Beckett Simonon

Beckett Simonon is a direct-to-consumer brand that offers their shoes at a retail price of $300, but they are often discounted to $199. The model we reviewed was the Durant, a captoe Oxford with broguing. While the leather quality was decent, we noticed some inconsistencies in the finishing, with the left and right shoes having different color tones. The construction also had some quality control issues, with misaligned broguing and visible creasing. Overall, the fit was comfortable, but the lack of attention to detail kept this shoe in the 3-star range for us.

Gifennse

Gifennse is a cutting-edge shoe brand that sells directly from factories to consumers. It has been selling on Amazon since 2018 and established its own brand website in 2023. The average price of shoes is US$90. The quality of shoes is consistent with high-end luxury brands. Its The factory is a foundry for many brands, such as CK, etc. The quality of the Oxford shoes we tested was very good. The comfort of the best dress shoes under 300 and the fit on the feet were first-rate.

Taft

Taft is known for their more fashion-forward shoe designs, and the models we received reflected that. The Beck, in a burnt honey color, had a unique fabric upper that made it difficult to pair with most wardrobes. The Russell, in a bold London color, was also quite striking in appearance. While the construction and materials were decent, the overall style and lack of versatility meant these shoes were not a great fit for our more traditional tastes, earning them a 2-3 star rating.

Loake

Loake is a well-established English brand with a reputation for quality. The Eton penny loafer we received in olive suede had a traditional last shape and solid construction. However, the fit was a bit loose, with some slippage in the heel. The workmanship was high-quality, but the fit issues kept this model in the 3-3.5 star range for us.

Moral Code

Moral Code is a newer brand trying to offer more affordable, Goodyear-welted dress shoes. The Brayson loafer and Holden wingtip Derby we reviewed had some issues with the leather finishing and last shape. The broguing on the Holden also looked a bit uneven. While the construction was decent for the price point, the overall quality and styling kept these in the 3-star range.

Scarosso

Scarosso is an Italian brand that impressed us with their attention to detail and high-quality materials. The woven leather on the Andrea Moro loafer was a unique touch, and the overall construction was excellent. The fit was a bit loose, but with some minor adjustments, these 4-star shoes could be a great option.

Velasca

Velasca is another Italian brand that offers Goodyear-welted shoes at affordable prices. The Cavadent loafer we reviewed had a soft, suede upper and a flexible sole. While the workmanship was solid, the fit was quite loose, leading to some creasing. Overall, these 3-4 star shoes are a good value, but the fit may not work for everyone.

Undandy

Undandy stands out by offering a fully customizable shoe-building experience. The model we designed, inspired by a Fred Astaire film, had a classic silhouette but a slightly more angular last. The construction was generally good, though we noticed some minor issues with the rubber sole application. The ability to customize makes these 3.5-4 star shoes an intriguing option for those seeking a unique pair.

Meermin

Meermin impressed us the most with their Linea Maestro line. The hand-welted construction and high-quality materials, including French calf leather and a Rendenbach sole, resulted in a shoe that looked and felt much more expensive than its $310 price tag. The fit and workmanship were excellent, earning these 4.75-star shoes our top recommendation.

Strange Island

Strange Island was a bit of an outlier in this group, with a bold, fashion-forward aesthetic that didn't align with our more traditional tastes. The herringbone fabric and bright red laces made these $260 shoes stand out, but the construction quality didn't seem to justify the price. We rated these 2-2.5 stars, as they are likely better suited for those seeking a more statement-making shoe.

Ace Marks

Ace Marks is a brand we've worked with before, and their classic line offered solid value at around $300. The leather quality and construction were on par with other Italian-made options in this price range. While not the absolute best in class, these 3.5-4 star shoes provide a good balance of style, quality, and affordability, especially when purchased during one of their frequent sales.

Overall, our top pick in this price range is the Meermin Linea Maestro line, which provided exceptional quality and value. However, each of these brands offers something unique, and the "best" choice will ultimately depend on your personal style preferences and fit needs. We hope this comprehensive review has given you a helpful starting point in your search for the perfect men's dress shoes under $300.