Most shoe salesman will spin the age-old yarn that ‘leather shoes stretch’, and it’s not a complete lie – but it doesn’t really matter. Even if you’re a lazy, sedentary piece of shit whose daily exercise consists of walking from your cubicle to the office snack bar to get a bag of Twisties, your feet will swell up during the day. What feels ‘just a bit snug’ at DJ’s, is likely to cause a world of pain running for the bus to the outer suburbs after six in the evening.
Before you ask ‘what the hell is a cordwainer?’, we should probably remind you that some guys just won’t fit any shoe, even if they’re a wide fit. To prevent a lifetime of blisters, trips to the podiatrists, and an unsightly limp that makes women avoid you, you might want to save some money (ie, a shitload) and hit up a shoemaker. They can fit to spec, add details you can’t get on any other shoe, and provide you with the smug satisfaction of being able to say ‘its bespoke, actually’ when your mates at work ask you where you buy your shoes.
ASOS Desert Boot
A timeless stomper, the desert boot is hard to beat. Popularised by Steve McQueen, they've been a longstanding smart casual mainstay that add quirk and style to jeans, chinos, and pretty much everything else besides boardies or a tux. The ASOS brand comes in an accessible stone suede, and won't cost you any more than fifty bucks.
ASOS Tan Chelsea Boot
If the desert boot is the king of casual footwear, the chelsea boot is the prick looking to dethrone him. A touch smarter, but no less versatile than the desert boot, chelsea boots are perfect for smartening up a simple jeans and white shirt combo. The (faux) suede keeps things casual and won't wreck your feet after a long night on the tiles.
Frank Wright Brogue
Frank Wright's black brogues capture the quirks of classic broguing without veering off into Brunswick St. hipster territory. Broguing is an easy, less business-first alternative to plain oxfords or derby's, and at eighty bucks you'd be a bit of a muppet to say no.
Robinson's Barker Winsford
The oxford shoe usually attracts adjectives like understated, masculine, timeless - and they're not wrong. The Barker Winsford comes in burgundy and black polish and will bring a bit of British gentleman to your corporate 9-5 wardrobe.
Marks & Spencer Brogues
These Marks & Spencer brogues are the brown leather shoes that every guy needs outside the office. The tricolour sole adds a bit of colour for outfits that sorely need it, and they're made with Mark & Spencer's Insolia heels that shift weight off the wrong parts of your feet (to the chagrin of underemployed podiatrists everywhere). Win win.
Hawes & Curtis Leather Oxford
This Hawes & Curtis leather oxford occupies the tough middle ground between a grown up business shoe and something you'd lose in the stands after a day of 3-dollar wines at the races. In a soft brown with a smart toe cap, these hit the right notes for most dresscodes, whether you're suffering under a mountain of spreadsheets or going back to the bar for 5 dollar rum.
Robinson's Barker Nevis
The most conservative shoe in the mix. A pair of black oxfords is something you'll need for all of life's wonderful (and shitty) milestones, whether that's a 007-themed bash or a court appearance the following Monday. With a faintly stitched toe cap and concealed tongue, these are the low-key enough to wear regularly and never at risk of looking passe.
Rockport - Northfield
No one like's getting wet socks on the way to work, and that's why a pair of Rockport's is a solid idea. Made with resilient Hydro-Shield ® technology and chunky soles for prolonged wear, these stompers are the best wet weather substitute that guarantee a few more style points than your trusted gumboots.
Robinson's - Barker Victor
If you're not wedded to a simple derby, these Robinson's add style points with broguing across the vamp and upper. These come in hand-painted navy or light brown, making them an ideal inbetweener if you've found that oxfords are too conservative but loafers are a bit too casual.
Marks & Spencers Suede Chelsea Boot
The suede Chelsea boot deserves a second (and third) mention for its resilience against seasonal trends and sheer versatility across the casual and semi-formal spectrum of dress codes. We'd pair these Marks & Spencer brown suede boots with indigo jeans and a white shirt or even a casual suit.
