For guys, the joys of rocking a fresh pair of shoes can’t be understated. Whether you’re heading to work, happy hour, the gym, a wedding, or the beach, footwear is an essential component of every ensemble. Having several casual wear and formal wear shoe options in your arsenal will help you put together an immaculate outfit every time you head out the door.
Are you ready to step up your shoe game? Getting to know the various styles of comfortable shoes for men is a great place to start.
The following 15 types of mens gentle shoes have a place in every wardrobe.
1. Loafers
When it comes to men’s footwear, loafers are kind of the perfect pair of classic shoes. Reminiscent of a moccasin with leather uppers and a flat heel, this slip-on shoe is versatile, cool, and classic all at the same time. Loafers sit right on the edge between casual and formal mens shoes, which means you can wear them to the office, on a date, or out running errands.
They’re also a notably comfortable shoe option compared to other types of men’s dress shoes. Many guys appreciate that you can wear them with or without socks while still having an active-inspired rubber outsole. Smooth leather tassel loafer styles have handsome silhouettes and come in wear-anywhere black, brown, and tan.
2. Moccasins
As we mentioned, the loafer was originally modeled after the moccasin. However, while they’re in the same footwear family, the two styles are different. Moccasins are more casual than loafers, with distinct stitching around the uppers.
You can find options intended for everyday wear or moccasin-style slippers for around the home—and Vionic carries both. Our driving mocs are made of supple suede with sophisticated horse-bit detailing and durable rubber soles. The men’s moccasin slippers from Vionic feature warm faux-shearling lining and convenient indoor/outdoor rubber outsoles.
3. Oxfords
The oxford is arguably the most dapper men’s footwear style. First appearing in Ireland and Scotland and later named after Oxford University, this lace-up dress shoe is characterized by closed lacing and over-the-vamp shoelace tabs. Many also have wingtips (AKA brogue detailing), meaning a pointed cap toe extends out toward the sides of the shoe.¹ A longwing brogue tends to be slightly fancier than the standard oxford shoe.
Does Vionic carry men’s oxfords? You bet. Our practical yet polished and professional styles have contrast stitching, clean leather uppers, removable EVA footbeds, reliable outsoles, and a traditional silhouette. You can wear Oxfords for many different occasions.
4. Derby Shoes
Derby shoes are often confused with oxfords, and though they’re similar, it’s important to know the difference. Instead of closed lacing, this type of dress shoe has open laces with tabs sewn under or into the vamps. The derby shoe was originally worn for hunting and riding, but it’s not as sporty as it used to be.
When you shop Vionic’s selection of men’s dress styles, you’ll find handsomely structured derby shoes with sturdy yet soft suede uppers. Our designs come in versatile neutrals, like tan, gray, and black, with exposed stitching and partial wooden soles.
5. Chukkas
Chukkas are a cousin of derby shoes, but they’re actually a type of men’s dress boot. Most often made of soft suede or calfskin, the chukka boot (AKA desert boot) usually has two or three rows of shoelace eyelets and an open lacing system.
Here at Vionic, we love the laid-back masculine vibe of these ankle-high men’s boots, and that’s what you’ll get with our styles. Our supple suede chukkas are weather-treated for year-round versatility, featuring durable outsoles with contrast stitching and two-tone heels.
6. Chelsea-Style Boots
Chelsea boots are another popular men’s style.² With signature elastic side panels and a pull tab on the back, this slip-on leather boot is casual, versatile, and easy to take on and off.
Chelsea-style boots can be dressed up with business attire or down with a casual outfit. The elegant look of a Chelsea leather boot is notably lightweight with smooth brown or black leather uppers, twin gore panels, supportive co-molded footbeds, and active-inspired rubber outsoles.
7. Casual Slip-On Shoes
A casual slip-on shoe isn’t a sneaker, and yet it’s also not a dress shoe or formal shoe. With leather uppers and performance outsoles, this type of footwear can be worn with a casual outfit on a variety of occasions.
The slip-on casual shoes from Vionic have weather-resistant nubuck or smooth leather uppers, sturdy outsoles, and textile-covered EVA footbeds. With a casual shoe, the gore side panels make it easy to take them on and off, and you can count on innovative podiatrist-designed orthotics built into every pair.
8. Active Sneakers
Looking for superior comfort for your active lifestyle? If you enjoy running, interval training, team sports, or just live an active lifestyle, you’ll need a pair of running shoes or athletic sneakers. This type of casual sneaker is made to propel you forward, up, down, and side to side while keeping you comfortable, supported, and light on your feet.
