Footwear

7 Essential Shoes Every Guy Needs & Nice to have More Styles

Hey there, gentlemen! Now onto what is perhaps the most underrated but one of the most essential aspects of every man’s wardrobe – the shoes.

They are the base of your whole outfit, not just a lovely little accessory to hold at an event.

Essential Shoes For Every Guy

Consider this: just like a good set of kicks can set your fit game, with that extra boost in confidence to slay anything the day brings.

And the best part? You can still make a statement without an entire wall of shoes — a few focused pairs do the trick.

We understand the temptation of collecting sneakers, dress shoes, or boots, and heaven knows options are a good thing. 

But actually, if you narrow the best shoes down to seven key shoe types, you’ll have everything necessary to face nearly any situation that life may throw at you.

They are the backbone to a polished wardrobe that is ready for any occasion—whether it be laid-back weekends, gym sessions, work meetings, or date nights.

In this guide, we’re going to cover the seven different types of shoes every guy should own, why each pair is necessary and how to wear them.

But if you want to flex a little or just need more in your closet, we will also give you some bonus items (nice-to-haves) that can level up your footwear game.

1. White Sneakers

White sneakers are the closet chameleons of shoes. They are minimal, stylish, and versatile.

White sneakers are not just a new trend but an item that is going to stay in every wardrobe. From brunch to Run-a rounds and a casual night out with friends, The most reliable shoes you can wear are white sneakers. 

Why You Need Them

White sneakers essentially go with just about everything, which means you can spend less time Considering outfits and more time walking confidently and comfortably.

Plus, they look good on everyone — the best part about white sneakers is that they manage to be casual with a bit of clean-cut style.

Wear them with denim for a relaxed feel or with chinos on when you want to look a bit more polished.

They are near unbeatable for your daily wardrobe basics, giving you just enough styling value without too much effort.

Perfect for when you need to look cool without trying too hard: getting a coffee on a Sunday morning, or hitting the office if yours is laid back. 

Not to mention, white sneakers are one of the easiest colors to clean and keep looking fresh.

How to Style

Timeless Casual : Dark jeans and a plain or graphic t-shirt with white sneakers. 

I find this outfit to be suitable for just about anywhere — it is chic but laid back.

Smart-Casual outfit : For a more put together outfit, sport your white sneakers with chinos and a button-down shirt. 

You can wear this combo for a dinner date and even casual Fridays in the office.

Nice, Summer-Ready Outfit : Once it warms up out there, a pair of white sneakers is also great with shorts and a polo or short-sleeve button-down. 

This is an easy-breezy fashion combination, perfect for backyard barbecues or summer soirees.

Street Style : For a comfy yet fashionable athleisure-inspired look pair the joggers with sneakers and a hoodie. 

Perfect for run-arounds or a quick coffee run.

2. Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots have a certain something about them that can instantly elevate any look you choose to wear. 

Smooth, polished and easy-breezy chic, they are beloved for guys that want to appear pulled together without looking too over the top. 

Great for both smart-casual outfits or simply adding an edge to rock-chic vibes

When it comes to versatility which provides you an edge every outfit is an asset, Chelsea Boots have found the perfect ingredient.

Why You Need Them

For guys who appreciate versatile footwear that can undoubtedly go from day to night, chelsea’s are a must.

They are in the middle of dressy and casual so you can wear them to a casual workday or out to dinner.

With no laces, they have a sleek, minimal appearance and are simple to slide on and off, plus their slim shape matches with almost any outfit.

Chelsea boots are perfect for the man who wants to appear sophisticated with a minimum of fuss. 

They offer added warmth during the cooler months and durability in wear, being one of the most practical options among the stylish ones.

How to Style

Rockstar Vibe → Keep all black through dark jeans and a fitted leather jacket accompanied by the completely badass black leather Chelsea boots. 

It is a confident look and great for night out outfits or casual events when you want to be flashy.

Smart-Casual Essential: For a smart return with more polish, wear brown or suede Chelsea boots. 

Match them up with chinos and a knitwear/crew neck sweater/button-down shirt, It adds some textural variation and is ideal for depth and interest in your look.

For The Office : When taking on the office make pairing Chelsea boots with tailored wool trousers and a blazer. 

Dark brown or leather pairs especially nicely with more formal attire, maintaining a polished but under the radar look.

Casual Comfort : Pair your Chelsea boots with slim fit jeans and a simple tee or sweater for an easy-going but chic look.

