Most of guys when shopping for new shoes place much more importance on comfort and function for their shoes than women do. This doesn’t mean that style doesn’t play a role for men but, but the fact is that most guys won’t buy an uncomfortable shoe just because it may look good or is in style. However, those same men make the mistake of thinking that shoes are not that important because they can’t be seen. Either way, they are wrong.

Aside from the pair of sneakers every guy I know owns, every man better have a few certain shoes in his wardrobe. They are a shiny pair of dress shoes; a comfortable pair of sneakers; a pair of attention-grabbing boots; and finally an everyday pair of casual dress shoes. Here is the list of the top four essential shoes all men should own:

Casual shoes – You always want a clean pair of casual shoes to wear for those everyday occasions that you don’t dress up for but you also don’t want to look like slob. They are the kind of shoes you would wear with jeans. You want them to comfortable, but more professional than sneakers. I recommend a good pair of black or brown loafers or lace-up shoes. I like them because of their versatility with the type of clothes you can wear with them. Work boots – When it comes to being a man’s man, nothing is more important that a good, sturdy pair of work boots. Of all the things you look for in a good boot, the quality of how it is made and how comfortable they are should rank number one and two on that list. It is best to try on a few different pairs of several known brands in order to decide which ones will work best for your particular needs. For example, if you work on your feet outside a lot, you’ll want a boot with a solid tread as well as a thick sole to cushion your feet. Dress shoes – Every man should own at least one pair of really nice dress shoes. You never know when you’ll need them. The best ones are always simple and match your dress clothes easily. Most fashion experts sing the praises of going with patent leather. The one thing you must always keep in mind when wearing dress shoes, is to make sure they match everything else you are wearing. If your pants or jacket is gray, black, or blue, then you better wear black shoes. Brown shoes should be worn with earthy toned colors. Athletic shoes – You want a pair of athletic shoes that give your feet and ankles enough support to prevent injury but they also must be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. The size of the shoes are very important so take the time to correctly measure your feet so you get the right size. Ask for help if you aren’t sure how to do that. Many athletic shoes are now made specifically for a particular sport so choose yours that matches your activity.

By: TL Kleban