Allen Edmonds Park Avenue cap-toe oxford in dark brown — Image: Zappos (Allen Edmonds)

Slot 4 of 6

The Work Dress Shoe

You need a quality leather lace-up oxford that lasts at least five years, depending on how often you wear it to work. Make it dark brown.

If you already own sneaker-soled brown leather oxfords, they're fine for now, but don't buy them new.

For comfort, get a sneaker-like insole but not a sneaker-like midsole. You can add an aftermarket insole like Move, or buy from Cole Haan or Wolf & Shepherd, but never a sneaker-type midsole.

My current pick

Allen Edmonds oxfords

Quality leather lace-ups. Pictured: the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue cap-toe oxford in Coffee, a dark brown.

Shop this shoe at Allen Edmonds →

Inflation Sucks pick

Coming soon. See Inflation Sucks →

From Dad Shoe Matt

Other options for this slot

The alternatives I'd point you to.

Cole HaanA brand to look at for comfort, as long as you skip the sneaker-type midsole. One that fits the rules: the Broome Grand Lug Sole Plain Toe Oxford in Woodbury/Java, dark brown leather on a dark brown sole.
Wolf & ShepherdAnother comfort-minded dress shoe brand. Their lace-up oxford is the Closer Oxford in Brown/Brown, brown leather on a dark brown sole.
Move aftermarket insoleAdd sneaker-like comfort to a real dress shoe.
Your existing sneaker-soled brown oxfordsFine for now if you already own them. Just don't buy them new.

More ideas

Also worth a look

Other well-known shoes that fit this slot's rules. I haven't reviewed these yet, so they aren't in my rotation.

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Cap-Toe OxfordAllen Edmonds' classic cap-toe oxford.
Crockett & Jones ConnaughtA classic English straight-cap oxford from Northampton.