The world of luxury men’s shoe brands represents centuries of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. From the cobbled streets of Northampton to the fashion houses of Milan, these prestigious footwear companies have built their reputations on exceptional quality, meticulous attention to detail, and timeless style.
Whether you’re seeking your first pair of investment-grade dress shoes or expanding an already impressive collection, understanding the heritage, craftsmanship, and distinctive characteristics of each luxury brand is essential.
This comprehensive guide explores the most prestigious men’s shoe brands, from centuries-old English bootmakers to contemporary Italian masters. Each brand represents a unique approach to luxury footwear, offering everything from bespoke creations costing thousands to ready-to-wear options that still maintain exceptional quality standards.
1. John Lobb 1849 (London)
The original John Lobb London, established in 1849 by John Lobb himself, represents the pinnacle of English bespoke shoemaking. Operating from their historic St. James’s Street workshop, this independent family business maintains the traditional craft methods that made the name legendary. John Lobb 1849 holds Royal Warrants and has created shoes for kings, princes, and discerning gentlemen for over 170 years.
John Lobb London’s bespoke service remains their exclusive focus, with shoes taking up to six months to complete and costing upwards of $5,000. Each pair requires over 190 individual hand operations, with personal lasts kept permanently for future orders. The workshop’s master craftsmen use only the finest materials, including shell cordovan, museum calf, and exotic leathers sourced from premium European tanneries.
Their approach emphasizes perfect fit and understated elegance, with each shoe representing generations of accumulated expertise. The brand’s commitment to tradition means they continue using methods largely unchanged since the Victorian era, making each pair a testament to English craftsmanship heritage.
2. John Lobb Bootmaker (Paris)
John Lobb Paris, owned by Hermès since 1976, focuses on creating accessible luxury footwear that maintains exceptional quality standards while offering global availability.
John Lobb Paris shoes range from $1,200-$2,500 for ready-to-wear, with made-to-order options available (apart from in the UK) at premium pricing. The collection showcases refined French elegance combined with English shoemaking traditions, creating shoes that are both sophisticated and distinctive.
Signature styles include the William double monk strap, the Philip cap-toe Oxford, and the Lopez penny loafer. The brand’s attention to detail extends beyond construction to their distinctive packaging, with each pair presented in iconic presentation boxes. They feature Goodyear welted construction and premium materials sourced from renowned European tanneries.
3. Edward Green
Established in Northampton in 1890, Edward Green has earned a reputation as one of the finest English shoe manufacturers. Every Edward Green shoe is bench-made using traditional techniques, with each craftsman responsible for multiple stages of construction.
Edward Green’s price range typically falls between $1,000-$1,800 for ready-to-wear, with made-to-order options available at premium pricing. They are particularly renowned for their last shapes, which are considered among the most elegant in the industry. The 202 last, used for their Dover and Cadogan models, creates a sleek, refined silhouette that’s become synonymous with sophisticated English style.
Signature models include the Chelsea boot, the Galway country boot, and the Berkeley dress shoe. The brand’s premium materials are sourced from the finest European tanneries.
4. Carmina Shoes
Founded in 1866 in Mallorca, Spain, Carmina represents exceptional value in the luxury footwear market. This family-owned company has perfected the art of Spanish shoemaking, offering Goodyear welted construction at prices significantly lower than their English and Italian counterparts. Despite their more accessible pricing (from $575), Carmina maintains standards that rival much more expensive brands.
Carmina’s strength lies in their extensive range of lasts and their mastery of different leather treatments. Their shell cordovan offerings are particularly noteworthy, providing an alternative to premium American shell cordovan makers at more reasonable prices. The brand offers both classic English-inspired styles and more contemporary Italian-influenced designs.
Popular models include the Rain last Oxford, perfect for narrow feet, and their wholecut Oxford, which showcases their construction expertise. Carmina also offers made-to-order services, allowing customers to customize everything from leather choice to sole color while maintaining reasonable delivery times.
5. Gaziano & Girling
Founded in 2006 by Tony Gaziano and Dean Girling, both formerly of Edward Green, this relatively young brand has quickly established itself among the elite of English shoemaking. Based in Kettering and with a store on London’s Savile Row, Gaziano & Girling combines traditional Northampton craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities.
The brand offers Ready to Wear, Made to Order and Bespoke shoes. The Made to Order service includes a hundred different shoe styles and a plethora of customization options such as colour, sole, toe shape, lining and width. Their bespoke service, starting around $4,000, attracts discerning clients worldwide, and they hold a Royal Warrant as shoemakers to His Majesty the King.
Gaziano & Girling’s signature pieces include the Rothschild wholecut Oxford, the St. James monk strap, and their various boot offerings. The brand’s use of colour and patina work sets them apart, with many shoes featuring subtle hand-finished effects that add depth and character to the leather. We love the friendly welcome in store.
