We’re going for a laid-back, casually luxurious style with our summer 2023 picks, a luxury that has a conscience to match our times, with sustainability as the essential twist to a handmade ethos. Transparency is key: you’ll want to know that these are fairly-made sneakers and that materials are consciously chosen. Low-key, meticulously imagined design is critical to all our picks of the best summer sneakers for men in 2023. See you down the beach.

5 Best Summer Sneakers for Men in 2023

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Oliver Cabell Low 1 Belmont

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Oliver Cabell’s handmade, direct-to-you, affordable luxury is a compelling philosophy and one that’s gained this niche label a dedicated following. The Low 1 Belmont is a new take on an Oliver Cabell classic with subtle, distinctive distressing that’s unique to each pair. These are sneakers that instantly look worn in, while still being hand-crafted by skilled artisans in Italy’s Marche region, where shoemaking is a way of life. Calfskin leather is full-grain and there’s a high-end Margom sole. Calfskin lining? Of course.

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Axel Arigato Arlo Sneaker

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Max Svärdh and Albin Johansson founded Axel Arigato to express their obsession with sneakers – and to create something entirely new. Axel Arigato brings together a Japanese sensibility for detail with Swedish minimal design. Their Arlo Sneaker is a perfectly judged low-key silhouette – great design never needs to shout – with uppers in leather, suede, and recycled polyester. The sole includes recycled rubber and this distinctive colorway is a quietly confident summer statement.

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Dalgado Elio Low-Top Smooth Leather Sneakers

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Are these the perfect white sneakers? Handmade in Portugal, the Elio silhouette expresses a central Dalgado belief, one that “cherishes quality and opposes mass consumption” as they eloquently put it. The design is so subtle it’s hardly there, uppers are in Italian bio-based full-grain calf leather, the lining is super-soft calf from Italy, soles are by Margom. Details always count: laces are in Portuguese natural cotton – there’s a spare pair of course – barely-visible branding will impress aficionados and there’s a black cotton dust bag.

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LØCI Neo Maize Sneakers

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When you’re looking for conscious consumption and a label that knows how to mesh style with sustainability, then LØCI is the place to go. Innovation in materials is central at this pioneering label, with uppers in a vegan leather substitute that’s 50% maize waste, and incorporates recycled poly-textiles. Linings are in nylon and bamboo, soles are natural leather and there’s a natural cork insole. Also: just look at them. Distinctive LØCIlogo marks out the Neo as something truly special: a sneaker for our times, here in a green colorway that adds a punch to any outfit, every occasion.

Best Buy

Cariuma Black Canvas Slip-on

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Every wardrobe needs a pair of slip-on sneakers, no ifs no buts, no maybes. Whether you’re sloping around your holiday villa or strolling on the beach they’re the perfect option, though we’d dress ours up for a night out later. Skater style here is inspired, say the good people at Cariuma, by a California afternoon. We’re there already: an organic cotton canvas to the upper and lining is in line with the label’s promise of sustainability, logo to the sides is an expression of their pride in what they do. Sole is 100% natural rubber, the result is a true summer essential.

This change in approach to buying sneakers started in the 2000s, but since the early 1900s when sneakers first became a thing, they have been positioned as more than just footwear. This trend has continued to slowly rise over the decades, with the sneaker market now worth an estimated $79 billion. It’s predicted to reach $120 billion by 2026, which is incredible. This change from sneakers being simple footwear to coveted items of clothing worth hundreds of dollars has seen the industry evolve into the money-making business it has become today.

That’s not to say everyone is in it for the money. While big labels and brands are making good money off selling kicks, it’s the way sneaker culture has invaded everyday life that’s made the biggest impression. Wearing sneakers is now seen as “cool” and “trendy,” with many famous celebrities copping the biggest releases. It’s also much more acceptable to wear them every day as part of your fit. 

Wearing your favorite high tops to work is no longer frowned upon. White sneakers with a suit is acceptable, as are colorful kicks that stand out from the crowd. There’s even a big market for kid’s sneakers these days, with parents more than happy to fork out large sums of money for iconic sneakers they can dress their kids in. 

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Throughout history, sneakers have played an important role in many different scenes, from the early days of hip-hop in the 80s to Michael Jordan and co dominating on the court wearing major brands throughout the 90s. These days sneakers are just as popular in the boardroom as they are on the track. Millennials, in particular, have helped raise the profile of sneakers while making them part of modern-day culture. 

Many high-end fashion brands are also getting in on the sneaker craze, with footwear now the biggest-selling product in the online realm of luxury goods. “Athleisure,” a term used to describe athletic clothing that can also be worn at home, at work, or when out with friends, is driving sneaker culture further into the mainstream. 

