Image via Complex Original
It is indisputable that the comfortability of sneakers is insurmountable. The only problem is, not every situation calls for a fresh pair of rubber-soled casual kicks—no matter how trill they are. As you grow older, your acceptance of shoes with tough leather uppers or hard bottom soles will begin to grow. You may not want to make the investment because the opportunities to wear them just aren’t there. You’re turning into a man, but that $400 pair of retro Jordans calling you name on eBay can’t pay for themselves.
The truth is, you don’t have to settle for the dusty brown leather poop sitting on the sale rack of the mall department store. Just because you don’t want to invest doesn’t mean you still can’t get a great pair of grown man shoes for any occasion. Put those ragged sneaks to the side and take notice of these Grown Man Shoes to Get Right Now.
Del Toro
Buy the Cobalt Velvet Slipper at Del Toro, $295
Velvet slippers should only be worn by those who have a certain confidence in their body. If you’re confident enough to pull off the classic shoe style for a couple of years, Del Toro is ahead of the pack, making dope versions in great colors like this cobalt blue pair.
Base London
Buy the Short Boots at ASOS, $126
A decent leather chukka boot on a Dainite sole for less than $130? You’ve got to be scouring the earth for something like that, right? Wrong. Base London’s got it when you need something that looks great for a price range that looks even better.
Mark McNairy
Buy the Camo-Printed Chukka at Barney’s Warehouse Sale, $179
McNairy has been the “it” guy for a couple years with his signature shoe style: crazy, yet well-made shoes that will be worth the money. Now one of his best chukka options with suede and desert camo uppers on a crepe sole is on sale so you have the opportunity to add this mad man’s work to your collection.
Loake
Buy the Royal Brogue from Oi Polloi, $230
Everyone should own a pair of English brogues with premium leather and a Goodyear welt sole, but you shouldn’t have to pay $500 for them. That’s where Loake comes in to save the day with their Royal Brogue.
Florsheim
Buy the Indy Captoe Boot at Florsheim, $170
Some real sturdy, manly boots with double stitched seams and a classic captoe that can be worn in any occasion, these Florsheims are a premium shoe without paying that premium dollar.
Padmore & Barnes
Buy the Suede P204 at Padmore & Barnes, $165
A classic moccasin with premium construction that will last just as long (if not longer) than a Clarks Wallabee from a brand that used to make the Clarks Wallabee.
Thorocraft
Buy the Camo Mercer at Thorocraft, $250
Not quite ready to leave the world of fun prints and quirky details for your footwear? Thorocraft takes you to a comfortable place with their leather-soled Mercer featuring a crazy camo print.
Generic Surplus
Buy the Longwing at Need Supply, $95
Killer grey-ish leather and canvas uppers with a thick, crepe sole for a measly $95? That’s basically lunch money for two weeks to look fly in some grown man shoes that won’t make you look like your gramps.
Greenwich Vintage Co.
Buy the Re-Crafted Vintage Gokey Boat Shoes with Blaze Orange Commando Colored Soles at Greenwich Vintage Co., $175
Re-appropriated wingtips and boat shoes to give it a fresh, new approach? Greenwich Vintage Co. pulls it off to perfection with an added spot of color and refurbishing.
Oliberte
Buy the Rustic Brown Manilo Rugged Wingtip at Oliberte, $135
The Manilo from Oliberte still has a rugged, street look that doesn’t make you go from sneaker to formal dress shoe in one step. It’s an ease-in process sometimes, and these 100 percent goat leather Olibertes are a perfect guide.