6. Berluti
Established in 1895 by Italian immigrant Alessandro Berluti, this Parisian luxury house has become synonymous with sophisticated French elegance. Now part of the LVMH group, Berluti maintains its artisanal heritage while benefiting from luxury conglomerate resources. The brand is particularly famous for its patina work and use of Venezia leather, a proprietary material that develops a unique character over time.
Berluti’s ready-to-wear collection ranges from $1,500-$3,000, while bespoke offerings can exceed $8,000. The brand’s workshop on Rue Marbeuf continues to create made-to-measure and bespoke shoes using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Iconic models include the Alessandro Oxford, named after the founder, and the Andy woven loafer, that Andy Warhol loved. Berluti’s artistic approach to shoemaking is evident in its collaborative pieces and limited editions, which often feature unique patinas and exotic materials.
7. Santoni
Founded in 1975 by Andrea Santoni in the Marche region of Italy, Santoni has become synonymous with Italian luxury and craftsmanship. The brand combines traditional shoemaking techniques with contemporary Italian design, creating footwear that’s both elegant and distinctly modern. Santoni is particularly renowned for its hand-finished patinas and mastery of colour.
Santoni’s ready-to-wear collection typically ranges from $600-$1,200, making the brand accessible within the luxury segment. Its made-to-order service allows for extensive customization at moderate upcharges. The brand’s Italian sensibility is evident in its sleeker lasts and more fashion-forward designs compared to their English counterparts.
Signature pieces include its double monk straps, which showcase the brand’s ability to balance classic styling with contemporary flair. Santoni’s sneaker collection has also gained recognition, bringing luxury craftsmanship to casual footwear.
8. Crockett & Jones
Established in 1879 in Northampton, Crockett & Jones represents the best of English shoemaking tradition at relatively accessible prices. As one of the largest luxury shoe manufacturers still operating from Northampton, they maintain exceptional quality control while offering broader availability than smaller artisanal brands.
With ready-to-wear prices ranging from $500-$900, Crockett & Jones provides excellent entry into luxury footwear. Their main line features classic English styles, while their Hand Grade collection ($800-$1,200) offers enhanced finishing and premium materials. The brand also produces shoes for several high-end retailers and fashion houses.
Notable models include the Audley loafer, the Pembroke boot, and the Alex last Oxford. Their limited edition HIGHBURY 2 suede derby is inspired by the shoe worn by James Bond in Goldfinger.
9. George Cleverley
Founded in 1958 by George Cleverley, a former apprentice at Tuczek, this Mayfair-based bootmaker has built a reputation for impeccable bespoke work and innovative ready-to-wear designs. The brand successfully bridges traditional English craftsmanship with contemporary styling, attracting both conservative and fashion-forward clients.
George Cleverley’s bespoke service, starting around $4,500, is considered among the finest available. Their ready-to-wear collection ($1,000-$1,800) maintains high standards while offering more accessible luxury. The brand is particularly known for their elegant proportions and their signature “Cleverley shape.”
Distinctive models include the semi-bespoke Anthony Cleverley Collection and their Oxford styles with elastic sides. The brand’s attention to detail extends to their distinctive packaging, customer service and friendly in store welcome.
10. Alden Shoes
Founded in 1884 in Massachusetts, Alden are renowned for their shell cordovan offerings. They source their leather from Horween Leather Company in Chicago. Alden’s commitment to American manufacturing and traditional construction methods has earned them a devoted following.
Alden’s pricing ranges from $500-$800 for calf leather shoes and $700-$1,000 for shell cordovan. Their modified last shapes create a distinctly American silhouette that differs from European alternatives. The brand’s informal approach to luxury emphasizes substance over flash.
Signature models include the 8 Shell Cordovan Chukka Boot, various penny loafers, and their tassel loafers. Alden’s limited production and selective distribution have created strong resale values for many models.
11. Joseph Cheaney & Sons
Established in 1886 in Desborough, Northamptonshire, Joseph Cheaney & Sons represents traditional English shoemaking at its finest. This family-owned company has maintained its independence while preserving time-honored construction methods and attention to detail. Cheaney’s commitment to benchmade shoes and traditional craftsmanship has earned them recognition among discerning consumers worldwide.
Cheaney’s pricing typically ranges from $400-$800, offering excellent value in the luxury segment. Their made-in-England commitment means every pair is crafted using traditional techniques, with many shoes featuring full leather lining, leather soles, and Goodyear welted construction. The brand also offers made-to-order services for those seeking customization.
Notable models include the Broad II R Wingcap Brogue, the Deal II R Derby, and their extensive range of country shoes. Cheaney’s focus on quality materials and traditional construction methods results in shoes that improve with age and regular wear, making them excellent long-term investments.
