You already know that women are looking at your shoes and making assumptions about you, right? According to some surveys, they’re not just judging your fashion sense. Over half of them are judging your personality based just on your shoes. And it’s not just women. Men do the same thing. If you want proof that style can speak volumes, take a look at the shoes of the next guy you meet. Based on his shoes alone, you’ll probably jump to some conclusions about his occupation and income, and maybe even what he’s like as a person. Your eyes may be the window into your soul, but your shoes are like a resume on your feet. Here are our picks for best dress shoes for fall. Not sure how to care for your new kicks? Check out how to keep your shoes looking sharp. Related: The Men’s Health Better Man Project—2,000+ Quick Tricks For Living Your Healthiest Life Cole Haan Olmstead PostmanThe Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
Barring a few exceptions, most men have a difficult time finding suitable pairs of dress shoes for under $350, suitable being the keyword. While, yes, you can readily purchase brogues, wingtips, and a variety of other lace-ups and slip-ons for $150 or less, that doesn't necessarily mean you should. It's your feet that will ultimately pay the price if you opt for a cheap pair with cemented on soles. You should invest in shoes that you can wear all day, comfortably. So below, we put together a list of brands with footwear for less than $350 that you should check out. When it comes to affordable footwear, ALDO is a brand that immediately comes to mind. While the quality will leave something to be desired for some guys, the brand's men's dress shoes are a good option for those who are limited by budget. You should be able to find a decent pair of oxfords or monk straps for about $80-$130. The Wisconsin-based shoe company is a go-to for business analysts and more experienced associates and VPs alike.
While some of its shoes go for upwards of $650 and $700, a standard lace-up will cost you about $300-$400. They're quality leather shoes for sophisticated men. Allen Edmonds LGA Wingtip Oxfords, $295, available at Allen Edmonds. Lace-ups from Hugo Boss' bridge line, BOSS, hover around $200-$300. The styles offered are modern, yet classic — the pair pictured here feature a striped detail at the toe. BOSS HUGO BOSS Men's Square Oxford, $295, available at Amazon. The Italian luxury brand specializes in dress shoes and leather goods, which can sell for upwards of $600. Discerning shoppers should keep their eyes peeled for sales at Nordstrom and Amazon, two of the most popular retailers carrying Bruno Magli wares. Bruno Magli Men's Maitland Oxford, $190, available at Amazon. British menswear retailer, Charles Trywhitt, is a go-to label for men who abide by corporate dress codes. The distinctly English-style shoes it carries feature fine grain leathers and solid construction that should last for years to come.
The highest priced pair (out of 50-plus available to shop on its site) runs for $389. Charles Tyrwhitt , $219, available at Charles Trywhitt. Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1928, Cole Haan is now a global lifestyle brand for men and women. Its mass appeal is the reason it's carried by virtually every department store — from retail juggernauts, like Nordstrom and Amazon, to smaller, more niche e-commerce operations, like East Dane. Cole Haan's dress shoes cap at about $300. Again, you should always look for sales. Cole Haan 'Hamilton' Grand Cap Toe Oxford, $280, available at Cole Haan. If you're looking to buy loafers or some other sleek-looking slip-on shoe, consider Donald J Pilner. Since 1989, the brand has made a name for itself, combining dapper designs with its supreme commitment to comfort. An average pair costs around $250, but costlier styles can run you closer to $500. Donald J Pliner 'Darrin' Bit Loafer, $295, available at Nordstrom. Florsheim is another Chicago-founded shoe company;
this one in 1892. The reasonably priced brand delivers classic wingtips, brogues, and more — made with fine leathers and Goodyear-welted soles — for really no more than $225. Florsheim Castellano Wingtip, $86.97-$228.27, available at Amazon. When you read 'G.H. Bass & Co.' on a page, your mind probably conjures images of penny loafers — the brand is one of the original makers of the popular style. However, Bass also excels in its other men's shoe designs, oxfords among them. Its shoes tend to fall into the under-$100 price bracket — you'll find various styles across the web retailing around $60-$120. G.H. Bass & Co. Buckingham Oxford, , available at Amazon. Gordon Rush may not have the name recognition of Allen Edmonds or Charles Trywhitt yet, but its dress shoes have an understated luxury and attention to detail that's definitely worth a look. The strap shoe pictured here is simultaneously modern and timeless. Gordon Rush Bryant Boat Shoe, $136-$215, available at Amazon.
