Can we talk about how much more interesting groom fashion has become? We're loving this new generation of grooms who aren't afraid to experiment and challenge a few traditions. For far too long, wedding menswear seemed to operate within a rather narrow set of rules. But those days are looking increasingly distant. Runway inspiration is making its way down the aisle, and grooms are having much more fun with what they wear, right down to their shoes. And there's plenty happening below the ankle. Loafers are getting chunkier, dress shoes are borrowing details from biker boots, and some designs barely resemble formal footwear at all. Not that we've fallen out of love with a good pair of classics. There's still room for those, too. Our roundup brings together the best of both worlds: familiar names that continue to surprise us and lesser-known, avant-garde labels with a more radical take on footwear.
Gucci
If there's one brand that hardly needs an introduction, it's Gucci. For over a century, the legendary Italian fashion house has been a major driving force in luxury fashion, which seamlessly bridges the gap between time-honored craftsmanship and boundary-pushing style. Trends may come and go, but some Gucci designs have become icons in their own right. Just look at the Horsebit Loafer. Introduced in 1953, it's still one of the most recognizable shoes in fashion. Now, with Demna Gvasalia at the creative helm, the house is entering an exciting new chapter, revisiting its rich archives through a fresh, provocative lens. For grooms, Gucci offers the best of both worlds: beautifully crafted classics that look right at home with traditional wedding tailoring, alongside bolder, more expressive designs for those who prefer to make a statement.
Manolo Blahnik
Manolo Blahnik might be forever associated with Carrie Bradshaw and her impressive shoe collection, but the ladies aren't the only ones having fun here. The designer has actually been creating men's footwear since the 1970s, initially making shoes for his closest friends before developing a full-fledged collection. And while you'll find plenty of classic leather loafers and elegant lace-ups, it's the more eccentric designs that really catch our eye. Expect unexpected color combinations, playful patterns, sumptuous fabrics, and a generous dose of dandyism.
Stefan Cooke
Stefan Cooke is a London-based menswear brand and design studio launched in 2018 by Central Saint Martins graduates Stefan Cooke and Jake Burt. Drawing heavily on their own subcultural influences and the British high street, the duo experiments with textiles and construction while keeping their designs wearable. Their footwear follows much the same philosophy, mixing classic British shoemaking traditions with a sharp, avant-garde edge. A prime example is the signature Slashed Derby, a clever twist on the traditional lace-up shoe featuring distinctive cutout motifs. Stefan and Jake never shy away from bold shapes either, peppering their lineup with chunky biker buckles, elastic straps, and intricate braided leather.
Saint Laurent
Elegance at its finest. Saint Laurent has been setting trends since 1961, when legendary French designer Yves Saint Laurent founded his namesake fashion house and began challenging the conventions of contemporary fashion. More than six decades later, the brand remains one of fashion's most coveted names, with footwear every bit as desirable as its clothing. And there's something for just about every type of groom. The collections feature everything from mules in hagfish leather and sleek boots to derbies in glazed leather with an almost mirror-like shine and experimental see-through dress shoes. Be that classic Parisian sophistication or after-dark glamour you're after, Saint Laurent knows how to make an impression.
Toga Virilis
Toga Virilis is the menswear line of Toga, the Tokyo-born fashion universe founded by Japanese designer Yasuko Furuta. Its footwear is an intriguing mix of American Wild West influences, vintage 1950s aesthetics, and rock ’n’ roll attitude, all reinterpreted through a Japanese lens. The brand's signature is its generous use of engraved metal hardware, with intricate buckles and Western-inspired embellishments adding character to everything from leather loafers to monk-strap shoes. A brilliant choice for grooms who appreciate traditional silhouettes but like their footwear with a rebellious streak.
Bottega Veneta
For some of the most exquisite footwear around, make sure Bottega Veneta is on your shortlist. Chances are, the Italian house is already on your radar. And if it isn't, consider this your sign to take a closer look. When it comes to exceptional leather craftsmanship and understated luxury, few do it quite like Bottega Veneta. The house knows how to make even the simplest designs feel special. Shiny leather lace-ups? Check. Loafers featuring the house's signature Intrecciato weave? Check. Or perhaps something a little more unexpected, like goat shearling lace-ups? Whatever your wedding-day style, you're bound to find a pair at Bottega Veneta that completes the look.
Bode
Not every groom dreams of wearing a perfectly polished pair of black Oxfords. For those with more adventurous tastes, there's Bode. The New York label has made a name for itself by turning antique textiles, Victorian quilts, and forgotten fabrics into nostalgia-driven fashion pieces. The fascination with the past extends to Bode's footwear, too. Vintage references are everywhere, but the brand always finds a fresh way to interpret them. There are dark leather lace-ups with corset-inspired openings and eye-catching flashes of red, alongside evening dress slippers decorated with floral motifs and dance shoe-inspired styles in glitter-treated leather. One thing's for sure: Bode gives fashion-loving grooms plenty to fall in love with.
Prada
The one and only Prada. A fashion heavyweight since 1913, the Italian house remains one of the industry's most influential tastemakers. You've seen the triangle logo countless times, and there's a good chance something bearing it has already found a home in your wardrobe. Of course, no discussion of Prada would be complete without mentioning its shoes. And for the modern groom, there's a lot to get excited about. The brand has long enjoyed mixing sporty influences with traditional dress codes, often putting a head-turning spin on beloved designs. Its men's footwear collections have something for almost every taste, from chunky Monolith boots and minimalist sandals to elegant brushed leather lace-ups and polished loafers with a contemporary edge. Some call for a classic tuxedo, while others might inspire you to rethink the wedding suit altogether.
