There’s an age-old notion that suggests it’s shoes that make the man. While this is far from true, shoes have the most significant impact on first impressions. But with such a vast range of shoes, deciding which shoes you need to add to your wardrobe can be tricky.
You will need to present yourself differently, depending on the occasion. So, the same pair of shoes won’t work well with every outfit. If you want to put your best foot forward and portray the essence of motivation, a stylish pair of dress shoes is essential. On the other hand, if you’re strutting down the street, a good pair of sneakers is the best bet. Even so, you’ll still need to find the right sneakers and the right dress shoes in an infinite and increasing selection of shoe styles.
So, we have rounded up a list of the ten essential shoes every man should own and a few tips to pick the right kind.
Dress Shoes
Whether you need to suit up for an interview, a formal business meeting, or a friend’s wedding, you will need a classy pair of dress shoes. You don’t have to restrict your slick and shiny pair of dress shoes to formal buttoned-up occasions; you can elevate a casual outfit with dress shoes.
Because there are many ways to wear dress shoes, having more than one style in your wardrobe is worthwhile.
Oxfords
Oxfords are the most timeless type of dress shoes out there. These shoes feature a vamp, eyelets, and laces. The best colours to opt for are black or brown. The more fashion-forward could consider two-toned Oxfords.
Brogues
Brogues are characterized by their lace-up design that’s decorated with tiny holes. However, the little holes were initially incorporated into the design with more than mere decorative purposes; these small holes intend to prevent bog water from filling up the shoes. When these shoes first entered men’s fashion, strolling through bog water in the English countryside made these functional fancy shoes a great idea. But these days, the tiny holes are primarily a classy look.
Sneakers
While athletics brought the relevance of sneakers to life, sneakers have dominated the footwear world in recent decades far beyond any sports field. These days, sneakers are the fashion-savvy option for many, and even those who aren’t concerned with the latest fashions choose sneakers for their exceptional comfort and casual style.
Nevertheless, getting a few different sneaker styles to complete your wardrobe with comfort and style is worthwhile.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are the perfect option for morning jogs and afternoon strolls. These shoes are designed to provide ample foot and spine support, so you won’t have aching feet after jogging around the neighbourhood.
There are many different running shoes on the market, but because they are great for posture and joint health, it’s wise to opt for a quality pair.
Elevator shoes
Elevator shoes, also known as height-increasing shoes or lift shoes, are footwear designed with built-in height-boosting insoles or lifts to make the wearer appear taller. These shoes can provide a temporary increase in height and are an option for individuals who wish to enhance their height for specific occasions or personal reasons.
Elevator shoes work by incorporating thicker-than-normal soles or hidden inserts that elevate the heel, effectively adding a few inches to the wearer’s stature. The height increase can vary depending on the specific design and brand of the shoes. For example, Chamaripa Shoes can provide a 2 to 6 inches height increase.
Basketball Shoes
Even if you don’t play basketball, basketball shoes are a fashionable sneaker design that you won’t regret investing in. Basketball shoes are perfect for casual occasions, and you can choose between high-tops and regular ankle sneaker designs.
Skate Shoes
Skate shoes are also quite trendy. Skate shoes are best for elevating casual outfits, from canvas and rubber styles to puffy tongues and slim designs. However, these shoes are not the best option for running or long walks as they don’t provide nearly enough spine support.
Boots
For winter and bad weather, having a pair of boots or two in your wardrobe is worthwhile. You won’t need more than one pair, so consider hiking, biking, or combat boots, depending on your style preferences and needs.
Winter elevator shoes are another worthwhile option if you want to add a bit of height without impacting your comfort. These boots can add about three inches to your height without giving away your secret.
Slip-Ons
For those unbearably hot summer days and casual lazy spring days, you’ll need a pair of slip-ons. Regular sliders are the best option as they consider maximum comfort and effortless style. There’s no need to spend a lot on sliders as there’s an endless range of basic sliders available for a few dollars. Because you will probably need to replace your sliders often, spending on brand prices is not really a great idea with this particular kind of essential shoe.
Crocs
Crocs might not be essential, although they are incredibly stylish, so much so that these are one of the most debatable shoe styles around. Beyond the controversial design, crocs are incredibly comfortable. So you can swap out your sliders for Crocs if you prefer the style.
Loafers
Loafers are the casual dress shoe alternative. These classy yet casual shoes are perfect for business casual or semi-formal outfits. They can elevate the most casual outfit and dress down the most formal suit.
Black, tan, and brown are the best selection of loafers to have. Although you really don’t have to stop there, you can collect quite a variety of colours to maximize your wardrobe.
Slippers
Of course, you will want a pair of cosy slippers to wear around the house. No style or design is better than the other when it comes to slippers. You can shop for a pair that suits your preference. Even so, finding a pair of winter slippers and another for summer is worthwhile. Summer slippers won’t offer enough warmth for winter.
These ten shoes will prepare you for any occasion. You will never find yourself battling to match your shoes to the outfit you want to flaunt. With that said, you can also find elevator shoes in almost every style around. So, if you want to add a few inches to your height, look for elevator sneakers, winter boots, and others to kit out your closet with height-adding shoes. Nevertheless, be sure to shop for shoes in the right size to ensure ideal foot and spine health. Shoes that are too small or too large will negatively impact your posture and joint health.