“Designers took what they saw from the sport brands and created high fashion from it,” Beth Goldstein, fashion footwear and accessories analyst at The NPD Group, told Business Insider. 

“Sneakers and sport slide styles are driving the designer business. The big athletic players’ fashion athletic business is greatly outpacing their performance athletic business. And now most of the fashion footwear brands are focused on more casual, athleisure styles.

The popularity of sneakers has meant there are now hundreds of brands releasing dozens of different styles and types of sneakers every month to capitalize on sneaker culture. With so many options and more and more famous people wearing sneakers and making them cool, sneakerheads can look forward to many more years of quality kicks flooding the market, taking sneaker culture to the next level.

Sneakers are now an investment and arguably a safer bet than crypto or the stock market. Some of the most expensive sneakers ever created have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars. It might be time to dust off your old trainers in the back of your cupboard and see if they are worth anything. 

But before you do, read on and discover the most expensive sneakers ever sold. 

15 Most Expensive Sneakers Ever Sold

15. Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM” – $63,000

This is one of the hardest Nike SBs to find, hence the expensive price tag. They are a collaboration between Nike and Leonard Hilton McGurr, known as Futura, one of the godfathers of graffiti. Labeled the Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM,” an acronym meaning “For Love or Money,” these sneakers are made using different denominations of printed money. 

Only 24 pairs of the Nike Dunk sneakers were crafted and handed out to family and friends. This is why they are so hard to find, as most people who have a pair have decided to keep them. When one pair did pop up at auction, they sold for $63,000, which is a decent amount. 

14. Nike Air Force 1 “Entourage x Undefeated x Fukijama Gold”

The Air Force 1 is one of Nike’s flagship sneakers. First released in 1982, it’s still one of the brand’s most popular kicks. There have been many different incarnations of this sneaker released over the past four decades, with the “Entourage x Undefeated x Fukijama Gold” one of the most coveted by sneakerheads. 

This rare 2009 collab between Nike and Undefeated was made to commemorate the hit TV series Entourage. In one of the episodes, Turtle spends the entire time hunting down a pair of Fukijama Air Force 1s. Although a fictional artist, these sneakers quickly became collector’s items thanks to the metallic gold leather panels and interesting designs. 

13. Air Jordan 12 OVO (Drake Edition) – $100,000

The Air Jordan 12 is a much-loved shoe amongst sneakerheads. While the standard black and white colorway with gold trimming is a classic, it pales insignificantly price-wise to the 2016 Air Jordan 12 OVO edition. Designed by Drake, the sneaker looks the same but comes in an all-white colorway. 

This luxury shoe has a white leather upper, gold hardware, and OVO branding on the sole. While the shoe has sold for $100K, it usually retails for a lot less than that. A year after its release an all-black version dropped, although it isn’t as sought after by collectors. 

12. Nike MAG Self-Lacing Back to the Future II – $104,000

These unique Nike Shoes are modeled on the same sneakers Marty McFly wears in the classic 80s flick Back to the Future. The first version of these futuristic sneakers went on sale in 2011. This updated edition from 2016 is basically the same design except they are self-lacing. 

The shoes were first sold via a charity auction, with the proceeds from all 89 pairs sold going toward the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. While the most expensive pair sold for $104,000, according to StockX the average price for a pair of these sneakers is around $66,142, which is slightly more affordable. 

11. Michael Jordan Game Worn Air Jordan 12 – $105,000

What makes these sneakers so special is that the great man Michael Jordan wore them. Not only that, but the game he suited up for them in was the famous flu game of 1997. During the NBA finals of that season, Jordan was struck down with the flu (actually food poisoning from a pizza he ate) on the night before game five. Nobody thought he would be able to play and the Chicago Bull’s opponents, the Utah Jazz, became the favorites. 

Of course, Jordan made it onto the court but was struggling before slowly gaining his rhythm. He went on to score 38 points and helped the Bulls secure the win against the Jazz by two points. 

Jordan autographed the kicks he wore that night and gifted them to Utah Jazz ball boy Preston Truma, who would eventually sell them for $105,000 in 2013, for what was then a world record fee. 

10. Michael Jordan’s Game Worn Air Jordan 7 Olympic – $112,500

Worn by Michael Jordan during the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, these sneakers are also signed by the basketball legend. Jordan wore the shoes while playing as part of the incredible American basketball team known as “The Dream Team.”

Consisting of players such as Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, John Stockton, Charles Barkley, and Magic Johnson, the team left no prisoners in their wake. They didn’t lose a single game throughout the tournament, ending with the gold medal and an average winning margin of 44 points. 

