What is the perfect groom's shoe to wear for a wedding?

So you’re the groom, or perhaps best man or usher for a upcoming wedding. The question is, what is the best shoe to wear to get married in?

You’ll need something sophisticated, elegant, stylish and of course comfortable. You’ll most likely be wearing wedding shoes all morning day and night so choose wisely…

In this blog we'll show you which styles and colours our customers picked for their weddings, one of life’s biggest moments. Read what they had to say about comfort, confidence, and compliments on the day, each one with their own unique take.

Thank you @robparkinson23 and his bride Vicky for the photo's. Wearing his Bourne monk straps in oxblood, the red tones going well with his tie, flower, and Vicky's bouquet. Oxblood adds pop and a splash of colour to light coloured and neutral tone suits.

We asked Rob about how he made his choice.

Rob told us:

"I really wanted to stand out and wear something a little different on my wedding day and I was so happy when I discovered Thomas Bird. I had a chat with Vicky about our colour scheme and the oxblood monk strap shoes fit perfectly! I absolutely loved wearing the shoes and they got lots of compliments on the big day!"

Monk straps are great however at Thomas Bird we can highly recommend the luxurious Benson Black Wholecut Oxford, by far the most popular choice of formal footwear for the big day.

Made from one single piece of leather with no seams, this is a stunningly clean man’s wedding shoe. It features a leather sole with rubber insert, ideal for dancing the wedding night away with no risk of an embarrassing mishap.

It compliments any black, charcoal or dark navy blue morning suit with its distinctive pointed toe shape. You can complete the look with the matching Thomas Bird Italian belt.

The best thing about our Benson wedding shoe is that it can be worn time and time again after the big day (unlike ladies bridal wear). These Oxfords are perfect for executives in the workplace or with a suit for evening meals or DJ for balls and cocktail nights.

Here's example of our Benson black wholecut, paired with a black bow tie and white tux, worn by Ken Vaughn at his wedding to Annisha. Thanks for the photo @ken_vaughn_.

The black wholecut oxford remains a timeless wedding choice, but not every groom wants classic. Some go for brighter tones, bold patinas, or something a little more eye-catching that reflect their personal style.

Here's a photo from the wedding of Simon and Emily. Simon is wearing a pair of Thomas Bird Benson blue wholecuts complementing a beautiful green suit. Thanks for the photo @friendpics and @thesmithsandco.

For something truly special, the Benson Wholecut in Custom Patina is hard to beat. Built on our sleek Benson last, each pair is hand finished with unique brushwork and layered depth, creating a rich, eye catching patina that adds real character to your wedding look.

We love this beautiful photo taken by @linaandtom from Zara and Joe's wedding.

Zara told us:

"So glad I saved the patina post back in April to show Joe, his green patina were amazing, and he was so comfy the whole day. Everybody loved how fabulous the shoes are!"

Available in seven striking colours, it’s the perfect way to add a pop of personality and polish to your big day.

Many of our customers opt for the Benson in a variety of hand-finished patinas, while others elevate their look with a Black Patent wholecut for a more formal edge.

Our Mayfair Black Patent wholecut is the definition of formal elegance, handcrafted in Italy with a sleek, mirror-like shine, it's the perfect choice for black-tie weddings and evening ceremonies. A timeless shoe that ensures you look sharp from aisle to afterparty.

The Ellington wholecut Oxford offers the same sleek silhouette as our Benson, but with a refined brogue medallion on the toe for added character. Available in five rich colour options, it's a versatile choice for grooms who want something classic with a subtle twist. Perfect for standing out without shouting.

Thanks for the photos @roys_keith. His bride Jeannette said:

"My husband has a really good eye for fashion. He showed me the shoes for the wedding and we agreed on the style and color. They were perfect for the occasion. My husband didn’t want to play it safe with black shoes on our wedding day either. We tend to coordinate our colors."

Some go a little more relaxed with the Hampton Penny Loafer. A sophisticated yet EASY option for modern weddings. Each pair is finished with hand-applied patina brush strokes, giving the leather depth, richness, and a truly unique character. Ideal for summer ceremonies, destination weddings, or grooms looking for effortless elegance.

Some of our customers have stepped out in our Chelsea Boots for their big day. Proving there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wedding style.

The Eastwood Chelsea Boot might not be everyone’s first thought for a wedding, but for the right groom, it’s a bold and refined statement. With its sleek profile, clean lines, and Italian craftsmanship, it pairs beautifully with tailored suits, especially winter or countryside weddings. A smart alternative that stands out for all the right reasons.

Every wedding day is unique, from the setting to the suit, and of course, the shoes. Whether you’re after classic black Oxfords, bold patina finishes, or something a little different like a loafer or Chelsea boot, we hope we have the style and colour to suit your big day.

Whatever you choose, choose something that feels like you and enjoy every step.

Alongside the styles worn by our real wedding customers, here are a few more top picks we think are perfect for the occasion.each one backed by glowing reviews and standout craftsmanship.