Meticulous craftsmanship. Precious materials. Hand-stitched details. Timeless styles.
These are but a few hallmarks of the best Italian shoes for men.
But you get it. After all, you didn’t land on this page by accident—and that tells me something. It tells me that you know, if only by reputation, that Italian shoes are a cut above the rest.
It also tells me that you may need a little help wading through the dozens of legacy brands and their countless styles to find the right pair for you.
Dress shoes. Oxfords. Travel shoes. Sneakers. All are present and accounted for. All are made in Italy. All dripping with sexy details and obsessively tanned leathers.
It’s damn near impossible to choose a bad pair of Italian shoes for men, but I hope this shortlist of crowd-pleasing pairs across a range of categories at least helps you hone in on what’s most important to you when it comes to footwear.
Key Takeaways
To find the best Italian shoes for men, I began by researching dozens of pairs and their materials, construction, handmade details, customer reviews, and photos. The resulting five are the best of the best based across a range of categories, from dress shoes to casual stunners and everywhere in between.
My top overall pick is the impossibly handsome and ever-durable cordovan leather Medich Oxfords from Velasca. Close on its heels is the more budget-friendly Arezzo Loafer from Bruno Magli.
Cordovan Leather Medich Oxfords at Velasca
Low 1 at Oliver Cabell
Softey Suede White Yacht Loafers at Aurélien
Hogan H580 Men’s Sneakers at Amazon
Arezzo Loafer at Bruno Magli
Best Overall: Velasca Cordovan Leather Medich Oxfords
Why they’re great: Velasca believes in doing things the right way. Not the fast way. The right way. And few of the Montegranaro-based clothier and shoemaker’s offerings embody that spirit better than its Cordovan Leather Medich Oxfords.
Just look at all that vegetable-tanned cowhide. The leather sole and heel. The sexy-as-all-hell cordovan leather, cap-toe uppers. This is a shoe that’s going to last a lifetime, age well, and provide the comfort and versatility you need for both casual and formal occasions. These are just a really solid pair of men’s Italian leather shoes.
Who are these for? Velasca’s Medich Oxfords are for the guy who’s over replacing his Oxfords every year and is ready to invest in a quality pair of Italian shoes that’ll last a lifetime.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Though these Oxfords are built to last and built for comfort, they’re not the best everyday-wear for heavier guys or those who stand on their feet all day. The absence of wide sizes may also be a deterrent depending on your feet.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: 100% Leather | Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Oxfords
Best Everyday: Oliver Cabell Low 1
Why they’re great: Another handsome pair of low-profile sneakers,
Who are these for? Although these are similar to the Hogan H580 in terms of materials and aesthetics, the price tag is considerably less, making
Bonus: they’re available in almost too many styles and colors to count. If you can dream it, then you can probably find it.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Maybe you’re a loafer guy. An Oxford enthusiast. Or maybe you have the flattest feet known to man and need a practical solution, stat. It’s true—white leather sneakers aren’t for everyone, but they look pretty damn good while not being for everyone.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: Custom EVA Insert | Sizes Available: 5–15 | Colors Available: Dozens | Style: Sneakers
Best Luxury: Aurélien Softey Suede White Yacht Loafers
Why they’re great: If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times—luxury has nothing to do with price. Luxury is a vibe. It’s a combination of what you’re able to pull off, second only to quality materials and construction. Groundwork: laid. Stage: set. Now check out these devil-may-care, made-in-Italy yacht loafers.
Are they white? Of course, they’re white. I’ll save you the trouble and let you know that you’ve never seen such a carefully constructed specimen of suede- and leisure-forward footwear in all your days. These are without a doubt some of the best Italian shoes for men.
Who are these for? The discerning shoe guy who has everything. These are niche shoes, so make sure you have an arsenal of everyday pairs at the ready before going this route.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Aurélien’s Yacht Loafers are unlined, giving them maximum comfort and breathability. But with that comes a general lack of support, making them less than ideal for guys who are on their feet all day doing anything other than putting on a leisure clinic.
Material: 100% French Calfskin | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 6–14 | Colors Available: Dozens | Style: Loafers
Best on Amazon: Hogan H580 Men’s Sneakers
Why they’re great: Italian cool-kids label Hogan is one of those sleeper brands hiding in plain sight among Amazon’s endless virtual shelves.
Known for its incredibly well-made sneakers that look good, feel good, and are made to last, Hogan has as one of its staple pieces this H580 sneaker, which can be found—you guessed it—on Amazon.
These are some of the best Italian shoes for men. The 100% leather uppers feature a low-key “H” emblazoned down the side, and a pop of black on the heel adds a bit of interest. Meanwhile, memory foam insoles help keep things cushy from morning to night.