Jordan gave his signed sneakers to a member of staff who eventually put them up for auction where they sold for $112,500.

9. Buscemi 100 MM Diamond – $132,000

When it comes to luxury sneakers it doesn’t get any more opulent than this release from Buscemi. The all white sneaker dazzles with 11.5 carats of diamonds set in 18-karat gold. There is a gold padlock above the laces that only adds to the value of the shoe.

While they certainly look impressive, why you would want to pay $132,000 for a pair of white kicks is a question that really can’t be answered. This is a sneaker for people with more money than sense, although that’s probably just us getting jealous at not being able to afford such a striking sneaker. 

8. Michael Jordan’s Game Worn Converse Fastbreak – $190,373

The third of many Michael Jordan game worn sneakers to appear on this list, these kicks are particularly sought after because Jordan never wore Converse during his time in the NBA. This pair of Converse Fastbreak sneakers were worn by Jordan during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. 

This was the first and only time Jordan would wear Converse on the basketball court, with these sneakers also autographed by his Airness. Expecting to go for a touch over $100,000, they ended up selling for $190,373. 

7. Bill Bowerman Handmade Prototype Logo Track Spikes With Waffle Sole

Before he stumbled across the iron design in the 70s, Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman assembled this pair of track shoes in the 60s. Made with the help of Harry Jerome (Canadian Track and Field sprinter and Olympian), these shoes might not look like much, but they ended up setting seven world records.

Worn by Jerome throughout his career, they helped him win a Bronze Medal for Canada at the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. The sneakers went on to sell for $315, 000 at auction in 2021. 

6. Louis Vuitton and Nike Air Force 1 By Virgil Abloh – $350,000

This expensive sneaker is one of the last creations the great Virgil Abloh had a hand in before his untimely passing. A team-up between fashion house Louis Vuitton and worldwide sneaker brand Nike, the Louis Vuitton and Nike Air Force 1 By Virgil Abloh were only available via auction when first released.

The original collection consists of 200 pairs, all different colors and sizes, that were put up for auction by Sotheby’s. All proceeds from the sale of the shoes went to The Virgil Abloh “Post-Modern” Scholarship Fund which helps promising students of Black, African American, or African descent make it in the fashion industry. 

The fashionable kicks come in the classic Nike Air Force 1 design and are embellished with the Louis Vuitton monogram, quotation marks, leather flourishes, and Abloh’s own personal touch. Of all the pairs that sold at auction, the most expensive went for $350,000. These were a size five in a brown colorway that came with a bright orange Louis Vuitton case to keep them safe in. 

5. Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoe – $437,500

This sneaker went up for sale as part of Sotheby’s and Stadium Goods’ “Ultimate Sneaker Collection” auction. The Nike Waffle Racing Flat Moon Shoe proved so popular that it was sold separately from the other shoes, fetching a handy $437,500. 

The Nike Moon Shoe was created by Nike co-founder and legendary Oregon University track coach Bill Bowerman in 1972. He designed the unique waffle sole by using his wife’s waffle iron to create the traction pattern that enabled more grip for the wearer. The sneaker got its name from the moon-like pattern it would leave on the ground that resembled the footprints of the first astronauts to walk on the moon. 

Only about 12 pairs of these handmade sneakers were crafted by Geoff Hollister, one of Nike’s first employees. White with a black sole, there is no mention of the word Nike, just a big Nike swoosh on the side of each sneaker. 

4. Game Worn Nike Air Jordan 1 – $610,000

This pair of the iconic Michael Jordan Air Jordan sneakers come from the first run of Air Jordans ever created. The iconic red, white, and black colorway is matched by the craftsmanship of the sneakers, with Jordan preferring low tops to high tops. 

Jordan wore these shoes during the infamous Nike exhibition game in Trieste in 1985. At the game he dunked so hard he shattered the backboard. Tiny fragments of glass from the backboard are still embedded in these shoes, making them part of history. The addition of Jordan’s signature also helped these sneakers sell for over $500,000 at auction in 2020. 

3. Michael Jordan Game Worn Nike Air Ship – $1.47 Million

These white and red kicks are the first known sneaker Michael Jordon wore on the court during his NBA career. Inking a deal with Nike to have his own sneaker and clothing line in 1984, the shoes weren’t ready when the season began. So Nike gifted Jordan several pairs of Nike Air Ships with “Air Jordan” or “Nike Air” printed on the heels. 

This version of the sneaker that sold at auction was worn by Jordan during his fifth NBA Game on November 1, 1984. They are a piece of NBA history and come with a certificate of authenticity.

“Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand helped redefine what a signature line formed around an athlete could be. These sneakers are a crucial part of the genesis of that story,” said Brahm Wachter, Head of Sotheby’s Streetwear and Modern.

The sneakers ended up selling to famous trading card collector Nick Fiorella.

2. Kayne West Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ – $1.8 Million

No surprise Kanye West makes it into this list of the top 15 most expensive sneakers ever sold. This kick is highly valued as it is the first and only shoe West designed while working with Nike. Before inking a multi-million dollar deal with adidas, West collaborated with Nike on the Air Yeezy 1. 

While they never actually made it to stores, the Nike Air Yeezy 1 ‘Prototype’ was worn by West at the 2008 Grammy Awards. The shoes are black in color and feature a faded Nike swoosh and the familiar Yeezy strap. The size 12 sneakers are the most expensive shoe to ever sell at auction, smashing the estimated $1 million value by $800,000. 

1. Solid Gold OVO x Air Jordan 10 – $2 Million

While they are probably a little heavy for everyday wear, these solid gold kicks are mighty impressive. And expensive. The collaboration between Drake’s OVO label and Nike is worth around $2 million. Designed by American artist Matthew Senna, each shoe weighs 50lbs and is made using 24k gold.

Not only are these the most expensive Air Jordans ever crafted, but the most expensive sneaker to ever be made. They contain all the details of the standard shoe, just made in gold. They are a 1/1 design that is sure to increase in value over time and net Drake even more money if he ever decides to sell them. 

There’s almost nothing more essential than your pick of the best white trainers for men. An everyday part of your casual wardrobe, crisp white trainers are just as easily dressed up for a stylish night out on the town, too.

You’ll want to pick yours carefully to avoid obvious pitfalls. High-end materials for construction are front and central. Painstaking craftsmanship means your look will always be on-point.

Spoilt for choice? We’ve narrowed down the selections to an elegant eight of the best white trainers for men. Time to step out in style.

What to Wear with White Trainers

Short answer: anything. With the caveat that your best white trainers for men really do need to be of the highest quality.

Don’t they say that sneakers maketh the man? Taking that as a given, remember that the more you wear your white trainers, the better they’ll get. That’s because fine materials deserve and thrive on extended wear, starting out with your smart jeans and a plain white t-shirt for Saturday mornings hanging out with coffee and friends.

Let the trainers do the talking. Everyone notices subtle quality. The surprise is that white trainers are just as easily dressed up as casually turned out.

Add blue chinos and an off-white linen shirt for that visit to an upscale holiday restaurant. Go a step further and create a signature look by teaming your choice of our best men’s white trainers with a tailored grey suit and a statement slogan t-shirt.

Will you add a collar and tie? Go for it.

Choose the best craftsmanship for your best white trainers and they’ll be part of your casual and smart-casual wardrobe for years to come. Sockless with bright red shorts and a pure white polo shirt for a garden party? Where’s our invite? Trust us, the best white men’s trainers take you everywhere, all day, all night.

The 8 Best White Trainers for Men in 2022

That’s why we recommend a custom made shoe. You might think you can jump online and find the perfect fit, but it’s not often that easy. The shoe you are keen on might not come in your size or the color choices aren’t to your liking. Or maybe you find it difficult to find a shoe that speaks to you? If that is the case then there is no better time than now to get yourself a pair of custom made shoes.

What Are Custom Made Shoes?

Custom made shoes have taken the footwear industry by storm over the past decade. While not a new thing (people were having custom made shoes designed for them centuries ago), custom-made shoes are much more prominent with today’s fashion-conscious males for a number of reasons. 

First and foremost they represent style and status. Custom men’s shoes add a touch of class to any gentleman’s outfit. They ooze luxury and demonstrate a man’s keen fashion sense that will not go unnoticed by the ladies.

Custom made shoes also enable you to create a shoe that fits your personality. It is like having your own personalized shoe. Creating your own custom shoe allows you to pick the design (everything from your classic trainer to an Oxford to a hiking boot), the materials, the color, the width, and most importantly the size.

Forking out your hard-earned for a pair of custom made shoes is one of the only ways you can get a shoe that you know will fit perfectly. This is ideal for people with different sized feet, as it enables you to create custom shoes for wide feet or custom shoes for narrow feet. The more options you have the more control you have over the creation of your footwear so they can reflect your personality and style.

What Are the Benefits of Custom Made Shoes?

The best thing about owning custom-made shoes is the fact that they are designed by you for you. You get to have all the input into the shoe’s creation and are left with a shoe that speaks to your personality. There are also several other big benefits detailed below. 

