Men’s Casual Shoes

Time to go out for a walk or maybe even a date — what shoes you are planning to wear? Most men prefer something semi-formal or casual that makes us feel both comfortable and confident. Let’s take a look at how to find that perfect pair.

Men’s sneakers

Before you can consider brand or color, consider something more fundamental: the general category of shoe. Sneakers (or “trainers”) are available in every color of the rainbow these days and in many styles; some resemble climbing shoes and others, in muted colors and better materials, can almost pass as formal attire.

Men's Sneakers

Sneakers tend to be made from synthetic materials such as nylon, fabric, PVC, and perforated mesh. They are breathable in the sense that they allow more ventilation for your feet and usually provide good arch support for comfortable, long wear.

Some sneakers may look athletic, but be built more for everyday wear. Sneakers usually have rubber or PUC soles which are non-slippery, but do not perform very well on rocky slopes where their soles may not prove durable. If you’re planning on pounding something other than pavement for extended periods, consider upgrading to a modern hiking boot made from rubber or synthetic materials molded for optimal traction on all terrain types.

Men’s boots

If you like a rugged, masculine look, go for ankle-length or full-length boots, which are especially hip with jeans and casual shirts. Styles range from sleek, European ankle boots that pair well with skinny or narrow-cut jeans to full-on Western cowboy boots.

Men's Cowboy Boots

Most current boot styles are constructed of leather which can be brown, black or any other color. The leather may be shiny, suede, perforated or crafted. The choice of leather would depend upon the style you want to sport. Suede leather is softer but difficult to maintain, while other leather shoes can be easily polished to retain their fresh look. Boots may also have fur or textile accents. These touches are often decorative, so if you live in extremely cold conditions and need some extra warmth, make sure you do your homework. Fur is obviously a personal choice, but even if it is not for you, you might consider fake fur substitutions in colder climates.

Men’s slip-ons

Ever more popular today are slip-ons that require no lacing. A godsend for anyone in a hurry, these types of casual shoes are worth considering. If you like classic styles, then moccasins or loafers are suitable for any age group and well-suited to almost any contemporary lifestyle.

Men's Oxford Shoes

Oxfords, moccasins and saddle shoes are generally made from leather, but can be made from other materials, like textiles, canvas and fur. Leather shoes are a good catalyst for fungal growth if they remain wet for long periods. In case your expensive leather shoes do get very wet, wipe them off with a clean cloth and dry them thoroughly. One more disadvantage of leather shoes is they can get crumpled if they are used constantly in a position which bends them. This wears off their shine and form and after some time you may have to throw them away.

Men’s sandals

Sandals are perfect for more than just beach outings, and are easy to clean too. Popular sandal types range from the ultra-casual beach and flip-flop styles one might see on the streets of Rio to sport sandals for active guys on the go to the tony huarache styles popular in Europe.

Men's Sandals

Popular men’s casual shoe brands

Now this is perhaps the most important point for quite a few of us. Again the brand and materials used are linked in many ways. Each brand has its favorite materials. Adidas, Lee Cooper, ALDO, ECCO, Reebok, Nike and others are mid-level brands going for anything from $30 to $300. Burberry, Alberto Fermani, Ferragamo, L.A.M.B., Kenneth Cole, and Gucci are among the high-end favorites. Sometimes it is difficult to decipher the differences between a high-end $1,000 shoe and a $200 shoe of similar design from another brand, but try the best brands in-store and your feet may well feel the difference that the best materials and craftsmanship can make. And of course, some brands build their reputations on comfort, including Mephisto and Clarks.

Where to buy men’s casual shoes

Local shops and online stores can both surprise you with special offers and closeouts. Check online retailers such as zappos.com or shoes.com that may have great deals on your brands and styles from time to time (as well as free shipping and returns). But don’t hesitate to investigate unfamiliar brands and styles at local brick-and-mortar retailers where you can try new styles on.

Most importantly, try to get your feet into a pair of shoes that make you feel confident and relaxed. After all, why feel edgy or under stress when you should be enjoying a casual weekend? Walk on in comfort and style.

Looking for something a little more formal? Take a look at our guide for dress shoes.