I used think that there was no such thing as too many shoes for a man. It wasn’t until I got married and had a kid that I was served a hearty portion of humble pie. Though, if truth be told, I wish I’d realized sooner.
Even if you’re not fighting for wardrobe space, streamlining your shoe collection is transformative. Not only will you be better off financially, but you’re left with a selection of styles that you’re Wearing.
Keep reading as I round up the men’s shoes that go with everything. These essentials are what every man should have. From Derbies and boots to sneakers and loafers, they’re all here.
The Key Takeaways
It’s good to have options, but having too many can be overwhelming. As I get older, I’ve grown to realize, and begrudgingly accept, that instead of hanging onto footwear that I’ll likely never wear, it’s far better to have a smaller selection of the best men’s shoes that go with everything.
To help you face the music, too, I’ve been on a one-man mission to create a definitive list of the styles that no collection should be without. After mourning my Mihara Yasuhiros and grieving for Guccis, I’ve pored over hundreds of ratings, reviews, and Reddit forums to bring together every shoe, sneaker, and boot worthy of your consideration.
Here, you’ll find the most comfy, versatile, and low-maintenance designs on the market, including Morjas’ loafers and Myrqvist’s Derbies.
Why it’s great: Forget transient trends and fading fashions; Morjas’ loafers are for life. The ideal blend of smart and casual, these do-it-all shoes can be dressed up or down with ease; you can wear them when you’re heading into the office or grabbing a bite to eat with friends.
Inspired by the old-school Ivy style that’s as popular now as it was when your grandpa went to college, they’re made from smooth calf leather using Goodyear-welt construction that makes them super tough.
Who is this for? I’m not joking when I say these are the best men’s shoes that go with everything. Looking just as good in the summer with shorts and a linen shirt as they do in winter with a turtleneck and suit, they’re comfortable and durable and simply refuse to go out of style. Don’t forget to pack them before your next travels.
The flaws are not the end of the world These are men’s shoes that go with everything. If you have wide feet, you may need to endure a period of breaking in.
Material: 100% Leather| The sole Material: 100% Leather| Sizes Available: 5.5–13.5 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Loafers
Why it’s great: Derbys are the most flexible of all casual dress footwear. Characterized by its sturdy sole and open lacing, it’s the most stylish solution to your footwear facers, whether you need smart but comfortable shoes for work or something more refined than a tasseled loafer.
My go-to pair of Derby men’s shoes that go with everything is from Myrqvist. Boasting a beautifully textured calf leather upper with a double-layered studded rubber sole, it’s a jack of all trades that’ll tackle any weather, outfit, or occasion.
Who is this for? If you’re looking for smart, but not too smart, men’s shoes that go with everything, Derbies are a game changer. Dress them up with a suit or down with jeans or Chinos.
The flaws are not the end of the world These shoes are sturdy and can be worn a few times before they soften.
Material: 100% Leather| The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 8.5–12.5 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Derby
Why it’s great: White sneakers are a must-have in every wardrobe, and for good reason. They go with everything. Unfailingly versatile and uber-clean, the timeless, fuss-free design is your saving grace when you’re struggling to decide what to wear.
Looking for something to dress up a suit? White sneakers will work. I’m not sure if your espadrilles look quite right with linen pants. White sneakers should work. What about replacing your worn-out old sneakers? You get the idea. And this leather pair from Aurelien couldn’t get any better.
Who is this for? These Aurelien sneakers, a luxurious take on the footwear Hall of Famer, are a fail-safe choice that will go with any outfit. Warning: You’ll need to splurge, but they’re a great investment piece that you’ll be wearing all year round.
There are flaws, but they’re not a deal-breaker. Yes, these are men’s shoes that go with everything. But the price tag can be a little hard to stomach. Fear not: I’ve compared the cost with investment return, and you’re in good hands (or should I say feet).
Material: 100% Leather| The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 6–14 | Colors Available: 7 | Style: Sneakers
Why it’s great: They’re handsome (in a Tom Hardy way), tough, and easy to style, so it’s no wonder that Chelsea boots have been the footwear of choice for everyone from rock stars to royals. I guess it also helps that they’re the type of shoes that go with everything. Velasca’s pair are a work of art; made from soft suede and set on a rubber sole, they’re an excellent year-round option that scoffs at trends and nails both smart and casual dress codes.
Who is this for? These boots will become a staple in your wardrobe, adding a rebellious twist to any outfit. You’ve got your pick of pants, but just make sure they’re wide enough to stretch over the top of your boots.
The flaws are not the end of the world It can take several wears for these boots to reach their maximum comfort. Choose the right socks to speed up the process. Thick socks are best for extra protection at friction points.
Material: 100% Suede | The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 5–14 | Colors Available: 2 | Style: Boots
Why it’s great: Vans’ Authentic sneakers have been my go-to budget option for as long as I can remember. Everybody’s favorite beaters, they’ll handle muddy fields, puddled pavements, and sandy shores. More importantly, they’re men’s shoes that go with everything.
Whether you’re into your streetwear, skating gear, or prefer a nautical vibe, these canvas kicks will quietly complement anything you put them with. You can wear them at the gym, or even with casual tailoring.
What is it for? If you’re on a tight budget or simply want shoes that can handle whatever life throws at them (including heavy frames), then Vans are pretty hard to beat (literally). There’s a reason they’ve been around since the 60s.
The flaws are not the end of the world If you’re in between sizes, then go for the larger of the two. Once, I made the mistake to size down. It felt like my feet were stuck in a vice.
