Cap Toe vs. Wingtip: Everything You Need To Know

From the shape to the laces to the color, there are several components that make dress shoes one of the more complex and intricate parts of a man’s wardrobe. The many factors that go into dress shoes need to be evaluated before making a solid pick for any special or formal occasion. One of the lesser-known yet more important components of a pair of dress shoes is definitely the toe. While there are a few different toe options to be explored when purchasing dress shoes, the two that we are going to focus on in this article are cap toes and wingtips. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about cap toe shoes and wingtip shoes.

Wingtip Shoes

A wingtip shoe can easily be defined as any shoe that has a wing-shaped line of stitching along the upper part of the shoe. This stitching essentially creates an artificial border between the toe box and vamp of the shoe. Considered great for smart-casual or business-casual attire, wingtips tend to have nice detailing and decorative perforations, though not all wingtips have this. If a pair of wingtip shoes do have these perforations, they can also be referred to as brogues. However, simple dress-shoes that have just a wingtip stitching are not brogues and should not be labeled as such. While several dress shoes tend to be set in one solid color, wingtips, along with cap toes, give you a bit more room for funkiness and flexibility. Multi-colored Oxfords are a great example of that versatile stitching having a creative twist put on it. Having a white toe that contrasts with a black or brown body add some extra flair to any formal or business-casual outfit. 

Cap Toe Shoes

Similar to wingtip shoes, cap toes can best be defined as having a line of stitches separating the toe area from the rest of the shoe. However, rather than having the W-shaped line that you’ll find with wingtips, cap toe’s specifically use stitching that forms a horizontal line. In addition to this, there are a few different features that seem to remain common throughout most cap toe shoes, making it easier to identify them when you are shopping. First, most cap toe dress shoes come in a rather standard set of color variations. Second, cap toe dress shoes are also most commonly made from either leather or suede, with leather being a bit more formal and suede being more casual. In addition, you are more likely to find some sort of decorative pattern or perforations across the toe box. 

Differences Between the Two

Clearly, the biggest distinction between cap toe shoes and wingtip shoes lies in the stitching on the upper. If the stitching on the shoe is a straight, horizontal line, then you are looking at a cap toe. If the stitching is one in a W or wing-shaped line, you’ve got a wingtip on your hands. Though both shoes tend to come in similar colors and be made of either leather or suede, wingtips are generally considered more casual than cap toe shoes due to their funkier design. If you are ever attending a very formal event and are unsure of which to go with, remember that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed, meaning you should go with the cap toe shoes.