Increased Comfort

Mass-produced shoes aren’t made with the contours of your feet in mind, meaning they are often not that comfortable. Designing a pair of custom made shoes enables you to make sure the shoes fit your feet snugly and increase comfort. This is great news for those with larger or smaller feet as you can have the option to build custom made shoes for wide feet or custom made shoes for narrow feet.

Variety of Design Choices

The best brands selling custom made shoes online give you the option to create a vast amount of shoe styles. Whether you want custom made men’s dress boots for a night out with the boys, custom made sneakers to show off on the basketball court, or custom made slippers to wear at home, the best brands offer all these options and more.

High-Quality Materials

Custom made shoe suppliers only use the finest materials to create their shoes. Unlike regular shoe suppliers who use cheap materials, custom made shoe brands source materials from all across the globe so you know your shoe will be crafted using top-quality fabrics. So expect high-quality, full-grain leather to be used if you order a pair of leather custom shoes.

More Cost-Effective

You might think buying a cheap pair of shoes is the way to go, but in the long run, you are better off investing in custom-made shoes. Cheap shoes are usually made with inferior materials and have a short shelf life, while custom-made shoes are durable and will last you years.

Environmentally Friendly (Sustainable)

I would like to mention here that with fast fashion on the rise and the destruction it is doing to the earth is steadily increasing, single batch production is a great option because there is no overstock (shoes that get thrown into landfills to make more room for new models). The image below isn’t necessary, but I would like to help put that image into words at the least to show the importance of single batch production. Also, with no inventory, there are no inventory costs allowing luxury shoes to be cheaper.

How Do You Order a Pair of Custom Men’s Shoes?

Thanks to the internet, owning your own pair of custom men’s shoes has never been easier. No longer do you have to head to your local mall and find a shop that can sort you with a pair of personalized shoes that will cost you a fortune and end up not fitting correctly. 

Now you can fire up your Google machine and get yourself a pair of custom-made shoes online without leaving home. What’s even better is the choice. There are more shoe brands out there crafting high-quality personalized shoes than ever before. You can get everything from custom dress shoes to custom slippers. The possibilities are endless!

Choosing the Right Custom Shoe Brand

With so much choice comes great responsibility. You want to make sure you are buying from not only a reputable business but one that designs custom-made shoes that are of high quality. You want your new custom-made shoes to last you five years, not one. 

To help make sure you are on the right track when buying custom-made shoes online, we’ve scoured the internet for the best custom-made shoe brands and come up with three that will not disappoint. 

Conclusion

Custom made shoes are becoming more and more popular these days, with these three brands all crafting luxurious custom-made shoes for any occasion. While both Undandy and Allen Edmonds are expert shoemakers with decades of experience crafting custom-made shoes, it is hard to look past Idrese when it comes to picking the best of three. Not only do they use premium full-grain leather and Goodyear welt construction, but the choice of shoe styles available far surpasses the other brands. We give Idrese’s personalized shoes two thumbs up! 

However, while both brands are top-notch, it is important to know which is best suited for you and your needs. That being said, keep reading for Next Luxury’s guide on everything you need to know about Thorogood Boots and Red Wing Heritage Boots. 

Thorogood Boots

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The first boot from Thorogood to make a mark on the industry was the “Jobber” work boot. Due to their unique and functional design, Thorogood was able to make a name for itself as one of the most well-constructed footwear options for men who work laborious jobs or find themselves on their feet for long stints of time and in rough conditions.

Since the Jobber, Thorogood has come out with several different styles and designs. While some of these are more focused on safety, there are also a few options that can be used more superficially for style. In regards to their appearance, most Thorogood boots have a more traditional style that features a moc toe and lace-up design in the front. They also come in a variety of different colors ranging from light brown to walnut to black.

Red Wing Heritage Boots

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Red Wing’s line of Heritage boots all boast premium leather, resoleable welts so that you can maintain these boots for several years, and heavy-duty stitching. While the Classic Moc and Classic Chelsea are both solid options, the most popular Red Wing Heritage boots are definitely the Blacksmith and the Iron Ranger. With distinctive cap-toe and nickel-plated eyelets, the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots are a stunning option that catches the eye.

This timeless classic manages to nail a perfect mixture of ruggedness and elegance, giving it a range of style for those who wear it. The Iron Ranger is definitely a thicker boot, however, the slim sole and full-grain leather upper allow for the boot to retain its classic appeal. Also, these boots are made from Amber Harness and Roughout leather, which can be a bit of a hassle to break in.

