Whether you are a Converse-trotting guy or believe in a sneakers-only policy, owning a pair of formal shoes is a must. You don’t want to be caught by your date wearing loafers to a black tie event, or worse, have your boss asking you to leave the meeting because flip-flops aren’t ‘meeting appropriate’. Don’t worry, we have scouted far and wide to present you with a list of stores in Bengaluru where you can pick up formal shoes for men. We have also kept things on the budget friendly side with most of the stores selling pairs for just under INR 2,000. Oh, and they also stock up on all kinds of designs — from the classic Oxford and round toes to the sleek and very 'The Beatles', Chelsea boots.
Men, Bookmark These Stores For Oxfords, Chelsea Boots And Formal Shoes Under INR 2000
The Shoe Shop
A factory outlet/export surplus store, The Shoe Shop has an entire section dedicated to just formal shoes for men. While the collection keeps getting updated from time to time, the last time we were here, they had Oxfords, round toes, winged toes, brogues, and loafers on display. Some of the brands that we spotted included Ted Baker, Daniel Hechter, Clarks, and Hush Puppies. There are several non-branded pairs available as well and we did spot an odd boot or two amongst the collection. The prices start at INR 800.
Read more about The Shoe Shop here.
iRich
Kammanahalli’s iRich is home to really sharp dress leather shoes that’s perfect for all your black-tie and formal events. Classic and quirky designs rule the racks with your run-of-the-mill colours as well as trendy ones in blues, reds, and yellows. Pick up from the latter and make a statement. Oh, and did we tell you they will also customise the shoe to your liking? Yup, no more worrying about ill-fitting shoes. They also have a collection of loafers that are brunch and summer-ready. Maybe stock up on them too? The prices start off around INR 1,000.
Read more about iRich here.
Wardy & Co.
Makers of handcrafted leather shoes since 1860, this store on Brigade Road does shoes only for men with leather sourced from Ambur in Tamil Nadu. The store’s glass shelves are lined with loafers, and shoes and boots such as dress shoes, military-style boots and knee-length boots. You can either pick from their catalogue or bring in your own pattern or your old pair of shoes — expect them to get the job done. The footwear is priced at INR 1,800 upwards.
Read more about Wardy & Co. here.
Veg Shoes
This place is your go-to spot for shoes that are free of leather and yet, exude the look any formal leather shoe would. Operating from a shop in Koramangala, these guys know their shoes and offer loafers, slip-ons, lace-ups and boots. All of this is made using a polymer that resembles leather and is supposedly more durable and stylish. Their range starts at INR 1,999 for a pair of shoes.
The Shoe Shop - Factory Outlet
The forever buzzing 100ft Road has has one of the best shoe shops for men, named The Shoe Shop, that sells formal shoes starting for as low as INR 800 per pair. Name the colour and the occasion and you will be hooked up with a pair of shoes. Choose from their selection of formal footwear, loafers and boots for prices that defy the standards shops on 100ft Road generally have to offer.