What makes a shoe a brogue? Can an Oxford or a Derby also be a brogue, or is it more about the materials which make up the shoe? In our most recent blog article we will explain the origins of brogues and what makes a brogue a brogue.
Thanks to the film Kingsman quote 'always Oxford's never Brogues' everybody is asking 'What's the difference between and Oxford and a brogue?' Find out the answer and why we don't think Harry is quite right on our latest blog!
Have you ever wondered where the classic men's brogue came from? Surprisingly, its origins are rather less chic than its contemporary appearance may have you believe. read our new blog to find out more!
Blue is a colour which evokes trust and it’s the go-to colour for most men. It is also a popular choice for any wedding palette. But why limit it to your shirts and your socks? Check out our list of blue accented brogues, for you to find your true blue brogue.
Introducing our new sophisticated brogue shoe for men, Sidney in black or tan. An opulent Oxford shoe, Sidney has the classic colour blocking of a leather Oxford with the charm and decoration of our signature brogue pattern.
With their flair and personality it's no surprise that Brogues are looking to be a popular shoe choice in 2022. But with so many amazing pairs of shoes from, and so many different places to visit and people to see, how can you possibly decide which brogue is best for your new year?
It’s a common myth, when buying leather shoes, that you should have to tolerate excessive discomfort. Often people will buy a shoe which is too small in the hopes that the leather will eventually stretch enough for comfort. Yes leather will become more supple as it flexes and moulds to your feet, but you should always aim for the best possible fit when looking to buy a pair of leather shoes.
We have a range of options available to the fashion conscious footwear connoisseur with wider feet.
How Can Narrow Shoes hurt Wide feet
Regularly wearing shoes which are too narrow can lead to painful problems for your feet such as blisters, corns and bunions which can have short to long term consequences. Shoes at a lower price point can often compromise on fit for affordability.
At London Brogues we never compromise on quality and comfort, and instead save costs through dealing directly with our manufacturers and cutting out the middle man.
What Style of Shoe is best for wide feet?
Given that the classic Brogue shoe is typically an Oxford Shoe, it can be a real challenge for men to find the perfect feet. The Oxford boasts a sleek silhouette, with a close lacing system which can create a narrower shape that can leave wider footed gentlemen struggling to find a comfortable match.
Our Wide Fit Gatsby Shoe Range
Our best selling Gatsby shoe is available in a range of styles and wide fit sizes. You can choose from black, tan or navy blue with tan for your Gatsby spectator shoe. For men with size 7 to size 12 feet our Gatsby shoes are the perfect dress shoe for special occasions such as weddings.
Derby shoes: open laces for a wider fit
As an alternative to an Oxford brogue, we also carry a range of Derby shoes. Though not sized specifically for wide fit, the Derby shoe style is wonderful for men who need a little extra room. This is because they feature a looser open lacing system. It creates a wider, more casual silhouette, but is still a more than smart enough shoe for the office or dinner out.
Something like our Tommy Derby shoe can give you personality and colour, whilst making sure you stay comfortable. This shoe comes in different colours of leathers including navy and tan, brown and tan and red, navy and tan.
2020 saw the rise in the popularity of cottagecore aesthetics, and as 2021 continues to unfold it’s clear this trend isn’t going anywhere. In this article we explore what cottagecore is, how it came to be so popular and how to achieve the countrycore look with a little help from our beautiful brogue boots.
It’s often assumed that brogues are best worn in the winter months, paired with dark colours to match the grey weather outside. However, a change in seasonal wear does not necessarily mean a change in shoe selection. Read our latest blog to find out how you can style your brogues in warm weather.
This Summer we are introducing our range of coloured laces to our online store. Mix and match your favourite looks and colours to make your shoes look and feel completely new.
We are looking forward to what is in store for weddings this summer and how our junior range is the best choice for the older children and young men and women in your wedding party.