ASOS Chelsea Boots In Grey Suede
While we're on a roll, ASOS have a neat grey variation of their Chelsea boots going for a whopping seventy bucks. The grey makes a nice counterpoint to navy or beige, and they can be worn in almost any setting (except the rain).
Timberland - 6 Inch Premium Waterproof Boots
A common sight among urbanites who have never set foot on a work site, these indestructible 6 Inch Timberland boots are nonetheless the perfect accompaniment to a bad winter. Well insulated with waterproof construction and rubber soles, Timberlands are prized for comfort you rarely see in a boot and no-nonsense durability against the elements. Although the wheat nubuck is the crowd favourite, you have the option of six colour combinations.
RM Williams - Comfort Turnout
A perennial favourite with members of the Young Liberals and law & commerce students nationwide, the iconic RM Williams boot is steadily encroaching on the oxford and derby's turf as the young man's office shoe of choice. Made from premium Yearling Leather, these are a definite investment piece, but well worth it for their durability, premium quality, and capacity to make you look like the son of a wealthy investment banker or solicitor.
ASOS Brogue Loafers
While we wouldn't be surprised if the term 'broafers' didn't take off, the concept of putting broguing on loafers isn't something you get to see every day. These black slip on loafers combine toecap and vamp broguing with a slight patent finish. Not for every guy but definitely a point of difference if your shoe game is up for a change.
ASOS - Hudson Suede Loafers
Suede loafers are another contender on its way to permanent membership of the wardrobe staple collection. Suede and wide feet go together like brunch and hungover yuppies - they'll stretch just enough after a few wears, and the understated black finish means you can pair these with any trouser combination.
Colehaan - Grandmotion Sneaker
The sneaker for guys who avoid sneakers. These Colehaan Grandmotion Sneaker is designed for guys who have had enough of blisters and sore ankles, but don't like the idea of looking like a middle aged teacher at Costco on Sunday. These have a full rubber outsole to accomodate prolonged wear, and padded lining to prevent discomfort during the day when your feet begin to swell. These can be purchased in both medium and wide fits, so if you struggle with the usual fare at Foot Locker you've found the right place.
Colehaan - Zerogrand Wintip Oxford
Colehaan aren't beholden to English conservatism when it comes crafting a spin on classic footwear. These combine classic broguing with a unique take on a rubber sole, adding proprietary ZERØGRAND cushioning for maximum comfort. Style and comfort are usually at odds, but Colehaan are one step further in the right direction.
Colehaan - Zerogrand Wintip Oxford
Colehaan aren't beholden to English conservatism when it comes crafting a spin on classic footwear. These combine classic broguing with a unique take on a rubber sole, adding proprietary ZERØGRAND cushioning for maximum comfort. Style and comfort are usually at odds, but Colehaan are one step further in the right direction.
Adidas Energy Cloud 2
Gym shoes have a tendency to be ugly with all kinds of neon stripes and bloated outsoles. These Adidas Energy Cloud 2 runners will appeal to the minimalists that don't use their biannual trip to the gym as a fashion parade. Adidas have added a cloudfoam midsole to protect your ankles and heels, and a tough rubber outsole for long runs - if you're an active guy that burns through sneakers, these are an affordable investment in healthy feet.
Nike - Air Zoom Pegasus
Even if you only go for a run every other month, its never a bad idea to look schmick in the process. These Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 kicks have a low profile, with chunky outsoles and added heel support for both long runs or shorter sprints. You can design your own colourway if the pre-made options don't cut it, but our pick is the murdered-out black monochrome.
New Balance 57 Classic
When did New Balance become cool? We're still not sure, but the collective dadosphere is celebrating. A good pair of comfy sneakers are a staple for after work, off duty, whenever your boss isn't around and you've got better plans. These pass the mark with chinos or shorts, or even a casual suit if you're crazy brave. While you're at it, you might as well commit to the sneans - if you've made the jump to NB you're probably not far off embracing the universe of dadcore style anyway.
