The Best Shoes For Men
When it comes to men's shoes, it may appear as if there's nothing new under the sun. Oxfords, boat shoes, sneakers, boots — to an undiscerning eye, they're pretty much all just one and the same as they ever were, with a few variations thrown in for good measure. While this could be said about most shoes, we also know it's not actually true. Not all shoes are made with quality, or modern trends, in mind. To help make your search easier, we've created this list of a few of the best options on the market. In order to find the best men's shoes, we asked ourselves three questions: Are these shoes versatile enough to be used in various environments? Will the constituent materials last to ensure the shoes have a long lifespan? And of course, do the shoes look and feel good? With these criteria in mind, we landed on a few finalists. For the classy gent looking for a sleek pair of shoes that can take him from the boardroom to the bar, it's hard to to beat Clarks' Tilden cap Oxfords. They're handsome and well-made, and their price seems too good to be true. We also loved Asics' Gel-Venture 7, which are great sneakers for anyone who plans on doing some running. Even if you're not a runner, their comfort makes them great for casual everyday use. We have a few other favorites worth perusing, so keep on reading to browse the rest of our roundup.
Hey Dude Men’s Wally Sox Shoes
Comfort and style
Loafers remain a footwear staple thanks to their casual but-classy aesthetic as well as their supreme comfort. If you’ve ever slipped your foot into a well-made loafer, you know that they take comfort to a whole new level. That’s exactly why we’ve included this cushiony pair. They’re casual but classy, well-made, and unbelievably comfortable. With a breathable upper and a supportive, fitted sole, these loafers are about to become your most well-loved shoe.
Pros:
- Thanks to their ultra-lightweight design and Air Flow Technology, these are great for anyone whose feet sweat a lot.
- The convenient slip-on design makes these especially useful for chores that require stepping aside for just a quick moment. Rather than having to lace up to take out the trash, you can slide these right on like slippers.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, these are not waterproof.
Five Ten Freerider Mountain Bike Shoes
Mountain bike masters
If you’re new to mountain biking, you’ll soon learn that outfitting yourself with appropriate footwear is a must. Enter Five Ten’s Freeriders, a mountain biking shoe that’ll keep your feet comfortable, agile, and where they should be: on the pedals. Featuring a tread that’s designed to provide superior pedal traction, these sneakers are stylish enough to wear off the bike, too.
Pros:
- We love that these are thoughtfully manufactured from recycled content to help reduce plastic waste.
- If your foot has ever slipped off a bike pedal, you know how dangerous it can be — especially while you’re navigating potentially dangerous terrain. The flat soles and the tread on these do a great job of helping your feet maintain their grip on the pedals.
Cons:
- The heel cup could stand to be a bit beefier for better shock absorption.
Asics Men’s Gel-Venture 7
A need for speed
Asics consistently designs powerful performance shoes for running, and the Gel-Venture 7 is no exception. Designed for optimal support and breathability, these shoes’ synthetic and mesh uppers are specifically designed to hug your foot for stability and allow proper airflow for ventilation. The result is a safer, more comfortable shoe that helps you stay cooler. Other notable features include shock-absorbing technologies, as well as increased rebounding effects to keep you light on your feet.
Pros:
- The grippy, supportive sole is great not just for running on roads and in parks, but also on more rugged trails.
- Because these are so light, they’re great for long-distance runners.
Cons:
- The included shoelaces are thin and break easily, but it’s easy enough to buy a pair and re-lace them yourself if necessary.
Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoes
A better game
The right pair of shoes can help take your golf game from sub-par to a hole in one, and the Adidas Tech Response is a top contender. The shoes feature a lightweight mesh and synthetic upper for optimal breathability, comfort, and support. They also boast a low-profile footbed with a six-spike configuration that increases traction and stability. Whether you’re on the green or just at the driving range, these shoes will help improve your game, big time.
- The EVA insole adds just the right amount of cushion and support. This is great for those prone to foot pain after a few hours on the green.
- They’re easy to clean, too, so you won’t have much trouble ridding them of mud, geese poop, and clumps of grass.
Cons:
- They are a bit stiff at first, but they’ll feel better after a few rounds.
Clarks Men’s Tilden Cap Oxford Shoe
Fancier footwear
A good pair of Oxfords will take you from the boardroom to the barstool in high style. Made from high-quality leather for a simple yet gorgeous finish, these Oxfords are ideal for dressing up a casual outfit or taking your best suit to the next level. With these shoes’ Ortholite footbeds for comfort, exceptionally smooth linings, and built-in stretch panels for a more flexible fit, we’re tempted to get these in a few colors.
Pros:
- If you like having an elevated heel, you’ll appreciate that the height on these heels is one inch.
- Unlike some shoes in this price range, the stitching on these is top-notch. This helps extend the lifespan of the shoes, increasing their cost value.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, these shoes can’t be re-soled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best bet for an everyday kind of shoe?
You can’t go wrong with a comfortable sneaker-style shoe, whether it’s a pair of loafers, hiking-style shoes, or sneakers. Aim for something lightweight and breathable, as this will definitely be more comfortable — not to mention a little less stinky — if you’re wearing them every day.
How should you store leather shoes?
Don’t just put your favorite leather shoes wherever, because they won’t last nearly as long as they could. Leather shoes benefit from being stored in a temperature-controlled area that is both cool and dry. Extreme temperatures and lack of humidity control will absolutely degrade the leather in a surprisingly short period. You can keep them in a temperature-controlled closet, box, or drawer. Be sure to stuff the shoes with acid-free tissue paper or a properly sized shoe tree. Aside from that, oil, shine, and polish the shoes as often as needed.
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