What Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo to Look & Feel Your Best

Whether you've got a wedding coming up or you're preparing for some other black tie event, rocking a tux is a classic look. But once you've found the right tux, the question becomes what shoes to wear with a tuxedo.

While you may assume that any type of dress shoe will work, that is not the case. At least, not if you want to look AND feel your best as make your entrance. If you want to dress to impress, the type of shoes you choose to pair with your tux is far more important than you think.

Fortunately, we're here to help you choose the right footwear for any tuxedo. By the end of this guide, you'll feel much more confident in shopping for your shoes.

We'll even offer a specific recommendation for the best shoes to wear with a tuxedo - so you can just go grab them and save yourself the hassle of additional research! Let's get started.

Does it Really Matter What Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo?

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Before we discuss what shoes to wear with a tuxedo, you might be asking yourself...is it really as important as we're making it out to be? Can't you just wear those old oxfords you've got lying around?

Sure - you could.

But when you're wearing a tux, you're trying to put your best look on. This is the pinnacle of men's formalwear. And without the proper footwear, the entire look will fall apart. Now, on the other hand, a man who steps out in a tuxedo while wearing stunning shoes will catch eyes and command the attention of a room. The duo of a well-fitted tuxedo with the right footwear is unmatched.

Regardless of the type of event you're attending, chances are, you want to impress - otherwise, you wouldn't be putting a tuxedo on! Don't waste the opportunity to make a statement by stepping into the venue in style. With that said, let's address the main question you came here with: what shoes to wear with a tuxedo.

What Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo: All Your Options Explained

Before we start unveiling the different types of shoes you can wear with your tuxedo, you should know that we have our own personal opinion on what the best shoes to wear with a tuxedo are. And in the next section, we'll give you a personalized recommendation. In the meantime, we're going to highlight all the different options you have for pairing with your tuxedo - starting with the classic choice: Oxfords.

Oxford Shoes

The oxford shoe is a staple in any man's wardrobe. It's versatile, goes with nearly everything, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. But while it's a great choice for many looks, it's not necessarily the best choice when you're wearing a tuxedo.

The main reason why oxfords aren't ideal for pairing with tuxedos has to do with their closure system. Oxfords have closed lacing, which means that the eyelets and laces are sewn underneath the vamp (the part of the shoe that covers your foot). This gives them a sleek look - but it also makes them difficult to slip on and off. 

Tuxedos are meant to be worn with ease. You shouldn't have to struggle to get in and out of your clothing when you're wearing a tuxedo - it should be effortless. And that's where the next option comes in:

Loafers

A loafer is a great choice for those looking for an elegant, but comfortable shoe to wear with their tuxedo. We know what you're thinking...aren't loafers business casual? They can be. They can also be an incredibly formal footwear choice. In fact, this is one of the most versatile types of shoes a man can own. It all comes down to how you style loafers. You can wear loafers with jeans or you can wear loafers with a suit.

These come in many different styles, but they all share one common trait: they're slip-on shoes. This makes them much easier to put on and take off than oxfords, which is ideal when you're wearing a tuxedo.

There are several different types of loafers, but the two most common are the penny loafer and the tassel loafer. Penny loafers have a small slit on the vamp where you can insert a coin - hence the name. Tassel loafers, on the other hand, have - you guessed it - tassels on the vamp. Both are great choices for pairing with a tuxedo - it just comes down to personal preference.

Another great thing about wearing loafers with a tuxedo is that they're available in many different materials. The most popular choice is leather, but you can also find them in suede, velvet, and even canvas. No matter what your style is, there's sure to be a loafer out there that fits it.

Opera Pumps

Opera pumps are a type of dress shoe that is very similar to a loafer. They also have a slip-on design and are generally made from the same materials. The main difference between opera pumps and loafers is that opera pumps have an even lower vamp - meaning that they don't cover as much of your foot. This gives them a sleeker look and makes them a great choice for those wanting to show off their ankles in a tuxedo.

Like loafers, opera pumps come in many different styles and can be made from a variety of materials. You can find them with or without embellishments, in solid colors or prints, and in a range of heel heights.

With that said, we feel these have become a bit dated. You may still see them from time to time, but they've been phased out as other styles have become more popular. In fact, the next style we're about to discuss is perhaps the #1 choice these days...

Velvet Slippers

When it comes to luxury footwear, velvet slippers are in a league of their own. In fact, we consider these to be the best Italian shoes for ladies and men alike! They're the epitome of style and elegance - everything you want in a shoe to wear with a tuxedo. Velvet slippers are usually made with a low vamp and have either an open or closed toe.

One of the best things about velvet slippers is that they come in many different colors. While black is the most popular choice, you can also find them in shades of blue, green, red, and more. And if you really want to make a statement, you can even find velvet slippers with embellishments like crystals or embroidery.

The only downside to velvet slippers is that they can be a bit too flashy or edgy for the more subtle man. This is the main difference between loafers vs slippers. If you're the type of man who wants to fly under the radar, these velvet slippers may not be for you. That's because you won't be able to walk through a room without turning heads and scoring at least a few compliments while wearing these! In our opinion, this is what makes them so great - and why they're one of the best choices to wear with tuxedos.

But are they really "the best"? Of these three choices, which is right for you? Keep reading - we'll address the question of what are the best shoes to wear with a tuxedo below.

So, What are the BEST Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo?

Now, with all this said - what are the best shoes to wear with a tuxedo? You can compare and contrast the four styles above and see which ones stand out to you. Ultimately, this is all personal preference. However, if you want our say on the matter, there are only two options worth wearing a tux with: loafers and slippers.

These two styles offer the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. They're both slip-on shoes, so you won't have to worry about laces getting in the way or coming undone. And they come in many different styles - meaning that you can find a pair that fits your taste perfectly.

So, the question becomes - what are the best loafers for men to wear with a tuxedo? Or if you're going the slipper route, which pair should you choose? Let's talk materials.

In our opinion, men's velvet tux shoes are the premier choice. You can go with leather if you'd like, but there's something about the stunning, premium velvet look and feel that we can't get enough of. And once you look in the mirror and see them on your feet paired with your tux, you'll agree.

In terms of where you should shop for your tuxedo shoes, you can look no further than Del Toro Shoes - the #1 choice for both men's velvet slippers and men's Italian loafers. These are Italian classics reimagined. We've maintained the traditional Italian craftsmanship and look for our shoes while adding a modern flair to help you stand out. When you shop with us, you get footwear that looks as good as it feels. Our shoes are remarkably comfortable, helping you stay fresh on your feet all day long.

Final Thoughts on What Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo

So, what are the best shoes to wear with a tuxedo? As you can see, there are plenty of options - but a few stand apart as the premier choice for the modern man in this day and age. Italian loafers or slippers will pair wonderfully with your tux.

At this point, the only question left to be answered is: which style will you go with?

No matter the choice you make in the end, our handmade Italian shoes will elevate your look and help you exude confidence when you step into any venue. Shop now and see the Del Toro difference firsthand.