Connect with us

Health

The Best Casual Shoe Brands For Men (And The Model To Buy)

Sneakers have taken over the world, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard casual shoes. Sitting between athletic and formal, this broad category of everyday footwear includes some of the most iconic and influential styles ever to step foot into the menswear world.

Casual shoes are characterised by their versatility. They’re your go-to footwear, whether you’re heading out for an evening meal or just working and running errands through the week. They’re lifestyle shoes in the purest sense of the term, and every good footwear collection should be home to at least one pair.

A broad category it may be, but there are certain companies and models that stand head and shoulders above the rest. Here we examine the most iconic casual-shoe brands in the world today, along with the shoes that put them on the menswear map.

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots are a man’s best friend during the awkward transitional seasons. They offer slightly more cover and support than a simple shoe, without sacrificing any of the style. From Chelseas to chukkas, below are the brands making the best in the game.

Clarks

Key Model: The Desert Boot


Since 1825, British shoemaking institution Clarks has been creating some of the best casual shoes in the world. It all began with a sheepskin slipper, but the silhouette that really cemented Clarks as a footwear staple and household name was the Desert Boot in 1950.

A simple two-eyelet chukka with a crepe sole and suede uppers, the Desert Boot was inspired by the shoes Nathan Clark had spotted local soldiers wearing while stationed in Burma. It was an instant hit when he brought it back to UK shores. It’s still supremely popular today, thanks largely to its simplicity, versatility and the huge array of colours and materials it’s now available in.

Shop now at END.

R. M. Williams

Key Model: The Gardener Boot


Australian brand R. M. Williams is famous for its Chelsea boots. It was founded in 1932 and became known for producing elasticated boots, made from a single piece of leather. In those days, the boots were worn by workers who paid 20 shillings a pair, but today R. M. Williams is better known as a luxury shoemaker, catering for stylish city dwellers who value heritage and high quality.

The label’s Gardener boot is a more rugged version of a classic Chelsea boot. Instead of a flat, leather sole, they feature a robust rubber one that’s designed for the rigours of working life. If you want something even more sturdy, there’s a commando-sole version too, which is tough enough for winter, yet smart enough to pair with tailoring.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Saint Laurent

Key Model: The Wyatt Boot


Under the creative direction of Hedi Slimane, Saint Laurent became known for its moody aesthetic, slim cuts and rock ‘n’ roll attitude. Pieces like leather jackets, slim black denim and Chelsea boots became integral to the Parisian label’s look, and the Wyatt boot is a relic of this era that’s still hugely popular today.

Slimane launched the Wyatt boot in 2013 and it quickly became a core element of Saint Laurent’s upscale-punk aesthetic. It’s a classic leather Chelsea crafted from premium materials, and some versions feature extra details like metal harness loops and elevated heels.

Shop now at MATCHESFASHION

Blundstone

Key Model: The 500 Boot


Australian manufacturers really know their way around a good slip-on boot, and Blundstone’s existence provides further proof. Making sturdy boots for life in the outback since 1870, this historic outdoor brand has since become an unlikely favourite of menswear insiders and urban fashionistos.

The boot at the centre of the Blundstone brand is the 500. It’s a rugged Chelsea that’s built for the ranch but will work just as well around town with jeans and an overshirt. The 500 is actually a series, so there are many colours and variations that fall under the umbrella. Just look for any boots that are labelled with a three-digit number beginning with ‘5’.

Shop now at Amazon

Padmore & Barnes

Key Model: The Original Boot


You may not have heard of Irish brand Padmore & Barnes, but you’ve almost certainly heard of the Clarks Wallabee. Well, when the shoe was first developed, it was made exclusively at the Padmore & Barnes factory in Ireland. When the factory closed in 2003, production moved to China, and some people argue that the quality declined.

Since then, Padmore & Barnes has sprung back into action, producing its own Original Boot, which looks a lot like a Wallabee Boot, only handmade in Ireland using traditional methods.

Shop now at END.

Lace-Ups

Lace-up shoes run the gamut from smart Derbies and brogues to moccasins and boat shoes. They’re great for most situations and versatile enough to work across your entire wardrobe. Here are the styles to know and the brands that make them.

Grenson

Key Model: The Archie Brogue


Grenson is one of the major forces in Northamptonshire’s footwear-making history, and still produces exemplary shoes and boots to this day. The brand is known for its quintessentially British aesthetic, applying its signature look to everything from brogues to Derby boots.

