Buying Guide: Men's Shoes

The right pair of shoes helps to tie together an outfit, elevating a simple shirt and chinos look or making a smarter outfit look more casual. Whether you have a dozen pairs of shoes you wear all the time or prefer to rely on an old favourite, choosing the right pair of shoes for the occasion is paramount.

Of course, shoe choice isn’t just about aesthetics. If a shoe is right for the matter at hand, it won’t just make you look good – you’ll feel great, too. By providing ample support for the feet, ankles and legs, good quality shoes help to reduce your back pain and maintain good posture.

Need some help choosing the right footwear for an event or occasion? We can help.

Choosing the right pair of shoes

There are many things to consider when shopping for shoes, whether you’ve got a special occasion in mind, or you simply want to add a new style to your collection. Here are some of the key aspects to answer.

Formality

Wherever you like to buy your shoes, you can almost always browse by formality, which can be a great help if you’re shopping for an event or already have an idea of what you’re looking for.

While any shoe type should provide ample support for your feet, the difference between formal and casual shoes is typically an aesthetic one. Often coming in polished, neutral shades of leather, formal shoes tend to have more elaborate detailing that depicts class in an understated, yet elegant manner.

Available in Black and Brown. 

 FROM £35 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S FORMAL SHOES

In contrast, casual shoes are generally geared more towards comfort and practicality. They may have thicker soles that lend themselves to cushioning the feet, as well as well-defined grips to give traction and reduce the likelihood of slips and trips.

Additionally, casual shoes are commonly available in a wider range of colours rather than just neutral shades of black and brown.

 FROM £26 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S CASUAL SHOES

Weather/Season

Part of the role of your footwear is to keep your feet warm in winter and cool in summer. Choosing the right kind of footwear for the weather you find yourself in is vital to keep you comfortable.

For hot weather, sandals are an excellent choice to keep your feet well-ventilated and feeling fresh. This helps to avoid problems associated with sweaty feet, such as athlete’s foot or fungal nail infections.

 Available in Brown, Black, Tan and Grey. 

 FROM £37 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S SANDALS

For days that are cooler, but still dry, canvas shoes are the way to go. These stylish yet casual shoes are well-suited to a wide range of activities, whether you’re simply running errands or meeting up with loved ones.

 Available in Navy and Beige. 

 From £30 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S CANVAS SHOES

In colder and wetter weather, it’s time to plump for a pair of sturdy, insulating boots. As well as helping to protect your feet from the elements, boots can also offer extra support for your feet and ankles.

Not all boots are created equal, so it’s good to take your time when browsing. Some boots may be showerproof, meaning they can protect you from light rain, while others may have a greater level of water resistance appropriate for heavier rain and snow. Some styles even have insulated linings to help keep your toes warm in the dead of winter!

 Available in Tan and Black. 

FROM £42 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S BOOTS

Function

Sometimes, you need a pair of shoes for a very specific purpose in which your feet require extra support. Most commonly, this relates to leisure shoes made for walking and hiking – activities which can take a toll on the feet if you don’t have the right footwear.

With activities like hikes and long walks, choosing the wrong kind of footwear can make you more prone to slips and trips as well as muscle aches long after your excursion. It can even make you vulnerable to foot injuries like blisters, calluses and corns.

To avoid this, choose a solid, sturdy shoe with plenty of cushioning and support for your feet and ankles. A shoe that fits well is also a must for this kind of activity.

 Available in Navy, Grey and Brown. 

 FROM £30 

 SHOP THIS STYLE | SHOP MEN’S WALKING SHOES

Fastening

When it comes to men’s shoes, there are four common forms of fastening: laces, touch fastening (also known as hook and loop tape), buckles and slip-on shoes that have no fastening at all.

Whether you need a little help with your fine motor skills or you just want to get out of the door quicker, you may find some fastenings easier to work with than others. For instance, you might like the ease of sliding into slip-on shoes, or you may prefer touch fastenings that allow you to secure the shoe snugly around your foot.

Whatever your preference, fastenings can be a helpful and quick way to narrow down what you’re looking for if you’re overwhelmed with choice when browsing men’s shoes.

Men’s footwear at Chums

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