Some things are worth the investment and a decent pair of men's brogues is definitely one of them. Timeless in style and versatile enough to cover you for a variety of occasions, they're an absolute wardrobe staple for the modern gent.
You'll find brogues available for under £50, but to really do your formalwear the justice it deserves it pays to invest in the best men’s brogues handcrafted in Britain. We've got a long heritage of shoemaking and there aren't many countries that do it better.
Read on to discover our picks of the best brogues for men, which are all still made in Britain using traditional techniques such as Goodyear welted soles to make sure your shoes stand the test of time…
1. Grenson Stanley Brogues
A stalwart of British shoemaking, Grenson has been making quality shoes at its Northamptonshire factory since 1866. These wing tip Grenson Stanley brogues are based on a style that has been in the collection for over 80 years, featuring full broguing on an Oxford design complete with leather soles. Considering each pair of shoes can take up to 8 weeks to make, they're great value for money at under £250.
Alfred SargentHunt Brogues£419.95SHOP NOW 2. Alfred Sargent Hunt Brogues
Working from the same Northamptonshire factory since 1899, Alfred Sargent has become synonymous with making some of the finest shoes in Britain. Using the highest quality materials, the team of master shoemakers have created these timeless Hunt brogues that are available in both black and antique mahogany. The decorative punching is extremely finely done and they'll be an asset to your formalwear wardrobe.
3. Tricker's Bourton Brogues
Established in 1829, Tricker's is one of the oldest shoemakers in England. During it's near 200-year history it has continued to refine the techniques used and styles produced, resulting in these Bourton brogues available in a choice of colours. There's also the option to have a dainite rubber studded sole for added grip over leather in the wetter months for no additional cost.
4. Wildsmith Sloane Brogues
These stylish Sloane brogues from Wildsmith are handmade in Northamptonshire on a traditional Goodyear welted sole. Since 1847 Wildsmith has been dressing the likes of John F. Kenney, building up an enviable reputation as one of the best shoemakers in the world in the process. You too can be a part of history by owning a pair of Wildsmith handmade brogues for under £300.
5. Loake Buckingham Brogues
Royal Warrant holder Loake is now one of the most famous British shoe brands worldwide. Starting life in 1880, the family run business still uses it's Kettering based factory to produce premium shoes that will last a lifetime. These Buckingham brogues have gained rave reviews and offer a quality shoe made in England with a very reasonable price tag.
6. Barker Grant Brogues
A modern twist on the classic full English brogues, these Grant shoes by Barker are available in a range of contemporary and traditional colours so they'll complement your outfit whatever the occasion. With all shoes crafted by hand in it's factory in Earls Barton, over 200,000 are now produced each year for discerning gents across the globe.
James Taylor & SonBerkeley Brogues£235SHOP NOW 7. James Taylor & Son Berkeley Brogues
James Taylor & Son may not be a household name like Grenson or Loake, but this British shoemaker has a history dating all the way back to 1857. Renowned for custom handmade shoes, it now makes a ready to wear collection with styles available for a fraction of the cost. Our pick of the bunch are these Berkeley brogues, made right in the heart of London in their Paddington Street premises.
8. Church's Tarvin Brogues
Featuring a half-rubber sole for extra grip, these Tarvin brogues by shoemaking stalwart Church's combine tradition with practicality for the 21st Century gent. With each pair requiring up to 250 manual steps to craft them, this is British craftsmanship at its best and by owning a pair you'll have your own mini masterpiece.
Jeffery WestRed Stitched Brogues£290SHOP NOW 9. Jeffery West Red Stitched Brogues
Jeffery West is the newcomer on the list, but this born and bred Northampton brand is helping to re-define men's shoes. Taking timeless classics and injecting personality with the help of coloured stitching and rebellious designs, this is one English shoemaker to watch over the coming years. These red stitched brogues are a great example and will help to turn heads for all the right reasons.
10. Cheaney Arthur III Brogues
Cheaney have been making shoes in England since 1866 and have built a solid reputation for producing some of the finest in the country. These Arthur III brogues are from the 125th Anniversary Collection and celebrate the best of British shoes. A timeless style, they'll last you for years and will look great worn with everything from suits to jeans.
George CleverleyReuben Brogues£515SHOP NOW 11. George Cleverley Reuben Brogues
There aren't many brands that can claim to have made shoes for Sir Winston Churchill, but George Cleverley is one of them. Handcrafted in the shoemakers' London workshop, these Reuben brogues feature full-grain leather uppers and a traditional Goodyear welted sole. Hand-tooled wingtip perforations complete the look and make it a very wearable style all year round.
12. Herring Carnaby Brogues
Starting life as a retailer of men's shoes, Herring launched it's own collection using the local Northamptonshire factories of leading shoemakers including Loake, Barker and Alfred Sargent to construct the footwear. This means you can pick up a pair of premium handmade men's shoes like these Carnaby brogues for a great price, produced using traditional techniques steeped in history.
13. John Lobb Stowey Brogues
With each pair taking weeks to complete, John Lobb shoes are the ultimate investment piece for any modern gent's wardrobe. These Stowey brogues are no exception; handcrafted using burnished leather and small stacked heels for subtle detailing. They may come with a hefty price tag but are likely to be the most comfortable men's brogues you'll ever own.
14. NPS Shoes Wilson Brogues
Also available in walnut, black and mahogany, these Wilson brogues by NPS Shoes are handmade by a team of craftsmen at the brand’s factory in Wollaston, Northamptonshire. With over 130 years of experience, the team has continued to evolve the styles on offer and many put a contemporary twist on the absolute classics.
Crockett & JonesDrummond Brogues£415SHOP NOW 15. Crockett & Jones Drummond Brogues
These wingcap Drummond brogues by Crockett & Jones are the perfect partner for your smart ensembles. A maker of fine shoes in Northampton since 1879, the brand is one of the oldest in the country and the exquisite attention to detail is still evident to this day. Made from premium leather with a polished finish, these brogues will make you smile every time you wear them.
16. Sanders Jude Brogues
First established in 1873, Sanders has continued to expand ever since and now makes over 2,000 pairs of shoes and boots each week. These Jude brogues showcase British craftsmanship at its best, coupled with contemporary styling via the red rubber ridgeway sole. Guaranteed to be a future design classic, grab yours today and you won't be disappointed.
17. Edward Green Malvern Brogues
Northampton-based shoemakers Edward Green have been crafting shoes since 1890. Worn by everyone from Ernest Hemingway to Edward, the Duke of Windsor, the quality of the footwear speaks for itself. With each pair of shoes (including these Malvern brogues) going through a myriad of time-consuming processes such as oak bark tanning the soles for nine months, it's no surprise they come with a premium price tag to match.
18. Dr Martens 3989 Brogues
Many Dr Martens men's shoes are now made outside of the UK, however these 3989 brogues are part of the Made in England collection that are handcrafted in the original Northamptonshire factory. At under £200 they're unbelievable value for money and the polished Brazilian leather upper lends urban elegance to the classic gentleman's brogue.