The Archie is one of Grenson’s staple styles. It’s a brogue Derby shoe with a thick commando sole that’s not only on-trend but ideal for tackling wet British weather.

Shop now at Grenson

Common Projects

Key Model: The Derby Shoe


New York City’s Common Projects burst onto the menswear scene back in 2004 with its famous Achilles Low sneaker. It was a shoe that blurred the lines between smart and casual and was instrumental in shifting perceptions around what a sneaker can and should be.

In the years that followed, Common Projects began working on other silhouettes, bringing its trademark contemporary, premium feel to the table. The brand’s take on the Derby shoe comes complete with a thick tread commando sole and is finished off with CP’s signature gold numbering to the heel, giving a traditional silhouette a contemporary update.

Shop now at SSENSE

Church’s

Key Model: The Shannon Derby Shoe


With a rich history dating all the way back to 1617, Church’s is one of the original Northamptonshire shoemaking companies. It has since been acquired by Prada, but still produces some of the finest high-end footwear money can buy.

The Shannon Derby shoe has been a staple of the Church’s brand since 1970. It’s a classic Derby, made using the finest materials and imbued with hundreds of years of shoemaking knowledge and experience.

Shop now at FarFetch

Timberland

Key Model: The Three-Eye Boat Shoe


Timberland is probably best known for its 6-inch boot – the big yellow work boot that was famously recontextualised by the hip-hop community and became an icon in the process. However, there is another shoe among the Timberland range with a similarly strong cult following and subcultural connections: the Three-Eye Boat Shoe.

This rugged take on a classic moc-toe deck shoe was popularised by the Paninaro subculture of 1980s Italy, which styled it with relaxed, cuffed denim, Moncler puffer jackets and Stone Island garments. It’s a great-looking shoe and features a thick commando sole that makes it perfect for tackling the cooler, wetter months in style.

Shop now at ASOS

Dr. Martens

Key Model: The 1461 Derby Shoe


Dr. Martens was founded by Klaus Märtens shortly after World War II. After recovering from an ankle injury, he found his standard-issue army boots were too uncomfortable and set about working on a solution. He used soft leather for the uppers and air-padded soles made from tyres. The result: a range of comfortable, hard-wearing footwear that would go on to win over several influential youth subcultures and take the world by storm.

With its low collar and Derby styling, the 1461 isn’t as lofty as many Dr. Martens styles. It’s a chunkier take on a classic Derby shoe, featuring the brand’s trademark air-cushioned sole, making it perfect for anyone looking for a Derby with a difference.

Shop now at Dr Martens

Slip-Ons

Don’t overlook slip-on footwear when it comes to choosing a pair of casual shoes. It’s a surprisingly rich category, packed full of shoes that are great for the warmer months of the year. Think two-eye boat shoes, loafers, espadrilles and drivers. Below are some of our favourite slip-on shoes from the brands that do them best.

Tod’s

Key Model: The Gommino Driving Shoe


As well as fast cars, pasta and brilliant hand gestures, Italy is also known for exquisite footwear. Perhaps that’s why it’s also the birthplace of the best driving shoe ever made.

Featuring a pebbled sole, moc toe and slip-on design, the Gommino from Tod’s is the godfather of all driving loafers. That said, it has plenty of use outside of the car too. Teamed with soft tailoring, this stylish suede shoe is the perfect match for warm summer evenings around town, and can happily be paired with shorts and a T-shirt too.

Shop now at MR PORTER

Gucci
Key Model: The Horsebit Loafer


Thanks to some clever hiring over the years, Italian brand Gucci is now the most popular and influential fashion label in the world. A lot has changed over the years to get the company into this position, but one thing has remained exactly the same ever since the 1950s. We’re talking, of course, about the Horsebit Loafer.

This elegant slip-on shoe has become a universal symbol of opulence, extravagance and indulgence. It’s simple yet instantly recognisable and has spurred countless imitations over the decades. Still, the Gucci Horsebit Loafer remains the original and best, not unlike a Rolex: something that many a man aspires to own at some point in his life.

Shop now at FarFetch

G.H. Bass

Key Model: The Bass Weejun Loafer


For those who can’t stretch to the lofty financial heights of a Gucci Horsebit Loafer, there are some excellent alternatives. First and foremost, the shoes of American brand G.H. Bass, especially the iconic Weejun penny loafer.

