Different Types of Shoes for Men: Styles, Colours & How to Choose the Right Pair

Shoes are no longer just a finishing touch—they are a foundation of men’s style, comfort, and confidence. Whether you are heading to the office, attending a wedding, travelling, or dressing casually, the different types of shoes you wear directly affect how your outfit looks and feels.

Modern men don’t buy shoes only by tradition anymore. They look for versatility, comfort for long hours, climate suitability, material performance, and aesthetics. Understanding the different types of shoes for men, the different styles of shoes, and the right colour combinations helps you dress better while making smarter long-term purchases.

This guide explains everything—from shoe types and colours to occasions, seasons, body type considerations, and material choices—so you can build a future-ready shoe wardrobe.

Why Understanding Different Types of Shoes Matters

Most dressing mistakes happen not because of clothes, but because of incorrect footwear choices. Wearing the wrong shoe style or colour can instantly downgrade even the best outfit.

“In our experience designing men’s footwear, comfort and versatility matter more than trends. The right shoe should work across multiple outfits and long hours.”
— Product Team, Lusso Lifestyle

When you understand shoe categories, you:

• Avoid overbuying similar styles

• Improve outfit coordination

• Increase shoe lifespan through rotation

• Invest in shoes that actually fit your lifestyle

Different Types of Shoes for Men (Complete Classification)

Oxford Shoes – The Most Formal Shoe Style

Oxfords feature a closed-lacing system, giving them a sharp, clean profile. Oxford shoes are considered the most formal shoe style and are ideal for structured outfits.

Best for: Interviews, corporate meetings, formal events, weddings
Pairs well with: Suits, blazers, tailored trousers

Derby Shoes – Everyday Formal & Office-Ready

These shoes use open lacing, making them more flexible and comfortable for daily wear. Derby Shoes are one of the most practical types of shoes for men.

Best for: Daily office wear, business casual
Colours to own: Black, dark brown

Loafers – Modern Formal Without Effort

These are slip-on shoes that combine ease, elegance, and comfort. Structured loafers are now widely accepted as formal and semi-formal footwear.

Popular styles: Penny loafers, tassel loafers, metal-bit loafers
Best for: Office wear, weddings, smart casual

Monk Strap Shoes – Formal with Personality

Monk strap shoes replace laces with buckles, offering a distinctive yet refined look.

Best for: Semi-formal events, business dressing with individuality

Brogues & Wingtips – Detailed & Stylish

Defined by decorative perforations, Brogues add visual texture to outfits.

Best for: Smart casual, relaxed office environments

Chelsea Boots – The All-Season Essential

Chelsea boots are ankle-length boots with elastic side panels and a sleek silhouette.

Best for: Office wear, casual outings, weddings, evening events
Why they work: Pair well with suits, chinos, denim

Dress Boots – Structured & Seasonal

Dress boots blend the polish of formal shoes with the practicality of boots.

Best for: Winter formals, evening wear, business casual

Casual Dress Shoes & Sneakers

Casual dress shoes and minimal sneakers work for relaxed settings and creative workplaces.

Different Styles of Shoes Explained

Different Types of Shoes by Occasion

People think in occasions, not shoe names. This breakdown removes confusion:

Different Colour Pair of Shoes & How to Choose Them

Colour plays a huge role in versatility and formality.

Essential Shoe Colours Every Man Should Own

Black shoes remain the safest and most authoritative choice for formal wardrobes.

Shoes by Body Type & Height

Very few guides cover this, but shoe choice affects visual proportions.

• Shorter men: Chelsea boots and dress boots add height subtly

• Slim builds: Avoid bulky soles; choose sleek Oxfords or loafers

• Broader builds: Structured Derbies and brogues balance proportions

Choosing the right shoe style enhances posture and presence instantly.

Shoes by Season & Indian Climate

Indian weather demands smarter material choices.

How Shoe Materials Impact Comfort & Longevity

Material choice matters more than brand name.

Modern vegan leather offers:

• Lighter weight

• Better humidity resistance

• Faster break-in

• Consistent finish

“Vegan leather performs better for long hours and Indian weather—without sacrificing style.”

Common Styling Mistakes Men Make with Shoes

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Wearing brown shoes with black suits

• Pairing chunky shoes with slim trousers

• Using casual shoes for formal events

• Wearing the same pair every day

Rotating shoes improves both comfort and durability.

The Minimal Shoe Wardrobe Formula (5-Pair Rule)

A complete shoe wardrobe doesn’t need excess.

Every man should ideally own:

1. One black formal shoe

2. One brown loafer

3. One Chelsea boot

4. One casual sneaker

5. One travel-friendly shoe

This covers nearly every occasion.

Quick Shoe Selection Cheat Sheet

• Maximum formality: Oxford

• Daily office comfort: Derby

• Effortless elegance: Loafer

• All-season versatility: Chelsea boot

• Winter structure: Dress boot

Why Modern Men Are Moving Beyond Traditional Leather

Traditional leather shoes often struggle with:

• Heavy weight

• Moisture absorption

• Long break-in

• High maintenance

Modern brands like Lusso Lifestyle focus on vegan leather innovation, offering shoes that:

• Are lighter and more breathable

• Perform better in humidity

• Require less upkeep

• Align with ethical choices

This is not a downgrade—it’s an upgrade built for real life.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Shoes That Match Your Lifestyle

Understanding the different types of shoes, different styles of shoes, and different colour pair of shoes allows you to dress with clarity and confidence.

As lifestyles evolve, footwear must do more than look good—it must support long days, changing weather, and modern values. By blending timeless silhouettes with advanced materials, Lusso Lifestyle represents where men’s footwear is headed next.

FAQs

What are the different types of shoes for men?
Oxfords, Derbies, loafers, monk straps, brogues, Chelsea boots, dress boots, casual shoes, and sneakers.

Which shoe colour is most versatile?
Black is the most versatile and formal shoe colour.

Are loafers considered formal shoes?
Yes, structured loafers are accepted in formal and semi-formal settings.

Why are vegan leather shoes better for daily wear?
They are lighter, low-maintenance, breathable, and perform better in humid climates.