Do you find yourself not excited about your choice of shoes each morning? Or do you often feel like you have to buy a new pair of shoes last-minute for occasions? If so, stock up on the essential shoes that every man should have. If you take heed of the suggestions below, you will have a pair of shoes to get you through nearly every occasion.
Casual Sneakers
Sneakers aren’t just for athletes. A neat, well-cared-for sneaker can be worn with just about anything. Gray and black are classic and versatile, but if you want to express your individuality you might go for something brighter. You should buy a pair of sneakers that have good support for your feet even if you aren’t a hard-core athlete. Creative Recreation and Keds are both foolproof choices in this category.
Athletic shoes
These shoes will have one purpose: to support your feet while you jog, play tennis, shoot hoops, kayak, or do whatever it is you do to stay fit and have fun. The exact shoe will depend on your short of choice. If your activities vary, you’ll want to go with a versatile trainer that can take you from trail-walking to shooting hoops. A store like REI will carry athletic shoes for different purposes, and on their website you can sort shoes by categories for trail-running, road-running, cross-training, walking, and water.
Tough-Guy Boots
When buying boots, you should prioritize quality and comfort. Your lifestyle will determine whether you want a sportier pair of boots or a dressier pair. Whether you choose leather or a Gore-Tex material, your boots should be able to withstand the rigors of some winter weather. If you find yourself needing to walk somewhere after a snowstorm, you’ll be glad you have boots to keep your feet dry! To look like you just hiked a mountain, try the Vasque Sundowners and customize them with red laces. For a more urban look, scope out the Work Boots line from Frye.
Dress shoes
A quality pair of dress shoes will last you a lifetime if you take care of them properly. If you can choose only one pair, it should be a shiny black pair of oxfords, with a slim, long fit. That pair would be equally appropriate for the office, a funeral, or an upscale restaurant. For variety, you can choose from many styles: oxfords, brogues, loafers and moccasins. You can also choose between shoes that slip-on or have laces. With so many options, begin your search at Zappos, whose website allows you to find your perfect pair sorting by style, brand, size, color, and/or width.
Show your personality
These categories are broad, so there is a lot of room to ensure that you can express your own personal style and preferences. You can always break the rules. If your sneakers are clean and classic, pair them with a suit for a night on the town. Likewise, you could don your tough-guy boots with swim trunks for a picture-perfect day at the beach. A man's footwear says a lot about a man. What do you want yours to say?
Aiden Savino - Aiden Savino is a published poet and essayist with a B.A. in English, and his interests include travel, health, relationships, style, food ...