Bass Weejuns first hit shelves in the 1930s, but it was when an editor at Esquire magazine discovered and wrote about the shoes that they really took off. In the time that has elapsed since, these humble loafers have barely changed one bit. But then, why would they?

Shop now at MATCHESFASHION

Sperry

Key Model: The Topsider Deck Shoe


There are many brands making deck shoes, but Sperry is the original and arguably the best. Born in 1934, the sole (no pun intended) mission of Sperry footwear was to keep sailors surefooted on slippery decks – something it managed with inspiration from the most unlikely source.

Founder Paul Sperry got the idea for a unique, anti-slip sole design when he observed his dog moving around the wet deck of his boat. The dog would never slip, and so Sperry examined its paws and designed a sole unit featuring the same zig-zag pattern. He applied it to the Sperry Topsider and an icon was born – a great-looking shoe that could be slipped on and off with ease, and held firm on even the slippiest of surfaces.

Shop now at END.

Castañer

Key Model: The Pablo Espadrille


Founded in 1927, Castañer has been refining its espadrilles over the course of almost a century. Some might say they’re the best espadrilles in the world, and the fact that none other than Yves Saint Laurent himself chose to partner up with the Spanish brand in the 1970s lends credence to their case.

The Pablo is a classic espadrille, handmade in Spain using the age-old traditional techniques. Lightweight and casually elegant, they’re the perfect summer shoe and ideal for those looking for laid-back footwear made to the highest standards.

Shop now at SSENSE

The post The Best Casual Shoe Brands For Men (And The Model To Buy) appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

—————————————-
By: Paddy Maddison
Title: The Best Casual Shoe Brands For Men (And The Model To Buy)
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/best-mens-casual-shoes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-mens-casual-shoes
Published Date: Wed, 30 Aug 2023 07:00:19 +0000

Read More

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Health

How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself

This original article was first published here: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself

Do you keep pushing yourself to do more and more, and do you feel guilty when you stop? If so, you’re not alone, but you might be causing yourself some health issues. It’s far better to take some time for yourself and relax than it is to keep going, but knowing that and doing that are two different things.

The fact is that if you never take any time for yourself, you’ll burn out, and that’s going to affect your health and happiness even more. So why not take a perfect day to yourself and relax, have fun, and re-energize? It will help you more than you could know, and you’ll have a good time too. If that sounds like a great idea, here are some things you could do with your day to make it perfect. Read on to find out more.

Wake Up Early

Wake Up Early

If you want a day to relax, the idea of waking up early might sound like a bad idea when sleeping in might be something you don’t normally get to do, but if you wake up early, you can do more with your day, and you won’t feel guilty for wasting any time.

The best thing to do is to go to bed at a reasonable time the night before. In that case, it will be easier to wake up early, so plan ahead and make sure you get a good night’s sleep. Not only will you get more done, but you’ll feel healthy and energized too.

Do Something Fun

Drive a ferrari

You don’t have to do anything at all on your day off when you have your home all to yourself, but if there’s something fun that you do want to do, this is the perfect opportunity to do it. You might want to go and see a movie that none of your friends and family are interested in, or perhaps you want to go for a walk in the woods and enjoy nature in peace and quiet. Maybe you want to rent a luxury car in Montreal and go for a drive in the city, enjoying the fact that you’re doing something just for you that you’ll look back on and feel happy about in years to come.

Whether you do nothing at all or you plan a day of activities, just make sure you’re enjoying what you do and that you’re not getting overwhelmed and stressed, or the good you did by taking some time to yourself will quickly be undone again, and you’ll be back to square one.

Disconnect From Technology

Digital detox

As tempting as it might be to spend time on your day off scrolling through social media or checking emails, try to resist and do anything else instead. Social media can be fun and even good for business, but it can also be bad for people’s mental health, so disconnecting and doing other things is a much better option.

When you’re not constantly distracted by notifications and worrying about missing out on things that other people are doing, you’ll be able to enjoy the present moment much more. When you’re more mindful – which is what enjoying the present moment means – you’ll become less stressed and more relaxed, and your day off will be worthwhile.

Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.

—————————————-
By: Men Style Fashion
Title: How To Have The Perfect Day For Yourself
Sourced From: www.menstylefashion.com/how-to-have-the-perfect-day-for-yourself/
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:31:33 +0000

Read More

Continue Reading

Health

10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish

The beginning of the 2020s saw people spending more time at home than ever before. The pandemic shone a spotlight on the clothes we wore while lounging around the house, and if you’re anything like us, you probably realised just how much time you spend slumped across the sofa in the same old moth-bitten sweater and gym shorts.

