Men's patent leather shoes: Our top picks + how to wear them

2023-10-23

Fashions change and certain garments and pieces of clothing come and go. A lot of people will speak ill of men's patent leather shoes but it’s highly likely those very same people simply don’t understand the style. The point of a leather patent shoe is to be brave and make a statement.

Patent leather, for the uninitiated, is leather with an additional layer of plastic or acrylic on top for a high sheen finish. Shine and buff this material and it’ll be mirror like. A black mirror, sort of. Anyway, it’s shiny for a reason. It’s meant to be make a statement. Rocking a pair can be a risk but when done correctly, it’s an art form. Here’s a few tips on how to wear them and the best men's patent leather shoes to pick.

How to style men's patent leather shoes
What’s really important to state here is we are by no means telling you to wear patent leather shoes with jeans. It’s categorically not what this is about. Perhaps that’s been the patent leather problem over recent years. People weren’t wearing them in the most positive way.

First and foremost the leather patent shoe in black is a shoe made for a tuxedo. Heightened tailoring. Elite tailoring. Anyone can wear a suit to a wedding, a tux is true occasion wear. It’s one step beyond and as such it requires a special shoe. Some will go with a black velvet loafer. Others will opt for a black patent Oxford shoe or loafer. Never a brogue. Too much detailing going on.

The power is in the sheen of the leather but also the simplicity of the shoe itself. A toe cap is the maximum amount of detail you want for a tuxedo pairing shoe.

Black patent leather also means business. Evening jackets and boardroom tailoring. Any situation where you’re trying to make a statement whilst sticking to tailoring proportions and colour rules. Navy and black tailoring for a patent leather shoe, it’s too shiny for charcoal. Black patent leather comes with its own risks but worn correctly it shows a level of character and sartorial bravery that’s often lacking these days.

Black Patent Leather
If you’re looking for a classic plain cap toe Oxford with added shine and pizazz, Daodao have the shoe for you in the form of their in black patent leather. Handcrafted using premium calf in black patent, the shoe has a leather board heel stiffener and cork filling. Friend to the tuxedo.

Patent-Leather Loafers

When it comes to DAODAO it’s all about elegance. This pair of Patent-Leather Loafers is no different. With a sleek, low silhouette and leather lining for extra comfort they’ll look great with relaxed tailoring but also cuffed chinos and wider trousers worn above the hip, statement shirt tucked in.

Oxfords
Black patent Oxfords are the business. with premium materials and sporting a cap toe for a bit of extra oomph, whilst toning things down a bit, the shoes have a black calfskin lining. The leather sole is a classy sole and further confirms the shoe’s formal intentions. The red gentleman’s corner is a classy touch too.

Patent Leather Whole Cut Shoes
There is something notably elegant about the patent leather whole cut shoes. An elegance that would of course look good with a tux, as all of the above shoes do, but also with your best boardroom suit, which all of the above shoes do not. Premium leather inside and out ups them in the style stakes, and ensures comfort, whilst a made in Italy stamp ensures quality. Wear them with a navy or black suit and a black tie.