Who are these for? Hogan is anything but a household sneaker name, making it a good fit for the undercover sneakerhead who puts style second only to comfort.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Amazon’s selection of Hogans is limited, as are the sizes available. But if you’re in a hurry to get your hands on them (which you are because Amazon), then these are definitely a find.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: Rubber | Sizes Available: 8–11 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Sneakers
Best Budget: Bruno Magli Arezzo Loafer
Why they’re great: Bruno Magli represents a nice middle ground between storied Italian craftsmanship and approachable prices. The outsoles and uppers of the Arezzo Loafer are made of hand-burnished Italian calf leather.
The telltale ombre look of the latter is as versatile and handsome as the day is long, making the budget-friendly Arezzo a shoe-in (sorry) for office wear, happy hours, and rooftop nightcaps.
Who are these for? This, friends, is the shoe you reach for whenever the occasion calls for anything other than sneakers. Quality materials. Italian craftsmanship. Versatility. Go.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: “Budget” and “Made in Italy” are anything but synonymous. Yes, you can find the occasional Bruno Magli deal. And yes, the Arezzo is one of them (especially if you catch a sale). But if you’re looking for a cheaper pair of Italian shoes, it’s all downhill from here.
Material: 100% Leather | Sole Material: Leather | Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Loafers
Buying Considerations For The Best Italian Shoes For Men
Heritage and Materials Used
There’s a reason that Italian leather is considered the best of the best in terms of durability, longevity, and aesthetics. Lots of them, actually.
Hides dyed in Italy come in contact only with natural elements like vegetable tannins, resulting in a soft, damn-near-indestructible product that feels as good as it looks. This, coupled with the old-world techniques employed by Italy’s artisans, result in unparalleled quality.
Style
If you’re looking for a pair of made-in-Italy shoes or a pair made with 100% Italian leather, then you’re in good hands in the style department. Italy does Oxfords well. It does loafers well. It does devil-may-care driving shoes well. Yes, even sneakers.
If you’re making an investment in this level of quality, though, start with the classics and build up your arsenal from there.
Size & Fit
Before picking up a pair of Italian shoes, try on several to make sure that they conform to the contours of your feet and have the weight and feel you require. Prioritize lightweight, comfortable shoes that offer cushioning in all the right places.
Italian shoes check almost all of these boxes by default, but there’s no substitute for some old-school trial and error.
How We Chose
As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, then I’m into it.
For this review, I pored over trusted sources, customer reviews, materials, construction specifications, and my own experience to understand what makes the best Italian shoes for men. After researching and comparing dozens of pairs, the resulting five are what I’m calling the best of the best. Some of my key considerations include:
Comfort: Obvious, right? But not all of the best Italian shoes for men are created equal. If you’re on your feet all day, for instance, then you’ll want to opt for a thicker rubber sole as opposed to a thin, dressy, all-leather sole.
If you’re a heavier guy, then you’ll need support, stability, more support, and more stability. For the purposes of this list, I made every effort to prioritize versatile shoes with universal functionality, second only to craftsmanship and overall comfort.
Customer Reviews: I pored over multiple product reviews in search of both positive and negative throughlines to help inform my picks for the best Italian shoes for men.
Materials: Italy produces some of the finest and most durable leather products in the world. The region’s artisans are known for taking their time and using traditional, old-world techniques to make men’s Italian leather shoes that will last for generations.
These traditions and considerations were scrutinized accordingly as I compiled this list of the five best Italian shoes for men.
Why Trust Us?
Kelly is a long-time writer for FashionBeans and an all-around shoe enthusiast. In addition to hours of independent research, Kelly relied heavily on his own experience to find the best Italian shoes for men.
He’s also written prolifically on the topic of footwear, covering the most comfortable men’s walking shoes, the best dad shoes, cowboy boot brands, and comfortable dress shoes, to name a few.
To substantiate that experience, he researched dozens of Italian shoes, studying materials, construction, customer reviews, and his own closet to pick the best of the best. If there’s a stranger to trust for shoe advice, it’s Kelly.
Final Verdict
Derbys. Boots. Dress shoes. When it comes to the best Italian shoes for men, the styles are seemingly endless. My top overall pick based on their versatility, durability, and general style are the Medich Oxfords from Velasca. Coming in at a close second is Bruno Magli’s Arezzo Loafer.
-
- What kind of shoes do Italian men wear?
When it comes to Italian shoes, comfort is king. But while a well-constructed slipper, espadrille, or walking shoe is far from out of the sartorial question, smart dress shoes, loafers, and cozy derbies are but a few of the versatile, go-to workhorses that many discerning Italian men lean on.
- Are Italian shoes good quality?
Italian shoes are synonymous with quality craftsmanship, outstanding materials, and strict attention to detail. It’s this tradition of excellence that makes Italian shoes some of the best in the world.
-