However, after a few months, the leather patinas quite nicely, giving you a perfect surface. While the Blacksmith is nearly identical to the Iron Ranger, there are a few key differences between the two. For example, the Red Wing Blacksmiths do not feature cap-toe, adding some extra wiggle-room to the boot and also giving them a slightly sleeker appearance.

Another way to recognize a Blacksmith is by the brass hardware, which tends to complement a variety of leather colors more than the nickel. The Red Wing Heritage Blacksmith’s come in a handful of different leather types, none of which are as iconic as the Iron Ranger’s options. However, the most popular leathers for the Blacksmith boots are briar slick, black prairie, and roughout.

Which Is Better?

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At the end of the day, both boots are wonderful options that will take you far in regards to durability and comfort. However, Red Wing Heritage boots do use a material that is slightly better than Thorogood, meaning their boots have a better chance at lasting longer and maintaining quality. That being said, if you have a job that requires you to have work boots that place an emphasis on safety, Thorogood might be the better brand. 

Like Oxfords, derbys are a standard yet classic and comfortable dress shoe that is suitable for formal occasions as well as the right casual and smart casual looks. A pair of derbys can look just as good with jeans as they do with a suit. 

1. Black

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Besides low-rise white sneakers, black derbys are one of the most versatile shoes that can take you from work to drinks to dinner to after dinner drinks. Black derbys come in a variety of designs and styles including matte leather, patent leather (Ooh! Shiny!), and suede, to name a few.

Wear your patent leather pair with gray trousers and your favorite band t-shirt in black or gray. Try a smart casual look with matte leather derbys, black ankle pants, and a short sleeve printed button-up shirt.

2. Boots

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Did you know you can also enjoy your derbys in the form of a boot? They appear just like the standard design that you know and love, but with a taller shaft and an open lacing system, giving any outfit a sleek military touch. Keep it casual with distressed jeans and a t-shirt, perhaps throwing on a blazer if you feel that’s the right move. Or, wear dark indigo straight leg jeans with a button-up and two-toned brown and tweed derby boots for a more classic and vintage look.

3. Brogue

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A brogue is a shoe that features decorative perforations and is available in many different styles of footwear, including derbys. A derby brogue has a bold, yet fashionable appearance and can be dressed up and dressed down. Remember, derby shoes are very versatile. Dress up your daily khakis and polo with chestnut brown derby brogues. Your fellow office husbands and wives will thank you.

4. Burgundy

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Wearing your derbys in an atypical colorway, such as burgundy, with a standard outfit of jeans and a navy polo or button-up will turn your style game up a notch. Or, wear your burgundy derbys with tailored burgundy suit pants, a white and maroon striped button-up, with a navy blazer and pocket square that brings the whole color palette together. 

5. Cap Toe

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This style of derby shoe features an extra piece of leather added to the toe. They can feature broguing around the cap-toe and sometimes a medallion. They tend to be considered more casual than formal, but style rules are meant to be broken. Wearing them with cropped wide-leg pleated pants and a linen short-sleeve shirt keeps you trendy and stylish.

6. Classic

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Classic derbys are easy to wear. Opt for sleek, simple styles with minimal stitch detailing. Plain, leather, simple, done.

7. Dark Brown

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Dark brown leather derby shoes are ideal for work and formal events. A brogue-style derby with decorative perforations adds a sense of formality as well. Wear your bespoke chestnut patina leather derby shoes with black trouser socks, light gray suit pants, and a black fitted button-up sans tie. Let your shoes speak for themselves.

8. Lace

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Selvedge denim, a bomber jacket, and black matte derby shoes laced up make for a nice smart casual look on your next day off. Perhaps you have a formal event on the horizon? Patent lace-up derbys are the perfect way to finish off your tux look. Maybe your next event is slightly less formal? Pair your lace-up derby shoes with skinny tailored ankle pants and a white formal tuxedo shirt, no jacket, no tie, no pocket square, no cuff links; no problem.

9. Round Toe

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The rounded toe is the most traditional and basic shoe shape. They tend to be quite spacious and comfortable, especially if your feet are on the broad or wide side. Since this toe shape is so simple, it can be innocuous, making this style of shoe easy to pull off for pretty much everyone.

10. Style

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Using fashion to show off your style is part of the fun of getting dressed. Sure, keeping it simple for certain occasions can be the right move, but being able to wear your newest safari jacket and how it looks great with skinny black jeans, a black Oxford shirt, and your matte black brogue lace-up derby shoes shows off your unique style.

Are you jealous of that guy that somehow manages to pair his derby shoes with shorts and a blazer? Don’t be. Just be that guy. An indigo blue short and blazer set with a chambray blue t-shirt and slip-on brown derby shoes is the perfect way to ease into the look.

