Classic men's shoes: basic models

Only a few people know how diverse the world of classic men's shoes is. Most, of course, confidently distinguish shoes from shoes and sandals from moccasins, however, there are a lot of models of shoes, and some of them are generally difficult to find on the street, although they are classic. In this article we will talk about the main varieties of classic men's shoes.

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Oxfords and Derby

Let's start with lace-up shoes. All of them are divided into two types: oxfords and derby (oxfords, derby). On oxfords, the sidewalls - the parts of the top on which the holes for the laces are punched - are sewn under the front end, that is, they cannot be bent completely. On the derby, the sidewalls are sewn on top of the front, and if you remove the laces, you can bend them almost 180 degrees.

What is the practical difference between oxford and derby? First of all, derby are better suited for people with high heights. Secondly, in all other things being equal, oxfords are more official. In addition, it is believed that they look more elegant and elegant, while the derby visually slightly increase the foot.

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Brogues - shoes with holes

We all know shoes with many holes - in the summer they can often be seen on the streets of Russian cities. However, brogues are not any shoes with holes. Their holes can only be located along the seams and on the toes, and these holes are never through. Brogues can be both oxfords and derby.

Keep in mind that shoes with brogering are less formal than shoes without brushing. The more decorative holes, the lower the degree of officiality of shoes (or shoes).

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Loafers and monks - shoes without laces

For those who are too lazy to tie shoelaces, manufacturers of classic shoes produce loafers and monk (loafers, monk straps). Loafers are low-heeled shoes, well-structured, but devoid of lacing. They can be decorated with tassels (and this model is called tassel loafers), as well as false tongues with a slot (this is a penny loafer). In addition, on the front of the loafers there is a semicircular seam - like on moccasins. Sometimes it is the only decoration, in which case the corresponding pair is called the Venetian loafers.

Monks are shoes with buckles. Usually, each boot has either one buckle or two (in the second case, the term double monk can be used - double monk straps). Both monks and loafers are very versatile shoes - if they are dark and made of smooth leather, then they can be worn with suits, chinos, and jeans. However, of course, monks and loafers do not allow some strict dress codes.

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How are loafers different from moccasins?

The fact that there are no heels on moccasins, but on loafers it is. In addition, loafers are usually more structured. Accordingly, moccasins do not provide good support for the feet and are poorly suited for long walks - but are great for driving a car. In any case, moccasins are less formal than loafers, and you should not combine them with suits. It is better to wear moccasins without socks or with invisible socks, while loafers and monks can be worn both with ordinary socks and without them.

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The main types of boots

Now go to the boots. Of course, there are shoes with lacing - as a rule, such as a derby, that is, with sidewalls that can be freely bent.There are also shoes with long side seams and sidewalls sewn under the front end - experts call them balmoral boots (balmoral boots). Such models look very strict and can be combined with suits.

Another option that also looks good with costumes is chelsea boots. There is no lacing on them, but on the sides there are elastic gum inserts, so these shoes are easy to put on and easy to take off. In dark burgundy brown, the chelsea are the most versatile - this model can be combined with a strict suit and jeans.

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Stock footage

Finally, there are still chakka boots and deserts, very similar to each other (chukka boots, desert boots). There is lacing on them, but there are few holes for the laces - four or six. These boots are quite low, and they are made from suedeboth smooth and textured leather. Desserts differ from chakka crepe, rough and frankly informal-looking sole. Chakka in some versions may look strict and even suitable for wearing with a suit - for example, if we are talking about dark brown boots with a relatively thin leather sole.