Material: 100% Canvas | The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 3.5–10.5 | Colors Available: 4 | Style: Sneakers
Why it’s great: They’re among the most adaptable shoes you can own; there’s a reason brogues stay around season after season. These shoes are both easy on the eyes and good for your feet. You can choose from a variety of styles, such as Oxford or Derby. They go with formal and informal clothing alike.
Arkbird’s pair is handmade from leather and finished with sweat-absorbing OrthoLite insoles that are a godsend when you’ve been standing all day. Amazon customers have given them five-star ratings for quality, fit and comfort.
What is it for? These men’s shoes that go with everything also happen to be seriously comfortable, so they’re great for guys who spend a lot of time walking around or are on their feet for long periods.
The flaws are not the end of the world The overall construction could be improved; but considering the price, they’re much better than they should be.
Material: 100% Leather| The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 7–13 | Colors Available: 3 | Style: Brogues
Why it’s great: Desert boots have a rich history and are unbearably awesome. They manage to perfectly tread the line between fancy and informal, and there’s not an outfit on the planet they can’t improve.
This pair from Tod’s has been on my radar for some time. Crafted from supple suede and set on thick rubber soles, they’re just like the pair that Steve McQueen wears in Bullitt. And who doesn’t want to look like the King of Cool?
Who is this for? The perfect compromise between Oxford shoes and sneakers. These boots are great for everyday wear. You can style them with anything from tweed coats and chinos, to button-down shirt and jeans.
The flaws are not the end of the world Even the most generous bank accounts will struggle to afford these stylish shoes.
Material: 100% Suede | The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 8–13 | Colors Available: 1 | Style: Boots
Why it’s great: One of the most iconic shoes ever made, not to mention the most versatile, Converse’s Chuck Taylor started life on the basketball court before going on to achieve its all-star status in the sneaker world. Worn by everyone from Elvis Presley to Timothée Chalamet, they have a shape that is undefeated, a canvas that is breathable, a price that is on point, and a versatility that allows for unlimited styling opportunities. What more can I say?
What is it for? Who isn’t it for? Chuck Taylors go with everything and anyone. They’re in the stratosphere of the best men’s shoes that go with everything. They’re perfect for both formal and casual looks. Dress them up in relaxed tailoring, or dress them down with sweatpants a plain white shirt. They’re available in regular and wide fit, too.
The flaws are not the end of the world Canvas can be more difficult to keep clean than other materials such as leather. But getting Chucks a bit dirty is cool, in my opinion. It’s also worth mentioning that Converse recommends ordering a half size down.
Material: 100% Canvas | The sole Material: 100% Rubber| Sizes Available: 3–16 | Colors Available: 10+ | Style: Sneakers
Buying Considerations for Men’s Shoes That Go With Everything
Color
Avoid bright colors or patterns and choose versatile shoes like black, brown or navy. These shoes will never go out of style. They can be paired with an array of outfits and for many occasions. White sneakers are always in style.
Style
When looking for men’s shoes that go with everything, it’s important to stick to classic designs such as loafers, oxfords, or minimalist sneakers. Although statement styles can quickly become yesterday’s news, these types of shoes will remain stylish and adaptable for years to come.
Material
If you’re buying fewer shoes, then material quality is more important than ever. If you’re buying fewer shoes, then material quality is more important than ever.
How We Selected
My search for the perfect shoes began after I had recently updated my shoe collection and cleaned my closet. I was bursting with enthusiasm and knew exactly what to look for.
I whittled down my 40-style shortlist to just eight options, based on the following criteria:
Versatility: I assessed each shoe’s ability to pair well with a wide range of outfits and occasions, from casual jeans to smart slacks. I chose styles that were neutral in color and had classic designs so they could be worn in a variety of settings. I looked at how each shoe would look with different wardrobe staples, and if it could be dressed down or up.
Comfort: Comfort was the top priority. The best shoes for everyday wear should be comfortable. I checked the quality of insoles, the arch support and the overall fit to ensure that the shoes would provide enough cushioning and stability for extended wear.
Durability: I chose shoes made of quality materials such as leather or suede because they are known for their durability and resistance to wear. Durability was important since the shoes would be used frequently. I looked at construction like stitching and sole attachment while also considering how the shoes hold up over time.
Price: I looked at the price of each pair and compared it to the quality, comfort, versatility, and durability. This helped me determine if the shoe was worth the investment. Budget-friendly and higher-end choices were compared, as well as whether the style and durability justified the cost.
Why trust Us?
Billy Webb is not only a footwear fanatic but also an experienced journalist with more than 10 years of experience writing for some of the industry’s biggest publications. His deep passion for shoes and extensive knowledge of fashion makes him a trusted authority in finding the best men’s shoes that go with everything.
Billy, who has worked as a menswear designer, understands the importance to balance comfort, style and versatility. With his keen eye, he ensures that all of his recommendations will be both timeless and practical.
Final Verdict
Men’s shoes that go with everything are essential to any well-rounded roster, with options like Morjas’ improving your outfit options tenfold. Impeccably crafted, comfy to wear, and a stylist’s dream, the brand’s loveable loafers should be at the very top of your wish list.
The rich black color of these pants will match any style or color in your wardrobe. From gray suits to blue denim and stolen chinos, they are sure to complement them.
The FAQ
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Classic leather loafers are a great choice, as well as white sneakers and black Oxfords. Leather loafers go with both casual and semiformal attire, while white sneakers work well for everyday wear. Oxfords are great for formal occasions. These choices offer a good balance between style and function.
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Shoes in neutral colours and classic styles are the most versatile. Maximize your outfit options by keeping it simple.
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Black or brown leather loafers are some of the most versatile shoes that you can have. They are smart and stylish and go with anything from jeans, chinos and business suits to formal wear and even jeans.
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