5 types of shoes every man needs
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Every man needs five types of shoes: clean white leather sneakers, black oxfords, brown derbies, loafers and a pair of leather sandals. Between them they cover the office, weddings, funerals, church, weekends and the beach.
| Shoe | What it is | Wear it to | Wear it with |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. White leather sneakers | Low-top sneaker in plain white leather | Weekends, casual Fridays, travel | Jeans, chinos, shorts, relaxed suits |
| 2. Black oxfords | Formal lace-up with closed lacing | Funerals, interviews, formal events | Charcoal, black and navy suits |
| 3. Brown derbies | Lace-up with open lacing | Office, church, smart casual | Chinos, navy and grey suits, jeans |
| 4. Loafers | Slip-on leather or suede shoe | Dinners, daytime weddings, warm days | Chinos, linen suits, shorts |
| 5. Leather sandals | Open shoe with a leather sole or straps | Hot weekends, beach, home | Shorts, linen trousers, traditional wear |
1. Why are white sneakers on the list?
Because they go with almost everything you own that isn't formal. A plain white leather sneaker, with no big logos or loud colours, looks clean with jeans, chinos, shorts and even a relaxed linen suit.
Keep them clean. Wipe the leather with a damp cloth after wearing, clean the soles with a soft brush and mild soap, and replace the laces when they grey. If a stain won't shift, ask us on WhatsApp before you try anything harsh.
If you shop sneakers with us, know what you are buying: our sneakers are high-quality replicas of popular designs, and every product page says so. The facts page explains what we sell and how delivery and payment work.
2. What is the difference between an oxford and a derby?
The lacing. On an oxford, the pieces with the eyelets are stitched under the front of the shoe, so the lacing closes neatly in a V. On a derby, those pieces are stitched on top, so the lacing opens wider.
That small detail makes the oxford more formal and the derby more relaxed. It also makes derbies easier to wear if you have a high instep or wide feet.
Why black oxfords?
Black oxfords are the most formal everyday shoe, and the one pair you can't replace with anything else at a funeral, an interview or a black-tie event. Wear them with charcoal, black and navy suits. Plain toe or cap toe (a straight line of stitching across the toe) are the classic styles.
3. What are brown derbies for?
Everything between casual and formal. Brown derbies work with chinos, jeans and navy or grey suits, which makes them the shoe most working men wear most often. Dark brown is the most versatile shade.
4. When should I wear loafers?
When it's hot and the event is smart but not formal. Loafers slip on, breathe better than lace-ups when worn without socks or with no-show socks, and suit linen and cotton suits, chinos and even tailored shorts. Leather loafers are smarter; suede loafers are more relaxed.
5. Are sandals really a wardrobe essential?
In Accra, yes. A good pair of leather sandals is the right shoe for hot weekends, the beach and wearing with traditional outfits. Ghana's own ahenema, the traditional leather sandal, is the most formal version and is often worn with kente or a smock at ceremonies.
Choose leather over rubber or foam if you want them to last and to look right with smart outfits.
Which pairs should I buy first?
Buy in this order: white sneakers and brown derbies first, because you will wear them most. Then black oxfords before your first formal event. Loafers and sandals come last, because the first three can stand in for them.
How do I make leather shoes last?
Five habits double the life of a pair:
- Rotate. Don't wear the same pair two days running. Leather needs a day to dry out from sweat, which matters in Accra's humidity.
- Use shoe trees. Cedar trees absorb moisture and hold the shape. Rolled newspaper works if you don't have them.
- Clean and polish. Wipe off dust after wearing and polish every few weeks.
- Dry them slowly. If they get soaked in the rainy season, stuff them with paper and let them dry away from direct sun.
- Resole, don't replace. A good cobbler can replace worn soles and heels for much less than a new pair.
Questions
What colour shoes go with a navy suit?
Brown or black. Brown is more relaxed and suits daytime events; black is more formal. Our guide to the 5 suits every man needs has a full pairing table.
Can I wear sneakers to the office?
If your office is smart casual, clean white leather sneakers with chinos are usually fine. For client meetings and formal offices, wear derbies or loafers.
How do I find my sneaker size?
Every product page in our shop has a size guide, and you can ask us on WhatsApp before you order. Delivery in Greater Accra costs GH₵30 to GH₵70 depending on your area, and it is free when you order 2 or more pairs.
What else should I own besides shoes?
Start with the 5 clothes every man needs, then use our outfits guide to see which shoes go with which outfit.