How to Buy the Perfect Wingtip Shoes

Your Guide to buying the best Wingtips

Overview

A wingtip is a type of shoe that is characterized by a pointed toe and a decorative broguing detail along the toe cap of the shoe. Wingtips are a timeless and versatile style of shoe that can be worn for a variety of occasions. This buying guide will provide helpful tips and advice on choosing the perfect pair of wingtips for any man or woman. We’ll cover factors such as budget, fit, material, design, and more, so that you can find the perfect wingtips for your personal style and needs.

Key features

  1. Closure Type: Wingtips come in a variety of closure types, including lacing, elastic, and buckle. Consider which closure type best suits your needs.
  2. Size: Wingtips come in a range of sizes, from narrow to extra wide. Make sure to measure your feet accurately and buy a size that fits properly.
  3. Material: Wingtips are typically made of leather, although some are made of synthetic materials. Consider which material is most suitable for the occasion.
  4. Style: Wingtips come in a variety of styles, including brogues, cap-toes, and Oxfords. Consider which style best suits your needs and preferences.
  5. Color: Wingtips come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, and tan. Consider which color best suits your outfit.

See the most popular Wingtips on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Style and Versatility: Wingtip shoes can be worn with both casual and formal attire, making them incredibly versatile for a variety of occasions.
  • Durability: Wingtips are generally made of strong, durable leather that can withstand regular wear and tear.
  • Support: Wingtips provide excellent arch support thanks to their thick sole, which makes them great for walking and standing for extended periods of time.
  • High Quality: Wingtips are often made from high-quality materials, making them a great choice for those looking for shoes that will last.
  • Unique Design: Wingtips feature a unique design that stands out from the crowd and can add an air of sophistication to any outfit.

Cons

  • Cost - Wingtips can often be quite pricey and may not be within everyone's budget.
  • Material - Wingtips are usually made of leather, which may not be suitable for people who prefer vegan or synthetic materials.
  • Style - Wingtips are typically a more formal style of shoe, so may not be suitable for a casual, everyday look.
  • Size - Finding the right size Wingtip can be difficult if you have larger or smaller feet.

Best alternatives

  1. Oxford shoes - Typically characterized by closed lacing, a low heel, and a more formal look.
  2. Derby shoes - Typically characterized by open lacing, a higher heel, and a slightly more casual look.
  3. Loafers - Typically characterized by a slip-on style and a lower heel.
  4. Brogues - Typically characterized by a leather upper with decorative perforations and a slightly higher heel.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Wingtip Shoe Trees - A device used to maintain the shape of a shoe so it doesn't become misshapen when not being worn.
  • Shoe Horn - A tool used to help make putting shoes on easier.
  • Shoe Polish - A wax-based product which is used to clean and shine shoes.
  • Leather Protector - A product used to protect leather from dirt, water, and other contaminants.
  • Shoe Brush - A brush used to brush away dirt and dust from the leather.
  • Shoe Shine Kit - A kit containing the items necessary to shine shoes.

Common questions

  1. What are Wingtips? Wingtips are a type of shoe with a pointed toe and decorative perforations along the toe cap. The perforations are usually in the shape of a 'W' or 'M'.
  2. What styles of Wingtips are available? Wingtips can be found in a variety of styles, including oxford, brogue, derby, loafers, and boots.
  3. What materials are Wingtips available in? Wingtips can be made from leather, suede, and synthetic materials.
  4. What types of occasions are Wingtips appropriate for? Wingtips can be worn for both casual and formal occasions, depending on the material and style.
  5. How should Wingtips fit? Wingtips should fit comfortably both around the toes and around the heel. The toe should not be too tight or too loose, and the heel should be snug but not constricting.
  6. How should Wingtips be cared for? Wingtips should be cleaned regularly with a damp cloth and a leather cleaner. After cleaning, the shoes should be buffed with a soft cloth and conditioned with a leather conditioner.
  7. What is the best way to store Wingtips? Wingtips should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is also important to stuff the shoes with newspaper or shoe trees in order to maintain their shape.

Trivia

The story of wingtips dates all the way back to the mid-19th century when a British cobbler was tasked with making something special for an American lawyer. The cobbler then crafted a style of shoe that featured a rounded toe and a low heel, which he called "wingtips" for the distinctive "W" shape cutout around the toe. This style was adopted by the American market and quickly became very fashionable. The popularity of the wingtip style has only grown since then, and the shoes are now a staple of men's fashion. The style of the shoe has remained the same to this day, but modern materials and construction have made them more comfortable and practical.source: A Brief History of the Wingtip Shoe

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.