5 Modern Shoes All Men Should Own

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According to the Greek essayist Plutarch, when Alexander the Great saw the breadth of his domain, he wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer. And when you open your shoe wardrobe and tick off the black Oxfords, brown brogues and white low-top trainers, it’s hard not to well up, too. Never again will you experience the unfettered joy that is justifiably purchasing footwear. Well, unless you become a sneakerhead. And even then.

Now, we’re not suggesting that you stray into the territory of Imelda Marcos, the legendary Filipino first lady who owned over 3,000 pairs. But there are other shoescapes that you can safely explore without verging on extravagant. These five modern, not-at-all-frivolous styles could legitimately invade even the most spartan, Marie Kondo-reading minimalist’s collection.

Tassel loafers

Wingtips are a solid go-to choice for toeing the smart-casual line. But with their sturdy construction, sometimes they’re just a little too uptight, especially when the temperature rises and the degree of formality drops in inverse proportion.

“A suede tassel loafer is a great summer alternative to a brogue or Derby and works with many different outfits,” says James Lawrence, head of menswear design at ASOS. “They look great worn with a tapered, ankle-skimming trouser for a summer wedding, but also marry with denim and coloured chinos in more casual looks.”

(Related: The Complete Guide To Men’s Loafers)

Note: Tasselled loafers are maybe a tad too breezy for the kind of formal occasion or workplace where an exposed mankle will be looked down on; especially if they’re suede, which makes them more casual. As a general rule, they look most polished in shiny leather, and black rather than brown, but at the sacrifice of some of that casual air and versatility.

Stuffy settings aside, neither a raffishly tailored garden party or gastropub ale lawn will hassle the tassel. Just sidestep any spillages.

Men's Tasselled Loafers Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

simons 2017 brooks brothers ss17 reiss 2017 reiss 2017
  • He By Mango Tassel Suede LoafersHe By Mango Tassel Suede Loafers
  • He By Mango Leather Loafers With TasselsHe By Mango Leather Loafers With Tassels
  • Paul Smith Simmons Suede Tasselled LoafersPaul Smith Simmons Suede Tasselled Loafers
  • Kg Kurt Geiger Coleman Suede Tassel LoafersKg Kurt Geiger Coleman Suede Tassel Loafers
  • River Island Dark Brown Leather Tassel Formal LoafersRiver Island Dark Brown Leather Tassel Formal Loafers
  • Farah Strutt Tassel LoafersFarah Strutt Tassel Loafers
  • Reiss Patrick Suede Tasselled LoafersReiss Patrick Suede Tasselled Loafers
  • Pallini-rPallini-r
  • GriselloGrisello
  • Topman Hudson Tan Leather Tassel LoafersTopman Hudson Tan Leather Tassel Loafers
  • Next Suede Tassel LoaferNext Suede Tassel Loafer
  • Next Tassel LoaferNext Tassel Loafer

Slip-On Sneakers

The internationally recognised symbol of sports luxe, a pair of slip-on sneakers – in leather, suede, or slightly more affordable imitation versions of either – with a dark upper and white sole, the perfect black and white shoe combo, has its uses beyond taking off before you take off (both in security and your seat).

Because of their skateboarding pedigree, rock them with a Thrasher hoodie and Dickies work chinos to pretend you were shredding like Tony Hawk’s food processor long before Dogtown became a fashion capital. Especially if you opt for a pair of board-approved Vans, which also have the benefit of being far lower priced than the myriad high-fashion take-offs, and lasting much longer than their fair-weather canvas equivalents.

In the case of leather and dark colorways, these convey formality, and as such can be worn as part of a smart, modern getup. Even if they’re Vans, they won’t attract anywhere near as many dirty looks as a pair of white sneakers, however pristine.

Plus, with their dark uppers, these can even slip under the radar of a shoegazing nightclub bouncer. If you’re lucky.

