The 10 Must-Have Shoes Every Stylish Man Should Own

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Welcome to the ultimate guide for every style-savvy guy out there. In this blog, we'll dive into footwear and explore the ten essential shoes that deserve a spot in your wardrobe. From the casual cool of low-top sneakers to the polished elegance of oxfords, we've curated a collection that covers all bases and occasions. Whether stepping onto the sports field, striding through office corridors, or heading for a night out, these carefully selected shoes will elevate your style. They will also provide the comfort and versatility you need. So, gear up and get ready to discover the footwear essentials that every man should own. Let's kick-start this fashionable journey right from the ground up.

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Quick List

1. Low Top Sneakers - Shop Now
2. High Top Sneakers - Shop Now
3. Trainers - Shop Now
4. Chukka Boots - Shop Now
5. Dress Boots - Shop Now
6. Oxfords - Shop Now
7. Motorcycle Boots - Shop Now
8. Chelsea Boots - Shop Now
9. Penny Loafers - Shop Now
10. Boat Shoe - Shop Now

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1. Low Top Sneakers

With a sleek and casual appeal, a nice pair of low tops can transform you into the epitome of cool in any room. Showcase your personality by donning stylish socks, or embrace the trendy vibe of going sockless. Low tops complement a wide range of outfits. Don shorts for a laid-back look, jeans for a versatile ensemble, or chinos for a smart-casual aesthetic. Embrace the versatility and undeniable coolness of low tops, and let your fashion sense make a statement wherever you go.

Samples

VANS Men's Low Top

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NIKE Men's Low Top

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CONVERSE Men's Low Top

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2. High Top Sneakers

Originally designed as basketball shoes, high tops have transcended their roots and become a part of street fashion and streetwear culture. Their versatility is evident as some workplaces even embrace them on casual Fridays. Perfect for laid-back weekends, high tops effortlessly pair with slim tracksuit pants, exuding a relaxed yet fashionable vibe. Whether you opt for a chunky retro pair like the iconic Nike Air Force One or a classic canvas style, you're sure to complete your ensemble with a touch of urban flair. Pair your high tops with workout shorts for a sporty look. Alternatively, for a sleek and coordinated style, go monochrome. Match your shorts with a grey tee and black canvas high tops, amplifying the impact of your outfit. Embrace the timeless coolness of high tops and unleash your style with confidence.

Samples

Fila Men's Vulc 13 Mid Plus Walking Shoe

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Reebok BB4500 Hi 2

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Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top

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3. Trainers

Trainers are an absolute must-have for running or any workout routine. By the way, I firmly believe that physical exercise benefits everyone, irrespective of body type, but I digress. Aside from their functionality, trainers also create a stylish and laid-back everyday look. With trainers on your feet, you're always prepared for whatever comes your way, whether it's swiftly catching your Uber or conquering a flight of stairs. Embrace the versatility of trainers and let them empower you to stay active and fashion-forward, no matter the situation.

Samples

adidas Men's Strutter Cross Trainer

Image from Adidas

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NOBULL Men's Trainers

Image from Running Shoes Guru

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Reebok Nano Men's 9

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4. Chukka Boots

Chukka boots effortlessly straddle the line between streetwear and dress shoes. They are versatile for various occasions. When embraced as streetwear, these boots complement jeans flawlessly. Match them with a variety of tops and jackets for a stylish ensemble. Transitioning to a business casual setting, pairing chukka boots with black blazers and pants creates a sophisticated and refined look. As business casual, opt for chukka boots in a dark hue, as they exude a timeless elegance. Combine them with trousers or chinos, a crisp white cotton shirt, and a cashmere sweater or a well-fitted blazer, to achieve a perfect balance of professionalism and style in the office.  

Samples

Clarks Men's Stinson Hi Chukka Boot

Image from Free Stuff FInder

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Steve Madden Men's Harken Chukka Boot

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Bruno Marc Men's Chukka Boots

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5. Dress Boots

Dress Boots are practical alternatives in inclement weather or rugged outdoor environments. It combines the refined construction of dress shoes with ankle-covering uppers. These versatile boots have a longstanding tradition as formal daytime footwear. They provide an additional boost in your height while ensuring optimum comfort.  Embrace the functionality and elegance of dress boots, a reliable choice that seamlessly bridges the gap between style and practicality.

Samples

Deer Stags Men's Rockland Memory Foam Dress Casual Comfort Chelsea Boot

Image from Clearance Depot

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Ferro Aldo Blaine MFA806035 Mens Casual Brogue Mid-Top Lace-Up and Zipper Boots

Image from Topofstyle

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Thursday Boot Company Captain Men's Lace-up Boot

Image from Thursday Boot Company

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6. Oxfords

Oxfords stole my heart. They are a personal favorite. These iconic shoes possess an undeniable charm, effortlessly exuding a timeless and classy allure. You can pair black leather oxfords with a tailored suit for a grand soirée or formal event. You can pair brown or tan suede oxfords to elevate your business casual ensemble. These versatile beauties are the epitome of sartorial perfection. With their distinguished demeanor, Oxfords become the ideal choice for many occasions, be it conquering the corporate realm with an air of authority or embracing the smart-casual realm with a dash of refinement.  

