Top 6 Essential Men’s Footwear Styles
There’s no downside to owning a quality pair of shoes – but there’s little value in spending a fortune on dozens of them. When you buy well at Cheaney, a few well-made pairs can last for decades. You’ll also find that you don’t need an endless collection, just a select few that can be effortlessly rotated across countless outfits.
But what are the shoes every man should own? It depends slightly on your lifestyle, so amend this list to your needs or tastes. But how many shoes should men own? If you have no clue, we’ve whittled it down to the top 6 essential shoes for men, whether the occasion is big or small, for work or weekends. In no particular order, here is our selection.
What shoes are essential for men?
- A pair of black dress shoes
- A pair of brown dress shoes
- A pair of loafers
- A pair of city boots
- A pair of country boots
- A pair of white leather trainers
1. A pair of black dress shoes
You’ll find this suggestion in every list of ‘must-have shoes for men’ because every man will need a pair at some point. Whether for interviews, formal events, weddings, funerals, client meetings, black-tie events or any other special occasion, a pair of black dress shoes is essential for all these occasions or life milestones.
When choosing classy shoes for men, black Oxford shoes are the epitome of style and sophistication. Their fine and tasteful lines add refinement to any outfit. Plain and elegant designs are best, such as a toecap Oxford (see our classic Alfred) or a whole cut like the Crowndale as the primary purpose of this shoe is its elegance and ability to go with suits and business attire.
Alternatively, you could choose black monk shoes for your dress shoe option. A versatile shoe for a man looking for something versatile. Their sleek design works just as well for your formal and business attire, but their open fastening system makes them slightly more casual by nature and more comfortable than Oxfords. Their addition of strap fastenings rather than laces adds an avant-garde and stylish edge to your ensemble. Opt for smooth black leather with smart trousers or a fitted suit for your formal attire. For a casual look, pair monk shoes in suede or nubuck with jeans or chinos.
Whatever must-have dress shoes you choose, get a good pair, keep them nicely polished, and they won’t disappoint you.
2. A pair of brown dress shoes
If you’re wondering, “Which shoes go with everything for men?” there isn’t one shoe that will go with everything you own, but the closest you’ll get is a brown brogue or derby shoe. A slightly darker shade will give you an elegant and refined look, short of black (but that’s why you’ve got your black dress shoes). Save your brown, camel and burgundy shades for less formal occasions.
A brogue design or Derby construction lowers the formality of shoes. Still, you can wear them for business attire, whether in suits or trousers. But for a smart-casual look, you can pair them with jeans for a more relaxed feel and casual elegance. A true testament to versatility.
Depending on whether you have a more or less rounded toe, a leather, rubber or lugged sole, a darker or lighter colour, levels of broguing, and grained, smooth, suede, burnished or nubuck leather will determine the level of formality of your brogue or Derby shoes.
If you live in a more rural area, you may want to opt for a heavier style brogue or derby with a rubber sole, such as our Hythe or Deal models. Alternatively, our Arthur or Liverpool models are ideal if you’re after something a little sleeker.
You will have to decide which style you will wear the most. You can create any number of outfit combinations with these shoes, which is reason enough for them to be a key item in a man’s wardrobe.
Why not try the brown brogue or Derby shoe before reaching for your trainers with your casual outfits and marvel at your look?
3. A pair of loafers
The trusty loafer is another pair of popular men’s shoes. They can be worn in whatever season because of the number of styles available, especially in the summer. What’s more, loafers go with everything, from timeless classics to smart casual wear, making them a must-have on our men’s essential shoe list.
These low, ankle-revealing slip-on shoes come in various types and styles to suit your wardrobe and tastes, from tassel and penny loafers to horsebit and driving loafers. Simply take your pick!
Loafers confer effortless elegance and are perfect for weddings and special occasions if you choose a smooth leather upper and a leather sole. Match your loafer colour to your suit: black loafers with a black suit, dark brown, black or burgundy loafers with a blue or grey suit and beige or brown loafers with a beige suit. Choose the colour you would wear most often with most of your wardrobe for the perfect wardrobe staple.
