Regardless of the occasion, a man should always strive to maintain his appearance. Your shoes reflect your personality, whether you're running errands, attending a meeting, or spending the weekend with friends. A pair of Business class shoes is best for professional or formal settings.
A business class shoe is also called a formal shoe or a dress shoe. It is designed with professional and formal settings in mind. An elegant and sophisticated appearance, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship characterize these shoes.
Interested in buying business-class shoes? Here's what you need to know.
What are the Types of Business Class Shoes?
1. Oxford
There are two types of lace-up shoes in Business Class: Derby shoes and Oxford shoes. There is often a Goodyear-welt construction on both, as well as a vamp attached to the quarters (the part of the shoe that covers the sides and back).
The "facing" of Oxfords (where the eyelets are located) is sewn under the vamp. Dress shoes with closed laces give a sleeker appearance, so black plain-toe Oxfords are your best bet. If you wear a cap toe, you'll look right at home in any boardroom.
2. Derby
Open laces (the facing is open at the bottom) give derbies a robust and versatile feel - from a trusty Land Rover to an elegant Audi A8 Oxford. A suit, jeans, or chinos can be paired with them in colors such as cognac and oxblood.
For a more traditional look, wear trousers and a sports jacket to adhere to their rustic roots. The two have subtle differences, but these can best be explained over a pint.
3. Loafer
Slip-on shoes are anything but slovenly despite their name, but they certainly provide a more relaxed look. A moccasin-like upper, often straddling a piece of leather (the saddle), gives them a low, low-sitting design without laces. There are many classic styles of loafers, such as the penny shoe, the tassel shoe, and the horsebit loafer.
4. Monk Strap
With its bold buckle, this shoe combines the formality of an Oxford with the rakishness of a Derby. The single monk strap is timeless and understated (try chocolate-brown suede), whereas the double monk strap exudes a military vibe and is typically embellished with a toecap. While these shoes date back centuries to a time when monks were looking for an alternative to sandals, they are now favored by style aficionados.
The Best 5 Business Class Shoes to Choose from the Market
Wondering about the best business-class shoe? No need to worry. Here are the top 5 business-class shoes you can choose for yourself.
1. Black Business Accent
Color: Black
Upper Material: The BLACK BUSINESS ACCENT is made of Microfiber Leather. The material is durable and can withstand daily use for a long time.
Outsole Material: The shoe has a rubber outsole that provides excellent traction, even on slick and wet surfaces.
Toe Shape: This shoe's Round Head provides more room for your toes, reducing pressure and allowing natural movement.
Closure Type: This Lace-up shoe provides a customizable fit, allowing you to tighten or loosen the laces to your preference.
Pattern Type: The Solid pattern makes this shoe extremely versatile and can easily be paired with a variety of outfits
Additional Features:
- Breathable- The special leather of the shoe provides air to flow in and out of the shoe.
- Wear-resistant- The shoe is resistant to friction, abrasion, and everyday wear.
- Lightweight- The shoe is extremely lightweight and thus offers comfort in long usage.
- Anti-slip- The shoe is equipped with better traction and grip ability on a variety of surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
2. British Classic Business Shoe
Color: Black
Upper Material: The British Classic is made of Microfiber Leather. As compared to genuine leather shoes, it is usually more water-resistant.
Outsole Material: The Rubber Sole makes it suitable for long-lasting shoes because it is resistant to abrasion.
Insole Material: The PU Leather is less likely to absorb water, helping to keep your feet dry.
Pattern: Solid patterns provide a professional and refined look, making them ideal for work or business.
Closure Type: This shoe features a lace-up closure that distributes pressure evenly across your foot.
Additional Features:
- Breathable- The special leather of the shoe provides air to flow in and out of the shoe.
- Wear-resistant- The shoe is resistant to friction, abrasion, and everyday wear.
- Lightweight- The shoe is extremely lightweight and thus offers comfort in long usage.
- Anti-slip- The shoe is equipped with better traction and grip ability on a variety of surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
3. Black Business Loafer
Color: Black
Upper Material: The Black Business Loafer is made of Genuine Leather (Cowhide Leather).
Outsole Material: The rubber outsoles are flexible and supportive, allowing a comfortable movement and natural gait.
Insole Material: The PU leather insole of this shoe is relatively easy to clean and maintain. Therefore, the shoe is less likely to stain and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Pattern: The Solid pattern gives a clean and simple look without drawing too much attention to your footwear
Weight: The shoe is very lightweight, weighing only 750-850 GM
Closure Type: This Slip-on shoe is extremely convenient to put on and take off.
Additional Features:
- Breathable- The special leather of the shoe provides air to flow in and out of the shoe.
- Wear-resistant- The shoe is resistant to friction, abrasion, and everyday wear.
- Lightweight- The shoe is extremely lightweight and thus offers comfort in long usage.
- Anti-slip- The shoe is equipped with better traction and grip ability on a variety of surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
4. Soft Leather Business Shoe
Color: Black
Upper Material: The Soft Leather Business Shoe is made of Cowhide Leather. The leather has a rich, natural appearance and smell, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Outsole Material: The rubber sole is water-resistant, keeping your feet dry even in damp weather.
Insole Material: Natural Leather insoles offer excellent comfort, reduce blister risk, and provide a more customized fit as they mold to your foot.
Weight: The shoe is extremely lightweight, weighing only 700-830 GM
Closure Type: Due to its stretchy materials and lack of laces, these slip-on shoes tend to feel like socks.
