How to Choose Stylish and Comfortable Shoes for Men
We wear them every day, so it's only right that we go the extra mile and put time and effort into finding the perfect pair of shoes for our feet! When selected with due care, footwear has the power not only to perfectly polish off any outfit, but also to provide supreme comfort and support that will help you stay on your feet for longer and daily cover good ground. Let’s face it, shoes can make or break an outfit, and the wrong pair can really ruin your day, especially if you’re hiking in the great outdoors or out exploring a city… That’s why, when it comes to footgear, carefully considered purchases are key! There’s no doubt about it, come rain or shine, every season calls for comfortable, durable and stylish footwear. So, whether you're searching for a nice pair of lightweight loafers for spring, comfortable trainers for day-to-day wear, a classic pair of winter boots, or even beach-friendly sandals for when the warm weather hits, we’re here to walk you through all the different types of footwear on the market, and help you on your shoe-shopping journey... Read our top tips for making a good purchase and treat your feet today!
What is the most comfortable men's shoe to wear all day? Trainers are your best bet when it comes to comfort!
If comfort is your number one priority when it comes to footwear, trainers should most definitely be your first port of call! A year-round essential, everyone needs a good pair (or two!) among their footwear collection. While these shoes are often associated with sport, trainers are not confined to the gym! They’re also the perfect shoe to accompany you on all your day-to-day activities, whether you’re running errands in town, out for a coffee or even going out for dinner. They really can be dressed up or dressed down to suit any occasion. And with so many styles available, you may be wondering which trainer is best for you…
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you will want to invest in a pair of lightweight trainers, as they offer increased agility, keeping you light on your feet and helping increase your performance. This type of trainer often features a soft mesh upper, that allows for maximum breathability, keeping your feet nice and cool during your action-packed workouts. Be it at the gym or on your favourite running route, a lightweight trainer is sure to serve you well, helping you go the distance. Worn alongside your favourite tracksuit or your sports shorts and a loose-fitting tee, you’ll have the perfect workout outfit!
If you’re less of an avid gym-goer and are looking for more of an everyday trainer that you can wear when you’re out and about, we suggest opting for a model with a heavier and slightly chunkier sole for maximum support. It’s important to look for trainers that have padded ankles too as, if you’re planning to wear these shoes regularly, increased support and cushioned comfort really is key. However, that doesn’t mean that your trainers can’t look good too! In a wide variety of colours and patterns, there are so many options to choose from. We particularly love matching dark-coloured trainers with an equally dark pair of jeans and a half zip jumper for chic and understated mid-season style. In summer, nothing beats fresh white trainers worn with beige chinos and a crisp shirt for a smart-casual, modern look! Whatever your style, trainers are guaranteed to meet all your comfort and fashion needs thanks to their unmatched versatility.
What about lightweight sandals for summer? From light brown leather closed-toe shoes to classic black open-toe sandals
The epitome of summer footwear, there's nothing quite like slipping into a pair of sandals on a hot and sunny day! When it’s finally time to bid adieu to your enclosed footwear or favourite pair of heavyweight boots, sandals really are the go-to shoe for letting your feet breathe and feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin.
For everyday wear, nothing beats a pair of leather or split leather sandals. We particularly love the look of closed-toe designs with cut-outs at the sides for breathability. You’ll often find this style in a range of classic, neutral colours, including light brown, dark brown and black, meaning they’ll match easily with all your summer shorts and trousers.
If you’re heading off on a holiday with a jam-packed itinerary, or you’re planning to go on a lot of walks off the beaten track, you’re going to want to find a slightly more sporty sandal. Synthetic designs with an adjustable hook-and-loop strap are perfect, as not only are they breathable, but they provide a close-fit and perfect support too. Many of these models feature ridged EVA or PVC non-slip soles, which are ideal for walking on all different types of terrain, be it rocky, grassy or sandy. You’re guaranteed to stay steady on your feet!
And when it comes to beach holidays, you won’t want to forget to pack some sliders in your suitcase! A recent fashion phenomenon, these water-repellent designs are beach and pool friendly, meaning you won’t have to worry about them getting wet when you’re dipping your feet in the sea or relaxing by the pool. Super-easy to slip on and off, they’re also great for your garden, making the transition from indoors to outdoors more efficient. Similarly, you could opt for a pair of garden clogs, as they’re just as easy to slide on.