Samples

Calvin Klein Men's Brodie Oxford Shoe

Image from Macy's

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Cole Haan Men's Grand Tour Plain Ox Oxford Flat

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DREAM PAIRS Bruno Marc Moda Italy Men's Prince Classic Modern Formal Oxford Wingtip Lace Up Dress Shoes

Image from Australasian Rail Directory

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7. Motorcycle Boots

I'm not cool enough to be a motorcycle rider, nor rock these very cool pair of motorcycle boots. Kudos to all of you riders out there and anyone who rock these boots even if you are not a rider. Motorcycle Boots can be chunky and clunky, but that keeps your feet, ankles, and skin safe. They are made to withstand scrapes, weather conditions, and God forbid, even crashes. So here's a heartfelt salute to all the riders who fearlessly embrace the untamed spirit of the road, and to all the fashion enthusiasts who  unleash the unmatched allure of these legendary boots upon the world. May your journeys be safe, your style unparalleled, and your spirits forever unyielding.

Samples

Harley-Davidson Men's Scout Motorcylce Harness Boots

Image from Harley Davidson

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Harness Motorcycle Boots

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Bruno Marc Men's Apache Motorcycle Combat Boots

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8. Chelsea Boots

Prepare to be captivated by the timeless allure of Chelsea Boots! With their classic and elegant design, these boots are an absolute must-have in every stylish gentleman's wardrobe. Their versatility knows no bounds, seamlessly transitioning from one occasion to another with effortless charm. Don a pair of sleek black leather Chelsea boots, commanding attention at formal events with every confident step. For a business casual setting, embrace the understated yet refined charisma of brown leather Chelsea boots, effortlessly elevating your ensemble to new heights. Let us not forget the allure of brown leather and suede Chelsea boots, perfectly merging elegance and ease, projecting an exquisite yet relaxed vibe that leaves onlookers in awe.

Samples

Dr. Martens, 2976 Leather Chelsea Boot 

Image from Dr. Martens

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Deer Stags Men's Rockland Memory Foam Chelsea Boot

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Bruno Marc Men's Suede Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots

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9. Penny Loafers

Prepare to have your fashion senses tingling as we delve into the world of the illustrious Penny Loafers! While I must confess that I lean towards the Oxford side of the shoe spectrum, I couldn't resist succumbing to the allure of this trendsetting footwear. Picture this: my trendier-than-thou friend boldly declaring that penny loafers reign supreme as "the most stylish shoe of our time." Penny Loafers embody style, minimalism, and versatility, delivering an unrivaled bang for your hard-earned buck. Not only are they a nod to the golden era of the 50s, when they first mesmerized the fashion world, but they have gracefully withstood the test of time, solidifying their position as an enduring fashion staple.

Samples

Rockport Men's Shakespeare Circle Penny Loafer

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Cole Haan Men's Nantucket Loafer Leather Shoes

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Tommy Hilfiger Men's Dathan Driving Style Loafer

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10. Boat Shoes

Prepare to embark on a nautical fashion voyage as we dive into the captivating world of Boat Shoes! This iconic footwear experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2017. Boat Shoes came from the ingenious mind of Paul Sperry, an avid sailor who yearned for unwavering stability aboard his yacht. With an unwavering commitment to practicality, Sperry crafted these shoes to keep him firmly planted on the deck, navigating treacherous waters with unmatched confidence. While it is true that not all fashionistas have wholeheartedly embraced the allure of Boat Shoes, I count myself among their ardent enthusiasts. BTW, no wonder Sperry is a well-known brand of Boat Shoes.

Samples

Dockers Vargas Men's Leather Boat Shoe

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Sperry Men's Billfish 3-Eye Boat Shoe

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Tommy Hilfiger Men's Bowman Boat Shoe

Image from Poshmark

In conclusion, I present the ultimate guide to completing your footwear arsenal. The ten must-have shoes every stylish man should own. They embody versatility, sophistication, and individuality. Each of these ten shoes tells its own story. So, gentlemen, heed this sartorial advice. Upgrade your wardrobe or shoe cabinet. With these must-have shoes, you'll be prepared to conquer any fashion frontier and stride confidently in your signature style.

5 Cool Office Hacks: Unlock Your Productivity for Maximum Efficiency at Work

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Do you want to make the office productive and fun? Do you want to impress your coworkers? Look no further! We compiled a list of 5 office hacks that will revolutionize your work. It will help you unlock your productivity and achieve maximum efficiency. These hacks will help streamline your workflow, optimize your focus, and transform your workday. Get ready to have fun and be efficient at the same time. 

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Hack #1 - Place Books Under Your Laptop or Computer Monitor

I learned from an Ergonomics Expertthat for good posture and general convenience, the best height of your monitor is right in your line of sight when you sit down at your desk. You can always buy a monitor riser. But the best hack for this is books, preferably larger and hard-cover books. Your paperback books will not work with this one. 

