Every Guy Needs a Solid Shoe Closet. Here's How to Start Building Yours.
There are two simple rules for owning a small shoe collection that is versatile enough to cover all bases. The first: forgo fashion and hotfoot it to classic styles.
The second: spend as much as you can. Think quality, not quantity because the old adage is true. Your shoes are often the first thing people notice about you, especially if they look like they’ve been round too many blocks.
I have also made a blog on Footwear every girl should own.
1. Oxfords: The Oxford is characterised by its closed lacing unlike the open lacing system of the Derby shoe. The design was originally a plain shoe made of leather, but over the years it has evolved and now includes a broad range of fabrics and. detailing
2. Sneakers: If you are going for a more casual look, we cannot thumb our noses at a simple pair of white low top trainers. While we will never condone the high-top ‘sneans’ that were popularised by dads everywhere, we do think a minimal pair of sneakers is a must-have for all men.
3. High-top sneakers: Let’s flip to the other side of the spectrum—high-tops. High-tops provide a lot of coverage. Our favourite picks flaunt what you’ve got, and cover up the rest. These generally last a couple of years of constant use, and work well as Sunday outing beat-ups.4. Chukka boots: Chukkas are the business casual of boots; They’re unpretentious and comfortable, yet look sharp enough for most social occasions where you’re trying to make an impression on someone that you’re not a slob who exclusively wears worn-out sneakers to the bar. Not only are they tremendous shoes for a date or hitting happy hour on a Friday and Saturday night, but if you’re a professional 9-to-5 cubicle monkey chukkas look great.5. Trainers: While running sneakers are designed to feel good, rather than look good, we do have a few tips on choosing the right pair. For versatility, choose a style with minimal branding. Bright colours also work well for a statement street look. White running shoes will appear beaten and bruised within a few weeks.
6. Monk straps: The monk strap was originally designed as a much more durable and dressier alternative to sandals similar to those worn by European monks. The rakish monk strap has no lacing but is instead closed by a strap and buckle, and is considered not as formal as a full Oxford, but more than a Derby.
7. Chelsea boots: 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).
8. The Brogues: Like so many types of dress shoes, the brogue was conceived as a far more utilitarian shoe than the way we wear it today. The holes and perforations in brogues were originally there to help drain water after crossing bogs and swamps in muddy Ireland. 9. Loafers: the loafers has developed into the sartorial styling of preppy culture and is now a streamlined shoe style. Low and lace-free, loafers are a mainstay of smart casual dress and are a favourite shoe style for summer months.10. Leather boots: A pair of leather lace-up boots is a must-have addition to every man’s winter wardrobe. Opt for an ankle-high, black or dark brown boot and cuff your pants for a casual, edgier aesthetic. You can also pull your trousers over the top of the boots for a more conservative look.