What type of shoe is both stylish and comfortable? Lightweight and soft slip-on loafers, moccasins and boat shoes are the perfect smart-casual shoe
On the hunt for an elegant, fine-weather shoe to match all your smart-casual outfits? Look no further than loafers! Casual yet timeless, they can elevate any look, making them a real wardrobe must-have in the warmer months.
When it comes to casual comfort and style, few footwear options rival the timeless appeal of moccasins. More often than not made from soft-faux suede, these closed-toe shoes are discreet and versatile, matching with a range of bottoms, be it shorts, jeans or chinos. Lightweight, they are ideal for spring, summer and early autumn and they often come in lighter shades, such as camel, adding an extra touch of style to your warm weather outfits. Similar to moccasins but with more detailed finishing touches, including metal eyelets and side lacing, boat shoes provide a bit more of a relaxed look. From classic leather to modern denim, loafers come in a wide variety of fabrics to suit everyone’s personal style! You can even find a pair with tassels or a low heel if you want to add an extra-trendy touch to your footwear! Perfect for all your summer escapades, they’re not only stylish but practical too, thanks to their padded ankles and reinforced heels and toes!
Robust and comfortable shoes are a must for walking!
Slightly less about style and all about durability, everyone needs at least one pair of robust walking shoes in their shoe cupboard! Anyone that loves walking in the UK will understand just how crucial it is to find a pair of shoes that provide your feet with protection against the elements, and steady support when faced with hilly terrains.
Selecting a water-repellent model is therefore paramount to fending off any water intrusion in boggy grounds or puddly paths, keeping your feet dry and comfortable for the best walking experience possible. Stability is another non-negotiable, meaning it’s important to make sure that the soles of your walking shoes have ridged edges to keep you firmly on your feet on all different types of grounds and inclines. For added support, we recommend choosing a mid-rise walking shoe or boot, as the support provided by the raised ankles will reduce the risk of any sprains. However, for shorter, easier walks without any harsh inclines, a pair of low-rise walking shoes should be more than sufficient. You can check out our guide to How to Choose the Best Pair of Walking Boots for further advice!
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A good pair of boots will come in handy during the colder months
When temperatures drop and it’s a little too chilly to wear your favourite shoes, it’s the right time to invest in a good pair of boots. Coming in a variety of styles, lengths and colours, this versatile footwear option will see you all the way through autumn, winter and early spring.
For everyday smart-casual wear, a pair of leather or split leather ankle boots will be your best friend! Covering the entirety of your feet, they provide a higher level of protection against the elements than your typical shoe. Designed with style in mind, Chelsea boots are one of our favourite models. Smart enough to wear to the office yet relaxed enough to wear with your jeans at the weekend, they are slightly elasticated at the sides, meaning they’re super-easy to slip on and off. A real timeless addition to your shoe collection! If you’re looking for a similar smart-casual alternative, zip-up boots are a great option. We especially love this design in faux-suede fabric for a modern look. And if you’d rather stick to traditional shoe style, low-rise split leather boots are the perfect option! Often featuring hook-and-loop tabs and padded ankles, they provide a bit more support than your shoes, while looking just as sleek!
And when winter really kicks in, you will need to invest in a pair of snow boots, combat boots or wellies! Designed for winter sports, snow boots are as heavy-duty as they come. High-rise and often lined with Sherpa, they will keep your tootsies nice and toasty, even when walking through snowy terrains. Their water-repellent outer will eliminate any leakage, allowing your feet to stay dry. What’s more, they have super-thick, ridged soles for a perfect grip. If the weather is a little milder, you may get away with some Wellington boots. A real staple in the UK, everyone needs a pair! Super-resistant and durable, they can withhold low temperatures and are resistant not just to water but a wide range of minerals too, meaning you can wear them in any environment without having to worry about them getting ruined.
Originally designed for soldiers, combat boots are another great option when it comes to winter footwear. Typically made from leather, these tall boots can be described as an ‘all-purpose’ shoe. They are just as robust as your snow boots, yet their black leather upper provides a slightly smarter style, making them acceptable for casual, daily wear – be it in the office or around town. If you take good care of them, buffing the leather regularly, they will last you years.
Update your footwear collection today
So, there you have it – a rundown on all the different types of footwear you could possibly need. Whether you're out and about in town, exploring nature trails or strolling along the beach, you can transform your walking experience with the perfect pair of shoes! Informed by our comprehensive buying guide, take the step and invest in fresh footwear today!