The Best Mens Shoe Brands of 2024
Invest in shoes that will last you a lifetime, from the driving shoe to the leather sneaker, and a lace up boot in between.
Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
A man's style can often be best expressed in his footwear. From workplace essentials may include a quintessential oxford for the office or leather loafer for all occasions. He may prefer a do-it-all white sneaker for more casual occasions and require heavy-duty Chelsea boots to get him through everything else no matter the weather. The right shoe can make a statement whether he's a minimalist or maximalist: displaying personality, tying together disparate elements of his ensemble, or fitting a dress code to a tee. Amidst the most fantastic brands on the market, we've listed the top 15 essential shoes he should have in his closet for the prime combination of classic and comfortable. From heritage Italian designers like Santoni and Gucci to younger street labels like Greats and Koio, these are the best shoes you'll buy once and wear for the rest of your life.
Church's Men's Heswall Leather Loafers - Brunt
Church's Men's Heswall Leather Loafers - Brunt
For the professional man, a pair of Oxfords is essential. And for that purpose, you go to Church's.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 7 US - 12.5 US
Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford
Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford
Between the buttery leather upper with sophisticated brogue accents, the specially-designed cushiony insole, and athletic soles, it doesn't get any more effortless cool than Cole Haan's everyday Oxford.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 6.5-16
John Lobb William with Double Leather Soles
John Lobb William with Double Leather Soles
For a distinguished look, John Lobb's iconic double buckle adds an added layer of sophistication to a timeless shoe. Plus, the welted construction all but ensures a durable lifetime of wear.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 5UK - 12UK
Thursday Boot Company Men’s Captain Cap Toe Leather Boots
Thursday Boot Company Men’s Captain Cap Toe Leather Boots
For a sturdy pair of stompers that go with just about everything in your closet, look no further than Thursday Boot Company's best-selling lace-up boots.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 6-13
Tod's Gommino Driving Shoes in Leather
Tod's Gommino Driving Shoes in Leather
For extra grip while in the driver's seat of a swish roadster, you need a pair of drivers. With a supple leather exterior, these Tod's driving shoes are the perfect combination of effortless elegance and comfort.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 5.5-14.5
Allbirds Men's Wool Runners
Allbirds Men's Wool Runners
Walking in Allbirds's OG kicks is how we'd imagine walking on clouds to feel like. Not only are they incredibly comfy and cozy, but they're extremely lightweight, too, making them an essential for men always on the go. Even better: the runners come in a ton of colors should you want to start a collection in your closet—and let's face it, you will.
Material: Merino Wool
Size Range: 8-14
Clarks Desert Boot Black Suede
Clarks Desert Boot Black Suede
For more than 7 decades, Clarks's desert boots have become a wardrobe must-have for men all over the world—and it's not hard to see why. The handsome lace-ups feature a luxuriously soft suede upper that will complement any ensemble, as well as an oh-so-comfortable insole that hugs your feet for a secure yet stylish fit.
Material: Suede
Size Range: 7-14
To Boot New York Declan Plain Toe Derby
To Boot New York Declan Plain Toe Derby
Meet the Derby: it's the Oxford's slightly more casual cousin that will also elevate any outfit. And for a Derby you can depend on, consider To Boot New York's version. It boasts an arch-support footbed that's perfect for walking around in all day long.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 7-15
Dsquared2 Dsquared2 50mm leather western boots
Dsquared2 Dsquared2 50mm leather western boots
Good news: you don't need to live on a ranch to enjoy a pair of Western boots. Dsquared2, in particular, does a fantastic job at reinterpreting the on-trend cowboy boots and turning them into the perfect everyday shoe you can wear around the city.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 40-45
SANTONI Damages Suede Loafers
Generally speaking, if you want a great pair of shoes, no matter the style, Italian-made is the route. Santoni's supple suede loafers with their signature orange interior are the perfect choice for a man of discerning taste.
Material: Suede
Size Range: UK6-UK12
A staple piece of off-duty cool is the Chelsea boot, with its easy-on-easy-off construction and slightly more distressed wear. Add to any outfit that needs edge.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 7-16
For a classic summer shoe that conveys easy-going, luxurious, warm-weather style, Birkenstock won't let you down. Wear poolside, while running errands, or when you simply just want to lounge around the house.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 6-17.5
Gucci Gucci Jordaan GG velvet loafer
Gucci Gucci Jordaan GG velvet loafer
Gucci's black velvet slipper with the brand's iconic horsebit buckle will serve you well for all the fancier occasions on your agenda year-round.
Material: Velvet
Size Range: 6-14.5
If you want a crisp leather sneaker that looks equally as good with trousers and a blazer as it does with jeans and a tee, Greats's classic silhouettes won't disappoint.
Material: Leather
Size Range: 7-15
goodman Men's Woven Raffia Loafers
goodman Men's Woven Raffia Loafers
She may have a collection of Manolo stilettos, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't have a Blahnik of his own. For the warm months, turn to a breezy slipper made of the finest materials. Think: leather linings and soles and raffia uppers for maximum comfort without sacrificing any taste.
Material: Raffia
Size Range: 7-13
Dania Lucero Ortiz is Town & Country’s Fashion and Accessories Director, where she writes about style and jewelry.
As the deputy digital lifestyle director at Town & Country, Roxanne Adamiyatt covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel.
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