Footwear Styles Every Man Should Own

It’s said that the first encounter you make with an individual, you’re judged based by a variety of aspects which include three most important ones being your hair or handshake and, possibly the most important of all your shoes.

If it’s an interview for a job or first date, in the event that you’re hoping to receive acceptance from your prospective employer or a potential lover You’re likely not be able to convince them when they look down and see a sad-looking pair of battered winklepickers.

“But there’s just too many options!” we hear you say. With a seemingly endless range of styles of shoes that are available in stores as well as online, the process of shopping for shoes can seem overwhelming. Be assured thanks to some of the top brands within British footwear, we’ve narrowed down the selection to just seven fundamentals.

This is the Black Leather Oxford

There’s no rule of thumb or formula to create the perfect shoe collection because preferences will vary. It is important to be prepared for any circumstance, including those that require suits. In this case, you’ll require the black Oxford made of leather. Oxford.

For the technical side To get technical, the Oxford name is a reference to a closed-lace dress shoes that has a part (the portion of leather that the laces pass through) is stitched beneath the vamp (the front portion that the footwear is made of). If you can put your fingers through the two holes in the lace then what you’re really getting is an Derby shoe.

It could appear like an unnecessary item to mention that the lacing mechanism can give an Oxford (or it’s the Balmoral when you’re located in Scotland) its comfortable fit and smooth look, which makes one of the more formal style of all.

What to Do?

“An Oxford should be worn with black or grey formal pants,” says Grenson creative director Tim Little. “Make sure the shape of the toe is just right. If it’s too pointed, you’ll look like a spiv. excessively round, and you appear like clumps. An almond-like shape is what you’re seeking.”
Recommended Brands

Affordable: Aldo, Clarks, Topman

Premium: Dr. Martens, Kenneth Cole, J.Crew

Luxury: John Lobb, Crockett & Jones, George Cleverly

It’s the Brown Leather Brogue

Although it may seem like dancing classes for men who have lots of testosterone and time in their arms It’s actually a long-standing method of shoemaking that you’re likely acquainted with.

These dress shoes in brown are available in a variety of different styles, were created to let water escape when the wearer was walking through the boggy Gaelic farms. However, here’s where things become complicated. Because broguing is more of a fashion technique than an item of men’s footwear, Oxfords can be brogues and so can Derbies and wingstips.

The rule of thumb is that the more holes means more informal. Therefore, if you’re seeking something that can get one from the office to the pub, go for a semi-brogue that does not have the W-shaped toe style.

What to look for

“Brown brogues can be a classic British style and everyone ought to have one,” says Little. “Look for a round-toe with a chunky sole wear with jeans or a more sophisticated almond-shaped toe and the sole of a genuine leather with a formal outfit.

“Tan is the most popular color but if you’re looking to appear more discrete look for a darker shade. Choose leather that looks burnished, as it looks luxurious and improves with each polish.”
Recommended Brands

Cheap: Marks & Spencer, Dune, River Island

High-end: Oliver Sweeney, Paul Smith, Ted Baker

Luxury: Church’s, Tricker’s, Thom Browne

The Suede Loafer

Despite being associated with dressing as JFK The invention of the loafer does not have anything related to the prettier Ivy League, nor the simple loaf of bread (shoe-naming is usually a real-life business, after all).

The very first pair that is recorded was made in the late 1930s by an early 1930s Norwegian known as Nils Gregory Tveranger. He designed his Aurland footwear on traditional fisherman’s slip-ons as well as Native American moccasins, and this was the basis of the iconic Weejuns created by American designer G.H. Bass.

With a diamond-shaped cut-out The penny loafer has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction, along with more sophisticated tassled versions and horsebit ones. While leather is the most common option however, soft suede is the most versatile choice.

What to look for

“The traditional design of shoes made of suede lends itself to more sophisticated outfits as well as being worn in combination with socks or with no socks, for an elegant summer style,” says Mr Porter senior buyer for shoes David Morris. “If you’re looking for a casual, smart look, consider the suede penny loafer in darker brown, or even a tan color that can be worn with slim-leg shorts or chinos.”
Recommended Brands

Affordable: G.H. Bass & Co., H&M, Zara

Premium Brooks Brothers, Reiss and Charles Tyrwhitt

Luxury: Gucci, Cheaney, Edward Green

It’s the White Leather Low Top

Men’s fashion enthusiasts enjoy discussing the most popular and stylish sneakers of the moment. If they could choose only one to immortalize it, there’s a high chance that it’s the white leather low-top.

The slick design is exemplified in recent times by the Adidas Stan Smith. The first time it was introduced was in the early 1960s, it was referred to as the Robert Hallilet style, the shoe changed its name in 1978. However, only in the last decade that this white tennis style been a staple.

Nowadays, every brand that is worth its salt has their own style, ranging from minimalist to sporty, and can be combined with anything from shorts to tailored.

What to Look For

“If you’re wearing white low-tops and suits, make sure they are as clean as you can,” says Little. “Other than that, they really can be worn with anything.

