5 footwear styles every man should own

One of the things people check out for when they meet you is your shoes. Whether it’s a job interview or a first date, if you’re hoping for approval from a prospective employer or potential love interest, you’re probably not going to get it when they glance down to see a rather sad-looking pair of battered old winklepickers.

Below are the five types of shoes every man should own:

1. The Brown Leather Brogue

Originating in Scotland and Ireland as the go-to shoe for those bound for the turf bogs, the brogue has since become a footwear mainstay for the contemporary gent.

Whether tan, chocolate, russet or chestnut, a pair of brown leather brogues will slot seamlessly into your wardrobe and team well with plenty of outfit permutations, from smart to smart-casual, as well as many of the hues you already own, particularly navy and grey.

A good polish should be composed of natural ingredients like beeswax or carnauba wax. These components nourish the leather in the same way a moisturiser does your skin, preventing it from getting dry, cracking, and losing its lustre.

2. The Black Leather Oxford

One of the originals and undoubtedly one of the best, the Oxford not to be confused with its close relation the Derby is the perfect occasion shoe.

This minimal, subtle shoe complements formal wear perfectly whether you’re wearing a tux to a black tie function or a charcoal slim-fit suit to an important job interview.

As for care, once every four to six months, take some time to apply a rich conditioner to your shoe before the polishing process to prolong their life and get the best out of the leather.

3. The Suede Loafer

Laceless and featuring an elegant, pared-down design, the loafer is an easy, highly versatile style that has been favoured by royals and rebels alike since the mid-19th century. Similar to the brogue, the loafer is best matched with smart and smart-casual ensembles.

In terms of colour and material, we’d suggest a breathable suede style in tan, beige or light brown for maximal wearability throughout the warmer spring/summer months, when it will quickly become your default option.

4. The White Leather Low Top Trainer

Given the prominent rise in the popularity of tailoring in recent years, the sneaker had found itself all but banished to the darkest corner of the wardrobe, or even worse the gym bag.

More and more, we’re seeing the style dominate the runway, the streets and even the red carpet all thanks in no small part to game-changers like Kanye giving sneakers their official seal of approval.

For purists, Vans Authentic white leather or Common Projects’ Achilles silhouette offer comfort, versatility and classic, luxurious style.

5. The leather lace-up boot

Think boots are reserved for cowboys and hikers? Think again. Since the noughties’ workwear revival, the number of boot types on offer has multiplied at an astounding rate.

For general cleaning, use warm water, a clean cloth and a soft bristle brush. For more difficult areas, use leather cleaner product with a clean cloth and brush. Then, remove the cleaning product with a damp cloth and allow to dry.

Source: manswersonline.com