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.

Tips For Shopping Men's Shoes

I’ve known men and women who have extensive wardrobes of shoes, those who have match for every pair of clothing they have. But sadly, I also know many men who don’t know how to choose the right shoe for them. Their men’s shoes are either too big or small for them, not appropriate for the occasion or just plainly sucks. For example, many men I've known who have had to wear work-type boots for their jobs also had a tendency to stick with that style of footwear after work hours. Other guys I know avoid certain clothes and events because sneakers would be considered inappropriate for the outfit or occasion. If this sounds like you or someone you know, then you'll want to keep reading for some general tips on choosing men's shoes.

General Rules for Men's Shoes
- Try to pick a shoe that matches, or is darker than your pants.
- Although it is a safe bet, socks do not need to match your shoes. Instead, think of your socks as you would a tie - an item that can bring bring the whole outfit together.
- If wearing a belt, try to match your shoes to it, unless of course, your belt is some multi-colored striped thing.

Men's Shoes for Jeans
You can wear almost any color or style of shoe with jeans, but avoid very shiny shoes that were obviously intended for more dressier outfits. Boots, lug soles, sneakers, loafers and sandals all work great with jeans, so you may find it helpful to let the style of your shirt guide you. For example, a sporty, polo shirt might work with a loafer; t-shirts go well with sneakers or retro-style shoes; long, artsy button-downs work well with sandals or contemporary styles.

Men's Shoes for Casual Pants
Whether you call them Dockers, chinos, or khakis, there are a variety of loafers, oxford and other men's shoes that work well with casual pants. Let the ornamentation and style of the shoe guide you towards the look you're trying to achieve. For example, a tassle or a buckle is a little more on the dressy side, while a woven pattern or heavy stitching is a little more on the casual side.

Men's Shoes for Dress Pants
With dress pants, shoot for the same type of shoe that you might wear with a suit. Shinier materials usually indicate a dressier shoe, as do less bulky heels and soles. Choose a shoe that is the same color or darker than your pants, and if wearing a belt, match your shoes to it.

Color Matching for Men's Shoes

- Black shoes work well with navy, grey or black pants.
- Brown shoes are best suited to tan, brown, beige, greens, other darker earth tones.
- Burgundy shoes work well with khaki, lighter browns, blue and grey.
- Tan shoes look great with lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan or white.

Men's Shoes Latest Trends

Women just can’t get enough of handbags or clothes. Well for us men, it’s shoes. We are crazy for shoes! Whether it is athletic shoes or oxford shoes, we would love to have lots of pairs in our wardrobes. Based on experience, us guys can go out of and shop for the best men’s shoes in town regardless of the price And why not? Shoes look super sexy on any outfit, and make us look very charming, handsome, dynamic and hot!

Before I shop for men’s shoes, I also make sure that I know the latest trends. And it is no secret color and pattern are going to dominate men’s fashion this coming season. Designers and fashion stores all confirm that. Below I have showcased the 3 main trends of men’s shoes available this year, for the modern man who isn’t afraid to get their feet stuck in and let their shoes do the talking these styles are for you.

1. Pop Color Shoes

Of the three main colored footwear trends, I believe this is the one that will have the most wide-spread appeal. Although bright, exuberant and eye-catching, pop color shoes are the easiest to integrate within an outfit, and depending on the color chosen, will complement the existing wardrobe of most modern men.

2. Two-Tone Shoes - Two-tone shoes, or the co-respondent shoe as they are occasionally known, are making a big comeback this season. Recently featured in GQ’s shoes supplement, two-tone footwear is proving hugely popular – especially in brogue silhouettes, where the leather panels are constructed in contrasting shades to create a fantastic visual impact. I think the use of two-tone coloring in brogue styles creates a sense of classicism and conjures up images of the American gangster eras of the 1920s and 30s – the spats-style shoes were very prevalent back then. One thing I will say is that if you opt for this choice of footwear; be aware of your surrounding pieces. For optimal success (and less chance of a color-clash headache), if your shoes are bold in color, keep the socks and accompanying outfit stripped back and simple – really let the statement shoes shine.

3. Patterned Shoes - Although the use of pattern in clothing has recently made a big impact on the catwalks and the high street, pattern use in footwear is also becoming more widespread.

Common prints that have been prominent so far come in the form of camouflage and animal prints. It is interesting how both of these choices have a direct link to the safari trend that is extending its influence in men’s shoes.

Personally, I think the pop colour trend is an easier one for the everyday man to pull off and integrate into their current wardrobe, whilst I also really like the sense of stylish classicism which accompanies the two-tone, co-respondent shoe. It is undeniable that these two men’s shoes trends are big in menswear this season. Injecting a bit of pattern or color into your footwear rather than the main body of your outfit will enable more reserved men to follow the trend in a more discrete way.

Five Must Have Men's Shoes This Year

Admit it! We guys actually love to look on fashion magazines for the latest styles, as much as women do. And just recently, I was definitely inspired by various fashion magazines take on men’s shoes. Men’s shoes this year are more adventurous and stylish than ever. The colors and the styles, I just love it! Having said that, I made a list of the top five must have men’s shoes this year. Check it out.

1. A Pair Of White Converse - They’re a classic shoe that has been in fashion for over 100 years and would definitely be around for the next 100 years or more. A canvas pair are definitely summer appropriate but an all white leather pair will also prove to be more versatile and easier to dress up. Don’t be afraid to let them get a bit scuffed up too.

2. A Suede Loafer - Now if last summer taught us anything, it was that suede was back in a big way. Spring/summer 2012 will see the industry build further on this influx of premium material footwear, with an even larger variety of colors and styles coming to the market. This year, why not get a bit more adventurous and pick a loafer; my personal favorite will be a tassel loafer (another key style to watch for the coming season) in a rich chocolate brown that will go perfectly with a pair of dark jeans or white chinos.

3. A Buck Shoe - Often made from soft brushed suede – or if you search hard enough, buckskin – this shoe really is the perfect spring addition. They come in a standard Derby lace up style but due to their material can be dressed down with chinos and are the perfect partner for those of you who like to go for the preppy shorts and blazers look. The brilliant thing about this style of shoe is that they will look better and better the more worn in and beat up they get (much like your desert boots). For whatever reason suede currently has a reputation as a precious fabric that must never get dirty, when in fact it really is quite a durable material. Let yourself go and let your suede live a little!

4. Double Monkstrap Shoes - They officially blew up across the pond last year and are now making their way over to the world. This is great news because they are my favorite style of men’s shoes at the moment. The two buckle straps add a great piece of detail to an otherwise standard Derby silhouette, and they really allow you a chance to express yourself. Go patent black leather for a classy option on a night out/spring wedding, or keep things simple with brown in either leather or suede and wear them with absolutely everything.

5. A Pair Of Black Sandals - Sometimes with all the options out there, we neglect the basics. Every guy needs a pair of sandals at the ready for that last minute weekend getaway to the coast. Sandals are still the perfect wear for very casual events.

So there you have the five must have men’s shoes this year. Make sure to include this in your shopping list because this can make your outfit stand out.