Men's Shoes

Men’s Shoes are simple and we like things to be as uncomplicated as possible especially when it comes to our wardrobe. For example: if we’re going to the gym, we grab gym shorts and gym shoes. A trip to the beach means swim trunks and sandals.

When it comes to the various types of men’s shoes, there’s actually a hierarchy. To put it another way: not all types of dress shoes are created equal. But don’t freak out just yet. We’re here to go over the differences between an Oxford and a Derby, lace-ups, and slip-one, and the other types of men’s dress shoes.

Presenting the Men’s Shoe Guide: Types of Men’s Shoes.

There are a few unwritten but essential rules when it comes to the best men’s shoes. Have you ever heard someone talk about a “pants-to-shoe ratio?” While this expression specifically speaks to the way your pants hang against your ankle upon first glance, shoes play an important role in making a great first impression on your peers. You can be dressed in simple jeans and a tee, but your footwear will make or break any outfit. That’s where we come in.

CONTENTS
The Work Boot
The Chelsea Boot
Hiking Sneakers
Low Top Sneakers to Dress Up
The Dress Down Sneaker
The Athletic Sneaker
The Loafer
The Dress Shoe
The Sandal
The Driving Shoe
Fortunately, from winter into spring and beyond, we have a lot of opportunities to enjoy the vibrant outdoors while stepping up your style game with a new pair of shoes. From the perfect bike shoes to some of the most expensive shoes, we round up the best pairs of shoes to include in your wardrobe arsenal this year and well beyond, with each pair worthy of becoming your go-to kicks for any occasion.

The Work Boot

Originally made for war and factory workers, the work boot has evolved into higher fashion, but it never lost its function. The options below live up to their name, offering steel shanks, carbon-fiber toes, and durability to last. After all, that is the point of any investment, right? Whether you work in the field, or not, every guy should own a great pair of utilitarian work boots.   

The Chelsea Boot

Chelsea boots are the perfect city boot. They are elevated and streamlined but give off that bad boy, downtown attitude for major sex appeal.

Hiking Sneakers

If you’re going for a quick daytime hike, you might think sneakers will suffice. But why dirty your great trainers when you can grab a pair, made specifically for the lakes, valleys, and mountains? If you’re hiking a rigorous mountain, you’ll definitely need something more technical, but the sporty hiking sneakers below offer non-slip treads and great support, so even if you’re not a seasoned hiker, you can at least look the part.

Low Top Sneakers to Dress Up

Casual wear is becoming more popular these days. And pairing sneakers with a suit is a modern essential style trick for that effortlessly cool, yet elevated fashion mood. From date-night dinners to casual Fridays in the office, having a crisp and clean sneaker is a major priority on this list (keywords: Crisp and clean).

The Dress Down Sneaker

For the days you’re afraid you might scuff up your “dress-up sneaker,” you’ll need a pair you are more comfortable getting down and dirty with. A dress-down shoe should be hip, yet comfortable enough to skate and walk around in. Take a look at some of the best sneaker brands should you want more options for your next pair of sneaks.

The Athletic Sneaker

Men’s shoes in general are an oversaturated market. And even when you narrow it down to the athletic category, the options still feel overwhelming. When you want to get super technical, you’ll have to narrow in on the sport of choice to steer your shopping roadmap. But in the meantime, we’re sharing three of our favorite athletic sneakers, below.

The Loafer

Loafers give off a calm, cool, collected understated elegance. Many guys are intimidated by the tassels or the shine of a loafer, but you shouldn’t be! The second you put on a pair of great loafers, you will feel (and look) like a million bucks. If you’re not quite ready to channel Lord Disick and take the leap to the tassels, there are plenty of other options where you can achieve the same style mood in a more subtle way.

The Dress Shoe

Whether you like it or not, it’s important to prepare yourself for special occasions. From oxfords to brogues and Derbys to monk straps, dress shoes come in many shapes and styles. When you’re building a closet of basic essentials, we recommend staying close to home. Once you build the foundation of your closet with these classics, you then can venture out into more.

The Sandal

There’s never a bad time to dream of warmer weather or a tropical getaway. And as to sandals, well, these shoes are undoubtedly an essential item during the summer months — because who wants to be sweaty in socks in 95-degree weather, am I right?! Take note, as many internet forums suggest, we are not including the flip-flop in this category. Feel free to wear the thong slipper as you please, but why choose flip-flops when you can dress in more stylish and supportive sandals

The Driving Shoe

Ah, a classic Italian staple: The driving shoe. With the rise of automobile “driving culture” in the 1960s, this moccasin/dress shoe hybrid derived from the demand for a comfortable option to wear on the road. It became a status symbol of the rich, for those who had a nice car to drive, who also had exclusive shoes to wear while driving it.

Driving shoes are typically made of soft Italian leather with rubber nubs or pads covering the soles. This construction allows for durability and comfort with distinctive traction for stability while driving. Nowadays, sure they can be worn for driving but they also serve as a great slip-on shoe for around the house and casual outings. The driver has become a staple of well-dressed men for decades.