Fitness
The Essential Shoes Guide: Timeless Pairs That Every Guy Should Own
Which men’s shoes have stood the test of time? Trends come and go, but there are a handful of stalwart styles that won’t be disappearing anytime soon. Some, like the Oxford, are turn-of-the-century relics that have been cemented into the formal footwear canon. Others, like Adidas Stan Smiths, have a vintage appeal that gets even better with age.
Rather than chasing fads, it’s important to have a few pairs of versatile men’s shoes in your closet that you can wear—and look good in—for years to come. We spoke to New York-based fashion stylist Seppe Tirabassi and got his picks for the essential shoes every man should own, plus his advice on when to wear them and how to pair them.
Essential Men’s Shoes Every Guy Should Own
Sebago Classic Dan Loafer Courtesy Image
1. The Penny Loafer
“A loafer is a must-have for any guy because it works double-time as both a dressy shoe and a casual shoe,” Tirabassi tells Men’s Journal. “When you don’t feel like adulting and tying your laces, you can slide into a loafer after throwing on a pair of ripped jeans and a T-shirt. It’s an effortless way to elevate your look. And of course, wearing loafers with a suit is perfectly acceptable for any formal dress code, except for black or white tie.”
Our Picks:
Clarks Desert Boot Courtesy Image
2. The Chukka (a.k.a. the Desert Boot)
The chukka is a classic men’s ankle boot, and it’s a great pick for cooler weather in the fall through the spring. Chukkas generally have uppers made from leather or suede that’ll soften and mold to your foot over time, and Clarks Desert Boots have the added bonus of a bouncy rubber crepe sole.
“For me, the perfect moment for wearing a chukka is when you’re grabbing a coffee and going for a nice Sunday stroll in the park,” Tirabassi says.
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Polo Ralph Lauren Bryson Leather Chelsea Boot Courtesy Image
3. The Chelsea Boot
“Few boots are as versatile and timeless as a Chelsea boot,” says Tirabassi. “They go with pretty much anything that’s in your closet from the fall through the winter and the spring.”
Chelsea boots are made with all kinds of leather and suede (even exotic ostrich leather), and you’ll find them in a range of colors.
“The streamlined shape of a Chelsea instantly elevates an outfit without looking like you’re trying too hard,” Tirabassi says. “And because they have elastic sides instead of laces, they’re easy to slip on and really comfortable.”
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Cole Haan Modern Classics Wingtip Oxford Courtesy Image
4. The Oxford
“Just like every man needs an expertly tailored suit stashed in his closet, he also needs a solid Oxford shoe to go with it,” Tirabassi says.
No matter what kind of formal occasion you have on the calendar, an Oxford shoe is a solid footwear choice. Tirabassi advises shelling out for a quality pair—these shoes are reserved for special moments, after all, so they should look (and feel) good. Better yet, if you take good care of them, one pair of Oxfords could easily last a lifetime.
“Wish I could say the same thing about a suit,” says Tirabassi. “Waistlines change as you age, but your shoe size? Not so much.”
Our Picks:
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals Courtesy Image
5. Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
Birkenstock Arizonas are unusually versatile for a pair of sandals. First, they come in a wide range of colors and materials to match any wardrobe or style preference. Second, you can wear them to the beach, around town, and even with a pair of thick wool socks (something that would be a cardinal fashion sin with other sandals). But their best quality might be how easy they are to wear.
“Ever since I started wearing Birkenstocks as a kid, I still haven’t found a pair of sandals more comfortable than these,” says Tirabassi. “I’ve never not had a pair or two in my closet.”
[$135; birkenstock.com]
Adidas Stan Smith Shoes Courtesy Image
6. Adidas Stan Smith Shoes
“Everyone needs a simple white sneaker on their shoe rack, and this is the one to get because it’s both timeless and retro-feeling at the same time,” says Tirabassi. “You can wear them with literally anything, from shorts to jeans—even a suit if you want to make a statement.”
The decades-old model now comes in a wide range of colorways, but it’s a good idea to start with a classic white pair. (Check out our white sneakers guide for other stylish options.)
[$95; adidas.com]
Vans Checkerboard Slip-On Courtesy Image
7. Vans Checkerboard Slip-On
“There’s something to be said about footwear that you can throw on quickly when you’re running late,” Tirabassi says, “and I always keep a pair of Vans by the door for that reason.”
He’s worn Vans Checkerboard Slip-Ons since elementary school, and they’ve served him well as inexpensive men’s shoes for everyday wear. If you’re not into the checkerboard pattern, Vans has many solid-color options as well.
[$60; vans.com]
Original L.L. Bean Boot Courtesy Image
8. Original L.L. Bean Boot
“I grew up in Maine, and I can’t remember a winter spent without these boots,” Tirabassi says. “They’ll keep your toes dry and warm in the rain, slush, or snow, and they’re very comfortable with a pair of thick socks.”
They’ve become a style icon, too: He has seen them worn on the streets of Tokyo, and Todd Snyder recently unveiled a limited-edition version with an eye-catching plaid upper.
[$139; llbean.com]
New Balance 327 Courtesy Image
9. Athletic Sneaker
“Think of this pair as your everyday sneaker, but not one that you’ll wear at the gym,” says Tirabassi. “In other words, you want to keep these clean, sweat-free, and ready to show off.”
Instead of helping you work out, these men’s shoes will be your go-to pair when you need something comfortable but also stylish—on a long flight, for example, or while running errands around town.
“Whether they’re New Balance or Lanvin, almost every menswear label designs casual sneakers with their signature spin. No matter the budget, you’ll find one that speaks to you.”
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The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top.
Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop
once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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