Pattern Type: This solid pattern makes it perfect for dressier occasions like weddings, interviews, and upscale gatherings.
Additional Features:
- Breathable- The special leather of the shoe provides air to flow in and out of the shoe.
- Wear-resistant- The shoe is resistant to friction, abrasion, and everyday wear.
- Lightweight- The shoe is extremely lightweight and thus offers comfort in long usage.
- Anti-slip- The shoe is equipped with better traction and grip ability on a variety of surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
5. Japanese Style Classic Business Shoe
Color: Black
Upper Material: The Japanese Style Classic Business Shoe is made of Microfiber Leather. Using a damp cloth to wipe it clean will prevent stains from forming.
Outsole Material: The outsole is made of Rubber Composite Bottom, which is lighter than solid rubber.
Toe Shape: The rounded shape of the shoe prevents your toes from getting stubbled or injured.
Closure Type: This Lace-up shoe comes with added arch support, making it a good choice for individuals with foot conditions or discomfort.
Weight: The shoe is extremely lightweight, weighing only 640-750 GM
Additional Features:
- Breathable- The special leather of the shoe provides air to flow in and out of the shoe.
- Wear-resistant- The shoe is resistant to friction, abrasion, and everyday wear.
- Lightweight- The shoe is extremely lightweight and thus offers comfort in long usage.
- Anti-slip- The shoe is equipped with better traction and grip ability on a variety of surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.
What Materials Used in Business Class Shoes?
1. Leather
Cowhide is the most common animal skin used in the production of real leather. Most leather products are made in China - 80% of the world's leather products are made there.
The durability and flexibility of leather make it the first choice. The fact that leather is breathable and insulating helps regulate your feet's temperature - you shouldn't have sweaty, smelly feet!
2. Rubber
Natural and synthetic rubber is mixed with various chemicals to make it more flexible, and stronger, and give it color and other qualities. The rubber is then kneaded and rolled
over and over again to complete mixing and get the right texture. The rubber is shaped into soles on revolving or sole-molding presses.
In addition, rubber reduces slip and fall risks since it is slip-resistant no matter how wet or muddy the conditions are.
3. Synthetics
Synthetic leather, or PU leather as it is more commonly known, is made from two layers: an outer layer attached to a polyester fiber backing.
The advantage of synthetics is their lower price - you can still have shoes that look like genuine leather without paying the higher price!
4. Foam
There are two types of foam: open-cell and closed-cell. Open-cell foam allows water and air to pass through, whereas closed-cell foam prevents gasses from escaping.
To promote ventilation, open cell foam is typically found in the tongue of the shoe. Since closed-cell foam is denser, it is commonly used in midsoles.
Casual vs. Business Class Shoe: Know the Differences!
1. Structure
In terms of structure, formal shoes differ greatly from casual shoes. The structure of shoes refers to their construction, shape, and appearance. Business class shoes are compact and sleek in shape and are designed for (obviously) formal occasions. ,
2. Lacing and Number of Eyelets
It is also possible to separate business-class shoes from casual shoes by checking the shoelaces. Casual shoes have thicker laces that may be flat or round, while business-class shoes have thin and round waxed cotton shoelaces.
Some people wear flat laces on business-class shoes. It's okay to do that, but it's the exception, not the rule.
3. Material
Leather will be the only material used for business-class shoes.
Shoes for casual wear can be made from fabric, leather, or some variation of leather (suede, nubuck).
4. Color
Generally, business-class shoes are dark in color, while casual shoes are bright and vibrant in tone.
Business class shoes need to be subtle yet presentable at the same time. Black, medium brown and oxblood are the most common colors for business class shoes.
On the other hand, casual shoes can be made as vibrant as possible. The list of colors is endless: oranges, blues, yellows, reds, turquoise.
5. Soles
Leather soles are traditionally found on business class shoes, while rubber soles are found on casual shoes.
Despite this, there is no distinct difference between the two. Dress shoes differ from casual shoes primarily in their sole type and appearance, rather than in their material.
There is usually a separate heel part on the sole of formal shoes, whereas casual shoes have flat soles.
Final Thoughts
Designed in polished black full leather, the Business Class is a classic business shoe for men. Men can look confident and modern in this elegant shoe for men. It’s style looks good with suits, tuxedos, and chino pants as well as with casual pants.
Designed in polished black full leather, the Business Class is a classic business shoe for men. Men can look confident and modern in this elegant shoe for men. It’s style looks good with suits, tuxedos, and chino pants as well as with casual pants.
FAQs
Which types of shoes are available for business class?
In business class shoes, a wide selection of styles, such as oxfords, loafers, oxfords, and derbies, each offering a different level of formality.
Are business-class shoes comfortable to wear for extended periods?
Comfort can vary between brands and styles, so it's vital to try them on and choose the right fit. Business-class shoes often feature cushioned insoles, arch support, and ergonomic designs.
What is the best way to maintain my business-class shoes?
For business-class shoes to remain in good shape, they should be regularly cleaned and polished. They should be stored in a cool, dry place with shoe trees to help them maintain their shape.
Can business-class shoes be worn on all professional occasions?
You can wear business-class shoes to most professional settings, including meetings, interviews, and office environments, even though you might need an even more formal shoe for black-tie galas and weddings.
Is it okay to wear business-class shoes with casual clothing?
Some business-class shoes can be worn with smart-casual outfits. For instance, loafers and brogues pair well with chinos or dress slacks.
