A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (2024)

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (1)

Whether you're dressing for work, a date, or just a weekend trip with the kids – men's wingtip shoes are a great option to help elevate your style without looking too formal.

But as with any item of clothing, you can't expect to look a million bucks if you just throw on a pair without knowing the style basics. There are rules you need to follow and key facts you need to know.

Don't sweat it; that's what I'm here for. Today I'm breaking out everything you need to know about wearing, styling, and looking fantastic in men's wingtip shoes.

By the end of this article, you'll discover:

  1. What Is A Wingtip Shoe?
  2. Wingtip Shoes History
  3. Wingtip Shoe Formality
  4. Who Should Wear Wingtip Shoes?

#1. What Is A Wingtip Shoe?

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (2)

Broadly speaking, a wingtip is any shoe in which the toecap is extended with low “wings” that reach around the side of the shoe.

However, when you start to get into the technical details of this footwear style, you begin encountering exceptions.

Most wingtips – but not all – are brogued, meaning they have decorative perforations along the edges of the toecap and often in other places as well.

Many wingtips – but not all – extend the wings all the way around to meet at the back of the shoe, creating a low band of leather that circles the shoe where the upper meets the sole.

And some wingtips, but certainly not all, opt for a “two-tone” color scheme wherein the body of the shoe is one color and the toecap with its wings is another.

What I'm trying to say, gents is that there are many varieties – but they all share one defining feature: an extended toecap with wings that reach around the sides of the foot.

#2. Wingtip Shoe History

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (3)

Wingtips are part of the brogue family. Traditionalists will still insist on calling them “full brogues.”

However, that's inaccurate since shoes with wing-tipped caps and no broguing have been around for centuries. It's best to take this technicality with a pinch of salt and recognize that it's a polite nod to history.

The “wingtips” that entered mainstream style back in the early 20th century were descended from the Irish and Scottish walking shoes known as brogues.

These were heavy shoes of thick leather with holes punched through to allow water to enter and then flow back out when the wearer was crossing the boggy country.

Gross, right? To us, it might seem so, but in a world without waterproof coatings and machine stitching, walking outside often meant wet feet and brogues at least allowed them to dry faster!

Fashionable shoemakers eventually adopted the style, and a whole family of shoes with decorative holes on the surface was born.

#3. How Formal Is A Wing Tip Shoe?

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (4)

Wingtips are historically casual – particularly the two-tone “spectator shoe” variety wherein the uppers and the toecap are contrasting colors.

The visually “busy” style means that they're still more casual than a non-perforated Oxford in today's fashion.

That being said, they're not sneakers, either. Wingtips are somewhere in the middle as a casual variant of formal dress shoes (or dress-casual shoes, if you prefer).

You shouldn't wear them in serious and high-formality business settings or too somber affairs like funerals. Instead, wear them with sports coats and slacks or just jeans and a casual collared shirt.

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (5)

It's essential to be mindful of the color and design of the wingtip shoe:

  • An all-black leather wingtip with narrow wings and a single line of small perforations is relatively formal.
  • A two-tone shoe with white uppers and oxblood wings that go all the way around the foot is much more casual.
  • Suede wingtip shoes are the least formal and should not be worn with a suit. However, they're great for casual summer outfits.

In general, the more holes the shoe has and the bigger the wings, the less formal it is. But color can play a part too. As with any shoe, black will always be dressier than brown.

The wingtip, or full brogue, is the most decorated member of the brogue family:

  • Quarter brogues have a toe cap seam lined with decorative perforations but no other brogueing.
  • Semi-brogues have brogueing along the toe cap seam and also on the top of the toecap leather, but not anywhere further up the shoe than the toecap.
  • Full brogues extend the toecap with wingtips and have brogueing both on top of the toecap and along the seams, and often on the body of the wings.
  • Longwing brogues is a term sometimes used to set apart wingtips where the wings meet at the back of the shoe, forming a complete circuit of the shoe. They are a subset of the wingtip style.

#4. Who Should Wear Wingtip Shoes?

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (6)

If you're looking for your first pair of perfect dress shoes, avoid men's wingtip shoes.

It's a striking look and can be great with the right outfit. However, they're not as versatile as a pair of simple Oxfords for formal clothing.

You should not be using wingtips as your go-to shoe for every occasion that demands leather dress shoes.

However, if you already own a pair of formal dress shoes, a pair of men's wingtip shoes can be an excellent step in expanding your dress-casual options. They add a relaxed and fun-loving air to most social/leisure outfits.

Think of them as shoes that say, “Hey, I'm off the clock, but I still care about how I look.”

