"Funny that a pair of really nice shoes can make us feel good in our heads - at the extreme opposite end of our bodies." ~Levende Waters
Let's just streamline the simplicity here. There are four kinds of shoes every guy needs to have in his closet.
Dress. Boot. Casual. Sneaker.
The dress shoe should be a staple for the working guy, but if you're in a more laid-back office environment, make sure to have them on hand for more formal events such as weddings and decorous outings. It is essential to have both a black and a brown pair handy to play with both sides of your wardrobe. Oh and as a fashion side note, don't fret about what to wear with navy because, on the contrary to fashion myths, navy suits can be worn with black shoes!
(from left to right: Aldo's Crumbliss, Allen Edmonds Boston Monk, Calvin Klein Hamilton Moc Toe)
(from left to right: Aldo's Crumbliss, Allen Edmonds Boston Monk, Calvin Klein Hamilton Moc Toe)
Boots can bridge the gap if you work them right. They can add a rugged look to a working ensemble, or you can reserve them strictly for outdoor activities. Just remember that weekend boots are different from workday boots so don't try pairing your suit with your muddy carpenter lace-ups.
Most guys have casual shoes. In fact, the majority of men probably only have casual shoes. These are the "default" shoe, the everyday, go-to shoe. Black and brown, of course, are always staple basics. If you find yourself daunting the same casual look, mix in a navy, one with a suede finish, or a seasonal white.
Sneakers. What I mean by sneakers are not gym-shoes. Gym kicks are athletic sneakers. The style I am referring to is, more-or-less, the Converse look or casual kick. When you feel your casual shoes are still too "formal" pull out the sneaker for an everyday, laid back look.
