Casual Shoes That Every Man Needs
Not all men think they need many pairs of shoes. Having a lot of shoes is definitely thought of as a trait shared by women, but those men are just misguided. The world of men’s shoes is incredibly rich and varied, and there are certain styles that all men really should ensure they have at least one pair of.
Not every event one attends is a black-tie gala, nor is every busy day a day at the office. Let’s take a closer look at casual men’s shoes and see what kinds of casual shoes every man should really have for those days when it’s just time to kick back and relax:
1. Sneakers
No matter what you think of sneakers, every man should own at least 1 good pair of sneakers, and probably more than one. Even sneakers have a dressier side for those more upmarket casual events where you want to be comfortable but fit into a smarter aesthetic. We’ll cover those further below.
In the meantime, a regular pair of sneakers are perfect as comfortable and supportive footwear to use for everyday tasks, as well as when you go outside to play some cricket, or go for a run in the neighbourhood. They’re an all-purpose casual shoe that will see you through just about any regular day.
2. Loafers
When an event, gathering, or other occasion calls for casual shoes but a bit more upmarket than any sneaker, then you really can’t go wrong with a good pair of loafers. These laceless shoes slip on and off seamlessly, but come in enough different materials and styles to allow you to get loafers for virtually anything. They’re sturdy and supportive enough, but without the same feeling of constraint that you can get when wearing Oxfords or similar formal dress shoes.
3. Chukka Boots
If you’ve never heard of the Chukka boot, where have you been? Living under a rock somewhere? These men’s boots claim both a military and sporting heritage, originating in colonial India where they famously used by British officers during polo matches. The name “Chukka” even comes from a Hindi word meaning “circle” when translated directly, but when translated more poetically means “casual.” Fitting, no?
Those who like boots but need something a bit more fashionable than a combat boot (see below), the Chukka is ideal.
4. Combat Boots
When your casual day calls for a bit of function over fashion, the men’s combat boot is the perfect friend. Every man should have at least one pair of good combat boots in their collection for use when it’s time for some serious outdoor activities. When you’re off for a long hike, or doing outdoor pursuits like rock climbing, mountaineering and such, a good strong set of combat boots come in handy. Of course, certain styles of combat boots can also look great about town if you like that strong, well-built look and you’re on your feet all day. No other footwear will offer better support to your foot and ankle.
5. “Dress” Sneaker
Now we come to the dressier side of the sneaker world…but if we’re talking about “casual” shoes, why should any man invest in sneakers like these? Well, these sneakers come with an attractive and stylish layer of suede, leather and other higher-end materials. They may even have some broguing detail on them. The idea is that you could attend a semi-formal “smart-casual” type evening such as a drinks party while wearing these. You look the part, but still walk around comfortably.
6. Sandals
Finally, for men living in sunny Australia, can one really do without a good, sturdy pair of sandals? Best not to wear socks in them and look like an American tourist if you can avoid it, but sandals that allow your feet to be free and uncaged are a great casual shoe to have at home.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/feet-footwear-nike-shoes-sneakers-1840619/