Modern variations of the wingtip have broadened the formality of this footwear style. There is a wingtip shoe for everyone, ranging from scaled-down formal versions to neon-colored two-tone showpieces.

Learning about wingtips is only the start. Click here to discover the other essential shoes a man must have in his closet.

Click below to watch the video:

A Beginner's Guide To Men's Wingtip Shoes (2023 edition) (2024)

FAQs

Are mens wingtip shoes still in style? ›

The Wingtip shoe has come back into style because of its classic look. Receiving its name from the wingtip style toes, extending towards the back along with the curving sides. Wingtip shoes are perfect for elevating formalwear to create a more sophisticated look.

Can you wear wingtips to a funeral? ›

Wingtips are somewhere in the middle as a casual variant of formal dress shoes (or dress-casual shoes, if you prefer). You shouldn't wear them in serious and high-formality business settings or too somber affairs like funerals. Instead, wear them with sports coats and slacks or just jeans and a casual collared shirt.

What color wingtips should I buy? ›

As is the case for most attire, a lighter coloured shoe is more casual, and darker is dressier. A dark brown or black wingtip shoe can easily be worn with most business suits. A lighter brown leather or suede wingtip looks extra slick with jeans or chinos.

What occasion is wingtip shoes for? ›

Black wingtips are versatile and perfect for a business office and smart formal occasions. They could look perfect as a formal wedding shoe, and equally look good on the honeymoon dressed down with a pair of blue jeans. Brown and tan also work well with a smart or semi casual look.

What is the difference between wingtip and Oxford? ›

The Wingtip Oxford has a pointed toe cap with extensions called wingtips which extend along both sides of the shoe. Although technically an Oxford, it is generally referred to as a Brogue. When seen from above, the cap is shaped like a 'W' or an 'M', depending on the viewpoint.

What color shirt should a man wear to a funeral? ›

Colors. The typical western funeral dress code for men is a black suit with a plain white shirt.

How formal are wingtips? ›

In a word, yes. They are historically semi-casual dress shoes and with all the detail work they don't often mesh well with the nice clean lines that we strive for in modern men's style. They fall somewhere in the middle of casual and dressy.

What color do you wear to a funeral? ›

What is appropriate clothing for a funeral? Traditionally, funeral etiquette suggests men and women wear black clothing that's conservative and respectful. Black or dark colours are most common, but some cultures expect mourners to wear a less traditional funeral colour.

What are the most expensive wing tip shoes? ›

World's Most Expensive Wingtips

At an astonishing price of $10,000 per pair, Louis Vuitton is offering what are perhaps the world’s most expensive pair of men’s dress shoes for S/S 2010.

What are the most expensive wingtips? ›

The idea of ultra luxury in fashion is nothing new but spending $10,000 on a pair of alligator leather wingtips is in its own realm of frivolity. These are the most expensive Louis Vuitton men's shoes ever made.

What is the difference between wing tips and winglets? ›

Winglets are vertical extensions of wingtips. These innovations improve fuel efficiency and cruising range. They are created as small airfoils and reduce the aerodynamic drag associated with vortices that develop at the tips as the aircraft travels.

Can I wear wingtips with shorts? ›

Due to the classic look of a wingtip shoe, it's best to pair it with a chino or slim-fit trousers. If you opt to wear these wingtips with shorts, stick with no-show socks, as ankle socks might completely ruin its sophisticated look.

Why is a shoe called a wingtip? ›

The wingtip, of course, got its name as the perforations along the toe resemble the wing of a bird, thus wing tip. These holes are known as broguing. The name comes from the Gaelic word bróg, meaning shoe, and in the 1900s the word was used for any footwear you'd wear for a muddy ramble.

Can you wear wingtips with a tuxedo? ›

If you're going to a formal event, patent leather oxfords or wingtips are a safe bet. They'll pair well with a tuxedo of any kind, and their shiny finish will make you stand out of the crowd a little bit more.

What is another name for wingtip shoes? ›

Full Brogues or Wingtips

“Full brogue shoes” or “wingtips” are terms that can be used interchangeably to describe a pair of brogues that have a pointed cap toe that extends along both sides of the shoe and usually ends near the ball of the foot.

What are two tone wingtip shoes called? ›

The spectator shoe, also known as co-respondent shoe, is a style of low-heeled, oxford, semi-brogue or full brogue constructed from two contrasting colours, typically having the toe and heel cap and sometimes the lace panels in a darker colour than the main body of the shoe.

What year were wingtip shoes popular? ›

They're dressy, but in a casual way.” As bankerly and stylish as wingtips may look today, their history is another story. They came into fashion in the 1910s, when the low-sided oxford — what is now considered a basic dress shoe — arrived in the United States, part of a trend for shoes with a leisure-class feel.