The athletic shoes and performance styles from Vionic are super lightweight with leather, neoprene, or mesh uppers, removable footbeds, and durable yet buoyant outsoles. Plus, each athletic shoe has orthotic contouring and stability to support your natural positioning when you’re on the move.
9. Walking Shoes
Walking shoes are another type of sneaker, but they’re in a category of their own. This type of men’s footwear has optimal heel-to-toe strike zones to support your gait and keep you comfortable as you walk forward and log your steps.
What are the best walking shoes for men? The ones at Vionic, no doubt! That’s because the men’s walking sneakers from Vionic have full-grain leather uppers, moisture-wicking mesh lining, reliable yet flexible high-traction outsoles, and premium biomechanical orthotic support. Choose from lace-up designs or hook-and-loop straps.
10. Casual Lace-Up Sneakers
Casual lace-up sneakers are the ultimate streetwear.³ They come in tons of different styles and materials and go with any casual wear from shorts and beachwear to jeans and chinos.
Vionic carries casual lace-up tennis shoes for men in retro designs, contemporary silhouettes, and everything in between. You can find styles featuring suede, mesh, canvas, or nubuck uppers with matching or contrast laces and co-molded EVA rubber soles.
11. Casual Slip-On Sneakers
Then there’s the slip-on casual sneaker. Like its lace-up counterpart, this laid-back mens shoe style is a go-to for weekends and everyday wear.
Vionic has classically cool slip-on tennis shoes for men with leather, mesh, or textile uppers and easy-on straps along the tongues. With built-in orthotic support and podiatrist-designed outsoles, you know you’ll get maximum comfort and relief when you sport our styles.
12. At-Home Shoes
At Vionic, we believe no man should have to tread around his house without the soft, supportive warmth of at-home footwear. Whether you call them house shoes or slippers, it’s nice to have a designated pair to wear while you’re at your humble abode—especially if you work from home.
When you browse men’s slippers from Vionic, you’ll find mules and moccasin-style slippers with plush faux-shearling lining and arch support. Our styles have ultra-soft suede uppers and indoor/outdoor outsoles you can wear inside, on your deck, or to run a quick errand.
13. Slides
Switching over to the sandals category of men’s shoe styles, slides are a slip-on style you can wear nearly anywhere. The slide sandals from Vionic come with either double buckle straps or single-strap uppers with adjustable hook-and-loop closure; a perfect summer shoe. Whether you opt for a casual leather or sporty neoprene pair, our comfortable sandals for men offer orthotic footbeds, comfy contouring, and sturdy soles.
14. Toe-Post Sandals
If you’re heading to the beach or just need a versatile warm-weather shoe, toe-post sandals are the way to go. Vionic’s lightweight styles for men have flexible medium-density midsoles, which absorb shock and reduce stress on the feet and ankles. Our motion-control footbeds and deep heel cups stabilize your stride and help align your feet. Oh, and did we mention they come in handsome-straightforward silhouettes and versatile color options?
15. Active Sandals
If you plan to do any walking but don’t want to wear sneakers, a pair of active men’s sandals is a must. Look for an option with straps around both the toes and ankles, like the styles from Vionic.
Our men’s active walking sandals have three full-grain leather straps for a customizable fit. Plus, the contoured footbeds and tractioned rubber outsoles provide optimal grip and orthotic support on a variety of outdoor terrains.
Comfortable Men’s Footwear for Every Season and Occasion
Vionic is proud to carry all these types of men’s shoes, including options with various silhouettes, materials, colors, and features. We’re talking dressy and casual loafers, oxfords, and driving mocs, dapper derby shoes, chukkas, and Chelsea-style boots, plus every type of sneaker, house shoe, and sandal. Black shoes, brown shoes, leather shoes, suede, mesh, canvas, neoprene—we have it all.
Shop the fashion-forward collection of men’s orthotic shoes from Vionic today. Don’t miss out on all the types of shoes for men.
Sources:
1. Trent Bartlett. “7 stylish men’s shoes that every man should own”. The Trend Spotter. https://www.thetrendspotter.net/7-dress-shoes-every-man/
2. “7 footwear styles every man should own”. Fashionbeans. https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/footwear-styles-men/
3. “Everyone Needs a Solid Shoe Rotation. Here’s How to Start Building Yours”. Esquire. https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/advice/g1436/12-best-shoes-for-men/
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