A good pair of dress shoes remains one of the most useful investments in a man’s wardrobe. Whether you’re dressing for the office, attending a wedding or simply looking to elevate your everyday style, the right pair can make a significant difference to your overall appearance.
Thankfully, there is no shortage of options in Singapore. From affordable homegrown labels to established shoemakers offering Goodyear-welted and made-to-order footwear, there is something for almost every budget and preference. I’ve rounded up five places worth considering if you’re looking for men’s dress shoes in Singapore, with all coming in at under S$400.
1) Arden Teal
If value for money is your primary consideration, Arden Teal is a good place to start.
My opinion: The homegrown label offers a broad selection of men’s leather footwear, including Oxfords, Derbies, loafers and other smart-casual styles. Its appeal lies in offering a more refined alternative to typical mass-market footwear without pushing into the higher price brackets associated with premium shoemakers. Arden Teal is particularly well suited to those buying their first proper pair of leather dress shoes. The designs are generally classic enough for work and formal occasions, while the relatively accessible pricing makes it easier to build a small rotation rather than relying on a single pair.
The brand also offers Blake-stitched footwear, which provides a relatively sleek profile while allowing the soles to be replaced when they eventually wear out.
Best for: Affordable leather dress shoes and first-time buyers.
Price: Arden Teal shoes start from S$119 (after the promo code below). As Arden Teal is an official affiliate partner of Wah So Shiok, quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 12% off all shoes store-wide.
Where to buy: Arden Teal shoes can be bought online here.
Review: Read my most recent review of Arden Teal’s leather shoes here.
2) Rad Russel
Another longstanding Singaporean footwear label, Rad Russel has been around since 2009 and takes a slightly more fashion-forward approach to men’s footwear.
My opinion: The brand offers the expected staples—Oxfords, Derbies and loafers—but its designs tend to have a little more personality than the conservative dress shoes commonly found in traditional footwear stores. This makes Rad Russel an interesting option for men who want something suitable for the office without looking overly conventional.
Comfort is also an important part of the brand’s proposition, with its footwear designed around the needs of the modern professional. Prices generally remain accessible compared with premium shoemakers, making Rad Russel a sensible middle ground between mass-market footwear and more expensive leather shoes.
Best for: Contemporary designs and everyday office wear.
Prices: Most of Rad Russel’s staple offerings are priced from S$180-190. As Rad Russel is an official affiliate partner of Wah So Shiok, quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 10% off all shoes store-wide.
Where to buy: Rad Russel shoes can be bought online here.
Review: Read my most recent review of Rad Russel’s shoes here.
3) Sunnystep
Sunnystep takes a rather different approach to dress shoes. The homegrown footwear label is best known for its comfort-focused walking shoes, but its Dream collection extends that philosophy into more formal footwear.
My opinion: Sunnystep’s Dream collection incorporates lightweight construction, supportive insoles and cushioning designed for extended periods on your feet. The Dream Buckle Loafer, for example, combines a more formal silhouette with Sunnystep’s comfort-focused approach. It won’t be the obvious choice for someone specifically looking for traditional leather shoemaking, but for professionals who prioritise comfort—particularly those who spend long hours standing or walking—it is an interesting alternative to conventional dress shoes.
Best for: Comfort-focused footwear that still looks sufficiently polished for work.
Prices: Most of Sunnystep’s more formal offerings start from S$135. As Sunnystep is an official affiliate partner of Wah So Shiok, quote “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy 5% off all shoes store-wide.
Where to buy: Sunnystep shoes can be bought online here.
Review: Read my most recent review of Sunnystep’s shoes here.
4) CNES Shoemaker
For those who are more interested in traditional shoemaking, CNES Shoemaker is worth a look.
My opinion: Established in 1994, CNES has built its reputation around combining classical shoe construction with more contemporary designs. Its current range includes both Goodyear-welted and McKay-stitched footwear, with Oxfords, Derbies, loafers and boots available in a variety of lasts and widths. This is where things start getting more serious from a shoemaking perspective. Goodyear-welted shoes are constructed in a manner that allows them to be resoled, potentially extending the useful life of a well-maintained pair considerably.
CNES also offers made-to-order services, giving customers the opportunity to customise aspects of their shoes beyond what is available off the shelf. There are even hand-welted options for those looking to move further up the craftsmanship ladder.
Best for: Traditional construction, resolable footwear and serious shoe enthusiasts.
Prices: Off-the-shelf options generally start from S$300+, depending on sale season.
Where to buy: CNES Shoemaker has a boutique located in Beach Road.
5) Jalan Sriwijaya
Jalan Sriwijaya occupies another interesting position in the market, offering hand-welted leather footwear with a strong emphasis on traditional craftsmanship.
My opinion: Beyond the shoes themselves, one of Jalan Sriwijaya’s strengths is its after-sales service. The Singapore store (located in Takashimaya) provides shoe polishing and care services, while purchases of its own shoes come with complimentary basic care for life. That makes Jalan Sriwijaya particularly attractive to someone who is prepared to spend more on a pair of shoes and wants the infrastructure to maintain them properly over the years.
For a first serious pair of welted dress shoes, it is certainly worth having on your shortlist.
Best for: Traditional craftsmanship and long-term ownership.
Prices: Shoes at Jalan Sriwijaya start at S$398.
Where to buy: Jalan Sriwijaya has a boutique located on level 3 of Takashimaya.
Other listicles
If you found this listicle on dress shoes helpful, do check out some of my other “Affordable” listicles below:
- 12 Affordable Tailors in Singapore
- 7 Affordable Watch Straps Brands in Singapore
- 3 Affordable Perfume Brands in Singapore
- 5 Affordable Wallets Brands in Singapore
- 7 Affordable Watch Brands from Singapore
- 4 Affordable Men’s Work Bags Brands in Singapore
- 9 Affordable Hotels in Singapore for Daycations and Staycations in Singapore
- 7 Affordable Web Design Companies in Singapore
- 3 Affordable Tailors in Bangkok
- 3 Affordable Perfume Workshops in Singapore
- 4 Affordable Aesthetic Clinics and Treatments for Men in Singapore
- 3 Affordable Spectacles Shops in Singapore
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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