The 5 Shoes Every Man Should Have

What are the five most important shoes you should have?

Whether you are changing your style, cleaning out those old clothes, or maybe starting from zero, this blog will tell you which shoes you need to always have in your closet.

These five shoes can be the baseline for a great shoe collection.

The recent trend towards minimalism has also meant that men are slimlining their closets, and looking at what is essential and what’s just taking up space. So if you want to cut your shoe collection down to five pairs, read on.

The best shoe for formal occasions

Formal footwear is essential for any big nights out you have, perhaps for a gala, a premiere, or a date. They are also the shoes you will need for weddings, funerals, and any of those big life moments.

There is one shoe which stands out above the rest for this - the Oxford.

Oxfords are a close-laced shoe, rather than the open-laced system of Derbies. What does that mean? You might not have noticed, but some shoes have a gap over the tongue where the laces go back and forth - whereas on close laced shoes there is no gap.

A black cap-toe oxford shoe is often regarded as the most formal. And an oxford is also slightly understated, which means you can wear it to a variety of occasions, or even to work and meetings.

Another great option from our catalog is our Fonseca Boot, if you need more support for your ankle. When your trousers cover them nobody would know they are a boot!

The best boot for everyday use

It’s important to have a boot you can use for moving around - something not too bulky, not too formal. You want to feel comfortable, and give your feet and ankle the great support that boots offer.

For this option, have a look at our Oscar Boots, or Dowler Boots. These Dowlers made with pull-up leather is a great option - this type of leather needs less attention, because natural oils are used in the tanning process to make it rugged and waterproof. They don’t need polishing, just a little cream every now and again.

The best shoe for work and semi-formal events

As well as your special occasion shoe, you need to have a shoe for everyday work and less formal events, perhaps going to a social group meeting, a party, a conference, a second date.

I would suggest an oxford brogue, such as our Yates Oxford range. These are the classic brogue.

A slightly less formal brogue, such as the open-laced Watson Derbies, is also a great choice.

Why have two smart shoes? Firstly you want a little variation. Secondly, because being able to select between super formal and semi-formal can raise your wardrobe to another level. And thirdly, because shoe rotation is a must - if you wear the same shoes every day, both your feet and your shoes can deteriorate quickly. Rest your formal shoes, at least every second day, and store them with a shoe tree.

The best shoe for everyday use

You also want to have a shoe for more relaxed occasions. Maybe going out for a walk, meeting up with friends, going to watch a game, traveling.

The kind of shoe that is so comfy you can forget you’re wearing it.

It’s an option you can exchange for when you might otherwise wear sneakers (well, not if you’re playing basketball, per se).

A great example might be these Beaumont Suede Loafers - classic slide-on shoes.

You might also go for these gorgeous Anders Split Toe Derbies. They have a leather mid-sole and rubber out-sole - which makes them hardy and comfortable to walk around in.

The best all-rounder sneaker

A high-quality leather sneaker is the final must-have for your wardrobe.

Look for something versatile, which will match your style.

GATs, like our Morgen Trainer range, is a style that you see across the World, and are timeless. This style was originally designed to meet the rigors of German Army training (thus the name) but is now the go-to for everyday use for many people.

Our Reids range, as you can see in the photo above, are another classic look.

But I can’t pick just one sneaker out of our collection - they are all classics - so you’ll just have to have a browse and see.

What about the joker?

So what happens next? You have your five shoes you need. The formal, the semi-formal, the boots, the shoe for relaxing, and the sneaker. What then?

You might want to stop there. You might also want to think about getting something different - a joker card (or maybe an ace!).

These Chelsea Boots in suede are amazing as some signature footwear.

Or Wholecut Oxfords, for example, will really make you stand out at a party.

Your choice of shoes can say a lot about who you are. Take a browse through our catalog and see which designs jump out at you.

If you are choosing five shoes for your wardrobe, it is also essential to ensure that they are well-made, and use the best materials. Take a look at our craftsmanship section - this is the standard to benchmark by! If you need some extra inspiration take a look at this article from Jacob Graye.

If you have any questions, you get in touch with the team here - or leave me a comment below and I will get back to you.

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