The concept of broguing, as defined by Merriam–Webster, refers to the distinctive ornamentation of shoes featuring heavy perforations. This unique characteristic sets brogue shoes apart from other footwear options. Brogue shoes come in two primary styles: the Derby, characterized by open lacing, and the Oxford, marked by closed lacing. Within these categories, various designs can be found, including full, half, and quarter brogues.
The anatomy of a shoe consists of two main parts: the upper and lower sections. The upper portion, known as the vamp, features visible holes for laces. Beneath this lies the quarter section, which forms the foundation of the shoe’s bottom. Interestingly, most punching or broguing occurs along seams or on the toe, often referred to as a ‘medallion.’
Types of Brogue Shoes
When it comes to brogues, there’s no shortage of styles to choose from. From traditional shoemakers to high-end brands, each type offers its own unique characteristics. The key is finding the right one for you. One of the most iconic styles is the full brogue or wingtip. This classic design features a pointed toe cap with wing-like extensions that extend up to both sides of the shoe. When viewed from above, the toe cap resembles a ‘W’ or ‘M’ shape.
In contrast, half brogues are known for their more formal aesthetic. Introduced by John Lobb Ltd in 1937, this style features decorative punched detailing along the edges and center of the toe cap. While less flashy than full brogues, half brogues can add a touch of sophistication to any outfit. For those seeking a more practical option, quarter brogues are a great choice.
Characterized by their straight toe caps with decorative detailing along the edge, these shoes are perfect for workwear or everyday wear. Another classic style is the longwing, an American favorite that extends the wingtip all the way to the back of the shoe instead of stopping at the sole. This design often features edge perforations rather than a traditional toe cap. For those who crave a timeless look, the spectator brogue is a great option.
Popular in the 1930s and 1940s, this two-tone design typically features dark-colored lacing, heels, and toes, while the rest of the shoe is in a contrasting lighter tone. Blind brogues, on the other hand, are characterized by their wingtip toe caps with broguing only along the edges – no medallion in sight. Meanwhile, U-Cap (U-Tip) brogues offer an adapted version of the full brogue style, with a U-shaped cap that wraps around the vamp instead of being pointed.
Finally, ghillie brogues are a staple of traditional formal Scottish footwear. These shoes can be either full brogues or wingtips, but they’re distinguished by their lack of tongue and long laces that wrap around the legs.
Styling Tips
What To Avoid?
Brogues Outfit Ideas
↓ 24 – Urban Style
Embrace your inner contemporary urban man and elevate your style to new heights. To achieve this modern gent look, focus on a cohesive color palette that ties everything together. Start by combining streetwear-inspired pieces with smart, sophisticated touches. A classic combination could be a sleek bomber jacket, a crisp white or light-colored shirt, and slim-fitting blue jeans with cuffed hems. For an added touch of elegance, consider adding a stylish beret to bring the overall look together.
↓ 23 – With Denim Jacket
↓ 22 – With Bomber Jacket
↓ 21 – With Leather Jacket
Pairing the leather jacket with the brogues is a harmonious union, as they both boast a sleek and refined finish. The unified aesthetic creates a cohesive look that exudes sophistication. To add some visual interest, consider introducing a color contrast by pairing the brown brogues with a black leather jacket. This unexpected combination will add depth to your outfit while maintaining its overall elegance.
↓ 20 – With A Suit?
When it comes to styling brogues as a gentleman, one practical approach is to pair them with a suit. This classic combination works wonders, as long as you make sure those brogues are polished to perfection – especially for more formal occasions. Interestingly, the origins of men’s brogues lay in their ability to withstand the rigors of wetlands, which likely contributed to their refined craftsmanship and sleek appearance that still impresses us today.
↓ 19 – Semi Formal with Khakis
When it comes to dressing up, older and mature men have an opportunity to make a statement with their footwear. One way to do this is by swapping out traditional dress shoes for something more unique and stylish. For instance, if you’re in your 50s and tired of the same old black Oxfords every day, consider upgrading to a pair of maple-colored quarter brogues. This subtle yet sophisticated change can add a touch of elegance to even the most formal of outfits.
