Looking for the essential men’s shoes to add to your collection? or never even thought about them? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Shoes are an essential component of any outfit. There are just too many different situations in your life as you get older to get by with just two pairs. As a result, it’s time to up your shoe game. Unfortunately, some guys seem to be unaware of this and assume that a pair of sneakers would suffice in every case. Why guys, why?! To look put-together, you don’t even need coordinating nail polish, lipsticks, or a lot of accessories. So why not aspire to master the bare minimum of items you’ll need to dress yourself? Being a man doesn’t mean you should settle for anything less than the best when it comes to fashion, especially shoes.
“Based on questionnaires, observations, and interviews in 1990 and 2000, it is clear that to most Americans, their footwear is an extension and expression of themselves. Shoes affect our perceptions of others and our perceptions of self, including our passage into adulthood. Not only is footwear an extension of self, it also acts as a repository of memory and meaning in our lives.” – Shoes and Self, The Association for Consumer Research
You won’t need a closet nearly that big to fit all of your shoes. And yes, we know being on lockdown has changed the way we dress, especially in terms of footwear. However, there are some shoes that you will never regret purchasing. After all, if you want to look fit for the occasion, you should have the appropriate footwear on your feet to complement and complete your outfits. We’re here to assist you in finding the necessary shoes that every man should possess.
Types of Footwear Every Guy Should Have
We’ve narrowed down a list of essential men’s shoes that every man should have in his closet. The right footwear will make or break your look in a matter of seconds. So if you have a pair of well-made shoes in any of the following styles (or as many as you can afford), you’ll be ready for any social scenario, whether it’s going grocery shopping, going to the office, going to the gym, or going to a formal celebration.
Some of your favorite styles may be missing from the list because they aren’t absolutely necessary if you’re on a budget or trying to have a minimalist collection. Chelsea boots, hiking shoes, monk straps, pool sliders, are nice to have, but it’s not necessary.
- Brogue
- Chukkas
- Leather
- Loafers
- Oxford
- Sneakers
- Flip Flops
- Espadrilles
So, to begin, let’s look at the first pair of shoes that every man should own – Brogue.
1. Brogue | Essential Men’s Shoes
These are ideal for an event and have the added benefit of never going out of style. It will quickly become a wardrobe staple for any guy. It’s as stylish as it is functional. The brogue, like many other styles of dress shoes, was designed to be a much more practical shoe than the way we wear them today.
The word “brogue” comes from the Gaelic word “bro,” which means “shoe.” Brogues are distinguished by their leather uppers that have been punched or decorated with stylish tiny holes. Surprisingly, the patterns or broguing that distinguish today’s Brogues served a practical function. Originally, brogues were built with holes and perforations to support drain water after passing ditches and swamps in muddy Ireland. We now regard the brogue with a little more reverence.
Dark brown brogues are appropriate for formal occasions, while lighter brogues are appropriate for everyday wear. Black brogues go well with suits, but don’t overdo it and wear them to a black tie event. They look great with jeans or slacks and are ideal for occasions when you don’t want to wear canvas but don’t want to wear leather. When shopping for brogues, keep in mind that the more broguing on the shoe, the less formal it seems.
Dirt and dust will easily fill up the perforated holes in the shoes. So remember to clean them often and make your shoes last longer!
2. Chukkas | Essential Men’s Shoes
Chukka boots have become very popular and are a must-have boot for any guy, thanks to their strong sporting and military background. They are not quite as formal as brogues, but it’s always a step up from a sneaker. Chukkas, which were first popular in the 1940s, have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. The chukka boot is said to be the first dress-casual shoe, allowing for a great deal of versatility.
The shoe is a simple ankle-high boot with a round toe and two or three lacing eyelets. This ankle-high boot is usually made of suede or leather. The design is traditionally two-paneled and does not have a lot of embellishments. A suede pair of chukkas avoids over-the-top embellishments, allowing the shoe’s texture to speak for itself.
If we talk about the history of these types, the desert boot is a style of chukka that originated in the British military. Chukkas became the preferred leisurewear of many soldiers due to their comfort and durability in harsh desert conditions.
