This Is the Unexpected Shoe Style You’ll See Everywhere This Year
It’s time to go brogue.
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Come on…brogue! You might be unfamiliar with the term, but if recent runways and cool-girl street style are any indicator, brogues are about to be everywhere. Menswear is undoubtedly having a sartorial moment for both men and women, from suiting to watches to eyewear, and no corp-core look is complete without a smart shoe to top it off. School-girl style is en brogue, too, so it only makes sense that this era of footwear would be defined by practicality, at least, in theory.
Before we get into the sartorial weeds, though, it’s important to acknowledge that “brogue” is a technical term. “Broguing” typically refers to the perforations on the top of the shoe, common in England, Ireland and Scotland, which differentiates brogues from other low-heeled working shoes like Oxfords or loafers. That being said, all three styles—brogues, Oxfords, derbies, and loafers, and their little sister, the Mary Jane—are trending up and up in the world of style, thanks to their practical nature and classic appeal. For that reason, we found a variety of styles to choose from despite the technicalities or “proper” names. After all, a smart, flat shoe can take you places, both on foot and metaphorically.
In a formality middle-ground between sneakers and heels, brogues and similar styles marry effort and comfort, though you’ll likely need to break them in no matter what route you take. So, ready to take the leap into smart style? Shop our top picks to get in on the brogue trend, below.
Is it a brogue? Is it a Mary Jane? Is it a mule? Loewe’s version of the school-girl brogue was a hit straight off the spring/summer 2024 runway, and luckily for you and me, the style is still shoppable today.
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Black, Burgundy
Materials: Brushed calfskin
For an edgier, punkier version of a brogue, try Church’s studded style. If you don’t want to wear heels on a night out, these shoes are a fabulous (and still dressy) alternative.
Sizes: 34-42
Colors: Black
Materials: Calf leather with polished binder finish
An ultra-pointed toe brogue from Victoria Beckham is my personal definition of cool, chic, edgy, and everything in between. Wear with a mini skirt and tights or with baggy jeans for maximum cool-girl effect.
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: Black
Materials: Leather
A perfect mix of the brogue and Mary Jane styles, Franco Sarto’s cream-colored style is the spring shoe of our dreams.
Sizes: 6-11
Colors: Vanilla, Black
Materials: Patent Faux Leather
Customer review: “I am literally obsessed with these! They fit great, are comfortable and are very on trend!!!”
Scarosso’s sleek espresso-hued brogues are a perfect classic. Minimal, elegant, and well-structured, these shoes will elevate any outfit.
Sizes: Brown
Colors: 35-42
Materials: Dark brown calfskin leather
Whether you need Oxfords, loafers, or brogues, Church’s is a staple in this style of footwear. A collaboration with Miu Miu makes them even more powerful, especially when this particular style is a frequent favorite of actress Emma Corrin.
Materials: Leather
This style from The Office of Angela Scott is perfect if you prefer to add a little height to your brogues. Style with cropped jeans for a high-low look.
Sizes: 36-43
Colors: Black
Materials: Black Italian polished leather
Customer review: “Love the sleek style & both heel and lace-up are fashionable and distinctive. The fit is fantastic and long-wearing comfort. I did buy a second pair immediately upon receipt of first pair.”
“This style from Aeyde stood out to me because it feels like a softer version of a brogue shoe. You still get that laced up, heeled aspect of a classic brogue, but I like how it feels more casual and easier to wear day-to-day.”—Carson Stannard, fashion editor
Sizes: 35-42
Colors: Cream
Materials: Goatskin leather
“Simone Rocha has outdone herself with this pair of brogues. The heart-shaped toe and laced leather grommets give the shoe a unique balance of grungy and playfulness, making this shoe ideal for the office or a night out. As the spring weather approaches, I’d personally style them with tailored shorts or a floral lace midi skirt.”—Noelia Rojas-West, fashion closet coordinator
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Black
Materials: Polished calfskin
Personally, I love a shoe with a tassel-trimmed accent. It adds even more of a vintage menswear element to an already menswear-inspired shoe—and with the buckle detailing, too? This is one of the ultimate brogues.
Sizes: 36.5-41
Colors: Brown, Oxblood Red, Jet Black
Materials: Calf leather
Okay...so this isn’t actually a brogue...but it is a kitten heel with broguing! A perfect twist on a classic shoe that will make any outfit ultra-cool.
Sizes: 36-40.5
Colors: White
Materials: Spazzolato leather
Another iteration of the Mary Jane, Sandro’s version of the brogue is both cute and sharp—the perfect shoe to wear day-to-day or dress up for an evening out and about.
Sizes: 35-41
Colors: Black
Materials: Cow leather
For a more obvious take on the Oxford (but notice the perforations, also a brogue), try this color-contrasted style from Dr. Martens, another iconic brand of this particular footwear family.
Sizes: 5-12
Colors: Black/White, Black/Black
Customer review: “These are the most comfortable Dr. Matrens have and I get so many compliments on them. I love them!”
Many brogues often come in black or navy since, to be fair, they’re typically seen more as dress shoes for men. Brown colorways evoke more of the original use of brogues, though, as untanned leather shoes made for workers. This lends itself to a more casual look for outdoor summer activities.
Sizes: 5-11
Colors: Beige, Black
Materials: Cow leather
Customer review: “These can be styled so many ways—with a dress, skirt, tailored pants, jeans.”
These Gabriela Hearst brogues might call to memory The Princess Diaries (at least to me they do) but with a more elegant chicness that maybe, just maybe, Queen Clarisse Renaldi wouldn’t veto.
Sizes: 36.5-40
Colors: Black
Materials: Calfskin leather
Why Trust ELLE
Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Readers Also Read
The SATC Looks ELLE Editors Dream About
These HOKAs Make Standing and Walking All Day Easy
The Best Sneakers in 2025, Recommended by Experts
The Only Fall Fashion Trends That Matter
