Men's Shoes: Essential Men's Shoes

Men's Shoes

Essential Men's Shoes

You probably already have the shoes you need the most.

If you do heavy work, you probably have work boots. Athletes know the importance of good shoes and have probably filled of those needs; but what about the other times?

Before you condemn yourself to a life in running shoes, or running out at the last minute to find the right shoes for any occasion, check out this list of essential men's shoes. These additions to your wardrobe will have you stepping out in style for nearly any situation.

1. The Dress Shoe - Men's Shoes for Dressy Occasions

Even if you don't wear suits to work, there will be plenty of suit or dressy occasions when you'll need a sharp dress shoe. Lace up or slip-on shoes can work well, and a shinier finish usually looks a bit more formal. The "Mister Right" oxford from the Kenneth Cole New York line is a great example of a classic dress shoe that is anything but boring.

2. Casual but Versatile Men's Shoes

For wearing with stylish jeans or khakis, casual men's shoes range from refined to rugged. These shoes might get a lot of wear, so comfort is essential, as is the time of year. For winter months and colder climates, men might opt for a stylish boot, and when the temperature is higher, a chic sandal can fill this role.

Choose something you like well enough that you can wear it often, and in a style that suits your personality and tastes. I love these Frye "Manny" loafers, because they're simple, but in a really good way.

3. Dressy Casual - Men's Shoes for Dressing Up Casual Attire

For times when you want to appear as though you've made an effort to look nice, but a suit seems overdone, you'll want a shoe that is a bit more formal than your everyday shoes. The "Bigg" loafer from Steve Madden is a good example of a dressy casual men's shoe.

4. All-Purpose Sneakers - Comfortable & Casual Men's Shoes

If you're an athlete, you already have sneakers specific to your sport of choice. But essential to any wardrobe of men's shoes is a general sneaker. Leave the high-end running shoes for when you're actually running, and invest in a comfortable, classic sneaker that you can wear for everyday purposes. The Adidas "Campus" has retro-styling and is available in an array of colors, but again you'll want a shoe that suits your own personality and wardrobe.