↓ 18 – Formal Wear
Brogues possess a unique charm that straddles the line between formal and casual footwear. While they are undeniably dressy, their intricate detailing and perforations set them apart from more traditional shoes like Oxfords and Derbies. In the past, brogues were considered too rustic for formal events, being reserved for outdoor wear. However, this very same character that makes them appear less stuffy than other dress shoes is what adds to their allure.
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to incorporate brogues into your wardrobe, be sure to check out our guide to Men Summer Office wear-18 Best Workwear Outfits for Warm Months.
↓ 17 – Office Wear
↓ 16 – With Ankle High pants
↓ 15 – With Chinos
When it comes to dressing well, sticking to timeless color combinations is key. For a chic look, opt for classic pairings of pants and shoes that never go out of style. To add some sophistication to your outfit, throw on a simple yet stylish shirt – but feel free to elevate it with a blazer if you want to make a statement. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your pant hemline by cuffing them to show off your ankles and add some visual interest to your overall look.
↓ 14 – With Shorts
When the warmer weather rolls around, pairing brogues with shorts is a timeless combination that’s perfect for hot summer days. For an effortless look, team your brogues with a polo shirt, and skip the socks altogether. The lightweight nature of casual brogues makes them an ideal match for shorts on a lazy summer weekend.
↓ 13 – With Rolled Up Jeans
To create a stylish ensemble when pairing brogues with jeans, opt for a streamlined look. Choose skinny or slim jeans in dark blue or black hues that exude a sense of sophistication. A chunky sole on your brogue can add a rugged touch to the overall aesthetic. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a more refined appearance, consider opting for a suede brogue instead. This subtle variation can help maintain an air of elegance while still incorporating the classic charm of brogues with jeans.
↓ 12 – For Weddings
Elevate your wedding guest attire by pairing a refined pair of brogues with dressy trousers for a sophisticated look. Consider complementing the ensemble with a crisp shirt and a tailored blazer. For added inspiration, refer to our comprehensive guide on Casual Wedding Guest Attire.
↓ 11 – For Travel
When venturing out on a travel adventure or embarking on a road trip, particularly in chilly climates, brogue boots are an excellent choice. For added warmth and style, consider pairing them with your outerwear – whether it’s a cozy overcoat or another layer of protection from the elements.
↓ 10 – Business Casual
↓ 9 – Winter Wardrobe
↓ 8 – Autumn Look
As autumn’s chill begins to settle in, just as it does during winter’s grasp, the season’s palette of colors offers a unique chance to showcase earthy tones. The rich, warm hues of autumn’s brown shades – like this cozy sherpa jacket – have an undeniable appeal, inviting you to pair them with equally earthy accents, such as chestnut or gingerbread brown brogues.
↓ 7 – With Sherpa Jacket
While the classic combination of a brown sherpa collar jacket is always a great choice, it’s also worth considering alternative shades to create a unique look. For instance, blue wash denim pairs surprisingly well with dark brown brogues when the latter has a caramel hue, as seen here.
↓ 6 – With Pullover Shirt
↓ 5 – With Suede Jacket
↓ 4 – With Grey Trousers
↓ 3 – With Corduroy
↓ 2 – With Cargo Pants
↓ 1 – College Outfit
Where To Buy Brogue Shoes
When it comes to versatility, the semi-brogue is an excellent choice for those who want a shoe that can be easily paired with various outfits. However, a chestnut brown option will also complement a wide range of ensembles without standing out too much. For a more formal look, black quarter brogues are ideal for professions such as banking or law. If you’re in the market for a new pair, consider checking out these options:
Marks & Spencer offers a sleek design at $69.
River Island provides a stylish choice at an affordable $35.
Base London features a high-quality option for $74.99.
Dune offers a premium selection at $110.
For those looking to invest in a high-end pair, the Bradford Cap Toe Derby is available for $129.99.