Black brogues are the workhorse of any man's wardrobe. Seriously versatile. But here's the thing – most people wear them the same way day in, day out, missing out on their full potential.I've found that black brogues work brilliantly from morning meetings right through to evening drinks. You just need to know the tricks.Let's break down exactly how to style them for different occasions throughout your day.Why Black Brogues Work So WellBefore we get into the styling, it's worth mentioning why black brogues are such a smart investment. They're formal enough for client meetings but have that decorative punching detail that stops them looking too stiff.They bridge the gap between Oxford shoes and something more casual. That's their superpower.Unlike brown brogues, which lean more casual, black ones can genuinely handle everything from boardroom presentations to after-work pints. The colour helps them blend into smarter contexts whilst the brogue detailing keeps things interesting.Office-Ready LooksThe Classic Suit CombinationStart with the obvious – a well-cut suit. Navy or charcoal grey works best. Black suits? Save those for funerals and particularly formal events. Navy especially looks sharp with black brogues.I'd usually suggest going for a modern slim or tailored fit rather than anything too boxy. The suit should complement the refined shape of your men's oxford shoes rather than overwhelm them.Add a crisp white shirt and a tie that pulls together the whole outfit. Job done.For weddings and occasions, this same combination works perfectly. Just swap in a pocket square and maybe some tweed accessories to elevate things.Smart-Casual Office DaysNot every workplace demands a full suit anymore. Thank goodness.Try charcoal or navy chinos with a button-down Oxford cloth shirt. Roll the sleeves up once you're at your desk if you like. Black brogues ground this look and stop it sliding into "weekend casual" territory.Add a lightweight V-neck jumper in grey or navy during cooler months. This outfit works brilliantly for consultancy work, creative industries, or casual Fridays.The key? Keep everything fitted. Baggy chinos with brogues just doesn't work.Don't Forget Your SocksQuick aside – your socks matter more than you think. Match them to your trousers, not your shoes. Navy trousers? Navy socks. Grey trousers? Grey socks.Showing a flash of bare ankle when you sit down isn't the look you want in professional settings. Save that for summer weekends.Transitioning to EveningHere's where it gets interesting. You can't always pop home between work and evening plans. So how do you transform your office look without a full outfit change?Swap the Top HalfThe simplest transition? Change your shirt.Keep a dark henley or polo shirt at the office. Swap out your formal shirt, lose the tie, and suddenly you've got a completely different vibe. Your black brogues work perfectly because they're smart enough to carry the look without feeling too casual.A black or navy henley under a blazer looks put-together for dinner or drinks. It says you've made an effort without trying too hard.The Blazer TrickIf you wore a full suit to work, try this: swap your suit trousers for dark jeans (indigo or black works best) and keep your blazer on.Suddenly you've gone from "office" to "evening" without really trying. The Gatsby collection has some brilliant pieces that nail this smart-casual crossover.Black brogues handle this transition beautifully. They're formal enough that you don't look scruffy, but the brogue detailing stops you looking overdressed for a bar or restaurant.Accessories Make the DifferenceThis is where you can have some fun. A different watch strap – leather instead of metal, or vice versa. A patterned pocket square if you're keeping the blazer on. Maybe swap your work bag for something smaller.Check out the accessories collection for belts, wallets, and other pieces that can shift your look from day to night.Full Evening LooksDate NightDark denim (proper dark, not faded) with a well-fitted shirt – think white, light blue, or even a subtle check. Leave the top button undone. Roll the sleeves up.Black brogues here look intentional rather than like you've just come from work. The contrast between smart shoes and casual denim is stylish without being try-hard.Add a navy or charcoal cardigan if it's chilly. Keeps things relaxed but pulled together.Dinner with FriendsSimilar to the date night look, but you can relax things slightly. A quality polo shirt or casual button-down works well. Chinos instead of jeans if you prefer.The beauty of black brogues is they work with pretty much any trouser colour for evening. Navy, grey, olive, even burgundy chinos all look good. Just avoid anything too light – that's when black shoes can look a bit disconnected.Smart Evening EventsTheatre? Gallery opening? Fancy dinner?This is where black brogues really shine. A dark suit without a tie, perhaps with an open-collar white or light blue shirt. Or go for a blazer and tailored trousers combination.You'll notice the pattern here – black brogues are the constant. They're the foundation that makes all these different looks work.Practical TipsKeep your brogues well-maintained. Scuffed, dull shoes ruin even the best outfit. Polish them regularly and invest in decent shoe trees. Your shoes will last years longer.If you're building your collection, start with all the essentials rather than jumping straight to statement pieces. Get the basics right first.For those with broader feet, the wide fit collection means you don't have to compromise on style for comfort. Nothing ruins your evening like pinched feet.And if you've got younger family members looking to develop their style, the junior range offers proper leather shoes rather than cheap alternatives. Start them early with quality.Final ThoughtsBlack brogues aren't boring. They're efficient.One pair of quality black brogues can genuinely take you through an entire day – morning client meetings, afternoon presentations, evening drinks, dinner dates. You just need to think about the other pieces you're pairing them with.Start with the classics. A well-cut suit, a crisp shirt, the right socks. Master those combinations first. Then experiment as you build confidence – try a pair of brown brogues for lighter suits, or break the formality with smart casual brogues worn with chinos and an open collar. For weddings and black-tie events, a pair of formal brogues or patent leather shoes will always outperform standard Oxfords.If you prefer something with a bit more character, chestnut and bordo shades sit beautifully with navy and grey tailoring, and tweed contrast brogues bring real personality to autumn and winter outfits. For colder months, a pair of Chelsea boots – either leather or suede – extend the same principle into boot form.Worth keeping an eye on new arrivals too – trends change, but classic black brogues never go out of style. And if you're looking to grab a bargain, the clearance section often has gems at reduced prices.The key is making your brogues work harder. Most people have the shoes already. They just need to rethink how they're styling them.
Despite the way they are often scrabbled at the bottom of a laundry basket and grabbed last minute, socks can actually easily ruin an outfit and are no less important than your choice of shirt or tie. Like most clothing they are of course a practical item, but again like all clothing that doesn’t mean that style and comfort are not important!
This summer why not get a little tan! By which we mean a little tan treat from London Brogues. Explore our wide range of classic tan shoes and boots for men.
This Autumn, We have some exciting new products to introduce. Please be upstanding for the fabulous Ripley oxford shoe, Henry brogues Chelsea boot and our tweed and leather wash bag.
