By the time you have read this story on shoes every lad should grow up with, you will realise that shoes, like music and food, truly unite the world, writes Kumar Saurav
Boat Shoes
First designed in America by Paul Sperry in 1935, boat shoes became popular in Argentina, China, Spain and Italy. They are pure classics – they were there when your granddad went to meet his father-in-law for the first time, when your dad went on his first date and will be around when you go on your honeymoon. You can wear them with anything and everything. Roll up the trousers for a casual look, team them with a pair of cargo shorts or wear it with chinos, there is no way you will ever go wrong with boat shoes. Don’t wear them to the gym though.
Cap Toe Oxfords
They first appeared in Scotland and Ireland as ‘Balmorals’ and then became popular elsewhere after they were renamed as ‘Oxfords’ after Oxford University. It is a closed lacing shoe with a straight stitch. Traditionally designed for office, these shoes exhibit the least amount of design elements. Though they are available in other colours too, black is the best and safest bet. '
Desert Boots
Originally inspired from British Army boots, these ankle-length boots are meant to be clubbed with any type of attire. They not just look good, but are also very functional. They are light, durable and extremely comfortable. We wonder why they don’t allow students to wear them in school!
House Slippers
‘Hawai chappals’ have been around as long as boat shoes, but they are boring to wear. Slippers like the one below are a stylish and cool alternative. They don’t expose your toe, are comfortable like a couch, and you get to choose from a variety of colours and styles to find the best looking and most comfortable pair. Slippers are of Egyptian origion.
Brown Longwings
The third classic in the list can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion as they gel well with any type of attire; they are oh-so-comfortable and easy to maintain too. Your dad wears it for important client meetings, you can wear it for a friend’s brother’s engagement or a coffee outing. Don’t club it with anything black because black and brown is the worst possible combination. No black socks, trousers, denims, tee or shirt, instead try blues, teals and light greens. It has its roots in Scotland.
Dress Boots
It’s raining outside and the weather is nippy, but the occasion is one in which you have to wear a formal suit. What do you do? You are left with two options – one, you can wear your black school shoes and let everyone treat you like a joke, or you ask your dad to buy you a pair of dress boots that are meant to be worn whenever the weather is cold or wet as they protect your ankle from mud, water and snow, and go really well with formals. For variation, you can club it with a sports jacket or an old pair of denims.
Penny Loafers
These are typical American shoe but they originated in Norway. Penny loafers, if picked carefully, can perk up even the dullest attire, and if you have a pair that has a casual feel, you are sorted for a weekend party at the friend’s farm house.
Trainers
Most of you will already be having it, but there is always room for one more trainer in your wardrobe. Buy something which is really cool and comfortable, but for God’s sake, stop wearing it with your school uniform. PLEASE!
Espadrilles
You are holidaying at a beach resort in Seychelles where every one is dressed so posh that you don’t feel like wearing your floaters. This is where espadrilles come in. They are the perfect holiday shoes, ultra light and don’t cost a bomb. Some even call it the unsung hero of informal wear. Buy a pair in neutral tones like navy, black or light tan. Espadrilles are not meant to be durable so don’t expect them to stay till you graduate. Also, it’s strictly for holidays and casual strolls.
Monk Strap Shoes
They have no lacing and are closed by a buckle and strap. If you are feeling way too formal in a suit, you can wear it to dress down a bit, if you are feeling way too underdressed in denims, wear it to dress up. You don’t see a lot of people sporting a monk strap but that shouldn’t stop you from trying them.
White Leather
Barring formals (even semi formals), these almost go with any outfit and that’s why you must invest in a pair like this. Don’t worry, they won’t make you look like actor Jeetendra. Just make sure you are confident about wearing them. These shoes are of American origin.
Casual Boots
What heels are to women, boots are for men. Plus, unlike heels, boots are very functional and comfortable. They prove to be a dependable companion on a trek, while walking deep into the jungle or chilling at a museum. For added comfort you can pick something that has a cushioned footbed.