BY DANIEL LOY
Essential pairs to build your wardrobe around
If you want to be ahead of everyone when it comes to fashionable choices, then you definitely need to step it up with the right shoes. After all, a man of style always ensures that he looks the part from top to toe.
While shoes may seem like the last thing that people notice, the reverse is true. Paying close attention to your choice of footwear doesn’t require too much effort and works even if you’re on a shoestring budget.
Stick to these five essential pairs for a start, and build up your collection when the need (or urge) arises:
1. Formal lace-ups
The dapper look is never complete without some polished leather lace-ups. If you haven’t already got a pair in your workwear wardrobe, now’s the time.
Stick to black, cap-toe oxfords if you can only own a single pair of formal lace-ups. These suit just about any dark-colored trousers and will make you feel right at home even in the office. Skip those with brogue or wingtip detailing for now; you want your lace-ups to be versatile enough for the boardroom and beyond.
2. Sneakers
Sneakers are all the rage these days, with familiar brands like Nike and Adidas bringing back models from decades past, and new labels joining the fray with their own interpretations of the ideal sneaker. Every brand is competing for real estate in the growing sneaker market, but you needn’t pile on the pairs just yet.
A good pair of running-inspired sneakers aka runners (think Nike Air Max, Adidas Ultra Boost and anything from New Balance) will offer sleek aesthetics and adequate cushioning for most day-to-day activities, while adding some pizzazz if you’re gunning for the athleisure look.
3. Sports shoes
For the record, lifestyle sneakers are not the same as sports shoes. The former is meant for daily wear, while the latter contains more sports-specific features, such as moisture-wicking fabrics and lightweight materials.
A good pair of sports shoes should make any workout or exercise less strenuous on the feet, while offering some level of protection against injuries.
4. Boots
Arguably the perfect complement to denim jeans, boots are typically built to take on rugged terrain and keep the wet weather at bay.
Take these out if you’re going to be trudging down cobbled paths and doing some off-road exploration, or when you have a hunch that your sneakers just won’t cut it.
5. Loafers
Everyone’s entitled to their lazy days, and what spells laid-back better than loafers? No laces, no fuss, but a definitely must in any man’s shoe stash. Think of these as the ideal alternative to slippers; those should only be worn to the beach and nowhere else.
Loafers might seem tricky to match, but you can’t go wrong if you pair them with your favourite jeans, chinos and just about any top.
Ready to style and profile with your shoe know-how? Come shop the hottest picks on ZALORA!