(Related: What To Wear To A Club)

Men's Slip-On Sneakers/Trainers Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

next 2015 new look 2016 club monaco march 2015 lufian ss16
  • Diemme Garda Slip On Baltic KuduDiemme Garda Slip On Baltic Kudu
  • Buddy G.s. Slip On Tonal BlackBuddy G.s. Slip On Tonal Black
  • Vans Classic Slip On Premium Black & True WhiteVans Classic Slip On Premium Black & True White
  • Common Projects Slip On Leather BlackCommon Projects Slip On Leather Black
  • Lanvin Pebble-grain Leather Slip-on SneakersLanvin Pebble-grain Leather Slip-on Sneakers
  • Ermenegildo Zegna Pelle Tessuta Leather Slip-on SneakersErmenegildo Zegna Pelle Tessuta Leather Slip-on Sneakers
  • H&m Slip-on ShoesH&m Slip-on Shoes
  • Zara slip onZara slip on
  • Vans Classic Slip-on Perforated Plimsolls In Black Va38f7kvjVans Classic Slip-on Perforated Plimsolls In Black Va38f7kvj
  • Calvin Klein Ivo Sole Slip On TrainersCalvin Klein Ivo Sole Slip On Trainers
  • Harrys Of London Ethan Jones Tech Leather Navy SneakersHarrys Of London Ethan Jones Tech Leather Navy Sneakers
  • Reiss Delon Suede Slip-on Sneakers GreyReiss Delon Suede Slip-on Sneakers Grey

Chelsea Boots

Worn by the Beatles and the nearly-as-ancient Rolling Stones, this 150-year-old faithful has been rebooted in recent seasons by the likes of Kanye West, David Beckham and Harry Styles – and deservedly so.

“Chelsea boots look great, protect you from the elements and are another versatile shoe to have in your arsenal,” says Mr Porter shoe buyer David Morris. “Their sleek design makes them just as viable for wearing with cropped suit trousers as they are for teaming with a good pair of slim jeans to show off the silhouette.”

(Related: 5 Boots Every Man Should Own) As with tassel loafers, suede skews more casual than leather, and brown more than black (tan or lighter, even more so). Then there are versions with a crepe rubber sole that you’d more normally associate with less formal desert boots. That’s not necessarily out of step though.

“Chelsea boots, for me, tend to be more suited to weekend wear,” says Morris. “Going to dinner with friends, to the pub and even to a sporting event.” Not just Chelsea matches either.

Men's Chelsea Boots Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

oliver sweeney ss17 windsor ss17 river island aw17 el burgues aw17
  • Hudson Tamper Boot TanHudson Tamper Boot Tan
  • Grenson Declan Suede Chelsea BootsGrenson Declan Suede Chelsea Boots
  • Common Projects Chelsea Boot LeatherCommon Projects Chelsea Boot Leather
  • Reiss Tenor Suede Suede Chelsea Boots TaupeReiss Tenor Suede Suede Chelsea Boots Taupe
  • River Island Brown Suede Chelsea BootsRiver Island Brown Suede Chelsea Boots
  • Zign Suede Chelsea BootsZign Suede Chelsea Boots
  • Paul Smith Gerald Grain Leather Chelsea BootsPaul Smith Gerald Grain Leather Chelsea Boots
  • Next Punch Chelsea BootNext Punch Chelsea Boot
  • Topman Hudson London Black Leather Chelsea BootsTopman Hudson London Black Leather Chelsea Boots
  • Reiss Liverpool Allen Edmonds Suede Chelsea Boots ChocolateReiss Liverpool Allen Edmonds Suede Chelsea Boots Chocolate
  • Common Projects Suede Chelsea BootsCommon Projects Suede Chelsea Boots
  • VianelloVianello

Gum-Sole Trainers

Speaking of football, one of this season’s biggest footwear trends is inspired by the beautiful game. Specifically, the kind of non-marking sole that you might wear to play five-a-side – in the seventies and eighties – will now also mark you out from the ubiquitous Stan Smiths and Common Projects.

“A gum-sole is a great update for the classic white terrace trainer,” says ASOS’ Lawrence. “It’s the perfect nod to the retro trend that is key for spring/summer 2017, especially worn with a check trouser.” Smart-casuals, if you will.

(Related: This Year’s Biggest Men’s Trainer Trends)

Old-school gum-sole models from PE lessons such as the Adidas Samba are also bouncing back like Sam Allardyce parachuting in to save a bottom-of-the-table side from relegation a little too quickly. But the pertinent detail is being added to all manner of styles: there are more gum shoes on shelves this season than at a private detective’s convention.

