Our feet are the foundation of our everyday lives. Every good foundation must have the right support. As a man, most of our lives are spent in shoes. Anyone can go out and buy a new pair of shoes based simply on how they look, but for the person who is always and always on their feet; good footwear is worth its weight in gold. However, footwear goes far beyond the appearance that a shoe has on the foot. Bad footwear can cause injuries or have long-term effects on our posture so investing in a quality pair will be beneficial in the long run.
So, without further ado, let’s discuss some various types of shoes that every man needs to have. Ready? Then let’s get started:
· Oxford Shoes:
A pair of Oxford shoes is your classic ‘school’ shoe: they’re strictly for work and formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, christenings, and job interviews. Basically, whenever you’ve got a good suit or black tie out. It’s often viewed as the shoe for ‘professionals’ – in fact, they used to be a dress requirement for jobs at banks in the city. A little boring, perhaps, but also a safe pair of hands (or feet) and the workhorse in your footwear collection if you have a job that requires daily smart attire.
Today, most Oxfords will be found in shoe format. In technical shoe-geek terms, these are closed-laced shoes, where the inside and outside quarters are stitched under the vamp (the piece of leather that makes up the front of the shoe) and the tongue is stitched in separately.
· Leather Loafers:
This type of shoe covers a range of styles including the penny and tassel loafer. The slip-on has American heritage and is synonymous with the preppy ‘Ivy League’ look and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalk.
Going with the preppy vibe, loafers and chinos are a classic combination. If it feels too stuffy, it’s acceptable to wear loafers with and without socks – here’s an opportunity to experiment with different prints, patterns, and colors – with a rolled-up cuff. It’s an easy, versatile shoe, hence its adoption by everyone from bankers to outdoor sports enthusiasts to punks and Ivy League frat boys.
· Derby Shoes:
The Derby shoe is Oxford’s chunkier cousin. It’s an ‘in-between’ shoe and the ultimate in smart casual footwear. They can sharpen up raw denim as well as loosen up a suit and are practically standard issues for flat white-carrying creatives.
The technical difference with an Oxford is in the construction; the tongue is part of the vamp (not stitched on separately) and the quarters are stitched to a tab point on either side of the vamp – this is known as ‘open lacing’. The sole is another key component with the Derby: these can be leather or rubber for extra grip and durability. The upper is stitched to the leather strip known as the welt, which is then stitched to the insole of the shoe.
For those reasons, Derbies are practical shoes that look good with pretty much everything. The simpler the model (without brogue details, single welt) the more versatile the shoe will be. On a practical note, the shape of the Derby is also more forgiving to wider feet with a higher in-step.
· Dress Shoes:
Dress boots are a little less common, but when you’ve got a pair in your wardrobe, they can easily help you look like the best-dressed guy in the room at the next wedding you go to. Not that you want to outshine the groom, but you definitely will.
Dress boots add a little more height, keep you in comfort by wrapping your ankles, and often provide more insulation than standard dress shoes.
· Service Shoes:
Want to look like a tough guy? Of course, you do. Service boots are a little old-fashioned looking because they’re based on military boots used by service members (hence the name, service boots).
But just because they’re old-fashioned looking doesn’t mean they’re out of style. Far from it: these types of boots are all the rage right now, and here are the best of the best.
· Chukka Shoes:
Chukka shoes are simply designed and can range anywhere from supremely casual to dressy and formal. When deciding which chukka, you’re going to get, take a quick assessment of what your wardrobe needs. If you work in a business-casual setting, then a more formal, sleek chukka is your best bet.
However, today, chukka boots are one of the most comfortable and versatile types of shoes to wear, pairing well with work trousers, jeans, and chinos alike.
Chukka shoes are versatile and slightly more dressed-up, so you can get away with wearing these comfortable shoes to the office or on more formal occasions.
· Trainer Shoes:
Sometimes you need a shoe that’s easy to slip on and jet out the door. This is the kind of shoe you use to power through the tough days. Of course, you don’t need to keep these sneaks relegated to the world of errands—paired with some joggers, trainers can be the base of an amazing laid-back casual Saturday outfit, too. While the category “trainers” can also technically refer to any running or exercise shoes.
· Chelsea Shoes:
The Chelsea boot is the perfect representation of casual meets corporate. Falling somewhere between boots and dress shoes, they’re an awesome way to modernize your style.
Choose leather Chelsea boots for smart occasions, pointed for Friday Night drinks, and suede for casual (most popular and highly versatile).
· Sneaker Shoes:
To be specific, the minimalist sneaker shoe is the real wardrobe hero. Based on a retro tennis shoe, this simple sneaker has become an essential component in most outfits in recent years and it should be in yours too. The real deal is devoid of any obvious sports logos or branding, thick treads or air cushioned soles, are made of leather.
Consider these your go-anywhere kicks because their USP is versatility (especially in white). Wear them day-to-night with tees and chinos, jeans, shorts, and informal tailoring. However, they do have a use-by date: that moment they start looking past their best, relegating them to loafing about the house or doing chores. Never wear them for exercise and keep them as fresh as possible.
Conclusion
Without any iota of doubt, you will agree with me that having different varieties or types of shoes as a man guarantees an awesome outlook at any time, any day you rock on any shoe for the day. Therefore, I suggest you get yourself various suitable shoes that are tailored to your leg so you can stand out among others at any event you go for!