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Hack #2 - Use The Sticky Strip of a Post-it to Clean Your Keyboard

Particularly the in-between sides of your keyboard. BTW, have you ever seen Black Post-it Notes? I created one. I call it the Insanely Black (The Darkest Black) Post-it Notes. 

Image from Office Ink Blog

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Hack #3 - Use Coffee Filters to Clean Your Monitor

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Hack #4 - Organize Cables Using Binder Clips

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Hack #5 - Use Your Cassette or Mini DV Case as a Phone Stand

Hey there Gen-Z. Ask your dad/siblings/cousin/uncle if they still have a cassette tape with a case. Use that case as a phone stand. If they don't have any left, I found this pack of 30 Cassette Cases. That's a phone stand for your entire office.

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Starbucks Failed in Australia?

Image from Stanislav Lukashevich LinkedIn Article

How the heck did that happen? Starbucks dominated the world. They have 28,000 locations and 76 markets. They even have Starbucks in Guantanamo Bay. In China, a new Starbucks opens every 15 hours. But there's one country, wait, scratch that, one entire continent, that is not interested in the hype.

 

Australia 

Australia is one of the most challenging markets to break into. Starbucks closed 66% of its stores in 2008. What went wrong in Australia? To answer that, let's go back to July 2000 when they opened the first Starbucks in Sydney. They expanded quickly with 87 stores by 2008. The thing with a franchise model is that the system is supposed to be so amazing that you can roll it out in any location, and it will succeed. That could be part of the problem. 

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What Went Wrong?

Starbucks Australia grew too fast. They quickly opened new locations instead of slowly integrating into the Australian market. It is in contrast to the early years of Starbucks. The company started in 1971 as a small cafe. They had a slow expansion, opening stores in the Seattle area only. The downside of rapid growth is customers don't develop an appetite for the brand. Starbucks Australia expanded quickly. They even moved into regional areas and suburbs outside major cities. It's too available. The want and need for Starbucks come from organic growth. That is what happened in the U.S., but not in Australia. 

They had $105 million in losses in the first seven years in Australia. They were hanging on a thread by 2007. They took a loan from the U.S. that is about $54 million. They shut down 61 stores by 2008. Part of this was the 2008 Financial Crisis that affected all businesses. 600 underperforming stores closed in the U.S. in 2008.

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Australian Coffee Market and Cafe Culture  

But Australians were not sad when Starbucks stores closed down. The region is pretty spoiled when it comes to coffee. The Australian coffee market is one of the biggest globally. The industry hit $6.93 billion in 2023. It's expected to grow annually by 3.41% by 2025. (Source: Statista) There were nuances in cafe culture since the mid-1900s when Italian and Greek immigrants began arriving. The immigrants introduced espresso. By the 80s, cafe culture dominated the region. They also got accustomed to specialty menu items like the Flat White or the Australian Macchiato. The culture includes meeting your friend at the cafe and knowing your barista. It's a local meeting place where you know everyone. When Starbucks came in, they felt this was American Culture and that coffee was just a product or commodity.  

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Also, most Australians did not like sugary drinks. They wanted coffee that tasted more sophisticated, not just something full of sugar. Starbucks is also more expensive than a local cafe. Australians opted for a coffee they liked from a coffee shop with a barista/owner they trusted.

An American Coffee Company Thriving in Australia?  

 

Yes, there is one American coffee company thriving here. It was founded in Chicago but now based in Australia. I guess they followed the market. Gloria Jeans got the business momentum in Australia that Starbucks couldn't. They have 400 locations and 35 million customers each year. So what did Gloria Jeans do that Starbucks did not do? They started opening shops in 1996. Today, they have locations in every Australian State. One reason for their success is the menu. They offer a wide variety of espresso drinks and specialty coffee. Not adapting to the Australian Coffee Culture was a strategic mistake for Starbucks. 

 

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Fortunately, they learned from their mistake and adopted those lessons when they opened in Italy in 2018. Italy is home to espresso and very rich in Cafe Culture. Starbucks moved to Italy with humility and respect for the country's coffee culture. They started by opening a roastery, not your average Starbucks. Customers see coffee beans roasted and processed before their eyes. 

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Should Starbucks Give Up in Australia?

Not exactly. Starbucks wants to stage a comeback in the continent. The Withers Group purchased the remaining Starbucks locations in 2014. They also own 7-Eleven and Australia's largest convenience and independent petrol retailer. They are taking a different business approach. They know Australia is a big tourist destination, with most travellers coming from America and China. Starbucks could fill that need for tourists looking for something familiar. They are targeting tourists, not Australians. It includes international students in their universities. They are also starting to penetrate large shopping malls.  

Australia welcomed approximately 5.3 million tourists in 2022. These travellers spent about $40-50 billion. Tourists could be the key for Starbucks to stay afloat. 

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