The 6 Shoes

Every Grown Man Should Own

Any man of style should have a well-stocked arsenal of footwear. Solid options that will get him through every sartorial situation. But that doesn't mean you need a separate closet just for your shoes. We've culled through the market and edited down a list of the essentials no gentleman should be without. The idea being, that if you invest in a handful of sensible (and stylish) pairs and take care of them, you'll be set for years.

1

Black Lace-Ups

A pair of fuss-free black oxfords were the first pair of shoes a man would invest serious money in back when office dress codes were stiffer. These days, you might not need them as often, but a smart pair of black cap-toe lace-ups will serve you well for any fancy occasion.

Beckett Simonon, $155 / $145

Church's, $650

2

Brown Brogues

These are workhorse shoes that pair with pretty much everything in your wardrobe from jeans to suits, and are appropriate for everything from weddings and business meetings to regular occasions like date night.

Florsheim, $130

Cole Haan, $258

Grenson, $440

3

Suede Chukkas

Comfortable and classic, these are more dressed-up than a pair of sneakers, but not quite as proper as your dressy lace-ups. They make a safe bet for any casual, everyday outfit.

Clarks, $130

H by Hudson, $165

Loake 1880, $360

27

The number of shoes the average American man owns.

(Source: Time magazine poll)

4

Casual Boots

For off-duty adventures like camping trips or working out in the garage. Or simply going on a casual date or into the office on a wet day.

Red Wing, $250

Eastland, $225

Helm, $485

5

Simple Sneakers

When in doubt, buy them in white and go with an understated, retro style in a low-top cut. Try to keep them clean and you can basically wear them anywhere.

6

Slip-Ons

When you want something simple and casual but smarter than a pair of sneakers, go with a leather slip-on. The classic American loafer will always look sharp.

J.Crew, $298

Cole Haan, $168

Quoddy, $350

Learn
Your
Laces

It sounds easy enough, but there are countless ways of lacing your shoes, some better than others. We'll show the only two you really need to know.