A few years ago, a Time Magazine poll came out that said the average man owns twelve pairs of shoes. Which got us thinking: If we had to have exactly a dozen pairs, what would we go with? Hell, what should every guy go with? Well, we decided to answer that question. So now, as a public service, allow us to present the shoes every man should own. Think of them as the foundation—both literal and figurative—of a lifetime of style, no matter the occasion.
Brown brogues
Think of them as your workhorse shoe. Perfect with everything from jeans to suits, and appropriate for everything but formal occasions and (very) important meetings with (relatively) conservative business partners.
Lace-up leather brogues by Gucci, matchesfashion.com
Black cap-toe Oxfords
You know how that last pair wouldn’t work for the dressier moments in your life? These will. Every time.
Ubaldo lace-ups by Dsquared2, dsquared2.com
Dress boots
Tailor-made—well, actually, cobbler-made—for the “suited and booted” look.
Polished leather Chelsea boots by Saint Laurent, mrporter.com
Casual boots
For a hike through the woods. Or, you know, a walk around the corner.
Beckman Round boots by Red Wing Heritage, redwingheritage.com
Desert boots
More dressed-up than a sneaker, but not quite as proper as hardbottoms. Your go-to option for a casual everyday outfit.
Suede desert boots by Brunello Cucinelli, matchesfashion.com
Plain-toe derbies
Because sometimes you want something a little bit dressed up. But not too dressed up.
Spazzolato leather derby shoes by Prada, mrporter.com
Penny loafers
A classic American shoe that just happens to have originated in Norway. But, in the case of this pair, made in Italy.
Stockholm polished-leather penny loafers ($475) by Hugo Boss, mrporter.com
Minimalist sneakers
Every guy needs a pair of understated sneakers. Used to be you could only wear them off duty. Now? They’re perfect for the office, the bar, the weekend, the…well, you get it.
Achilles low sneaker by Common Projects, farfetch.com
Technical sneakers
For your daily run—be it around the track or to the local watering hole after work.
FlyKnit Racer by Nike, endclothing.com
Throwback sneakers
They’re called classics for a reason.
Old Skool by Vans, vans.com
Espadrilles
Because they’re a whole lot more stylish than flip-flops.
Original Dali espadrilles by Soludos, soludos.com
House slippers
Because no man should be forced to pad around his place barefoot.
Mocassins by L.L. Bean, llbean.com