Grenson began as a company by the name of William Green & Son in 1866; "Grenson" wasn't registered as a brand name in England until 1913. It's one of the oldest labels in the UK, and its signature eyelet designs don't run cheap. A pair of Grenson shoes will easily cost you $400 or more — but, you can sometimes find them on sale, so long as you know where to look for them. Grenson Ashley , $310, available at Mr. Porter. H by Hudson is another London-based footwear company. Its shoes combine forward designs and high-quality with affordability. At East Dane, Nordstrom, or Amazon, you can purchase a pair for about $70-$120. H by Hudson Giles Oxford, , available at Amazon. While you may have a few more "banker stripe" shirts from J.Crew than you're willing to admit, there's no denying the brand's aesthetic is perfect for most workplaces. On the higher end of "under $350," you can shop its rich brown leather chukkas if you like your dress shoes a bit more versatile.
J.Crew Ludlow Chukka Boots, $318, available at J.Crew. One of our favorite startups in the space, Jack Erwin makes quality shoes both for dress and casual wear. We love their boat shoes and driving loafers, but the brand has a surprising and impressive offering of dress shoes as well that is worth investigating. Jack Erwin 'Mitch' Plain-Toe Blucher, $195, available at Jack Erwin. Jos. A. Bank, Brooks Brothers, Johnston & Murphy — they're all go-to destinations for affordable work clothes and accessories. If you're a recent college grad with limited funds or you simply don't want to spend a lot on shoes, Johnston & Murphy is a solid choice. You'll have no problem staying under $200. Johnston & Murphy Men's Conard Cap Oxford, $184.95, available at Amazon. Lace-ups and drivers from Kenneth Cole New York and Kenneth Cole Reaction hover firmly in the $100-$200 price bracket — but you can usually find plenty styles on sale for less. The pair pictured here have is a great oxford for the price.
Kenneth Cole New York Sound T-Rack Burnished Leather Oxford, $195, available at Kenneth Cole. Let's not mince words here: Magnanni is not, by any means, a cheap brand. It's been producing premium men's shoes for more than 50 years in the small city of Almansa, Spain, with some styles asking for more than $1,000. Conveniently, though, the Spanish label also sells shoes in the $300-$350 price bracket. Magnanni 'Marco' Monk Strap Loafer, $270-$325, available at Amazon. New Republic by Mark McNairy has quickly gotten our attention for their quality and price point. With all of the shoes from the brand costing less than $100, it's tough to find a shoe that looks this good at a better price. New Republic 'Charles' Brogue, $78, available at New Republic. Ted Baker dress shoes are more forward-feeling than, say, Allen Edmonds or Fratelli Rossetti. Take the shoe pictured here: The contrast of the black leather and stacked heel is a subtle touch that will feel more at home at a startup than it will at a corporate office.
The price of most Ted Baker shoes maxes out around $300. Ted Baker Rogrr Oxford, $185-$195, available at Amazon. To Boot New York is another one of those pricey shoe brands that has a mid-range that's more most guys' speed. If you can find sale items in your size, you can spend less than $200 for a pair of them. To Boot New York 'Felix' Oxford Shoe, $243.75, available at Amazon. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by Business Insider's Insider Picks team. We aim to highlight products and services you might find interesting, and if you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners, including Amazon. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, is an investor in Business Insider through his personal investment company Bezos Expeditions. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team.