Being a sharply dressed man costs money. Nice suits are expensive, quality shirts aren’t cheap, and handsome ties go for a pretty penny. You can’t cut corners on these pieces -- and you definitely shouldn’t -- but your dress shoes are a different story. Tasteful, high-quality dress shoes come in a variety of styles and in a variety of prices, which means you don’t have to break the bank to get good-looking footwear. That’s right; affordable options exist that allow you to save some coin but still dress to impress. And with a little maintenance, these less expensive models can go the distance as well.
Here is a list of classy dress shoes that won’t break your bank account the next time you’re in the market for some new fancy kicks.
Florsheim Welles 
Cost: $110
Don’t let the low price tag fool you; with the Welles shoe you really are getting the most bang for your buck. Available in either rich burgundy or black leather, this shoe offers a classic take on the traditional oxford. The leather’s matte finish provides a sophisticated look, while the subtle stitch details and tapered cap toe give the shoe a stylish, modern update. And along the bottom, the buffed leather sole lends an additional touch of class by giving the shoe a refined, smooth appearance. On the whole, the Welles is conservative enough for the average Joe and mod for those who like a more contemporary look.
Kenneth Cole Great Cause
Cost: $130
The designers at Kenneth Cole hit the nail on the head when they named this one. The Great Cause gives you high-fashion design at a wallet-friendly price. One word describes it best: sharp. Couple the shoe’s slender curvature and build with its ornamental stitching and you get one of the most contemporary oxfords available; the Great Cause is on par with today’s top Italian models. What’s more, the leather heel is sleek and compact, creating even more visual appeal. If you want to walk among the upper echelons of footwear fashion, the Great Cause is the shoe for you.
Cole Haan Pinch Penny
Cost: $145
Though the name affirms the reasonable price tag, it fails to give justice to this shoe’s overall appeal. Cole Haan’s Pinch Penny loafer is as classic as they come. Designed to look like the most traditional of loafers, this pair goes a step further: The polished, hand-antiqued leather brings an all-new shine to the shoe’s look and feel. And in some regards, it leaves tradition in the dust by making the more conservative loafer -- and dresser -- seem slightly more ambitious.
J&M Dobson Moc-Toe Venetian
Cost: $150
Rest assured -- this isn’t your grandfather’s loafer. A great value and a great-looking shoe, Johnston & Murphy’s Dobson Moc-Toe Venetian offers an updated, comfortable version of a traditional style. The people at Johnston & Murphy say it best: “Sneaker comfort with dress-shoe smarts.” Equipped with several interior-cushioning features, the Venetian not only provides superior comfort, but also ultimate style. The smooth, rounded upper gives this shoe a trendy, sporty look, while the stacked heel counters with a touch of class. Though it is a great addition to any man’s shoe collection, the sensibly priced Venetian is ideal for the consummate traveler who likes to get around in style and in comfort.
Florsheim Essex
Cost: $120
If you’re on the market for boots, Florsheim’s Essex is an excellent option for both you and your bank account. Coming in at a meager $120, the Essex hangs in there with the most stylish of boots. The rich leather finishes, especially the cherry, give the Essex an air of sophistication that lends itself to playing the part of a well-dressed executive. The ridgeline stitching along the toe box also adds a touch of business-savvy to the shoe, making it all the more appropriate for work wear. And while some dress boots masquerade as an oxford or loafer, the Essex doesn’t try to be something it’s not: The heel boldly states that what you see is what you get. So if it’s a boot you want, it’s a boot you shall have -- affordably and stylishly so.
Cost: $110
Don’t let the low price tag fool you; with the Welles shoe you really are getting the most bang for your buck. Available in either rich burgundy or black leather, this shoe offers a classic take on the traditional oxford. The leather’s matte finish provides a sophisticated look, while the subtle stitch details and tapered cap toe give the shoe a stylish, modern update. And along the bottom, the buffed leather sole lends an additional touch of class by giving the shoe a refined, smooth appearance. On the whole, the Welles is conservative enough for the average Joe and mod for those who like a more contemporary look.
Kenneth Cole Great Cause
Cost: $130
The designers at Kenneth Cole hit the nail on the head when they named this one. The Great Cause gives you high-fashion design at a wallet-friendly price. One word describes it best: sharp. Couple the shoe’s slender curvature and build with its ornamental stitching and you get one of the most contemporary oxfords available; the Great Cause is on par with today’s top Italian models. What’s more, the leather heel is sleek and compact, creating even more visual appeal. If you want to walk among the upper echelons of footwear fashion, the Great Cause is the shoe for you.
Cole Haan Pinch Penny
Cost: $145
Though the name affirms the reasonable price tag, it fails to give justice to this shoe’s overall appeal. Cole Haan’s Pinch Penny loafer is as classic as they come. Designed to look like the most traditional of loafers, this pair goes a step further: The polished, hand-antiqued leather brings an all-new shine to the shoe’s look and feel. And in some regards, it leaves tradition in the dust by making the more conservative loafer -- and dresser -- seem slightly more ambitious.
J&M Dobson Moc-Toe Venetian
Cost: $150
Rest assured -- this isn’t your grandfather’s loafer. A great value and a great-looking shoe, Johnston & Murphy’s Dobson Moc-Toe Venetian offers an updated, comfortable version of a traditional style. The people at Johnston & Murphy say it best: “Sneaker comfort with dress-shoe smarts.” Equipped with several interior-cushioning features, the Venetian not only provides superior comfort, but also ultimate style. The smooth, rounded upper gives this shoe a trendy, sporty look, while the stacked heel counters with a touch of class. Though it is a great addition to any man’s shoe collection, the sensibly priced Venetian is ideal for the consummate traveler who likes to get around in style and in comfort.
Florsheim Essex
Cost: $120
If you’re on the market for boots, Florsheim’s Essex is an excellent option for both you and your bank account. Coming in at a meager $120, the Essex hangs in there with the most stylish of boots. The rich leather finishes, especially the cherry, give the Essex an air of sophistication that lends itself to playing the part of a well-dressed executive. The ridgeline stitching along the toe box also adds a touch of business-savvy to the shoe, making it all the more appropriate for work wear. And while some dress boots masquerade as an oxford or loafer, the Essex doesn’t try to be something it’s not: The heel boldly states that what you see is what you get. So if it’s a boot you want, it’s a boot you shall have -- affordably and stylishly so.
