Types of Men's Shoes To Shop For

I know shopping is not men’s thing. But I can tell you, there are two things that men loves to shop for (and even window shop) – any kinds of tools/hardware and shoes. Men’s shoes are men’s fashion craving. They believe that a great shoe can complete any look and can get you anywhere. Having said that, I’ve made a list of the most popular types of men’s shoes to shop for. So if you are shopping for men’s shoes, include these in your shopping list.

Saddle Shoes – A casual oxford shoe, the saddle shoe is distinctive because it utilizes a layer of leather over the instep that is normally a different color than the rest of the shoe, thus classifying it as a casual but stylish choice.

Boat Shoes or Top Siders – Made to be worn on a boat to prevent slipping, they have migrated from the docks of Boston to the wardrobes of men looking for a summer shoe that can be worn without socks. Available in a variety of colors, the men’s boat shoe comes in a moccasin style and is only for warm weather.

Canvas Shoes – Sneakers come in a wide variety of styles and colors, however the rules of wearing them outside of the gym are universal. Canvas shoes had been around for quite a while now and are really making a fashion statement in runways and street alike. When clean and situation appropriate, they work well with chinos, jeans, and shorts.

Athletic Shoes - Running shoes, basketball shoes, tennis shoes–you would think the occasions for which these were meant to be worn would be clear. Yet we persist in wearing our white running shoes everywhere, declaring it a right because they are comfortable. I counter this argument by saying that many of us are too lazy to take the time to think outside the box and select a casual shoe that looks sharp and is comfortable. They definitely exist.

Hiking Boots – Hiking boots are designed to support the ankles, provide cushion, and protect from the elements, while still being light enough to not impede stamina. Boots that meet all this criteria are an outdoorsman’s delight; those that fail can turn a trip into a painful lesson of why quality matters.

Western Boots – Growing up in West Texas, I have a special place in my heart for western boots. Functionally, they serve the purpose of keeping a man in his saddle, protecting him from the terrain, and if taken care of, they can last as long as his horse. But that’s the issue–most of us don’t require this functionality and wrestle with the issue of whether or not we deserve to wear something so idealized by our culture.

Oxford Shoes - An Oxford is a style of laced shoe characterized by shoelace eyelet tabs that are stitched underneath the vamp. Oxfords are traditionally constructed of leather and were historically plain, formal shoes but are now available in a range of styles and materials that complement both casual and formal forms of dress. Every man needs oxford men’s shoes for formal occasion.