Lockdown is now (thankfully) well behind us, but it has left in its wake a newfound appreciation for good-quality loungewear, and an understanding that the clothes you wear behind closed doors are every bit as important as the ones that venture out of the house.

Chilling at home is an important part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, and having some decent garments to do it in makes it all the more enjoyable. We’re talking comfy, cosy pieces that feel great to wear, but that won’t leave you looking like a complete slob when you have to nip out to the shop or greet the pizza guy at the door.

Here are the key pieces you might want to consider.

Dressing Gown/Bathrobe




There are few pleasures in life greater than swaddling yourself in a gigantic fuzzy dressing gown to drink your coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.

You can throw this thing on in the absence of clothes when you emerge from the shower. You can pop it on over your PJs while you shuffle around the kitchen eating toast. You can even spend an entire day in it, nesting on the sofa, surrounded by calorific snacks on a day off.

A good bathrobe is the perfect partner for all of these situations and more, so make sure to arm yourself with a good one in a cosy towelling fabric. Some of our favourites come from Derek Rose, Missoni Home and The White Company.

Drawstring Pants




A good pair of drawstring pants is one of our favourite style cheat codes. They allow you to enjoy the comfort and practicality of a pair of pyjama trousers or jogging bottoms while masquerading as something much smarter.

This makes them perfect for days spent around the house when it may not be appropriate to go full goblin mode, such as when WFH.

Check out the 24 Trousers from L’Estrange – one of our favourite options in this category.

Cashmere Jumper




Investment pieces aren’t usually part of the conversation when it comes to loungewear. That’s understandable. After all, who wants to pump a big chunk of their cash into something that’s never going to see the light of day?

But that’s where a cashmere jumper is different. This is one of the few pieces that can seamlessly transition from Netflix binge to formal function.

It’s comfy and cosy for lounging around, but it’s also luxurious and smart enough to team up with tailoring. And it’ll happily do everything in between those two extremes too.

Boxy Hoodie




We’re staunch advocates of the importance of a good fit, but when it comes to loungewear, you don’t necessarily want everything to be tailored to perfection. There’s a time and a place for baggy, boxy, loose-fitting clothes, and that’s when you’re chilling at home.

A heavyweight boxy hoodie is perfect for throwing on while you’re nesting at the weekend or on cold evenings after work. Go for something plain and well made so it lasts.

We always recommend Camber. It’s a USA-based brand that specialises in heavy-duty blank tees and sweats, and it’s hoodies are some of the best in the game.

House Shoes




You should always take your shoes off when you’re in the house, unless they were specifically designed not to be. ‘House shoes’ is an admittedly pretty broad term that can include anything from slippers to clogs.

They’re what you put on to schlep around the kitchen or take the bins out, and they really came into their own during lockdown.

Birkenstock has a bit of a stranglehold on this market with the Boston, but take a look at other styles like Reeboks Beatnik or The North Face’s Tent Mule too.

Heavyweight Joggers




Don’t waste your money on sub-par sweatpants. If you want them to last and be as comfortable and cosy as possible, spend the extra cash and get a proper heavyweight pair.

Not only will they stack better on top of your best sneakers far more effectively than a flimsy pair, but they’ll be much better at keeping you warm in the winter months.

Again, take a look at what Camber has to offer in this department. Otherwise, Carhartt WIP and Reigning Champ make some stylish options.

Oversized T-shirts




We’ve established why boxy hoodies are great for chilling in, and that same logic applies to tees too. Baggy T-shirts are just comfier, and that’s exactly what you want when you’re lounging around at home.

Instead of buying ones that are a few sizes too big, you could opt for some deliberately slouchy tees like the ones from Uniqlo U, which have dropped shoulders and a wide fit, but still sit at the right length for your torso.

Merino Socks




Merino is a wonder fabric that insulates amazingly, wicks moisture and dries fast. It’s also super soft and comfortable, all of which makes it a prime candidate for socks.

Buy enough pairs to rotate and never look back.

Traditional Pyjama Set




The modern loungewear landscape is dominated by sweatpants, hoodies and crew necks, but a good old set of traditional PJs is still as good an option as ever, and something well worth arming yourself with if you like to save on your heating bill in the winter months.

Some of the brands making the best versions include Derek Rose, Hamilton + Hare, Desmond & Dempsey and CDLP.