And unlike ugly running trainers, this is one fad you won’t regret having a toe-punt on. As Ray Winstone’s giant, disembodied head might say just before kick-off: have a bang on that.

Men's Gum-Sole Trainers/Sneakers Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

zara 2017 topman 2017 mango man 2016 selected homme spring 2017
  • Puma Puma Suede Classic Peacoat Gum CitiPuma Puma Suede Classic Peacoat Gum Citi
  • Reebok Club C 85 Gum White & Reebok RoyalReebok Club C 85 Gum White & Reebok Royal
  • Fred Perry Spencer Suede Crepe Sole SneakerFred Perry Spencer Suede Crepe Sole Sneaker
  • Sophnet. German Army Trainer BlackSophnet. German Army Trainer Black
  • Ami Panelled Leather Suede And Mesh SneakersAmi Panelled Leather Suede And Mesh Sneakers
  • Adidas Adidas Originals Munchen Faux Leather-trimmed Suede SneakersAdidas Adidas Originals Munchen Faux Leather-trimmed Suede Sneakers
  • Asos Lace Up Trainers In Black With Gum SoleAsos Lace Up Trainers In Black With Gum Sole
  • Adidas Originals Munchen Trainers In White Bb2778Adidas Originals Munchen Trainers In White Bb2778
  • New Balance Suede Soccer Trainers In Blue Ct288bgNew Balance Suede Soccer Trainers In Blue Ct288bg
  • Topman Grey Leather And Suede Retro TrainersTopman Grey Leather And Suede Retro Trainers
  • Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Delegation Suede TrainersOnitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Delegation Suede Trainers
  • Vans Old Skool Black Light GumVans Old Skool Black Light Gum

Knitted Trainers

Knitted trainers are a smart idea for a number of reasons: they’re comfortable, breathable and sustainable (as only the precise amount of material needed is used), and they’re made entirely by needle-wielding grandmas. OK, maybe not that last one.

Additionally, their knitted-ness lends them a slightly premium feel, in the same way a knitted polo is a level up from a woven one, or a jumper is fancier than a sweatshirt. That and their streamlined, contemporary vibe means they work where ugly running trainers don’t.

“The modern guy wants products that can transcend multiple parts of the day,” says Andrew Manteit, founder and director of athleisure e-tailer The Active Man. Knitted trainers intertwine fashion and function in a way that few other kicks do. Yes, you might deadlift in your zero-drop Converse, but you probably wouldn’t want to wear them for a 10K.

(Related: 10 Future Men’s Wardrobe Classics)

As the technology for creating these kicks spreads across the industry, Manteit recommends going off the beaten track of Nike’s Flyknit and Adidas’ Primeknit with other brands such as Athletic Propulsion Labs’ TechLoom, which were banned by the NBA for being too bouncy in a Flubber-style scandal.

Men's Knitted Trainers/Sneakers Summer Outfit Inspiration Lookbook

new look aw16 massimo dutti 2017 primark ss17 American Eagle SS15
  • Asics Gel Kayano Knit BlackAsics Gel Kayano Knit Black
  • Nike W Roshe Two Flyknit Dark Grey & Pure PlatinumNike W Roshe Two Flyknit Dark Grey & Pure Platinum
  • Nike Flyknit Racer Black & WhiteNike Flyknit Racer Black & White
  • Nike Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 Flyknit Ocean Fog & Mica BlueNike Air Max 1 Ultra 2.0 Flyknit Ocean Fog & Mica Blue
  • Puma Blaze Of Glory Lo Evo Knit Trainers In Black 36366801Puma Blaze Of Glory Lo Evo Knit Trainers In Black 36366801
  • Adidas Adidas Originals Pure Boost Primeknit SneakersAdidas Adidas Originals Pure Boost Primeknit Sneakers
  • H&m Form-knit SneakersH&m Form-knit Sneakers
  • Topman Cortica Black Knitted Racer TrainersTopman Cortica Black Knitted Racer Trainers
  • Next Nike Roshe OneNext Nike Roshe One
  • Adidas Originals Gazelle Prime Knit Trainers In Grey Bb2751Adidas Originals Gazelle Prime Knit Trainers In Grey Bb2751
  • Athletic Propulsion Labs Techloom Pro Cashmere-blend Sneakers

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