What’s the old adage? Something about spending all of your money on either shoes or your bed because if you’re not in one, you’re in the other? Wise words indeed. We can certainly vouch for that. Quality, hand-made shoes are a wardrobe essential as far as we’re concerned. Especially as peak sneaker seems to have passed, with the welcome reemergence of loafers, mules and boots in the style of Our Legacy’s Camions. That said, there’s a difference between quality and luxury.
When we talk about luxury, we’re talking about comfort and elegance. Shoes to be seen in, shoes for peacocking. Shoes that come with a higher price tag, but a price tag you’re willing to invest in because you’re worth it. Everyone deserves a bit of luxury in their life and where better to flaunt it than on your feet? We’ve put together a list of our favourite luxury shoe brands. Invest in the best.
The best luxury shoe brands for men in 2024
Velasca
Velasca is a brand that brings to mind stylish men sat outside bars in colourful towns along the Cinque Terre drinking Negronis and looking absolutely dashing. Head-to-toe style with a luxury pair of shoes to cap their respective outfits off. Velasca’s motto is ‘Italian style, made to last’ and there’s a welcome injection of luxury in there too with handcrafted shoes making the most of generations of local handmade shoemaking expertise. Whether you’re hunting for boat shoes or a rival to the Paraboot (Badaluch in black or brown), there’s plenty to upgrade your shoe collection and channel your inner Sprezzatura.
Myrqvist
You can always trust the Swedish, they know what they are doing regarding elegant minimalism. Myrqvist’s goal from the very beginning has been to take shoes back to pure craftsmanship, minimising the in-between and getting the best-handcrafted luxury footwear from the source direct to the consumer. The brand’s Oxfords are a great place to start.
Aurélien
Luxury is very much part of the programme at French brand Aurélien. Clothes to be worn in luxurious settings, think the pastel surrounds of beautiful hotels in the Med or strolls along the French riviera, doing so in stylish, timeless luxury fashions. Look no further if you’re in the market for a pair of driving shoes or a minimalist luxury sneaker. Aurélien have very much got you. The brand prides itself on its luxuriously comfortable Softey Suede, which gives new levels of comfort whilst looking especially sharp.
KLEMAN
KLEMAN, established in 1945 by René Cléon, embodies over 75 years of authentic French shoemaking. Rooted in craftsmanship and tradition, the brand started in post-war France and evolved into a trusted supplier for French public institutions. Known for its durable, unisex workwear style, KLEMAN continues to craft timeless, functional footwear in France.
Oliver Cabell
Oliver Cabell creates elevated footwear by blending modern techniques with traditional, high-quality materials like ethically sourced Italian leathers. Founded in 2018 by Scott Gabrielson, the brand challenges industry norms with fair pricing, offering luxury shoes without the typical markups. Committed to quality and accessibility, Oliver Cabell redefines everyday, timeless footwear.
Tricker's
Another Great British titan of shoemaking from Northamptonshire. True luxury with only the finest materials, hundreds of years of shoemaking expertise, master craftsmanship and an eye for contemporary design and fashion-forward styles. Of course there’s a royal warrant thrown in there too. Whilst a lot of the Tricker’s output is geared towards robust country styles, there’s still some beautiful city-minded boots and shoes. The brand’s Henry Country Dealer boot is a wonderful melding of both, making for a substantial brogued boot that’s a stylish option for pounding the pavement.
Christian Louboutin
What do you mean you didn’t realise they make men’s shoes? Did you honestly just think it was red-soled high heels? No, silly. While a sign at the Paris Museum of African and Oceanic Art (urging women to not wear heels, as to not scuff the floor) might have inspired Louboutin’s first foray into footwear and subsequent interest in heels, Christian Louboutin, the brand, makes a wide array of luxury footwear encompassing smart, elegant formal shoes and playful colour-forward sneakers. The brand’s trademark eccentricity shines through above all.
Church's
Church's, a storied British shoemaker since 1873, is renowned for its craftsmanship and timeless elegance. Combining traditional techniques with premium materials, each pair of Church's shoes represents a legacy of quality and refinement. Synonymous with sophisticated style, Church's continues to craft footwear that embodies the essence of British heritage and luxury.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Last but not least, another distinctly Italian luxury fashion house, so iconic that it has its own museum. A marker of a true legacy and design credentials. Steeped in history, Salvatore Ferragamo is by no means afraid of pushing boundaries with forward-thinking design and eye-catching design, as a look at recent sneaker collections will testify. The brand also knows its luxury classics. The luxury shoe brand’s minimal silhouette plain-toe Oxford is effortlessly stylish, made from a beautiful polished bitonal calfskin and a sole antiqued by hand.
Now check out our pick of the best luxury sneaker brands for men.