Casual enough to wear on the weekend, yet stylish and sharp enough to impress someone.

3. Running or Athletic Shoes

Similar to the common t-shirt, athletic shoes are a necessary staple in every dude’s arsenal, whether he is running marathons or sweat sessions at the gym — or just making it through a “busy day”.

No more are the days when running shoes were reserved for training, athletic footwear has become as fashionable as performing it is functional, making it a great option for workouts and wear alike.

A good pair of running shoes can be the difference between a smooth performance or tripping and falling over your own feet, but it also keeps you comfortable, well-supported before and after a workout, and looking fresh while on the go.

Why You Need Them

Sporting shoes are more or less related to comfort, support and performance. 

There are a pair of running shoes that can really blow up your day, even if you rarely spend time at the gym. 

Whether it’s for running errands or weekend getaways, they offer cushioning and arch support that reduce the strain on your feet and legs. 

Not to mention, the athleisure trend has made training shoes a staple for casual street-style looks (who says you have to settle for style over substance?).

It is just simply practical to Have versatile athletic shoes that you can wear for all physical activities… 

Perfect for your next jog, hike, basketball game or outdoor journey with your friends.

How to Style

Ready to Workout : ATHLETIC SHOES A natural match with your gym attire for a piece of work. 

Pair it with shorts, track pants, or compression leggings, and a nice pair of running shoes will have you looking decent while also keeping you ready for an intense workout.

Casual Streetwear : For a chill, streetwise look, style your sporting shoes with joggers and a hoodie. 

This combo is perfect for  quick errands, casual hangouts, or travel.

Sporting Shoes and Denim : For a slightly sleeker casual look, you can actually wear running shoes with jeans as long as they are of the slim or tapered variety. 

The casual look is complete with a basic or graphic tee, perfect for grabbing coffee or going out over the weekend.

If versatility is your pair of sneakers well then how about checking out running shoes brands by popular sneaker brands blending performance and street-style vibes. 

You may be amazed at exactly how a brand-new color design can relate to your capsule wardrobe.

4. Loafers – Smart Casual Staple

The loafers, of course, are a genuine wardrobe hero.

Somewhere between sleek and comfy, they fall right in that gray area for dressy but not too dressy, so you look polished without being 100% formal.

Good loafers can polish up any outfit: a business-casual meet, a dinner date or even a relaxed brunch plan.

Loafers are easily slipped-on, a versatile type of footwear and they provide an elegance level that may be tough for other casual shoes to compete with.

Why You Need Them

Nothing quite says smart-casual like a good pair of loafers..

The classic, laceless design makes for a powerful combination of style and convenience; you can easily pop these on and off.

They are perfect for occasions where you need an elegant touch that sneakers or running shoes cannot provide. 

Loafers give you the luxury of both worlds- they are comfortable, casual-wear shoes that also provide a neat and formal appearance features of dressed-up footwear.

They are making a style for all seasons, looking just as good with chinos in the summer and wool trousers in the winter.

How to Style

Preppy style : For a quiet preppy aesthetic, you can style loafers with beige chinos and a button-up shirt. 

Throw on a blazer over this outfit if you want an ever so slightly more polished vibe, great for a business casual office or nice dinner.

Laid-Back Elegance: The loafers & denim combination.

Choose a skinny or straight leg pair of jeans that falls above the ankle line to highlight loafers. 

This look can be accomplished with anything from a plain tee to a casual sweater.

Summer Style — Go for the Summer Look.

Not every guy is wearing this look, but if you want to make a bold statement; go for loafers with tailored shorts and a polo or lightweight button down for an upscale resort feel.

5. Chukka Boots

If you ever wanted a pair of the most versatile and timeless footwear for men, then you made a great decision to buy Chukka Boots.

With an ankle-high cut, minimal lacing and that seamless silhouette they make for the perfect cross-over between your relaxed oversized outfits and smart-casual attire.

These chukka boots are comfortable and rugged so you can wear them to the office or on the weekend.

Most often constructed from leather or suede, they provide a smart yet casual appearance for just about any occasion.

Why You Need Them

Chukka boots are as versatile as they get and ideal for when you want something nicer than sneakers but not quite to the level of dress shoes.

These are especially great in fall and winter where you want just that little bit of coverage and warmth, but are still light enough to wear in spring.

They’re also made to be incredibly comfortable, so they’re perfect for those all day or all night outings.