Chukkas are a great option since they can be worn with both casual and dressier outfits. The texture of a suede pair brings visual appeal and a rich elegance to your ensemble. For more sophistication and versatility, go for a darker brown, or a lighter hue for more casual looks providing an elegant alternative to sneakers. For the best look, match chukkas with a pair of jeans or chinos and a polo shirt. They’re also a safe way to dress down an outfit that was about to become too formal thanks to brogues. Chukkas look great with a suit and can also be paired casually with dark wash denim and a white t-shirt. You can also make your look more elevated by pairing chukkas with a sports jacket.
3. Leather | Essential Men’s Shoes
Every man’s winter wardrobe should include a pair of leather lace-up boots. Depending on your style, you can go for a more casual work boot or a trendy dress boot. Whatever the situation might be, a well-worn pair of boots conveys a certain charm. So why not invest in a good pair that will last you for years?
Every man should own a pair of black leather shoes, if we’re being specific. If you don’t have any, go out and get one right now. And if you do have a pair, don’t just wear them for a few hours and then forget about them. They need a little more attention than the normal shoe, and sometimes it’s a quick clean up and little polish they all need. Brown leather shoes aren’t as essential as black leather shoes, but if you want to mix things up a little while wearing a suit, brown is the way to go. A brown pair, on the other hand, looks great with dark wash denim, corduroy, chinos, or wool trousers.
Here are a few tips. For a more casual, extra dimension, choose an ankle-high black or dark brown boot and cuff your pants. For a more conservative look, pull your trousers over the top of the boots. And whether it’s black or brown leathers, just make sure your belt goes with your shoes.
4. Loafers | Essential Men’s Shoes
The loafer, which originated in Scandinavia, has evolved into the wardrobe styling of trendy culture and is now a modern shoe style. We understand that loafers are your go-to footwear for the summer. But who’s to say you can’t wear them all year? Yes, you heard it right. Loafers, including the brogue and chukka, go with both formal and casual outfits. Low and lace-free, loafers are a staple of smart casual attire and of course a favorite summer shoe style.
The loafer is less formal than lace-ups and comes in a variety of colors such as black, navy, and even green or red for the daring. Brown loafers can go with a variety of color schemes and great for both casual and formal occasions. Navy is also a great color to pair with whites, beige, and greens. If you’re looking for a pair of loafers to go with neutrals, beige is a good choice because it accentuates tanned skin.
During the warmer months, casual loafers can be worn sockless with shorts or with jeans and khakis. If you want to keep it casual, go for jeans and a t-shirt, while a shirt and chinos will give you a more polished look. Summer nights and activities are ideal for the chino and loafer combination, as you might already know.
You may wonder if it’s appropriate to wear a loafer with a suit. Well, some people do not think it’s appropriate to wear with a full suit. But, the beauty of fashion is that all rules are meant to be broken, and it all comes down to personal taste at the end of the day. So, loafers can go with a suit, just make sure the trousers are ankle-length.
5. Oxford | Essential Men’s Shoes
The Oxford is distinguished by its closed lacing system, as opposed to the Derby’s open lacing system. And if you wonder, the Oxford is the more formal of the two. Did you know that Oxford is named after the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom? The Oxford, also known as the Balmorals, has its roots in Scotland and Ireland.
The style started out as a simple leather shoe, but it has developed over time to include a wide variety of fabrics and detailing. Most men already have a fine pair of black Oxfords for more formal occasions because black Oxford or Derby is typically the first formal pair of shoes a guy owns.
For a first dress shoe, a nice cap-toe Oxford is recommended. And in terms of colour, black is obviously suitable for the most formal occasions, such as funerals, weddings, and black-tie events. For more casual occasions, this shoe also looks nice in a tan color. Brown is a more reserved and versatile color. The lighter the color, the more casual it is.
6. Sneakers | Essential Men’s Shoes
Even the classiest men enjoy a relaxed look now and then. So, having a go-to casual footwear in your wardrobe is important. That’s why we say that every wardrobe should have a pair of comfortable yet trendy sneakers.
Minimalist sneakers are great all year, but those colorways stand out even more in the fall. When the weather starts to cool off, switch to a brown sneaker if you’ve been wearing white sneakers all summer. As much as we love white shoes, we think dark brown tones look better in the fall and winter. Gum soles go well with brown, but white soles are also appropriate.
The basic sneaker, also known as lows, Chucks, or canvas kicks, is the most versatile casual sneaker available. They go for almost every color and hue of jeans, chinos, and shorts. However, keep in mind that a basic sneaker isn’t appropriate for every occasion and should be reserved for casual occasions only.
