Essential Shoes for Every Man's Wardrobe

Men get the short end of the stick when it comes to men's designer accessories. Women get hats, handbags, scarves, jewelry, shoes, and more. Men get ties, pocket squares, and maybe a watch, but chances to accessorize depend on the formality of dress. Nobody's wearing a tie with a tee shirt. One area where you can have some fun is with the shoes in your wardrobe. Whether you're adding a touch of class or a pop of color, your shoes can help you express your style and add some personality to your wardrobe. Here are just a few essential shoes every man should own, from formal to casual.

Oxfords, Not Brogues

A pair of classic, black men's designer Oxfords shoes is an absolute staple of the modern man's wardrobe. If you're wearing slacks, a suit, or even a tuxedo these shoes add the formal touch your footwear requires to complement your ensemble. This professional shoe can go seamlessly from the office to a formal event, so it's a must for every man.

Okay, Brogues Too

There are two reasons why you might want to add a pair of brogues to your closet. The first is that they have a bit more personality than your average Oxford, thanks to the addition of perforated designs that embellish the traditional, smooth Oxford style. The second reason is that brogues are considered less formal than Oxfords, which means you can pair them with a number of options from a formal suit, to stylish jeans. These are great everyday shoes, and if you want to go a bit more casual, you can choose warm brown or tan colors, or even modern suede versions in bright, colorful hues.

Boots

You might not think designer boots belong on a list of shoes every man should own, but there's a good argument for adding a classic Chukka or a mod Chelsea to your lineup. From a practical standpoint, you're going to be glad you have boots in your closet when the weather gets chilly and you want a bit more coverage. They're also easy to slip on, but they still provide a more formal look than, say, sneakers. On the aesthetic side, they just provide another option to embellish your everyday outfits, from office attire to jeans.

Loafers

There's nothing more convenient than a slip-on loafer. While they are a bit more casual than a laced-shoe like an Oxford, the range of options means you can find pairs to wear to the office or enhance a casual look like jeans and a button-down or blazer. Embellishments like tassels or metallic details elevate this casual shoe for formal purposes.

Trainers

No man's wardrobe is complete without a casual weekend shoe, and trainers, or some designer sneakers, are a must. This is where your personality can really shine. Whether you like a classic, crisp, white pair of K-Swiss sneakers, you prefer a colorful pair of Chucks, or you want the comfort of a multi-colored running shoe, there's no reason you shouldn't have several pairs of casual, functional sneakers. These are definitely shoes every man should own. Now more then ever trainers are an acceptable shoe choice for more formal affairs. Many high-end shoe brands offer an athleisure style shoe. These are also great choices for business travel, if you expect to be on your feet all day or must dash for a connecting flight.