How to Style

Business Casual : Chukka boots with dark jeans and a flannel or casual shirt. 

This laid back look is comfortable, so it’s perfect for no stress weekends or lazy events while out and about.

Smart-Casual : Team up a pair of chukka boots with chinos and a collared shirt for an elevated look. 

This combo can be your slip on for casual work Fridays or maybe just dinner dates too! 

If you need to step it up a level, just add a blazer.

Chukkas for Winter days : In cool conditions wear your chukkas with denim, a knitwear piece and coat. 

What really works aesthetically for suede chukkas are earthy shades—sure you can wear these with deeper browns or darks, but olive, tan (like the ones below), and navy provide a good combo for an autumnal to wintry look.

6. Dress Shoes

A staple in all guys’ aesthetic wardrobe should be a classic pair of dress shoes. 

These are the shoes you wear to weddings, job interviews and everything in between.

They’re just more elegant and refined, so they’re the type of shoes to wear when you really need to hit it home.

Classic black or brown dress shoes like Oxfords and brogues never go out of style, work with a variety of looks (think everything from suits to smart-casual outfits).

Why You Need Them

There are not many occasions where you need to wear a pair of formal shoes, but once in a while it does happen.

Appearance in shining dress shoes sets out for the occasion and compliments your personality.

Dress shoes are a must in formal events – be it a business event, a high-class dinner or a ceremony to attend. 

They are the base element of any smart look and can take an outfit to new heights like no other shoe type.

Dress shoes are not just visually appealing but a long term investment in your wardrobe too. 

High quality dress shoes are timeless and can last you through the seasons for many years to come if you properly maintain them.

How to Style

In a Suit: Dress shoes are essential to wearing any suit — for work, weddings or any dressy occasion. 

Black Oxfords are a classic option that goes great with dark suits, and brown dress shoes look fantastic with navy blues, grays, and lighter colors

A shiny pair of oxford shoes are a must to finish the look.

Business-Casual Looks : Dress shoes can also be dressed up for business-casual looks, too—especially when you need a bit more shine in your outfit. 

Brown dress shoes work best with chinos, wool trousers, or a button-down. Throwing on a blazer, and there you go you have an outfit.

Smart-Casuals : Dress shoes can equally enhance the old money aesthetics of smart-casual attires. 

Target: Wear them with dark jeans, a nice shirt, and a blazer for a smart casual style perfect for nicer dinners or evenings out.

Trousers and Sweaters : For a winter-ready look, consider pairing dress shoes with wool trousers and a fine-knit sweater.

It is a smart-casual style that is appropriate for holiday parties or semi-formal events.

7. Casual Boots

Worn daily and in good form, casual boots are truly the workhorse of any guy’s closet. 

From casual to classic work boots, these styles complement rugged clothing while still offering strength and comfort. 

Casual boots are great for cooler months or days when you want to embrace a more casual, outdoorsy look. 

They’re built for the outdoors but also fashionable enough to dress up your casual outfits.

Why You Need Them

In fact, casual boots provide a versatility and utility that no other shoe can ever hope to offer. 

They are tough in the rain, snow and slush, mud and muck — basically perfect for fall and winter. 

Not only are they enough to last a lifetime, but they also bring some rugged toughness into your wardrobe resulting in a masculine casual chic vibe.

How to Style

“Casual Boots” The perfect weekend outfit

Dress your casual boots up with chinos, khakis or jeans and a flannel or sweater for an outdoorsy vibe. 

This outfit is great for the fall and winter weekends, whether you are going to a coffee shop or heading to a hike.

Smart-Casual Edge : Paired with a dark pair of chinos and a button-down shirt, casual boots are also looking sharp.

Throw on a denim jacket or a bomber for a chic but casual look that is suitable for informal meetings or an evening out.

Layered and Warm : If the weather is cooler, pair your boots with denim, a thermal or henley shirt, and a heavy jacket. 

Specifically work boots give this look a little more rustic and retro-esque, the rest of your attire being earth toned in olive or tan or brown.

Conclusion

You´ll be prepared for whatever life throws at you with these 7 great must-have LEGENDARY Shoes. 

A good shoe collection is more about versatility than complicated individual pieces and can be built on a few quality staples that work with different outfits.

So make your shoes clean and shining, because a little care extends the life of shoes.

How about taking your footwear to the next level? Begin with these basics and where your style journey leads you!!

Karan more

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