When it comes to men’s dress shoes, top international names like Santoni, Church’s or Berluti may spring to mind, but why not keep it closer to home and give these Thai shoe labels a try? Here, we've picked five solid options that will help make you look like a million bucks without the hefty price tag. 

Archibald’s Shoes

What: This brand is a good start if you’re a rookie when it comes to men’s dress shoes. Archibald’s specializes in penny loafers and tassel loafers—the most casual and easy-to-wear dress shoes out of the bunch—plus, they’re timeless classics. This brand makes loafers as they should be: real leather with a sleek, gleaming finish and a nicely rounded tip. You can wear them dressed-up or dressed-down, with or without socks, and still look good either way—so good that people who don’t know better will think you’re wearing Italian. Go for the Obsidian Black or Madison Brown moccasins, which have a genuine leather outsole and cushioned insole—all for a Gucci-busting B3,500. 
Prices: From B3,400
Selvedgeworks, Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., 089-12-0220. Open daily 12-9pm. www.fb.com/archibaldsshoes

Mango Mojito

What: This Thai brand offers superb quality classic gentleman-style shoes in four different lines—the “Classic Collection,” which sees the brand’s modern reinterpretation of men’s classic shoes (do checkout their tassel loafers in patent leather); the “Italian & Goodyear Welted Collection,” which sees the brand’s Oxfords, wingtips and Penny loafers made with premium full grain imported Italian leather using Goodyear Welt construction; the “Masterpiece Collection,” which offers high-quality calfskin leather shoes designed in Italy; and lastly, their casual loafers collection aptly dubbed “Mojito Loafers.” The brand also offers a custom-made service, where you can choose the color, leather, shoelaces and more to make your pair unique and special.
Prices: From B4,450 for classic dark brown Penny loafers to B13,500 for double monk strap pebble grain leather from the Italian & Goodyear Welted Collection.
Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-1435. Open daily 12-9pm. www.mango-mojito.com

Smith & Sons

What: If you’re looking for a pair of statement dress shoes to go with your bespoke suit, you’re in good hands with these guys. Founded in 1975, this Thai brand is passionate about making one thing and one thing only: high-quality handcrafted leather dress shoes made from the finest imported leather. Browsing through their collections, you’ll find a great deal of killer loafers, Oxford captoes and double monk straps polished to mirror-like perfection. They also offer a custom-made service, so feel free to bring your own designs to the tailors, who'll be able to bring your one-of-a-kind kicks to life. 
Prices: From B4,900 for genuine leather Oxfords and Penny loafers to B40,000 for crocodile leather, German-welted double monk straps.
1328/123 Chartnakorn 3, Sukhapiban 1 Rd., 085-319-0708. Open Tue-Thu 3-10pm, Sat-Sun 12-10pm. www.smithandsonshoe.com

London Brown

What: Thumbs up to this well-established local brand for totally nailing those contemporary, minimal tweaks on classics that let you stand out in a super-stylish yet understated way. From Oxfords, loafers, and double monk straps to derbies, leather sneakers and Chelsea boots, these guys have basically got you covered for all the dress shoes every man should own. While we really like the “Carter” (B3,990)—the brand’s own playful reinterpretation of the classic dress shoe—their “Philip” Chelsea boots (B6,250) are the winner for us. They hit the ankles at just the right height and come in variations that can make you look both proper and badass at the same time.
Prices: From B3,590 for leather sneakers to B6,250 for Chelsea boots and the Prada-inspired platform derby shoes.
Siam Square Soi 2, Rama 1 Rd., 086-3321544. Open daily 12-9pm. www.fb.com/LondonBrownShop

Thai Shoes

What: You won’t find this Thai brand in luxury malls or shopping centers like Siam Paragon or Siam Square, but rather in Bangkok’s Old Town—at Charoenkrung Soi 42, to be exact. This traditional made-to-order bespoke shoe shop has been open for more than 70 years, offering variations of classic loafers and Oxford shoes made from real leather at just B580. It is said that this old school little shop has quite a fan following, who are all hooked on the high-quality craftsmanship and friendly service of the seventy-six year old owner-slash-tailor and, of course, the super affordable price. Other shoe services include repairs, which are all done for free. 
Prices: From B580 for dress shoes to around B900 for leather boots.  
1370 Charoenkrung Soi 42, 02-234-8976. Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm, Sat 12-6pm. www.fb.com/thaishoesonline