The Classic Shoes Every Man Needs in His Closet

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A man's style can often be best expressed in his footwear. From workplace essentials may include a quintessential oxford for the office or leather loafer for all occasions. He may prefer a do-it-all white sneaker for more casual occasions and require heavy-duty Chelsea boots to get him through everything else no matter the weather. The right shoe can make a statement whether he's a minimalist or maximalist: displaying personality, tying together disparate elements of his ensemble, or fitting a dress code to a tee. Amidst the most fantastic brands on the market, we've listed the top 15 essential shoes he should have in his closet for the prime combination of classic and comfortable. From heritage Italian designers like Santoni and Gucci to younger street labels like Greats and Koio, these are the best shoes you'll buy once and wear for the rest of your life.

Men's Heswall Leather Loafers - Brunt

For the professional man, a pair of Oxfords is essential. And for that purpose, you go to Church's.

Material: Leather
Size Range: 7 US - 12.5 US

Consul Leather Oxfords

For the professional man, a pair of Oxfords is essential. And for that purpose, you go to Church's.

Material: Leather
Size Range: 7 US - 12.5 US

ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford

Between the buttery leather upper with sophisticated brogue accents, the specially-designed cushiony insole, and athletic soles, it doesn't get any more effortless cool than Cole Haan's everyday Oxford.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 6.5-16

William with Double Leather Soles

For a distinguished look, John Lobb's iconic double buckle adds an added layer of sophistication to a timeless shoe. Plus, the welted construction all but ensures a durable lifetime of wear.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 5UK - 12UK

Men’s Captain Cap Toe Leather Boots

For a sturdy pair of stompers that go with just about everything in your closet, look no further than Thursday Boot Company's best-selling lace-up boots.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 6-13

Gommino Driving Shoes in Leather

For extra grip while in the driver's seat of a swish roadster, you need a pair of drivers. With a supple leather exterior, these Tod's driving shoes are the perfect combination of effortless elegance and comfort.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 5.5-14.5

Men's Wool Runners

Walking in Allbirds's OG kicks is how we'd imagine walking on clouds to feel like. Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but they're extremely lightweight, too, making them an essential for men always on the go. Even better: the runners come in a ton of colors should you want to start a collection in your closet—and let's face it, you will.

Material: Merino Wool

Size Range: 8-14

Desert Boot Black Suede

For more than 7 decades, Clarks's desert boots have become a wardrobe must-have for men all over the world—and it's not hard to see why. The handsome lace-ups feature a luxuriously soft suede upper that will complement any ensemble, as well as an oh-so-comfortable insole that hugs your feet for a secure yet stylish fit.

Material: Suede

Size Range: 7-14

Declan Plain Toe Derby

Meet the Derby: it's the Oxford's slightly more casual cousin that will also elevate any outfit. And for a Derby you can depend on, consider To Boot New York's version. It boasts an arch-support footbed that's perfect for walking around in all day long.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 7-15

Dsquared2 50mm leather western boots

Good news: you don't need to live on a ranch to enjoy a pair of Western boots. DSquared2, in particular, does a fantastic job at reinterpreting the on-trend cowboy boots and turning them into the perfect everyday shoe you can wear around the city.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 40-45

Saint Laurent ankle boots

Good news: you don't need to live on a ranch to enjoy a pair of Western boots. Saint Laurent, in particular, does a fantastic job at reinterpreting the on-trend cowboy boots and turning them into the perfect everyday shoe you can wear around the city.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 40-45

Brooks Brothers Men's Suede Penny Loafers

A quality penny loafer can take him to many an occasion without breaking a stride, and Brooks Brothers is a staple retailer for a reason. Reviewers rave about choice details like its the curve at the back of the heel which keeps it from sliding loose while walking, top-tier stitching, and more.

Material: Suede

Size Range: US 5- US 13

Damages Suede Loafers

Generally speaking, if you want a great pair of shoes, no matter the style, Italian-made is the route. Santoni's supple suede loafers with their signature orange interior are the perfect choice for a man of discerning taste.

Material: Suede

Size Range: UK6-UK12

Damages Suede Loafers

Generally speaking, if you want a great pair of shoes, no matter the style, Italian-made is the route. Santoni's supple suede loafers with their signature orange interior are the perfect choice for a man of discerning taste.

Material: Suede

Size Range: UK6-UK12

Trento

A staple piece of off-duty cool is the Chelsea boot, with its easy-on-easy-off construction and slightly more distressed wear. Add to any outfit that needs edge.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 7-16

Arizona

For a classic summer shoe that conveys easy-going, luxurious, warm-weather style, Birkenstock won't let you down. Wear poolside, while running errands, or when you simply just want to lounge around the house.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 6-17.5

Gucci Jordaan GG velvet loafer

Gucci's black velvet slipper with the brand's iconic horsebit buckle will serve you well for all the fancier occasions on your agenda year-round.

Material: Velvet

Size Range: 6-14.5

Men's Loafer with Horsebit

Gucci's black velvet slipper with the brand's iconic horsebit buckle will serve you well for all the fancier occasions on your agenda year-round.

Material: Velvet

Size Range: 6-14.5

The Royale

If you want a crisp leather sneaker that looks equally as good with trousers and a blazer as it does with jeans and a tee, Greats's classic silhouettes won't disappoint.

Material: Leather

Size Range: 7-15

Men's Woven Raffia Loafers

She may have a collection of Manolo stilettos, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have a Blahnik of his own. For the warm months, turn to a breezy slipper made of the finest materials. Think: leather linings and soles and raffia uppers for maximum comfort without sacrificing any taste.

Material: Raffia

Size Range: 7-13

Men's Mario Raffia Slippers, Navy

She may have a collection of Manolo stilettos, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have a Blahnik of his own. For the warm months, turn to a breezy slipper made of the finest materials. Think: leather linings and soles and raffia uppers for maximum comfort without sacrificing any taste.

Material: Raffia

Size Range: 7-13

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