Shoes, they really do make or spoil your whole look. That old saying is totally true. Once you are an actual grown man, you need to stop filling your closet with just a bunch of random sneakers and start building a real, solid shoe rotation that works for every occasion. It is all about having a few key pairs that signal you know what you are doing without needing a giant, complicated collection. Having the right footwear ready to go shows that you are intentional and prepared so here are the shoes every guy needs to own and a few specific styles you should probably ditch right now.
A Classic Leather Oxford
This is the most formal dress shoe you can buy and it is a must-have for weddings, job interviews, or any suit-required event. They are sleek and simple which makes them the backbone of your formal style always.
A Versatile White Sneaker
A clean white sneaker is the best shoe you can have. It goes with anything, like shorts or even a suit. Keep them simple, and make sure they stay really clean. If they are dirty, the look is ruined.
Smart Leather Loafers
Loafers are the perfect shoe for when you need to be dressy but not formal like for dinner or an office day. They are comfortable and they instantly elevate a polo and chinos look without any effort at all.
A Sturdy Pair Of Boots
Whether they are sleek leather Chelsea boots or rugged work boots, a great pair of boots gives you an instant masculine edge and they handle bad weather really well. Boots look fantastic with dark denim and they signal competence.
Clean Running Shoes
A man needs one comfy pair of running shoes. Only use them for workouts and small errands on weekends. Don’t be lazy and wear your gross gym shoes for a date night. That’s a definite skip.
Square-Toed Dress Shoes
These shoes were a trend decades ago and they now instantly look dated and clunky which totally drags your whole outfit down. Look for shoes with a modern, rounded or almond toe for a much sleeker profile.
Novelty Sneakers
Sneakers with strange colors, busy patterns or blinking lights are fun but they are not for a grown man’s main rotation. Keep your sneaker choices simple and classic for most everyday situations.
Extreme Open-Toe Sandals
Cheap rubber flip-flops are too flimsy for the town. Keep them for the beach or pool only. You want a much stronger shoe when you are walking around in the city, trust me on this.
Cheap Faux Leather
Shoes made out of plastic-looking or obviously fake leather scratch easily and they age terribly after just a few wears. Invest a little more money in genuine leather that will actually break in and look better over time.
Worn Out Skate Shoes
Those old beat-up canvas or bulky skate shoes with the thick, puffy tongues should be left in your teenage years because they look juvenile and sloppy. They don’t belong outside of an actual skate park after a certain age.
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