Must-Have Shoe Types For Men
If you were to have only seven pairs of shoes in your closet, what would they be? What are the types of shoes every man should own? Your footwear speaks volumes about your style and is a clear indication of where you’re going. There is a type of shoe for each occasion, and every modern guy should own them all. Wondering which they are? Let’s have a sneak-peek at the quintessential footwear you need.
1. Smart Leather Shoes
Smart leather shoes are every man’s need. Because you might still drive a Ford Explorer, but that doesn’t mean that you should settle for playing in the mud. You can’t just wear sneakers to that important job interview, nor pair your smart suit with moccasins.
You need a pair of timeless derbies or punching brogues on this occasion. Half-way between formal and casual, smart shoes are high-fashion these days.
Our favorite styles feature rubber soles, so come wet weather you won’t succumb to slippery floors. They also look amazing and can give identity to an otherwise dull black-tie outfit. On more casual occasions, they can also complement chinos or a pair of jeans.
Just don’t forget to treat them meticulously with leather conditioner and mink oil, and these shoes will last for a lifetime.
2. Stylish Sneakers
We’reall grown-up kids, we know. But those chunky trainers you used in high-school are just out of fashion. Ditch them and get a pair of minimalist, stylish sneakers instead. Inspired by the retro tennis shoes, these are a quintessential component in most outfits.
They are the Land Rover of shoes. Sturdy, comfortable, and reliable, they keep up for casual use. Whether you’re running for groceries, meeting your buddies at the pub, or playing fetch with Fido, the sneakers will never let you down.
Wear them with tees and jeans, shorts, chinos, and other styles of informal tailoring. Just keep in mind that these are not for training and that you should replace them the moment they start looking past their best.
3. Work Boots
Another type of shoes every man should own is the utilitarian work boots. Whether you’re planning some renovation work or go anywhere with squally weather or rough terrain, work boots remain the quintessential type to wear.
They are the smarter equivalent to wellingtons and hiking boots. Designed for harsh conditions, these shoes are comfy andwaterproof. You can fit thick socks in there and stay warm even in the most adverse weather.
Modern work boots are also stylish. They won’t make you look like a lumberjack on his days off, on the contrary; they enhance a pair of tweed trousers or wool pants. Another winning combination is with jeans, but they in truth work with any heavy-weight fabric. Regardless of where you wear them, you can be sure that in this kind of boots you’ll be ready for whatever the odds are throwing at you.
4. Walking Shoes
Exploring urban jungles and navigating through crowds with both ease and style requires a pair of walking shoes. In a strictly technical way, these are built for comfort rather than performance or style.
They’re typically a hybrid between running and casual shoes but most of them preserve a sporty aesthetic that matches well with casual outfits. For those moments when you have to walk miles in a day dressed in a semi-formal suit, you can put on a solid pair of loafers. They’ll surely keep HR off your back while you’ll still have happy feet.
Leather moccasins or a stylish pair of boat shoes can also fit the bill, and give you plenty of styles and designs to play with. At the end of the day, any footwear that keeps you comfortable during those long-haul strolls is great walking shoes to have in your closet.
5. Running Shoes
You’re a modern man and your image’s important to you. That’s why you jog, get a minimum of three days of cardio in a week and even engage in post-workout activities. And that’s why you need a good pair of running shoes or trail running shoes to sweat in.
Damn, you need a pair of running shoes even if you reluctantly joined that after-office ‘running for a cause’ thing just so you can impress that new hot cutie who just joined the company.
Purpose aside, these shoes have plenty of functionality. Just slip them on instead of snickers when you have to run to the closest 7-Eleven for some last-minute thing or pair them with a casual outfit now and then.
The only thing to pay attention is colors. Stick with neutrals and steer clear of all those crazy neon hues that can do nothing but hurt your eyes and image. And don’t forget to slip a deodorizing insole in them from day one too.
6. Hiking Shoes
Be it a gathering at your boss’ cabin out in the woods, camping, tailgating, or a backpacking adventure out in the wilds; you need a pair of solid hiking shoes. You can’t just slip in your running or walking pair unless you want to look like a high-school lad with zero fashion sense.
These shoes are perfect for summer and come in an array of types. From sturdy, utilitarian sandals to breathable trainer-like shoes, you have plenty of options and styles to choose from.
Their rubber soles will keep you upright on slippery trails and muddy terrains, and they are also cushioned so that you can hike in all comfort for the entire day.
7. Dress Shoes
Gents, the last type of shoes every man should own are dress shoes. These are la crème de la crème, the badass of them all. Hard to pair and even harder to wear, they are essential on all those occasions that have you pull out your black tie or Sunday attire.
Classic, black Oxford shoes are a must-have at weddings, christenings, funerals, and even at some job interviews. If you have one of those fancy jobs in a bank or downtown office, you still need dress shoes.
For a comfier feel, try swapping them with the smart leather shoes when you can; nevertheless, you still have to keep a pair of these fancy workhorses in your closet, just in case.
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