While women need as many pairs of shoes as they can get their hands on, men tend to only have as many style of shoes as they need to get through the week.
Work shoes, training shoes for the weekend, and maybe one pair of dress shoes for a men's fashion evening out. Add hiking shoes for the weekend climber or hiker and that's about it for fashion.
For the more discerning fashion shoe shopping man, there are four men's fashion styles you might want to consider, or at least add to your collection should the need come up. With these four types of shoes in your wardrobe, you will not have to run out at the last minute to shop.
The dress shoe can be slip on or lace, but you should have one brown pair and one black. The shiny leather is good for dressy occasions, and the brush style tops are excellent for the date or for the workplace. The casual but versatile fashion is typically a slip on, and is worn with khakis or other dress slacks. Once upon a time they were referred to as men's fashion penny loafers, and have stitching across the tops and down the sides. You will want a light pair and a darker colour. Boot style for colder months, and the sandal for warmer months fit well into the category of casual/versatile. This is also called a dressy casual, and the difference can be confusing, so let's go over men's shoes again:
1. One pair of loafers/deck shoes, brown or light coloured and black.
2. One pair of boots-dress and casual.
3. One pair of sandals.
4. One pair of formal, dressy shoes for big events, shiny is better.
Now we get into the athletic shoes or training men's shoes. You need to have a pair for around the house and another pair for your sport of choice. Training shoes for running should have a good arch and ankle support, and can be fashion shoes as well. Hiking or walking shoes should only be worn for the sport for which they were intended, less they break down and wear out too fast.
© UK Fashion.com 2006