Sweat Shorts




Sweatpants are comfy, but they might be a bit too warm for the summer. That’s where you’ll want a pair of sweat shorts. These stretchy bad boys are essentially cut-off joggers.

They’re made from the same comfortable fleece-backed jersey cotton and are perfect for chilling in the warmer months.

The post 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish appeared first on Ape to Gentleman.

—————————————-
By: Paddy Maddison
Title: 10 Loungewear Pieces That Will Keep You Comfortable And Stylish
Sourced From: www.apetogentleman.com/key-loungewear-pieces/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=key-loungewear-pieces
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 08:00:56 +0000

Read More

Continue Reading

Health

Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles

This original article was first published here: Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles

Fashion is ever-evolving, with everyone constantly on the lookout for trendy wear. A mix of culture and modern design signifies class and style. Everyone has their unique take on what constitutes “fashion,” but most would concur that it reflects an individual’s sense of personality via their attire.

It’s reasonable to suggest that clothing has the potential to incorporate different spiritual and ethnic customs. However, finding current cuts and cultural aesthetics in one place can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Worry not, as we bring you a clothing store, Olsen Canada, with in-house designs that consist of a contemporary lookbook with a hint of elegance.

We have created a comprehensive review of the service below to look deeper into their diverse range of clothing and facilities. Let’s get right into it.

A Stylistic Analysis of Olsen Clothing Canada

Olsen Canada is an acclaimed name with their persistent style inspiration and a long line of fashion wear curated since 1995. They design apparel with expert skills, considering client tastes and distinct preferences.

European fashion inspires the 16 collections that come out every year. From lovely linens to strong statement pieces, they specialize in providing effortless looks. Everything you could need, from casual and formal, from dresses to blazers, can be found in a single accessible location.

Made with premium eco-friendly material, Olsen Clothing Canada has something for everyone. Taking into account that art is the essence of life, they have in-house designers who introduce runway-worthy cuts and colours to make you stand out in the crowd.

Maintaining a feminine vibe in their outfits, the materials they utilize for their clothing line are top-notch with a wear guarantee, making it appealing and long-lasting with comfort in place. Moreover, they have 24/7 staff to assist their customers with queries or concerns, making them reliable.

Oslen-fashion

Diverse Product Line

They have everything in store, from collection-based and free-style outfits to pick and choose from. Their collections include Effortless Ease, Season Favorite, Vintage Holiday, Designer Choice, and several others.

Olsen Canada does not restrict its designs to a specific demographic; instead, they have a unique set of clothes and flattering cuts to suit any body type and age. From their capsule collection to versatile statement pieces, their apparel is one of a kind.

Quality Clothing

With an inclusive body type and style quotient, Olsen Clothing Canada makes sure to provide the highest-grade fabric. They ensure that the cloth is soft and comfortable and can be used over a longer period to offer high value for money.

Eco-Friendly Apparel

Their designers also introduced a line of high-quality clothes made of biodegradable material. This is an effort to reduce the carbon footprint and waste from landfills. Their environment-conscious efforts make them a step further than regular clothing brands.

Express Delivery

With many convenient physical store locations, customers can easily order from their online website.

  • By navigating through their intuitive UI, you can scroll through their website and skim through all their categories.
  • After selecting the items you want to buy, you can add them to your cart.
  • Here, you must provide personal information, such as name, contact, and address details, and select a payment option.
  • You will receive your order with their express delivery service in a few business days.

Accessible Customer Service Representatives

Besides having a line of premium quality clothes, their customer service is exemplary. By writing to them, you can quickly get in contact with their customer service team for any sort of questions you have. Their customer staff is informative, highly responsive, and has problem-solving abilities regarding orders.

Concluding Note

Style is individualistic and translates an individual’s personality; clothing helps portray this. Women are always looking for feminine yet classic, modern clothes that are easily accessible; Olsen Clothing Canada specializes in this. With their current designs and trendy cuts this company proves to be one of Canada’s most fashion-forward clothing lines. We hope this article was informative and helped you understand more about Olsen Clothing Canada in detail effectively.

Please visit: Men Style Fashion for more articles like this.

—————————————-
By: Men Style Fashion
Title: Discover The Latest Olsen Clothing Canada Collection -Trends and Styles
Sourced From: www.menstylefashion.com/discover-the-latest-olsen-clothing-canada-collection-trends-and-styles/
Published Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:57:21 +0000

Read More

Continue Reading

Trending