Is it OK to wear dress shoes with jeans? ›

Yes, You Can Wear Dress Shoes with Jeans

Here, we'll cover what most men get wrong about wearing dress shoes and jeans, how you can pull it off, and why the rest of your outfit matters as well.

Why are wingtips upturned? ›

These small additions, commonly known as winglets, are designed to improve the efficiency of the aircraft by reducing drag. These special wingtips have aerodynamic benefits that come from nature; many birds, especially gliding birds, curl their wings up at the ends to improve the efficiency of their flight.

Are brogues and wingtips the same? ›

However, whether in an Oxford or Derby style – a brogue is very much a shoe in its own right. Wingtips are a brogue with a decorative detail on an extended toecap. Cap toes are brogues with a plain toe, although often with perforations along the edge of the cap.

What not to wear to a funeral for men? ›

First and foremost, dress appropriately. This means no jeans, shorts, or tank tops. Instead, opt for dark, conservative clothing. Women should avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy, and men should make sure their clothing is clean and wrinkle-free.

What not to wear to a funeral? ›

Avoid dressing in casual clothing, such as athletic wear, tank tops, or shorts. Skip the flip-flops, tennis shoes, sneakers, or boat shoes. Remove the neon necktie, purse, or accessory. Shy away from wearing jeans, even black ones, because they are considered too casual for a funeral.

What does black shirt mean in funeral? ›

Black is standard for people to wear at a funeral because it symbolizes mourning and a somber occasion. The color black also shows respect for the deceased, and wearing other colors can be a “slap in the face,” according to some religions.

Do wingtips increase lift? ›

The winglets increase the spread of the vortices along the TE, creating more lift at the wingtips (figs. 2 and 3). The result is a reduction in induced drag (fig.

Can wingtips be worn with a suit? ›

Yes. You can wear wingtips with a suit and tie. Wingtips usually have brogues on the shoe and generally, the more brogues that you have, the more casual the shoe.

What does pink mean at a funeral? ›

Pink: admiration, appreciation, elegance, grace, love (often used at the funerals of women or children)

What should a man wear to a celebration of life? ›

What men should wear to a celebration of life. At traditional funerals, men are often expected to wear a suit and tie or a dress shirt. However, for a celebration of life, jeans, shorts, and slacks are acceptable. T-shirts are as well, but steer clear of graphic tees and large logos.

Can I wear jeans to a funeral? ›

Can you wear jeans to a funeral? The most common answer is that jeans aren't considered appropriate funeral etiquette unless requested by the family. However, dark, unembellished jeans paired with a shirt, tie, and blazer for men or a blouse and a blazer for women can be appropriate for a casual service.

What is the most expensive pair of shoes to ever sell? ›

A pair of Michael Jordan's shoes have become the most valuable sneakers ever to be sold at auction. Sotheby's says the Nike Air Jordan 13 sneakers sold for a record $2.2 million on Tuesday.

What is the most expensive pair of shoes ever? ›

Most expensive sneakers of all time summary

Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 'Prototype' – $1.8 million. Michael Jordan's Game Worn Nike Airship – $1.47 million. Air Jordan Retro “Kobe Pack” – $800,000. Jordan 1 Retro High Charlotte Hornets Foundation Black/White – $250,000.

What is the number one most expensive shoes? ›

Harry Winston Ruby Slippers – $3 Million

These shoes, which were painstakingly made with 4,600 rubies, are the pinnacle of luxury. These stunning shoes include 50 carats of diamonds in addition to 1,350 carats of rubies and have a $3 million price tag.

What are the advantages of wingtips? ›

The Benefits of Winglets

Winglets increase an aircraft's operating efficiency by reducing what is called induced drag at the tips of the wings. An aircraft's wing is shaped to generate negative pressure on the upper surface and positive pressure on the lower surface as the aircraft moves forward.

What is the best winglet shape? ›

The shark fin-alike winglet was overall the most efficient design, followed shortly by the famous blended design found in many mid-sized airliners. The worst performing designs were surprisingly the fenced and spiroid designs, which had efficiencies on par with the wing without winglet.

Are raked wingtips better than winglets? ›

A raked wing is not a winglet per se, but the tip of wing itself is swept back compared to the rest of the wing. The functionality is similar. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, some Boeing 777s and the Boeing 747-8 all have raked wingtips, not winglets.

Why do you split winglets? ›

How the split winglets work. Winglets are added to the end of a plane's wings to reduce drag and ultimately enable more efficient flight. They work by reducing a process known as vortex drag, caused by different air pressures converging at the tips of each wing and slowing the aircraft down.

