key piece of your overall wedding attire for men.

Shoes can improve your look or clash with it entirely. And yes, they will show up in the photos. Those detail shots of you getting ready, the candid dance moments, the full-length portraits. A well-chosen pair of shoes blends seamlessly with your style, and better yet, tells a story. More than anything, your shoes are an expression of you. You can go classic, modern, or bold; either way, your groom shoe style should reflect your personality and make you feel like your best self, down to the last step.

Understanding Different Groom Shoe Styles

Selecting the perfect groom shoes means understanding the different styles available. This helps you find the right balance between elegance, comfort, and personality. Let’s walk through some of the most popular options for wedding shoes for men, each with its own charm and occasion.

A man in a blue suit ties his shoelaces while a small white dog looks up curiously.

Oxfords

Oxfords are the classic gentleman’s choice. With their closed lacing system and clean, polished look, they’re ideal for formal and traditional weddings. They’re quite good that it doesn’t matter if you’re donning a tux or a sharp three-piece suit, a pair of black or oxblood leather Oxfords can elevate your ensemble with quiet sophistication. For added flair, patent leather finishes work beautifully in black-tie settings.

• Description: Classic and polished with a closed lacing system.

• When to Wear: Perfect for formal or black-tie weddings.

• Material: Calfskin leather, patent leather, or suede.

• Color Suggestions: Black, dark brown, oxblood.

Oxfords are the go-to formal shoes for weddings. Sleek, timeless, and versatile, they pair perfectly with tuxedos and tailored suits.

Derby Shoes

For a slightly more relaxed yet still refined look, Derby shoes are a go-to. Their open lacing gives a touch more ease and comfort, making them versatile for semi-formal weddings or dressy outdoor affairs. Available in supple leathers or suedes, Derbys come in warm tones like brown or tan, adding richness to blue or earth-toned suits.

• Description: Slightly more relaxed than Oxfords, featuring an open lacing system.

• When to Wear: Great for semi-formal weddings and grooms looking for a classic yet comfortable option.

• Material: Leather or suede.

• Color Suggestions: Black, tan, medium brown.

  
  

Derbys strike a balance between formal and laid-back, making them one of the best groom shoes for all-day events.

Photo by Behrouz Alimardani: A picture of brown monk strap shoes.

Monk Straps

Monk straps are for the grooms who want something a little unexpected. Defined by their distinctive buckle closures, either single or double, monk straps straddle the line between tradition and modernity. They pair well with tailored suits and lend an edge to cocktail attire, especially in shades like burgundy, rich brown, or sleek black.

• Description: Characterized by a buckle (or two) instead of laces, it is refined and distinctive.

• When to Wear: Ideal for modern weddings with a fashion-forward edge.

• Material: Leather or suede.

• Color Suggestions: Rich browns, black, burgundy.

  
  

These are your “something different” shoes. Monk straps are for the groom who wants to stand out subtly.

Loafers

If you're planning a beach wedding or a casual countryside celebration, loafers offer both ease and elegance. These slip-on shoes are surprisingly chic, especially in high-quality suede, velvet, or polished leather. Navy loafers, in particular, offer a fresh, modern twist for grooms who want something less conventional.

• Description: Slip-ons with a relaxed, sophisticated feel.

• When to Wear: Best for less formal, outdoor, or destination weddings.

• Material: Leather, suede, even velvet for extra flair.

• Color Suggestions: Brown, navy, or even a bold tone if the theme allows.

  
  

Loafers are a favorite for comfort and ease, especially for garden, summer, or beachside weddings.

Velvet Slippers

Velvet slippers are for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement. Often saved for black-tie optional weddings or stylish evening receptions, these luxurious shoes, especially in deep jewel tones or embroidered black, bring glamour and individuality to your groom's shoe collection.

• Description: Plush, eye-catching, and full of personality.

• When to Wear: Black-tie optional, fashion-forward, or evening receptions.

• Color Suggestions: Emerald green, deep navy, black with embroidery or gold accents.

  
  

These statement shoes are perfect for the groom who's not afraid to embrace flair and finish the night in style.

Polished brown leather shoes rest on an intricate carpet, capturing a moment of relaxation and style.

Factors to Consider When Choosing

The perfect groom shoes should look good, feel good, match your wedding theme, and reflect who you are. That might sound like a tall order, but when you break it down, it’s all about thoughtful consideration.

Wedding Theme and Dress Code

Start with your wedding theme and dress code. If you’re going for a formal or black-tie affair, traditional Oxfords or patent leather shoes are non-negotiables. They anchor the elegance of a tux or tailored suit. For a semi-formal or cocktail event, you have more flexibility: Derby shoes, monk straps, or even loafers can suit the vibe. And for rustic barn weddings or breezy beach ceremonies, comfort-forward styles like suede loafers or even refined dress boots can work beautifully.

• Formal/Black Tie: Stick with classic Oxfords or shiny patent leather.

• Semi-Formal/Cocktail: Play with textures and shapes. Derbys, Monk Straps, or elegant loafers.

• Casual/Rustic/Beach: Loafers, suede Derbys, or even fashion-forward boots work well.

  
  

Your groom shoes should respect the dress code while still letting your personality shine.

Groom’s Attire

The color, fabric, and fit of your suit will guide your shoe choices. Dark suits (think charcoal, black, or deep navy) generally pair best with black or oxblood shoes, while lighter shades like tan or blue welcome brown tones or suede textures. Also, keep an eye on your trouser break; how your pants meet your shoes matters. A full break might hide your footwear, but a cropped or tailored trouser can frame your shoes perfectly.

Your shoes should match the vibe and fabric of your suit.

• Black shoes for black, charcoal, or grey suits.

• Brown or oxblood shoes for navy, beige, or lighter suits.

• Velvet slippers? Pair them with tuxedos or bold, fashion-forward looks.

Elegant leather shoes and sophisticated accessories are beautifully displayed on an intricate patterned rug.

Personal Style

Lastly, this is your moment. Your shoes are an extension of your personal style. Be mindful of your budget. You don’t need to splurge to find something sharp and durable. The best groom shoes are the ones that make you feel confident, and that you’d wear again long after the last dance. Inject your vibe subtly. Love vintage? Try textured leather. Want modern minimalism? Go monochrome. Prefer a little flair? Try a two-tone shoe or a bold buckle.

Styling Tips and Considerations

• Socks: Match them to your trousers for a seamless look or add a pop of color if your wedding style allows.

• Belt: Always match your belt to your shoes in both color and texture.

• Accessories: Your shoes can help tie everything together, watch strap, cufflinks, even boutonnières.

• Groomsmen Coordination: Decide whether you want your crew to wear matching shoes or just stick within the same style family.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right groom shoes will help you boldly walk confidently into your next chapter. The perfect pair should reflect your style, match your wedding’s vibe, and carry you through every step of the day in comfort and pride. For personalized styling services and expert advice, you can reach us here!