The 18 Best Shoes to Wear With a Tuxedo

If you have a velvet tux, these velvet loafers are going to be the icing on the cake. If you don’t have a velvet tux—well, you’ll just be happy to wear these damn soft shoes anyway.

These are loafers that go with every tux, for every occasion. A wedding, gala, or any other formal event is more than fitting for Tom Ford’s luxe vibe.

Classy and simple—just as it should be. This is a go-to, no-nonsense tuxedo shoe if ever we saw one. These have a shiny patent leather that ensures compatibility with all formal situations.

Santoni’s sleek derbies are just the sort of thing to sit under your (impeccably tailored) Italian trousers.

For the cool guy, a tasseled leather loafer has a tasteful backless loafer is the ultimate “I’m chic and sleek but I don’t really care” look. These are easy and comfy as slides, with a dope croc-effect and green suede trim.

The thick double monk strap sets this apart from the usual dress shoe, but the polished finish and sleek shape ensure it’s still classy enough for a tuxedo.

A derby isn’t the most formal of shoe shapes, but in patent leather, it takes on a whole new dimension.

Not a fan of shine? Clarks offers derbies (mislabeled as oxfords) that’ll pair nicely with a fitted tuxedo. Plus, these shoes feature Ortholite footbeds, which means you can dance the night away pain-free.

The super-minimal upper is a nice counterpoint to Louboutin’s signature red sole.

Slip these on with a tuxedo, and you’re good to go. Simple and elegant.

When it comes to comfortable dress shoes, Cole Haan is arguably the leader in the category. This derby (again, mislabeled as an oxford) is exactly what you want on your feet in the wee hours.

The coolest of cool guys wear velvet slippers with their formalwear—something to really lean into the elegance of it all. PRL has a pair so lush and chic, you’ll find yourself wanting to wear these with every outfit you have.

The price of oxfords, especially the best ones, can be steep. But if you’re in the market for something affordable, Kenneth Cole has a sleek and shiny option that’s up to snuff. And the hidden elastic panels make it easy to slip on and off.

From the embossed velvet with interlocking Gs to the classic horsebit detail, this loafer is opulent to the core. And that’s pretty much what characterizes a tuxedo shoe.

At all but the schmanciest of events, a well-polished pair of oxfords will do just fine. Plus, you can wear them with the rest of your wardrobe, too.

If you’re looking for a patent “leather” option, Bruno Marc has some shiny, snazzy dress shoes for under 50 bucks.

Another pair of slippers, this velvet pair is the sharp finish to your favorite tux.

If you’re in the market for some low-key—but still classy!—loafers, Donald Pliner has a pair to fit the bill. Don’t worry about matching the metal of your cufflinks to a buckle on these, because there isn’t one.