What are the disadvantages of winglets? ›

A longer wing is more prone to flutter problems and slower in roll than a short wing, but adding winglets to a short wing also increases the danger of flutter and the additional mass at the tip creates more rolling inertia. adds bending load to the wing.

Why does the 777 not have winglets? ›

The 777-200LR and -300ER variants of the aircraft have a wingspan of 64.8 meters. This only just falls below the upper limit for the ICAO's aerodrome code E. The upper limit for this category is 65 meters, and adding winglets would exceed this. This would cause the aircraft to be classified under aerodrome code F.

Why are they called Oxford shoes? ›

Oxfords were derived from the Oxonian, a half-boot with side slits that gained popularity at Oxford University in 1800. Unlike early shoes, Oxfords were cut smaller than the foot. The side slit evolved into a side lace that eventually moved to the instep, as students rebelled against knee-high and ankle-high boots.

What do you wear with wingtip boots? ›

Black box calf brogue boots are an excellent stand-in for your standard black work shoe, they perfectly pair with a suit, especially if your suit is navy or charcoal. For the perfect weekend vibe, pair your wingtip brogue boots with slim fit denims or chinos and a bomber jacket or a blazer.

When should you not wear shorts? ›

Shorts, especially athletic shorts, should never be worn in public under any other circ*mstances. Do not wear shorts to work. Never wear shorts to dinner. PLEASE don't wear shorts on a date (unless it's one of the above scenarios).

What does Daddy shoes mean? ›

Also known as “chunky sneakers” or “ugly sneakers,” dad sneaker is a term used to describe any pair of functional and comfortable kicks. What is this? Report Ad. They tend to offer a lot of arch support via their signature chunky soles and are also the everyday footwear of choice for many dads and middle-aged men.

What is a duck shoe? ›

Q: What are Duck Boots? Duck boots are sturdy, waterproof boots that feature a rubber lower section and a leather upper section. Frequently coming up to your ankles, duck boots are a wonderful option for colder weather. They're versatile and comfortable and will quickly become a favorite winter wardrobe essential.

Why are brogues called brogues? ›

The word "brogue" came into English in the late sixteenth century. It comes from the Gaeilge bróg (Irish), Gaelic bròg (Scottish) "shoe", from the Old Norse "brók" meaning "leg covering". The Scots word brogue is also used to denote a bradawl or boring tool as well as the action of piercing with such a tool.

Do people still wear wingtips? ›

The Wingtip shoe has come back into style because of its classic look. Receiving its name from the wingtip style toes, extending towards the back along with the curving sides. Wingtip shoes are perfect for elevating formalwear to create a more sophisticated look.

Should tuxedo shoes be shiny or matte? ›

Do tuxedo shoes have to be shiny? Traditional tuxedo shoes are typically crafted from a patent (high-shine) material, but it is completely acceptable to wear formal shoes with a more natural, less shiny finish with a formal suit or tuxedo.

Can I wear wingtips with a tuxedo? ›

If you're going to a formal event, patent leather oxfords or wingtips are a safe bet. They'll pair well with a tuxedo of any kind, and their shiny finish will make you stand out of the crowd a little bit more.

What are the holes in wingtip shoes called? ›

The wingtip, of course, got its name as the perforations along the toe resemble the wing of a bird, thus wing tip. These holes are known as broguing. The name comes from the Gaelic word bróg, meaning shoe, and in the 1900s the word was used for any footwear you'd wear for a muddy ramble.

Are brogues the same as wingtips? ›

However, whether in an Oxford or Derby style – a brogue is very much a shoe in its own right. Wingtips are a brogue with a decorative detail on an extended toecap. Cap toes are brogues with a plain toe, although often with perforations along the edge of the cap.

What is the disadvantage of folding wingtips? ›

The disadvantage is that you'll there is extra hardware involved and extra hardware means extra weight and extra expense. On a large military aircraft, the design takes that weight into account and the respective governments are willing to pay the price.

What should you not wear with a tuxedo? ›

Trousers with braces

In the choice of trousers, wearing trousers that include the application of braces, the belts, as practical, are not suitable for a look as formal as black tie. Choose black or white braces in fabric, rather than in leather, or in any case they should be matching the colour of the tuxedo.

Can you wear brown shoes with a dinner suit? ›

Answer: Typically, it is not acceptable to wear brown leather dress shoes with a black tuxedo. Different than a black suit, a black tuxedo always falls in the category of formal wear and should be worn with formal shoes.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6013

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.