Best Shoes for College - Men
Posted by Liz J. on Jul 12th 2017
Entering college often signifies a new stage in your life--and the perfect time to update your wardrobe. As you grow and learn, your style should also reflect that growth. Plus, moving from class to class and around campus means you're spending a lot of time on your feet. We've made a list of some of our favorite shoes for college and university life below.
Chukka / Desert Boots
Add a little class to your casual look. Chukka and Desert boots are laid back and comfortable, but look much nicer than your tennis shoes. A traditional chukka boot has a crepe sole and two eyelets, but plenty of variations exist. Try a pair from Clarks, Timberland, or Johnston & Murphy.
Dress Shoes
Whatever your price range, it's important to have a well-maintained pair of dress shoes. These will come in handy for presentations, interviews, scholarship banquets, and other formal events. A go-to staple is a plain-toe, black balmoral (click here to learn about the difference between a blucher and a balmoral/oxford), which will work at almost every formal event. A straight tip (cap toe) shoe is a slightly less formal option that is still commonly accepted, but brogues and wing designs are seen as informal. If you already have a staple formal pair, you can feel free to experiment with bluchers, brogues, toe styles and leathers. Try a pair from Johnston & Murphy, Florsheim, Cole Haan, or Bruno Magli.
Athletic
From division teams to sports clubs to recreation centers to hiking trips, there are plenty of ways to stay active in college. Whether you’re running, training, lifting, or we have you covered with athletic shoes from New Balance, Reebok CrossFit, Inov-8, Merrell,Vibram FiveFingers, Ecco and more!
Waterproof / Hiking
Being out on your own in a new place may be a little scary, but it also comes with plenty of opportunities for new experiences. Always be ready for whatever adventure comes your way--or just for inclement weather with hiking shoes and waterproof boots from Merrell, Timberland, and Kamik.
Sandals
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have shoes for warm weather. Depending on where you attend college (and if your dorm room has a/c), the first and last few months of your first year can get really hot. Remember that if you're walking between classes, you'll need more support. Save your flimsy flip flops for the shower--sandals from Vionic, Olukai, Timberland, Naot, Chaco, and Sperry Topsider are comfortable enough for all-day wear.
