I've worn both style of shoe for close to 40 years-- my only complaint about them is that they tend to be heavy, too heavy in my opinion for dancing. Neither shoe is particularly uncomfortable. Having seen photos of DWFII's "Jacobite" shoes I would have no hesitation in wearing those to any more formal event.

The one thing that I have done to my regulation dress shoes is replace the stamped and chrome plated tin buckles with a pair of cut-steel buckles, giving them a tad more character.