12. Church’s
Established in 1873 in Northampton, Church’s represents traditional English shoemaking with global accessibility. Now owned by Prada Group, the brand maintains its heritage while benefiting from Italian luxury group resources. Church’s offers both classic English styles and more contemporary Italian-influenced designs.
The brand’s pricing typically ranges from $600-$1,000, positioning them in the accessible luxury segment. Their Shanghai last, used for many classic styles, creates the quintessential English shoe silhouette. Church’s also offers made-to-order services for those seeking customization.
Notable models include the Consul Oxford, the Ryder double monk strap, and various boot styles. The brand’s global presence makes them one of the most accessible options for luxury English footwear.
13. Tricker’s
Founded in 1829, Tricker’s is the oldest shoemaker in Britain. Based in Northampton, this family-owned company specializes in country boots and shoes, though their dress shoe offerings maintain the same exceptional quality. Tricker’s is particularly renowned for their storm welted construction and their expertise with heavy-duty footwear.
Pricing ranges from $400-$700, making Tricker’s excellent value in the luxury segment. Their made-to-order service allows for extensive customization while maintaining reasonable pricing. The brand’s focus on durability and function appeals to those seeking substantial, long-lasting footwear.
Signature pieces include the Stow Country Boot, various country brogues, and their dress shoe collection. Tricker’s robust construction methods result in shoes that improve with age and wear.
14. Paraboot
Established in 1908 in France, Paraboot represents a unique approach to luxury footwear, emphasizing function and durability alongside style. They are particularly known for their Norwegian welt construction and their use of proprietary rubber soles. Paraboot maintains complete vertical integration, controlling every aspect of production from leather to finished product.
Paraboot’s pricing ranges from $400-$700, offering excellent value for their construction quality. Their distinctive styling often features chunkier proportions than traditional dress shoe brands, appealing to those seeking substantial, weather-resistant footwear.
Popular models include the Chambord Derby, the Avignon split-toe, and various outdoor-inspired styles. Paraboot’s emphasis on practicality has earned them a following among those who appreciate functional luxury.
15. Loake Shoemakers
Founded in 1880 by three brothers in Kettering, Loake represents five generations of English shoemaking excellence. This family-owned company has successfully balanced tradition with innovation, offering everything from handcrafted premium lines to more accessible machine-made collections.
Loake’s commitment to high-quality manufacturing has made them a favorite among those seeking repairable footwear without premium pricing.
Loake’s range spans from their entry-level machine-made shoes ($200-$350) to their premium 1880 Classic collection ($400-$650), which features Goodyear welted construction and hand-finished details. Popular models include the Aldwych Oxford from their 1880 range and the Chatsworth Chelsea Boot. Loake’s ability to offer traditional English styling at accessible prices has made them particularly popular among young professionals and those building their first quality shoe wardrobe.
16. J.FitzPatrick Footwear
Founded in 2013 by Justin Fitzpatrick, this modern luxury brand represents the new generation of premium shoemaking. Based in the United States, J.Fitzpatrick combines contemporary design sensibilities with traditional construction methods, creating shoes that appeal to style-conscious professionals seeking distinctive luxury footwear.
J.Fitzpatrick’s pricing ranges from $400-$700, positioning them in the accessible luxury segment while maintaining exceptional quality. The brand is particularly known for their innovative approach to color, patina work, and modern interpretations of classic styles. Their direct-to-consumer model allows them to offer premium quality at competitive prices.
Signature pieces include their wholecut Oxfords, distinctive monk straps, and seasonal collections that often feature bold color combinations and unique leather treatments. The brand’s modern approach to traditional craftsmanship has earned them a following among younger luxury consumers seeking alternatives to heritage brands.
How to Choose the Right Luxury Shoe Brand
Selecting the appropriate luxury shoe brand depends on several factors: budget, style preferences, intended use, and personal values. English brands typically offer the most traditional styling and construction, while Italian brands tend toward sleeker, more fashion-forward designs. American brands often emphasize substance and value over pure luxury positioning.
Consider your lifestyle needs: formal business wear requires different shoes than casual luxury. Those seeking investment pieces should focus on classic styles from established brands, while fashion-conscious buyers might prefer contemporary interpretations from newer makers.
Construction method matters significantly in the luxury segment. Goodyear welted shoes offer resolability and durability, while Blake stitched shoes provide sleeker profiles. Bespoke services offer the ultimate in fit and customization but require significant time and financial investment.
Final Thoughts on the Best Luxury Men’s Shoe Brands
Each of these upscale men’s footwear brands represents a unique philosophy and approach to luxury, whether emphasizing heritage, innovation, value, or pure craftsmanship.
Investing in quality footwear extends beyond mere fashion – these shoes represent craftsmanship, heritage, and the continuation of traditional skills in an increasingly mass-produced world. Choose wisely, care for them properly, and luxury shoes become not just accessories, but lifelong companions in your personal style journey.
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