Ever seen a sharp pair of dress shoes with a W-shaped design on the toe and then thought — what are those? It’s a terrific shoe to add to your wardrobe, called the wingtip. The beauty and classic look can give you the perfect pairing to dress up or down. But before we get into styles, let’s start with the basics — what actually makes a wingtip a wingtip?
Wingtip shoes are recognized by their pointed toe cap with side extensions (wings) that create a "W" pattern along both sides of the shoe. They typically display decorative perforations, a feature called broguing, along the W area on the toe, and sometimes other parts of the shoe.
These shoes originated in Scotland and Ireland. Their perforations allowed water to drain from them when crossing wet landscapes. These country shoes evolved from functional into fashionable footwear.
With all the different styles of wingtip shoes (such as men's white or burgundy wingtip shoes, and lots of colors and styles) available from Upscale Menswear, you can get several pairs to match your outfits and mood.
Paul Parkman Bordeaux / Camel Genuine Leather Wingtip Oxfords
Brown wing-tip shoes and black wing-tip shoes hit that sweet spot between statement piece and traditional craft. Count on them to be noticed at any formal event, from meetings to fancy parties.
Paul Parkman Black Genuine Leather Captoe Dress Shoes 5032-BLK
Longwing wing-tipped shoes feature the characteristic "W" pattern that continues all the way around to the heel seam.
Paul Parkman Green Genuine Leather Men's Wingtip Oxford Floater Dress Shoes
Austerity brogues give you that classic wingtip silhouette and toe cap, but skip all the decorative perforations. These sleek shoes are perfect for when your outfit is a bit understated.
Paul Parkman Multicolor Genuine Leather Goodyear Welted Men's Wingtip Oxford
Two-toned wingtips like these red and blue wingtip shoes feature contrasting colors. Often, the toe cap, heel, and sometimes the wing decorations are in a different shade.
Wild West Brown Genuine Ostrich Wingtip Cowboy Boots
Wingtip boots blend the "W" pattern and decorative perforations with the look of a traditional boot. They’re perfect for dressing up your fall and winter outfits with wingtip class.
Giovanni Black Calfskin Leather / Suede Wingtip Sneaker Boots
Wingtip casual shoes combine the W design with comfortable sneaker soles and casual fabrics, giving you that dressed-up look without compromising comfort.
Wingtip shoes go with every outfit and come in styles for all your moods. You can wear a variety of types, like black & white wingtip shoes, or even wingtip athletic shoes, or suede wingtip shoes. Check out our recommendations to amp up your look for all these types of outfits:
Pair classic black or brown wingtip dress shoes with formal wear. They look perfect with a formal suit.
Combine wingtips with chinos or dark jeans and a blazer. This gives you a quick and easy way to look polished, and relaxed, too.
Casual wingtips fit right in! Try suede or colored options with your favorite button-down shirt and jeans.
Instantly recognizable for their style, wingtip shoes continue to be trendsetters. Celebrities set their style with wingtips shoes. Actor and chef Emilio Vitolo is known for his sophistication, and wears wingtips with three-piece suits. He’s one of many famous people who adore wingtips.
Classic styles are perfect for formal events, while more casual wingtips work great for everyday use. Comfort should never be sacrificed for style; look for slip resistant wingtip shoes to keep you comfortable. Investing in well-crafted shoes from established brands will pay off, as they’ll add to your professional image and comfort.
For leather shoes, clean and polish regularly to prevent cracking and keep a beautiful shine. Suede requires using a suede brush to lift the nap and remove dirt. Apply a protector spray to guard against moisture and stains.
Shoe trees are perfect for storage. They'll keep your wingtips looking elegant and help the shoes stay dry, which can significantly extend their life.
Now that you know about wingtips, you’ll need several pairs to add to your wardrobe. Upscale Menswear’s extensive collection gives you dozens of choices! From classic, to semiformal to casual looks, we have the best wingtips. Own wingtip shoes from some of the best designers in the world! Get them now–order several pairs of extraordinary wingtip shoes from Upscale Menswear today!
Can wingtip shoes be worn with jeans?
Yes, pairing casual wingtips with jeans creates a stylish smart-casual look.
Are wingtip shoes appropriate for formal occasions?
Classic black or brown wingtip dress shoes can define your appearance for formal events. Plain Oxfords may be preferred for the most formal settings.
How do I choose between leather and suede wingtips?
Leather wingtips offer a more formal appearance, while suede wingtips are ideal for casual outfits.
How can I ensure my wingtip shoes last longer?
Regular cleaning, proper storage, and using shoe trees can extend the lifespan of your wingtips.