On the flip side, luxury sneakers have allowed sneakers to move from street to smart casual without looking awkward or unsuitable. They go well with tailored pants, slim jeans, chinos, and sometimes even with unstructured suiting.
There are a few simple rules on how to wear sneakers regardless of the type of sneakers you choose. Often purchase shoes that are compatible with your current wardrobe. Although sneakers are extremely flexible, they are not a suitable replacement for dress shoes. You can wear sneakers with almost any off-duty outfit, including some casual, unstructured suits. However, they are not appropriate for all occasions, including weddings.
7. Flip Flops | Essential Men’s Shoes
For at least the past two decades, modern men have been dressing more and more casually. Compared to women,, many men accept the notion that comfort comes before style, and flip-flops are a perfect excuse for this.
Flip-flops are a style of sandal with no heel and just a forefoot strap with a thong extending from that strap to the sole. The idiomatic name refers to the sound they produce as you step through them.
Some of us believe they’re just for the beach or the pool, while others believe they can be worn in certain non-beach situations in certain circumstances. However, if you’re just going to the store or anything similar, they’re ideal, especially if you’re too lazy to put on socks. And if you go to the beach with something other than flip flops while on vacation, you’re doing it wrong. Finally, you must decide if flip-flops are appropriate for you and your situation. Every man should have a pair in his wardrobe, but he should also wear them with caution.
8. Espadrilles | Essential Men’s Shoes
Historically the survivor of the shoe world, espadrilles have come a long way from their modest beginnings and can now be worn far beyond the beach. If you go for a classic canvas pair or a more opulent version, they’re light, breathable, and incredibly lightweight – in other words, the perfect summer slip-on. These are great for when you need to walk a little farther than flip flops will allow, but you’re still too lazy to put on socks.
Espadrilles are a type of sandal with a canvas upper and an esparto rope sole. The shoes, which were originally worn by dock workers in Spain and France, have evolved greatly over time. The canvas upper has been kept and improved upon; lace-up espadrilles, for example, are still available, and the soles are now made of jute. Their primary purpose has shifted from labor to leisure. They’re sandals for the beach. However, the variety of ways in which they can be worn can surprise you.
Espadrilles and shorts are the most classic of summer outfits, symbolizing timeless style like no other. It’s also one of the easiest outfits to put together. Espadrilles are a worthy companion to an unstructured linen suit, since they have all the casualness of flip flops but none of the rough aftertaste. A pair of slim-fit jeans paired with a striped espadrille is another style to try out. Just put on a white tee shirt with the cuff rolled up and you are good to go! And here’s a tip, with your pair, try to avoid patterns and stick to solid colors. This will allow them to go with a wider range of outfits.
What Color of Shoe Goes with Everything?
Well there are few: Brown, black, beige, grey.
Brown shoes go well with almost any suit color, particularly navy, grey, and blue. Brown represents anything from dark chocolate to light tan, so depending on the color you choose, your shoes can be very customizable.
Although black shoes are less flexible than brown shoes, they are dressier and traditional. They go well with colors that are more urbane or stylish. When attending more formal functions, charcoal and black suits fit fantastic with black shoes and make a statement of neatness.
Shoes in beige, and grey also go with almost everything. Since they’re neutrals, you can pair them with a more colorful ensemble. Of course, you can mix and match these neutrals or hold them in the same tonal clan.
Conclusion
You can never have one without the other when it comes to putting together a proper outfit and shoes. People often notice your shoes first, especially if they look like they’ve been around the block a few times. With each new pair of shoes, you add to your collection, your overall style and ability to be customizable with your wardrobe will improve greatly. But finding the right shoes is only the beginning. According to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, a significant percentage of the population wears inappropriately sized footwear, which is correlated to foot pain and disorders. So, if you purchase your shoes online or in a store, remember to choose the correct shoe size.
We hope that this article has shed some light on why these shoes made our list of must-have men’s shoes. You can get away with only owning these pairs of shoes if you shop wisely and shine a spotlight on what shoes you truly need rather than what’s on sale or what might go with a few of your outfits.
There are no hard and fast rules in fashion, and trends change all the time. After you’ve built up this basic footwear collection, you’re free to branch out and purchase additional styles. But you won’t have to if you don’t want to. Because the old saying is true about considering quality over quantity.
“A shoe is not only a design, but it’s a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you’re going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.” Christian Louboutin
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