When it comes to men’s fashion, there are many different ways to elevate your style and your choice of footwear is probably the most critical one. Shoes play a vital role in every outfit and can add sophistication and style to your look. From men’s casual sandals to dress shoes, the choice is vast and can get overwhelming at times.
Having the right shoes on hand can help you complete your look for every occasion, whether it’s a casual or formal event. To help you choose wisely, here is what you need to know about different shoe styles for men, so you can choose well, look great and dress with confidence.
Men’s Shoe Styles: Casual vs. Dress
Casual Shoes
As we all know, casual shoes are for more relaxed, informal occasions where comfort is important, like running errands or having drinks with friends. When we talk casual, sandals are the first shoe style that comes to mind. Summer is here and it’s the perfect time to start considering them for your wardrobe. You can find a wide range of men’s casual sandals for everyday wear during the hot summer months.
They are comfortable and easy to wear, especially for light activities and lounging. You can wear them by the pool, on the beach or for small errands, however, if you opt for a sturdier pair, like leather sandals, for instance, you can head out to dinner and rest assured that they won’t look out of place.
Walking sandals, on the other hand, are a great choice if you are an active, outdoorsy type of man. They are built to last and protect your feet while hiking, exploring and more. When it comes to choosing a pair of sandals for your outdoor adventures, functionality is more important than fashion, so make sure to select a pair that offers the most supper and protection for your feet.
While a good pair of sandals is essential for any man’s wardrobe, you can’t wear them at your workplace. However, the good news is that casual shoes are becoming more mainstream in the office lately, but still, it really depends on the dressing environment at a particular workplace and your personal style and preferences, so you can go with saddle shoes, boat shoes, casual men’s boots or snickers.
Formal Shoes
Formal shoes are referred to as dress shoes as well and there are many different types you can choose from. Having a pair of these is not a luxury, but a necessity as every man will occasionally need to suit up, whether for the office, wedding or any other occasion that calls for a more formal flair.
Oxfords are the most common type of men’s dress shoe and a great match for almost any business attire, especially in colours like dark brown, tan or black. This is a standard lace dress shoe and it’s considered a classic which can help men start building their wardrobes.
The derby shoes are next, as they are a bit less formal version than the oxfords. To make a difference between the two, keep in mind that a derby shoe has its facing stitched on top of the vamp, while an oxford has it stitched underneath the vamp.
The next style of dress shoe, quite popular these days, is the slip-on shoe. In this category, you can find moccasins, loafers, monk-straps and more, all of which are a great choice for moderately formal occasions.
Boots are yet another style of men’s shoes that can make or break your look. Ankle boots are short lace-up boots that work well with suit pants, though styles may vary and some may work better with chinos, for instance. Chelsea boots, on the other hand, are laceless and have a sleek, minimal shape that goes perfectly well with a business suit or formal suit, but not a black tie. Suede Chelsea boots match jeans and chinos, while leather Chelsea boots are a great choice for suit pants.
These are the basic, and most common styles of dress shoes for men out there, so you can find what works best for you and begin from there. Every modern guy needs at least one pair of shoes in his wardrobe that he can wear on formal occasions, even if only for weddings and funerals. The most important thing is to choose a style that fits your outfit and take proper care of them.
Even though a shoe style can be considered casual or formal, there can be some ambiguities. Loafers, for instance, are traditional dress shoes, but they can be worn on casual occasions as well.
In the end, remember that investing in a quality pair of shoes always pays off in the long term. Buying well-made and comfortable sandals or flip flops is a smart move as you will be wearing them every day, and if you work from home, chances are you will be wearing them all day long.
When it comes to formal shoes, take into consideration how often you will be wearing them and where. If you will only wear them occasionally, you won’t need to break the bank, but if you need them as part of your daily professional outfit, then spending a bit more on a quality, stylish and comfortable pair of shoes is always a good idea.
