Chunky sole brogues have completely transformed our relationship with “nerdy” shoes, and we’re absolutely obsessed with how they take classic menswear-inspired footwear and make it feel fresh, feminine, and surprisingly edgy. There’s something so delightfully unexpected about pairing traditional brogue detailing with a substantial, modern platform sole—it’s like your grandfather’s favorite oxfords decided to get a punk rock makeover. We’ve been reaching for them constantly because they nail that tricky balance between preppy sophistication and contemporary cool that feels impossible to achieve with most shoes. The brogue perforations and classic lace-up styling give them this timeless, scholarly vibe that works beautifully with tailored pieces, but the chunky sole keeps them from feeling too serious or costume-y. We love how they work with so many different aesthetic directions—full academia core with pleated skirts and cardigans, modern minimalist with straight-leg trousers and simple tops, or unexpectedly romantic when paired with midi dresses and delicate accessories. They’re perfect for those days when you want to feel smart and put-together while still maintaining some personality and edge. We’ve been wearing them with everything from cropped wide-leg pants (the proportions are incredible) to A-line skirts for that perfect preppy-meets-punk contrast. The chunky sole makes them infinitely more comfortable than traditional oxfords while adding this amazing visual weight that grounds more flowing or feminine pieces. They make us feel scholarly, sophisticated, and slightly rebellious all at once.