Marsèll
For artisanal footwear, Marsèll is a name worth keeping on your radar. Founded over two decades ago, the Italian label has built its reputation on minimalist designs, exceptional materials, and a commitment to traditional shoemaking techniques. Every piece, be that footwear or accessories, is handmade in the brand's atelier in Veneto, where some designs take months to develop and days to produce. That means small-batch creations that are never quite identical. Marsèll also loves experimenting with different types of leather, letting their natural textures and variations become part of the design.
Dries Van Noten
An artistic sensibility and undeniable intellectual cool. Welcome to the world of Dries Van Noten. The Belgian fashion house has an experimental spirit rooted in the Antwerp Six, the influential group of designers that helped put Belgian fashion on the map. And while Dries himself stepped down as creative director in 2024, his approach to color, texture, and unconventional beauty remains central to the brand under his successor, Julian Klausner. That creative philosophy carries through to the footwear, too. Expert Italian shoemaking meets sculptural shapes, rich textures, and beautifully treated leathers.
Camperlab
Camperlab is the experimental, avant-garde sub-brand of the classic Spanish footwear label Camper. And as you can imagine, we couldn't think of a better match for grooms who love to stand out. The brand has gained recognition for its “ugly-beautiful” surrealist aesthetic, bringing together traditional Mallorcan craftsmanship, campy flamboyance, and sharp irony. Camperlab enjoys rethinking classic dress shoe archetypes, often exaggerating their most recognizable features. There's a fine line between bizarre and brilliant, and Camperlab seems to enjoy walking it.
George Cox
Every generation has its rebels. And for decades, many of them have worn George Cox. Founded in Northamptonshire in 1906, the British shoemaker began by producing traditional leather Oxfords and Derbies. But everything changed in 1949, when the brand introduced its now-iconic Brothel Creeper. Its thick crepe sole and unconventional proportions were unlike anything in the typical gentleman's wardrobe. The design soon became a symbol of alternative style, finding its way into the wardrobes of Teddy Boys, rockabilly enthusiasts, punks, and goths. If your fashion language is more underground than polished, George Cox might just be right up your alley.
Guidi
Guidi is something of a cult favorite in the world of avant-garde fashion, and its story goes all the way back to 1896. That's when Guido Guidi, Giovanni Rosellini, and Gino Ulivi established a leather tannery in Tuscany, laying the groundwork for what would become one of Italy's most intriguing footwear labels. More than a century later, Guidi is still drawing on those traditional tanning techniques, only now they're paired with experimental silhouettes, distressed finishes, and a darker, more rebellious aesthetic. Much of the footwear's rugged character comes from the band's signature object-dyeing technique, which involves dyeing shoes after they're fully constructed.
Tod's
Tod’s is made for the minimalist who values quality and heritage over loud branding. The iconic Italian label has been a firm choice for well-dressed men for decades. Its reputation owes much to beautiful leatherwork, traditional Italian shoemaking, and a more relaxed approach to luxury. For the groom who wants to ditch stiff, rigid dress shoes, the brand offers exceptionally crafted Oxfords and loafers that work just as well with a tuxedo as they do with a summer suit. It’s effortless Italian style that takes you from the altar to the afterparty without missing a step.
Jacquemus
Founded in 2009 by self-taught designer Simon Porte Jacquemus, Jacquemus has become one of the most beloved names in contemporary French fashion. With its playful interpretation of Parisian chic and a fondness for the sun-soaked spirit of southern France, the brand has developed a recognizable aesthetic that balances simplicity with a taste for the unconventional. And we love Jacquemus for its shoes just as much. Take the Carré loafers, with their exaggerated square toes and wide penny straps, or the woven leather Derbies that give a familiar dress shoe a rather interesting makeover. Even the brand's more casual designs have a certain charm, including boat shoes and retro-inspired sneakers.
Tom Ford
If there's ever a day to dress like you've walked straight out of a Hollywood film, your wedding day is probably it. And Tom Ford is certainly a good place to start. After all, the designer famously dressed Daniel Craig's James Bond, which is quite a résumé entry when we're talking about men in suits. Since 2024, Haider Ackermann has been at the creative helm, bringing his own taste for sensual tailoring and understated drama to the house. And there's much of that drama in the footwear, though it's often more about proportions than anything flashy. The toes tend to run long, the shapes are beautifully streamlined, and the heels sit a touch higher than you might expect. Even the more traditional lace-ups seem to have a little extra swagger.
Church's
Church's has been around since 1873, so it's fair to say the British shoemaker knows its way around a good pair of dress shoes. Founded in Northampton, a town with shoemaking practically woven into its history, the brand has spent generations perfecting the finer points of traditional men's footwear. There's plenty to admire in its polished leather Oxfords, handsome Derbies, and intricately detailed brogues, particularly the iconic Burwood. Since joining the Prada Group in 1999, Church's has loosened up a little, giving some of its familiar designs a more contemporary spin with chunky soles, metal studs, and bolder proportions.
