A Guide on Types of Men's Shoes

As they say – People can tell a lot about you just by looking at your shoes.

When it comes to dressing up for any occasion – be it a casual or a formal event – a man’s outfit is incomplete without a good pair of shoes. Apart from complimenting your overall look, shoes are the first thing that create an impression.

There are various types of footwear for men, hence it is essential that you pick and choose smartly. Choosing the right kind of shoes not only help you look good but also help you flaunt your sense of style and make you feel comfortable.

If you are someone who loves to dress up and spice up your style quotient, you should know which types of shoes should be worn on which event and with which attire. We think it is about time you take a peek inside your closet and check which shoes you already have and what are you missing out on.

To make the process easier for you, we have made a list of some must-have shoes for men.

That being said, let’s begin the journey of revamping your shoe closet.

1. Oxford Shoes

Kicking off our men’s shoe guide with Oxford shoes won’t be wrong.

Designed to be one of the most regal and finest footwear for men, Oxford shoes are the most popular type of dress or formal shoes for men. Present in almost every man’s closet, these shoes are sleek and have a formal closed lace up. They can be identified with their closed lace up design and leather material make.

When looking for Oxford shoes, you will find multiple variations like cap toe, wingtip, buck, etc.

Best Use:

Marriage
Parties
Any formal event

2. Derby Shoes

Derby shoes come from the same family as Oxford shoes but unlike them, Derby shoes do not have a closed lacing system. They are designed with an open lacing system with the flaps sewn under the vamp which does not allow them to connect at the front of the shoe.

Derby shoes were originally made as sporting shoes which were used in a more relaxed environment like hunting. Although they can be worn in a formal environment, Derby shoes are less formal and more comfortable as compared to Oxford shoes.

Best Use:

Office
Parties

3. Loafers

Loafers have become a quintessential choice of shoes for men who like to amp up their overall look. With a low cut profile and lace free design, these shoes are a great pick for any casual hangout.

Loafers are lightweight and comfortable to wear no matter how long you wear them for. They also provide a good grip on the surface.

Best Use:

Casual outings
Parties
Weddings

4. Sneakers

Sneakers top the list when it comes to best casual shoes for men. There are two kinds of Sneakers – high-top and low-top. Both of these types are comfortable, the only difference is that high tops have a high cut design, whereas a low top has a low cut design.

You can pair your Sneakers with shorts, jeans, slim fit jeans, etc. They give you a relaxed look which is perfect for any casual hangout. If you are someone who likes to experiment with their overall look, you can wear a pair of Sneakers with a dark colored tuxedo, sophisticated leather belt and cropped trousers at a formal event. With this attire, you are bound to turn heads!

Best Use:

Casual hangouts
Best for students

5. Brogue Shoes

Brogues are similar to Oxford and Derby but they are not the same. They have a perforated design punched along the edge of the leather. To make it simple, Brogue are a type of shoes with holes and an overall formal look.

Brogue shoes are further divided into three types:

Full Brogue
Semi Brogue
Quarter Brogue

Best Use:

Weddings
Official meetings

6. Desert Boots

Made with suede leather, Desert boots have their origins in the North African deserts. These boots have rubber soles which not only makes them durable but comfortable as well. They are available in different colors.

Best Use:

Casual hangouts (Choose light colored boots)
Formal events (Choose dark colored boots)

7. Running Shoes

Running shoes are a must have for every man. As the name suggests, running shoes are great for running, jogging or any other form of exercise. They are breathable which makes it easy for people to work out while wearing them. They also have a flexible sole which provides greater shock absorption.

Most Running shoes come with a padded inner which makes them extremely comfortable.

Best Use:

Running
Jogging
Walking
Exercising

8. Monk/Double Monk

Shoes that have a strap with a buckle rather than laces are called the Monk style shoes. When the strap is broader with two buckles then they are referred to as Double Monk shoes.