Shoes and sneakers
The only shoe guide a man needs: sneakers to formal
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Men's shoes run on a scale from casual to formal: sandals and sneakers at the casual end, then boots, loafers, derbies, and oxfords at the formal end. Know where each sits and you'll never wear the wrong pair. This guide covers every common style and links to a deeper guide for each.
| Shoe | Formality (1 casual, 5 formal) | Wear it with | Deeper guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandals and slides | 1 | Shorts, linen, traditional wear | 5 shoes every man should own |
| Retro runners and chunky sneakers | 1 | Tees, jeans, cargo trousers | Retro runners |
| High-top sneakers | 1 to 2 | Jeans, cargo trousers | Low-top vs high-top |
| Minimal leather sneakers | 2 | Jeans, chinos, relaxed suits | White sneakers |
| Chukka and desert boots | 2 to 3 | Chinos, jeans, overshirts | Below |
| Loafers | 3 | Chinos, linen suits, shorts | Sneakers vs loafers |
| Monk straps | 3 to 4 | Suits, chinos | Below |
| Derbies | 3 to 4 | Chinos, suits | Formal shoes explained |
| Oxfords | 5 | Suits, formal events | Formal shoes explained |
Which shoes are casual?
Sandals, slides and sneakers. Within sneakers, there's a range: chunky runners and high-tops are the most casual, and minimal leather low-tops are smart enough for smart casual events. See the 5 sneakers every man needs in his rotation.
What are chukka and desert boots?
Ankle boots with two or three eyelets and a simple shape, usually in suede. Desert boots have a crepe rubber sole. They sit between sneakers and dress shoes and work with chinos and jeans. In Accra they're best in the cooler, drier harmattan months.
What are loafers?
Slip-on shoes with no laces. Penny loafers have a strap across the top; tassel loafers have small tassels; horsebit loafers have a metal bar. They're smart casual and ideal in the heat.
What are monk straps?
Dress shoes that close with one or two buckled straps instead of laces. They're as formal as a derby and add a little personality to a suit.
What's the difference between a derby and an oxford?
The lacing. Oxfords have closed lacing (the eyelet pieces are sewn under the front), which looks sleeker and more formal. Derbies have open lacing (sewn on top), which is more relaxed and fits wider feet. See derbies, oxfords and loafers explained.
Which colour leather is most formal?
Black is the most formal, then dark brown, then mid brown, then tan, then suede. That's why black oxfords are the funeral and interview shoe, and brown suede loafers are the weekend one.
Which shoes should I buy first?
- White leather sneakers
- Dark brown derbies
- Black oxfords
- Brown loafers
- Leather sandals
That's the list in the 5 types of shoes every man should own. For how many pairs is enough, see how many pairs of shoes a man really needs.
How do I match shoes to trousers?
Match the formality first: formal trousers with formal shoes, casual with casual. Then colour: dark trousers take black or brown; light trousers take brown or tan. Our guide to matching sneakers to your outfit covers sneakers in detail.
How do I make shoes last?
Rotate pairs, use shoe trees, clean after wearing and resole leather shoes rather than replacing them. See how to make your sneakers last longer.
Questions
What shoes for rainy season?
Rubber-soled shoes and leather treated with a protector. See rainy season shoes.
What socks go with each shoe?
See what socks to wear with sneakers, loafers and dress shoes.
Does sneakersInn sell all these shoes?
We sell sneakers. They are high-quality replicas of popular designs, and every product page says so. Delivery in Greater Accra costs GH₵30 to GH₵70 by area. See the facts page or our shop.