Best Shoes Buying Guides

Shoes are one of the most important elements in our closet. First impressions matter, and if you’re wearing the wrong shoes, it can give off the wrong impression from the get-go.

Luckily, our buying guides have picked out some of the best shoe brands on the market, so you can be sure that you’re making an informed decision with your footwear purchase. This page will help you find what type of shoe you’re looking for, whether it’s casual wear or workwear, or anything in between.

Outdoor shoes

Not only are they meant for outside use, but outdoor shoes tend to be made with materials that aren’t ideal for indoor use. For example, suede or leather soles are great on grass and rock but not so much on a hardwood floor. They’re usually less flexible than indoor sneakers as well, so if you do want to wear them inside—and you probably will—consider ordering a half size up to give your toes some extra room.

And lastly, outdoor shoes tend to come in fewer styles and colors than their more versatile cousins, making them less desirable for everyday wear.

Waterproof shoes

A waterproof shoe provides protection from getting your feet wet in a variety of settings, such as rainy weather, when fishing, or on water-based sports like boating. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, it’s important to invest in waterproof shoes that provide an extra barrier between your feet and water.

Some waterproof shoes are made of leather or other durable materials to protect against wear and tear during outdoor activities like hiking. They may also be available with rubber soles for better traction on slippery surfaces and flexibility for activities that require climbing, walking and hiking. Many boots are also available with additional features like side zippers for easy access or cleats for added traction on certain surfaces.

Dress shoes

Men’s dress shoes generally fall into one of two categories: oxfords and loafers. Loafers have a simple design and look very similar to moccasins. Oxfords are characterized by laces and closed heels, while penny loafers leave room for your toes to peek out.

In general, they are built with hard bottoms to ensure long-lasting durability. Both styles are typically appropriate for business or professional settings. Because they both come in so many styles and colors, it can be difficult to pick one pair that fits your needs—but we’re here to help! Keep reading for our take on how you should make that choice…

Workout shoes

Whether you’re headed to a spin class or just want some shoes that’ll support your runs, our guide will help you find a pair of workout shoes for any activity. We cover sneakers for every type of exercise and style—plus reviews on each one! Find out which workout shoe brands are popular among our readers and how we ranked them, what to look for in workout shoes, and more. Our top picks include New Balance, Asics, Mizuno, Reebok, and Skechers.

Rain boots

Sure, they’re not glamorous, but they’re functional. And when you live in a place that gets a lot of rain, or if you just happen to visit an area that has consistent rain (like Seattle!), these are an excellent investment. Just make sure to get a pair that comes up high enough on your calf to keep your pants dry and wear socks with them! People won’t judge… as long as you don’t go out in public wearing them barefoot!

Running shoes

While they’re not all created equal, running shoes can help runners of all fitness levels improve their performance and avoid injury. If you’re a novice runner, choosing your first pair can be overwhelming—there are a million factors to consider and you probably don’t know where to start.

To make things easier for you, we’ve broken down what you need to know about running shoes into four simple steps: determining your foot type; learning about specific running shoe technologies; picking your size, and finally getting properly fitted. With that information in hand, finding your ideal shoe is as easy as picking out which color you like best!

Sandals and flip flops

These summer staples, which feature a strap between your toes, have a unique ability to make you feel taller, longer, and leaner. The reason for that is simple: sandals and flip-flops are going to force you to keep your feet active in ways that other shoes simply won’t. That constant movement will translate into better posture.

Here are some tips on how to find the best sandals and flip-flops for men. If you do want to wear something other than flip-flops or sandals in summer, try barefoot-style shoes, which allow your feet more freedom of movement.

Going out with friends (casual)

Whether you’re going to a party, or to a club or bar, there are several things that can be done to make sure your shoes are appropriate. If you’re going out with friends (especially if it’s to a casual place), it’s best to play it safe and wear black shoes and/or dark jeans.

This is because they are dressy enough to work in almost any situation. Just remember not to wear brown shoes with black jeans! Black goes with everything! The exception is red shoes if you’re wearing all black! Red is another color that goes with everything!