Your wardrobe is likely to be varied for different moments, events, and situations. With varied clothing, you will need a wardrobe of different types of shoes to accompany those looks and keep you looking and performing your best. Of course, there are more choices than you need, and every man has a different lifestyle that necessitates their own curated shoe collection.
However, there are certain types of stylish men’s shoes that every man needs. And like always, we’ve collected a handy list for you to use. Here are the seven types of shoes for men to grab to complete their best wardrobe.
Black dress shoes
The black dress shoe is your formal shoe. This will most likely be the shoe you choose when heading to weddings, funerals, or any other occasion where formal attire is required. Anything after 6 p.m. is perfect for this shoe. Versatility is something to keep in mind with all shoes when building a wardrobe. So, it is best to keep things simple. Opt for Oxford or derby shoes, embrace timeless classics, and don’t skimp on the quality.
Brown/tan dress shoes
Brown dress shoes fare best in the office and most professional situations. They work exceptionally well with charcoal, navy/blue, and light gray suits or pants. When shopping for these shoes, remember you will likely wear them for 8 or more hours at a time, so focus on comfort. Of course, most dress shoes are not known for their comfort, so a more luxurious option is your best bet.
Chelsea boots
You can thank the swinging 60s and 70s for the flourishing Chelsea boots. While they were made for royalty as far back as the Victorian era, the music royalty of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones brought them into fashion in the 60s. Even stormtroopers wore them in 1977’s Star Wars.
Now you can find them in any color and in leather, suede, or canvas. Replace your sneakers with these to elevate any casual outfit to a sharper streetwear look. If you choose leather boots, you can pair them with a suit for a unique look. Here are some great options for you to experiment with.
Chukka boots
Chukka boots are your midway point between dress shoes and sneakers. When you wear denim, the shoes can determine the outfit’s formality. There will be occasions where dress shoes or Chelsea boots are too formal, and sneakers are too casual. This is a job for the chukka.
Originally worn by the British Army in the desert, these boots know comfort and movability. Pairing these shoes with denim or chinos sets your outfit up for virtually any top. An untucked button-down, a sweater, or a classic tee will feel perfectly suited for the chukka.
Rugged boots
Sometimes, a man has to get dirty. Sometimes in a man’s life, he needs to feel manly simply for the sake of feeling manly. Fewer shoes give off masculine energy than a rugged pair of cap-toe leather boots. These are equally appropriate for walking the streets of New York City or getting lost in the backwoods of the Pacific Northwest.
These boots will likely be the most comfortable of all shoes in your collection, but you will almost certainly feel the growing pains as they need to be broken in. These pair well with denim, chinos, or even work pants while you hike a trail or mow the lawn.
White sneakers
Every guy reading this needs a pair of clean, white sneakers. They are an essential staple that will be your best friend. Whether planning an entire outfit around the shoes or throwing them on as an afterthought as you run out of the house, your white sneakers will never not work. And they will never not be in style.
You can opt for canvas or leather, but either one will come with the same rub; they will inevitably get dirty, scuffed, or start to yellow. You will have to be dedicated to cleaning them often and being very careful not to wear them on rainy days when you can run into mud, or if possible, end up in a pickup football game.
Training shoes
We, men, are active. We play sports — we lift weights, we build the world. Because of that, we will always need the right pair of shoes to keep us upright and on our feet as we do our thing. Whether they are a clean pair of Air Jordans that you wear on the basketball court or a durable pair of No Bull trainers that get you in the best shape of your life, you need the right pair of shoes to keep you going.
With these seven cool shoes for men to stay on the right side of function and fashion, you will never be without the right kicks.
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