Someone said that good men’s shoes are like cars. And there is truth to that saying!
Shoes get you from point A to point B in a certain style, and "reward" you by plummeting in value the moment your feet hit the sidewalk—similar to when a car leaves the dealership.
Hence, most practical men try to find a pair of shoes that would serve all purposes. I’ve done some research and found out that such an all-purpose, single pair of shoes simply doesn’t exist. A shoe that matches your formal outfit would look off style with a pair of jeans or chinos for example.
“There’s usually a lot to choose from! The latest shoe trends include shoes that have pointy toe, but the square toe is still very popular among men in the U.S., not so much for the European customers,” says Willie Velasques, a long-term salesman in one of the biggest men’s department stores in the United States.
Once you enter a shoe store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the variety of choices sprawled right in front of your eyes. Sales people may not always be very helpful in determining the best for your needs, and also let’s face it, we all have different tastes.
To deal with the huge selection, Velasques advises that before you go shopping, "Have at least a vague idea of what type of shoes would best serve the purpose; you have to think about your priorities first, including style, comfort, or a little bit of both," he says.
My experience has been that some shoe stores look close to junk yards at the end of the day, with shoe boxes strewn around and single display shoes laying around out of commission, especially during a big shoe sale or a promotion. So, shop for shoes right after the store opens, when everything is in order and sales people are more attentive to your needs.
The Basic Styles
After doing thorough research on what’s sold out there, and talking to fashion experts in the field, we all came to the conclusion that the bottom of your closet should have at least some, if not all, of the following five types of shoes.
Plain or Cap-Toe Oxfords: These shoes will get you through just about any special event life can throw at you. This style is a “must have” in a men’s shoe collection. They are always appropriate and in style, and you can face a family crisis in them as well as an important job interview.
Recommended brands to look for are Johnston & Murphy, Calvin Klein, Allen Edmonds—one of the few still made in the U.S., it has great quality—and the champion of Swiss footwear, Bally, known for it’s simple design and refined toe.
Prices range from $150 to $400. Although they usually come in a black, dark brown and burgundy color, wear them in black if there’s a good chance of an event ending in tears, such as funerals, job interviews, dates, or weddings.
Wingtips: This style usually comes in black, burgundy, and brown. In black they mean business, just another classic style. However, with a rubber sole, in a brown suede or nubuck they mean comfort and will go with your khaki pants or will fit your business-casual everyday outfits.
Shoe brands to look for: Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Allen Edmonds, and more on the cutting-edge Hugo Boss, Prices: $155–$350
Loafers: If you live in the United States, you need loafers. It's easy to get them off your feet when you pass through the airport security gates. As casual or business-casual, slip-on shoes, loafers are American men’s most beloved shoes. They vary in style, however, formal enough in a shiny version and appropriate for the office, or dress-down in a more matte finish, in black, brown, burgundy, or two-tone as an everyday kick-around footwear.
Brands: Bostonian, Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Bruno Magli. Price range: $89.99–$450
Walking Shoes: These shoes make ideal partners for your busy days. If you are always on the go or walk around a lot, you need a pair of lightweight, soft, leather shoes with supple rubber soles and good arch support. Consider them semi-dress or casual, but they could feel as a shoe alternative to sneakers.
Recommended Brands: ECCO, Rockport, Clarks, Timberland, and exclusive quality by Bruno Magli, Hugo Boss, Bally, and Ferragamo. Prices: $140–$550
Sneakers: Made of canvas, mesh, or leather, sneakers are just perfect for your leisure time. But I don’t mean here only running sneakers or the classic tennis shoes. They could be the perfect shoe to wear on your way to work while standing on the bus, train, or just walking. You can switch them right before you enter your work place. If you keep them clean and take good care of them, they’ll last longer.
Brands: Converse, Lacoste, Puma, more fashionable ones by Ted Baker (English designer). Prices: $45–$150
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