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Footwear can make or break an outfit, and what’s on your feet says a lot about you. Having access to a solid collection of wardrobe options is the key to dressing for success no matter where life takes you. After all, different places and occasions naturally call for different styles.
Being a well-dressed man requires a well-stocked closet. Footwear can add the perfect finishing touch to a look, or you can even build outfits around your favorite pairs. Start with a core collection of the essentials. Once you have the basics in place, you can start branching out into bolder styles.
Here are 9 must-have shoe styles every guy needs.
1. Athletic Sneakers
A quality pair of trainers will help you perform your best while you achieve your fitness goals, but you don’t need to be an athlete to appreciate the sleek, modern style that today’s sneakers bring to the table. Athletic sneakers are surprisingly versatile if you wear them right.
Colorful sneakers can be statement pieces, or you can opt for something with a neutral style. They work great with jeans or joggers with a t-shirt. The main rule to keep in mind is that your active sneakers are for laid-back or sporty looks—don’t wear them to the office. If you’re wearing a collar, skip the athletic sneakers.
2. Casual Sneakers
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Casual sneakers offer more styling possibilities than their athletic counterparts. Casual sneakers aren’t designed specifically for sports, and that’s reflected in their more understated designs. For example, you probably won’t wear a pair of canvas Chuck Taylors on a marathon run, but they’ll look great with some jeans or chinos and a t-shirt, polo, or button-down.
A pair of all-white casual sneakers is always a smart pick. Black, beige, or grey are also safe choices. Athletic sneakers tend to have more vibrant colors, so you may want to keep your casual sneakers muted so you can switch between the two. That said, they’re your shoes, so wear whatever looks good to you!
3. Fashion Boots
A lot of guys overlook stylish boot styles, like chukkas, Chelsea boots, and lace-up dress boots. Depending on the outfit, a pair of dressy boots can be much more fashionable than dressy shoes. On the other hand, a pair of moto or Chelsea boots can add an edgy touch of rock n roll to your look. Don’t underestimate the versatility of boots!
If you’re buying your first pair of stylish boots, a good place to start is choosing whether you prefer something with or without laces. From there, you can get into different cuts and silhouettes. Black or brown leather boots are ideal for a first or only pair.
4. Rugged Boots
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There’s naturally going to be some overlap between fashion boots and rugged boots—there are plenty of styles that can handle both duties, but many guys prefer to own one pair for fashion and one for outdoor use and abuse. It really comes down to your lifestyle. Do you need something that can hold up to life on the ranch, or do you spend more of your time in the city? Maybe a bit of both?
Unless you need a pair of rugged boots for a specific activity or job, choose some boots that are both tough and stylish. That way, you get the best of both worlds. For example, you don’t need to be a cowboy to wear men’s leather boots with a Western style. A pair of sturdy boots can protect your feet and look sharp while doing it!
5. Business Casual Shoes
Even if you don’t work in an office, every guy’s wardrobe needs some business casual pieces. After all, sometimes you just want to look put together. Business casual styles like loafers, monk straps, and derbys are snazzy without being too formal. They look great with chinos, khakis, corduroys, or even jeans. Pair them with a button-up, polo, or sweater for a clean, classic aesthetic.
If you’re only going to own one pair of business casual shoes, go with black or brown leather. Consider what colors are most prominent in your wardrobe, and go with whatever color best complements those pieces. For example, if you wear a lot of blacks, whites, and greys, black shoes are a better fit. If you wear a lot of beiges, blues, and greens, stick with brown.
6. Dress Shoes
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Every guy needs one pair of formal shoes that are reserved strictly for ritzy special occasions. A pair of black, polished Oxfords is an excellent choice that should cover all of your needs. Wear them with a black suit and tie, and don’t forget the black suit accessories to tie everything together.
7. Hiking Boots
Hiking boots aren’t the most crucial shoes in your collection, but you’ll be glad to have them when it’s time to hit the trails. Of course, if you don’t spend a lot of time in nature, you can get away with skipping them.
8. Sandals
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Like hiking boots, if you don’t spend a lot of time outdoors (or if you live in a cold climate), you don’t necessarily need sandals. If you do need warm-weather footwear, some leather sandals can look quite stylish while keeping your feet cool. Flip-flops are a more laid-back option that is perfect for beach days and lounging by the pool.
9. Slip-Ons
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From canvas skate shoes to penny loafers, a pair of slip-ons is so easy to, well, slip on! It’s nice to have some shoes you can put on quickly when you’re running errands, walking the dog, or checking the mail. The minimalist style also looks really cool.
Start Simple and Add to Your Collection Over Time
You don’t necessarily need to go out and buy ten pairs of shoes! Having all of these styles will give you a whole lot of styling freedom, but remember that many styles can be worn in many ways. For example, if you already own dress boots, you might not need dress shoes (but it’s nice to have the option).
Start with the core three styles: sneakers, casual shoes/boots, and dress shoes/boots, and then build your collection from there.