“To maintain your sneaker in good condition, avoid wearing them with raw jeans However, that’s the one true no-no. Combine them with flannel trousers with a merino hoodie for an elegant and casual look. You can also pair them with Chinos and a bomber for your weekend.”
Recommended Brands

Affordable: Nike, Superga, Adidas

Premium: Common Projects, Grenson, Polo Ralph Lauren

Luxurious: Gucci, Givenchy, Tom Ford

Retro Trainers

Nowadays, a pair of running shoes can hold many treats and tricks as the digital rectangle in your pocket. It’s great for running however not so great to dress up for the weekend.

It’s actually quite simple to travel back with regards to sneakers to a time when the runners of today were spectacular, vibrant and, dare we say it, enjoyable.

Retro designs like that of the Nike Cortez and the Adidas Gazelle are simple to find, with brand newer ones such as Novesta, Spalwart and Walsh offering decent impressions of the kicks of the 1970s and the ’80s.

What to look for

“Retro sneakers are still able to stand through the years thanks to their simplicity of design and comfort,” says Morris. “Styles such as Vans Canvas sneaker as well as the Prada Milano are all very versatile choices to dress down a formal office look or for a casual, weekend look.

“Worn best when worn with denim indigo or black and an old-fashioned T-shirt, these trainers bring a hint of nostalgia to your everyday outfit.”
Recommended Brands

Affordable: Vans, Superga, Novesta

Premium: Nike, Adidas, Reebok

Luxury: Prada, Balenciaga, Veja

It’s the Leather Lace-Up Boot

A well-constructed pair of boots can be an essential accessory to any outfit in the event of any reason that they’re usually constructed like a brick You know.

Shoes that have been worn by farmers, soldiers and all different types of laborers, these the lace-ups made of leather will stand up to whatever you throw at them, whether it’s an oil slick , or an rare spillage of coffee.

Affirmatively durable features such as Goodyear welting, and triple-stitched seams that are found in brands like Grenson as well as Red Wing, mean that an excellent pair of shoes will last for years If properly taken care of.

What to look for

“Make sure that the leg isn’t too stiff or they’ll be uncomfortable wearing,” advises Little. “Stick to the theme of workwear with a rugged twill trouser that are rolled up. The slimmer and more fashionable versions are also able to be worn with a suit as long as the trouser leg is narrow enough and cut at your ankle.”
Recommended Brands

Cheap: Clarks, John Lewis, Dune

Premium: Red Wing, Dr Martens, Oliver Sweeney

Luxury: Grenson, Cheaney, Moncler

The ‘Goes with Everything’ Chelsea Boot

“Chelsea shoes are an absolute timeless style that will not go out of fashion,” says Little, which is true considering that they’ve been in use since the middle of the 19th century.

The original design was created by the shoemaker of Queen Victoria J. Sparkes-Hall to provide an alternative to traditional lace-up riding boots The Chelsea is named today from the affluent London Borough where they were fashionable during the 60s and the 1970s.

Find pairs that are made of only two pieces of suede or leather which is a sign of high-quality craftsmanship. And like Little recommends: “Make sure the elastic around the ankle is strong because it’s the first to fail and can be difficult to fix.”

What to Find

“Chelsea boots work particularly well with slim, tailored trousers with a slight cut,” Morris says. Morris. “If you plan to wear them with formal attire ensure that the color of your boots is similar to the hue of your suit . You can also opt for a sleeker boot sole that keeps your style sleek.”

As versatile as can be This is a shoe that doesn’t have to be kept in pristine condition since the occasional scratch or scratch will only fill the shoe with rock ‘n’ roll swagger.
Recommended Brands

Cheap: ASOS, H&M, Marks & Spencer

Premium: Kurt Geiger, Dr Martens, Dune

Luxury: Saint Laurent, R.M. Williams, Crockett & Jones

4 expert shoe care tips

Few people are as knowledgeable about footwear as Tim Cooper. As a third-generation shoemaker , and cobbler-in chief at Oliver Sweeney, he knows not just the value of craftsmanship from the past, but also that a quality footwear can get better with proper maintenance. Here are his four expert guidelines to follow.

Choose Your Polish Well

“Choosing the best polish for your shoes is easy – just read the label. A high-quality polish must consist of natural components like carnauba wax or beeswax. These ingredients nourish the leather the same way moisturisers nourish your skin, stopping drying or cracking, as well as losing its shine.”

They can prolong their lives

“Once every 4 to 6 months, make sure to apply a thick conditioner to your shoes prior to polishing to extend their lifespan and make the most of your leather. I’ve played around with a range of polishing materials and polishing, but an older pair of tights will give you a the most beautiful, shiny finish.”

Use to protect yourself

“Whether it’s sneakers or shoes make sure you spray them with a hydrophobic to guard against factors by keeping the water molecules from the surface on the surface. If you’ve worn the shoes in the rain, allow your sneakers to naturally dry. put on newspaper toes and, whatever you choose to do make sure you don’t place them near any open flame.”

Maintain It Clean

“Always remove any dirt or grime from your shoes to avoid further harm. To clean your shoes, you can use hot water and a dry cloth, and an easy bristle brush. For more challenging areas, apply a the leather cleaner using a clean sponge and cloth. Remove the product using the help of a damp cloth, and let it dry.”