11. Suede

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Yes, leather derby shoes are timeless and classic, but a suede pair can offer a more relaxed and contemporary feel, making them the perfect shoe for your favorite casual and smart-casual outfits. They are available in a variety of colorways, including brown, black, navy, white, burgundy, and tan to name a few. There is an option for every man and every event.

12. Suit

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Derby shoes are the perfect go-to dress shoe for any suit because they can seamlessly work with a wide array of suits from casual to more formal. Dark brown and black leather derby shoes with minimal brogue detailing look best with more formal suiting while casual suits look better with a heavier brogue pattern and suede fabrications.

13. Vintage

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You can either go with an entire vintage look or just vintage derby shoes. The choice is yours (feels good to be in charge, eh?). The more worn-in the leather is, the more vintage your derbys will look. 

Conclusion

Derby shoes can be dressed up or dressed down, but however, you choose to style them, make sure they fit properly. Wearing an ill-fitting shoe can take away from the stylish look you are trying to put forward.

They should fit securely across the arch with no slippage in the heel when walking. The fit across the ball of your foot will soften and stretch over time, so upon purchase, ensure the fit across that area is firm. Also, you do not want your toes to touch the end of the toe-end of your shoe. A thumb-width is ideal but can vary with each style.

It is safe to say that Yeezys have revolutionized the sneaker game and opened up a whole new market. Yeezys are generally lifestyle and casual footwear. But the shoes have become so trendy that even celebrities wear them on red carpets and athletes wear them to sporting events. Their popularity only increases with every new release, making the older models more sought-after.

If you are looking to get a pair, check out our list of the 10 best Yeezy shoes of all time. 

Blisters from wearing shoes can last anywhere between a few days to a couple of weeks. The only way to avoid this is by breaking in your new footwear. Most shoes typically have to be broken in, but boots take a lot longer than most. That is simply the price of wearing something sturdy that is designed to protect you from the elements.

If you recently bought a new pair, check out our detailed guide on how to break in new boots.

Slowly and Safely

The most common way to break in your brand new boots is by taking it slow. You can wear them for a couple of hours every day until they lose most of their toughness. Make sure to remove them once your feet begin to get tired or uncomfortable. If you wear them for too long, your feet will get sore and blisters will begin to form. When you wear them to work, remember to bring an extra pair of more comfortable shoes as your backup.

A good strategy is to wear your boots every morning when going out for breakfast, coffee, or even while walking your dog. These activities typically take about an hour or so, which is just enough time for your feet to remain comfortable. After a couple of weeks, you can start wearing your boots for the whole morning at the office.

If you follow this routine consistently, your boots should be broken in comfortably after a month or two. You can even wear them while just walking around at home. Do it when you are cooking food, doing chores, or just relaxing in the living room. Another short activity you can wear your boots to is buying groceries. A trip to the supermarket generally takes less than an hour, so your feet should be able to handle that.

During the first few weeks, make sure not to wear your boots for too long or on strenuous activities. Do not go hiking, walking long distances, or running in them just yet. Also, wear thick, soft socks to protect your feet. It will also help if your feet stay warm and dry. Sweat can cause your feet to slide around more and potentially cause blisters.

Force It

​​Another way to break in your new boots is by forcing the process. You just need to replicate how the material actually moves when you are walking in them. This is the fastest but riskiest way to break in your boots. If you do it correctly, your boots should be good to go in just a couple of days. However, you may end up damaging your brand new boots if you apply too much pressure on the wrong areas.

You can start by stepping on your shoes. Try not to put your whole weight on them, but put just enough to work out the material. Stepping on your boots will bend them similarly to the angle when you walk in them. Another option is by squeezing them with your hands and slightly bending the sole.

Squeezing or crushing the boots with your hands will stretch out and soften their material. Remember to be gentle and not bend the sole too much. Only keep it to normal angles that will happen if you were actually wearing and walking in them.

If you want to take a more proactive approach, you can try exercising while wearing your new boots. This strategy might cause blisters, but it will definitely break in your boots much quicker. Do this for about 10 to 15 minutes a day so your feet won’t get sore. You can do a little jogging, jumping, and other light exercises. If you have hiking or sports socks, wear them while exercising to keep your feet comfortable.

Things to Remember

Get High-Quality Boots

The best way to prevent blisters and sore feet is by buying high-quality boots from trusted brands. Boots are an important investment, especially if you live in cold areas. If you buy cheap ones, you will end up with low-quality material that will wear out quicker and may end up hurting your feet in the long run. 