Besides suits, there are so many other ways you can wear loafers, like with jeans, chinos or shorts. Wear your loafers in the winter with socks. Choose ones in a warm autumn/ winter shade. For summer, choose a lighter shade and lightweight construction in suede. They’re perfect for those muggy days when the last thing you want to do is tie leather around your feet.
4. A pair of city boots
If you’re a city dweller, there are no other essential types of shoes for men than the city boot, in particular, the versatile Chelsea boot. City ankle boots can effortlessly swap from highly elegant to ultra-casual, making them essential shoes to go out in for men’s attire, especially when you need to pull something easy on during the winter or transition seasons.
For a classic look, pair your smooth leather Chelsea boots with a formal suit to deliver understated elegance. Or, for a more rock ‘n’ roll look, pair them with jeans, a plain T-shirt and a leather jacket. Chelsea boots are so versatile that you can even wear them on your off-duty days. Pair suede Chelsea boots with jeans for a relaxed outfit, and you’re set for a chilled weekend.
Other city boots
For the summer months, you might want to change your city boots to a pair of chukka boots for a cooler and less formal style.
Formal boots are also having a resurgence because of their versatility and formal style appeal. A balmoral boot such as our Elkington predates the Oxford shoe design and will instantly add an elevated look to your outfits, from your suits to your jeans. The added height will give you extra protection from the elements whilst maintaining your sartorial swagger. Guaranteed compliments and the general feeling that you look the business come free with every pair of formal city boots.
5. A pair of country boots
Sometimes, you need a break from the city, where you can amble along country lanes and go for countryside walks that finish up in a nice beer garden somewhere. But you don’t want to bring your work shoes or formal city boots to the great outdoors. If you need a pair of country boots, ensure they are durable enough for the countryside but also look stylish; we recommend hiker boots, Derby boots or brogue boots.
Hiker boots are pretty self-explanatory. The rugged design and additional protection of these boots will stand you in good stead in the country. Derby boots create a sense of ambivalence and off-duty style, perfect for wandering the countryside with their timeless elegance and more relaxed style. Any boots with broguing instantly make you think of the countryside. In fact, farmers used to have brogued boots to help water drain from their footwear while working in the field. Today, broguing is simply a decorative way to express your less formal style.
Whatever style is your country boot of choice, always opt for a sturdy, rubber-soled boot with a lugged sole for extra grip on uneven ground, not to mention these features give your country boots additional character. Any of our Goodyear Welted shoes or boots will ensure your feet are protected from the elements.
The durability of the construction and materials on boots such as our Tweed or Pennine models mean they’ll keep you comfortable (but also looking great) through pretty much anything the weather throws at you.
6. A pair of white leather trainers
Last but certainly by no means least, your final essential footwear must-have is a pair of white leather trainers: an integral part of a man’s casual wardrobe. We’re not talking about your mesh running trainers but a pair of smooth leather or suede trainers for days when you want a comfortable, fuss-free outfit.
White leather trainers will go with everything. Pair them with jeans and a plain multi-coloured T-shirt for the ultimate combo in off-duty style. Or, for a more formal look, pair your white or black leather trainers with a suit for casual Fridays in the office. You can’t go wrong with trainers, chinos and a blazer for a more relaxed business attire.
Effortlessly slip our Kelham trainers into a weekend bag when you’re away for some downtime. They’re also comfortable for strolls around town or in the countryside for a dash of style with no fuss.
Final thoughts: What type of shoes should I have as a man?
And there you have it! The top 6 essential men’s footwear shoes for any occasion a gentleman might frequent.
To summarise, every man needs a formal pair of black dress shoes for formal occasions, a pair of brown dress shoes for less formal occasions, a pair of boots for winter or transitional seasons in the city and a pair of robust country boots for countryside visits. He will also need a pair of loafers for a more relaxed shoe option for formal and casual occasions and a versatile pair of white leather trainers that will go with everything.
Find every shoe a gentleman might need in our Men’s Footwear Collection here at Cheaney and start building your must-have shoe selection.
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