Shoes play an essential role in every outfit. After all, the right footwear can quickly make or break your look. So, if you want to appear stylish, it’s important to have the right shoes on hand to complete and complement your every ensemble. Luckily, we can point you and your feet in the right direction. From running errands to attending a formal gala, we’ve narrowed down a selection of footwear that will fashionably see you through every occasion. These are the seven shoe styles every man should own.
1. The Brogue
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. Today, we think of the brogue with a little more respect. Hopefully, you won’t find yourself knee-deep in muck when wearing them.
For versatility, we suggest a pair of half brogues (perforated toe cap, but no wings). Opt for dark brown brogues for formal occasions and lighter brogues for casual days. Black brogues work best with a suit but don’t get carried away and wear them to a black tie event. When buying brogues remember as a rule of thumb, the more broguing on the shoe, the less formal it is.
2. The Suede Chukka
Chukkas have surged back in popularity over recent years, having first become popular in the ‘40s. The shoe is a minimal, round-toe, ankle-high boot with just two or three lacing eyelets. Traditionally featuring just two panels, the style is not big on embellishments. Reject over-the-top trimmings, a suede pair of chukkas lets the texture of the shoe do its talking.
We suggest opting for a pair of tan or cream suede chukkas as the next addition to your wardrobe. These shoes find themselves at a more casual end of the pool, offering an elegant alternative to sneakers. Combine chukkas with a pair of jeans or chinos and a polo shirt for the best look. They also give you a safe option to dress down an outfit that threatened to become too formal with brogues. By combining a pair of chukkas with a sports jacket, you can make your outfit appear more approachable.
3. The Leather Boot
It is hard to pinpoint one style of men’s leather boots as the must-have for all wardrobes. The range of ankle high boots is so varied that one could become carried away and develop a boot-buying habit. Few shoes can convey as much personality as the boot. The great thing about a leather boot is with continued wear, the shoe begins to tell a story. While we don’t suggest wearing boots that are falling apart and covered in mud, a well-worn pair of creased leather boots have their own character.
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. Invest in a quality pair and they will last you years, and begin to tell their story.