Purchasing a top-quality pair will last you several years and are usually much easier to break in much. So, if you get the best boots available, you might not even need to break them in for very long.

Get the Right Size

Finding the right size of boots is one of the most important factors to consider. By having a good fit, your feet won’t slip inside the footwear while walking, leading to blisters. You also do not want a pair that is too tight, as boots tend to have tough materials. 

Always choose boots that are just the perfect fit for you especially if you are the type to do a lot of walking and hiking. Get a pair that is not too tight, but snug enough to keep your feet in place. Always try them on before buying, as different brands have different size standards. 

Also, take note that your sneaker size will sometimes differ from your boot size because sneakers are much more forgiving in their fit. If you are unsure of your size or buying your first boots ever, ask for help from store employees. Most stores will have the right measuring devices to make sure you get the correct size.

Adjust the Laces

Boots will always be a little tighter in the beginning. To counter that, you can adjust your laces to be more comfortable. As you break the shoes in, they will gradually feel more spacious. 

Try loosening up your laces if your boots are new as this makes it easier to ease in and helps prevent you from getting blisters. Once you have broken them in, you can tighten the laces again to give you a snug fit.

Clean Your Boots Regularly

Having clean footwear is very important. If the leather in your boots gets too wet, too dry, or covered in mud, it may end up deformed. You need to make sure your boots are clean and have access to fresh air to prevent shrinkage and flaking. If you keep them in hot places, the leather will end up drying out.

If you leave them out in the cold too often, your boots will toughen up and all that breaking in will be for nothing. Room temperature is the optimal setting to keep your boots in. Even then, you should wipe them clean every week or so, to remove accumulated dust.

You can also use leather conditioners to keep your boots lubricated and maintain their natural color. Some products even make your boots water repellent so they will be protected from the elements at all times. Leather conditioner keeps your boots smooth, soft, and breathable. Make sure to only get trusted products that do not include harmful ingredients.

What Not to Do

Do Not Soak Your Boots in Water

Some guides may suggest that you soak your boots in water to soften them. You should not do this, especially with classic leather boots made from traditional materials such as cork. The water will ruin the footwear and result in them being damaged a lot sooner than expected.

This method may work better for boots that use synthetic materials such as certain types of hiking boots. A common practice is to soak the boots in warm water for about an hour before drying them off with a towel or sun-drying them.

Do Not Blow Dry Your Boots

Another method that some people have suggested is blow-drying your boots with warm air. This is quite risky as the heat can end up damaging or even melting some of the materials in your boots. If you are going to do it regardless, just make sure the air is not too hot and do not do it for extended periods.

The idea is to make the leather more malleable using heat. The problem is that leather can turn from malleable to dry in a matter of seconds. Although it is a risky method, you can use it for specific areas of your boots that hurt your feet. For instance, if a toe is rubbing on a certain area too much, the leather may be too stiff there. The same principle applies to the ankle area.

Do Not Use Shoe Stretching Sprays

There have been several products in recent years claiming to stretch your boots and shoes enough without having to break them in. These sprays will claim that they stretch the leather to mold to your feet. The problem is that most of these solutions contain alcohol, which is bad for leather.

Remember that leather is basically animal skin. Do not use anything on it that you would not use on your own skin. That includes copious amounts of rubbing alcohol and other chemicals.

If you really want to test if these shoe stretching sprays work, try them on an older pair of boots that you don’t mind damaging. You can also experiment by buying a cheap pair and seeing if the sprays end up breaking them in. Whatever the case may be, this is an expensive and risky method that is just not worth it most of the time.

Boot Stretchers Are Rarely a Good Idea

Boot stretchers will definitely stretch out the leather and other materials, but the fit will be your problem. Remember that all feet have different shapes and sizes and boot stretches cannot break in your boots to the exact size and shape of your feet.

Unless you have custom-made boot stretchers that are shaped exactly like your feet, you should not do this method. A boot stretcher functions the same as if you wear your boots for a long time. It will end up stretching the leather in areas you do not want it to while being too tough on others.

For example, it may give you a lot of room in the heel and toe area but can remain too narrow in the midfoot area, especially if you have wide feet. If you have even more irregular shapes on your feet like large ankles, extra big toes, or protruding joints, you are likely to struggle even more

In addition to having the right kind of sweaters, jackets, and trousers, footwear is a very important factor when it comes to staying warm throughout the colder season. While sneakers and sandals are able to get the job done during the warmer months of the year, boots are truly the best option when it comes to facing the sometimes harsh winter weather.

If you’re wanting to find the best options for your personal style and needs, keep reading for our list of the 18 best boots to wear this winter.

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