{"id":198720,"date":"2023-09-05T07:25:48","date_gmt":"2023-09-05T06:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/a-gentlemans-row.com\/?p=198720"},"modified":"2023-09-05T07:26:52","modified_gmt":"2023-09-05T06:26:52","slug":"essential-shoes-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/a-gentlemans-row.com\/essential-shoes-men\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8 Shoes Every Man Should Own"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Oxford English dictionary defines the shoe as, \u2018one of a pair of outer coverings for your feet, usually made of leather or plastic.\u2019 I think we can all agree that things have moved on a little. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Across all four seasons of the year, men face many style dilemmas \u2013 hot, cold, rain or no rain, colour, trends, practicality, and formality. If it\u2019s a personal passion, then these conundrums and quandaries are enjoyed, part of the evolution of one\u2019s individual style journey. There\u2019s always that sense, at least for this writer, that the search for the complete wardrobe (shoes very much included) never ends \u2013 perhaps that\u2019s the beauty of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As human beings, we want to feel we are prepared for every eventuality. When it comes to style choices, especially if you live in the UK, the need for a varied, sliding scale of elegant, functional footwear at your disposal - no matter the weather or occasion - is imperative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to footwear, it can sometimes feel as though the options are endless. With such abundance at our fingertips, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and take a step back (no pun intended).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What we are hoping to achieve today is a guide, some helpful direction on the essentials. Now, by essentials, we don\u2019t mean basic or run-of-the-mill \u2013 it\u2019s those styles that can slot into your lifestyle at a moment\u2019s notice and make an outfit or add that final practical touch. From formal occasions, dining out and the office to shopping trips, country pubs and warm weather sojourns, it\u2019s all here.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without further ado, let\u2019s begin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Penny Loafer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A timeless icon in leather, the penny loafer refers originally to the most famous of Ivy League shoes \u2013 the \u201cWeejun.\u201d Founded in 1876, American brand G.H. Bass & Co. debuted Weejuns (a clever bit of homage wordplay based on the original inspiration) in 1936, basing the style on slip-on shoes worn by 19th-century Norwegian fishermen.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embraced by countless subcultures in the modern era and oozing heritage, the penny loafer is, quite simply, a classic that always feels fresh. Those clean lines, that unmistakable silhouette. This shoe has that uncanny skill of being able to look just as stylish dressed up with a suit or tailored ensemble as it does down with chinos or blue denim jeans.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Incidentally, the nickname \u201cpenny\u201d was coined (again, no pun intended) when youthful wearers of the time started slotting coins into the conveniently sized slot at the front of the loafer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n