When it comes to a man’s wardrobe, having the right shoes is essential. After all, there’s a reason why people say “it’s the shoes that make the man” – and it’s not because they should be an afterthought men’s shoes.
While there are always new and interesting additions you can include in your shoe collection, there are a few styles that are true classics. So much so, these six styles are ones that every man should have in their wardrobe.
Here’s everything you need to know about the must-have footwear essentials in your wardrobe.
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Running Shoes
When talking about shoes that you can wear while working out, running shoes are a must-have. These can double as gym shoes in a pinch (though you should always have a pair of dedicated gym shoes for regular use), they can also work as something to wear with your casual outfits as well.
And, of course, running is a relatively low investment workout option – all you need is a pair of great running shoes and something you can wear while you’re hitting the road, and you’re good to go. We recommend opting for classic colors like black, grey, and white as far as possible. These will match most of your outfits if you wear your running shoes when going for a casual dinner with friends and family. Of course, if you’ve got a couple of pairs of running shoes for men, you should always feel free to experiment.
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Sneakers
A simple pair of sneakers work well with almost every outfit, from casual to smart casual. They’re classic and timeless, and if you take care of your sneakers well, you’ll likely not have to invest in an additional pair for a long time (barring significant wear and tear).
We personally recommend choosing a pair of white sneakers. These shoes for men are clean and stylish and work for everything from running last-minute errands to pairing with a blazer and dark jeans for a bit more formal dinner with friends.
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Basketball Shoes
While basketball shoes for men started out as purpose-driven shoes that you could wear on the court, they’ve evolved to be far more than just that over the years. Some of the best-known shoes for men in the world are basketball shoes, and that should be reason enough to have a pair in your closet.
However, more than just being popular, they look extremely smart when paired with a casual or smart-casual outfit, and, if you’re someone who likes a game of basketball, they have tons of practical use as well. If you’re looking for both looks and practicality, few shoes beat a pair of basketball kicks.
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Motorsport Shoes
There are times when your wardrobe needs shoes for men designed for style and speed, and that’s where motorsport shoes come in. Also known as driving shoes, these shoes are designed to make the experience of driving a car as comfortable as possible – especially if you’re racing around the circuit.
At the same time, these shoes for men are often available in exciting designs, making them the perfect way to spice up your wardrobe. If you’re looking to buy the best men’s shoes that will draw everyone’s attention, you’ll likely find the perfect option in a pair of high-performance motorsport shoes.
5. Loafers
Also known as slip-on shoes, these combine the style of slightly more formal shoes with the comfort of sneakers. Depending on what you’re looking for, there is a range of loafers for you to choose from – from more casual slip-on sneakers and smart casual designs to more formal bit and penny loafers. These give your outfit an air of laid-back casualness, allowing you to dress formally while having the confidence of knowing you’re wearing comfortable, long-lasting shoes.
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Walking Shoes
Even if you have a pair of running shoes for men in your wardrobe, having an additional pair of walking shoes is a must. These shoes are designed to provide you with good arch support while running shoes focus more on cushioning for the heel and toe.
Walking shoes also have soles that are more flexible and bendable, making it easier for you to walk for exercise or just while running daily errands. These shoes will also likely be among the most casual you own. Extremely comfortable and fairly lightweight, they’re the perfect option for casual occasions or simply when you need the additional support offered by shoes over the comfort of sandals and flip-flops.
Figuring out what is a must-have in your wardrobe can be a challenge, especially when it comes to shoes. The fact is, most people don’t realize that there’s as wide a variety of shoes for men as there are for women, and this can often cause confusion and second-guessing when you’re out shopping. However, with this guide, you’ll ensure that you have something on hand for almost every situation you’ll face – all you need to round up your wardrobe is a pair of smart dress shoes that you can wear on the most formal of occasions.
