The average American owns approximately 20 pairs of shoes. When you think of all the different situations that require their unique style of shoe, that number makes sense. In fact, not having the right kind of shoes is considered a social faux pas.
In this article, we list the 8 different types of shoes that you may need in your life. Our list ranges from casual shoes to dress shoes to athletic shoes and more. Continue reading to find out which shoes are missing from your closet.
Table of Contents
1. Casual Shoes
Casual shoes are what you would wear during normal day-to-day activities such as meeting friends for lunch or going to the grocery store. Casual shoes are one of the best shoes for versatility and comfort.
These types of shoes are available in a wide array of quality, durability, and styles. Higher-quality casual shoes are for heavy use and long-term wear while lower-quality options offer style at a more affordable price.
Some types of shoes that fall under this category include tennis shoes, slip-on canvas shoes, and canvas sneakers. Nike Air Force sneakers are also classified as casual shoes. You can discover more at Kicks Crew.
2. Dress Shoes
For most people, dress shoes are special occasion shoes and aren’t worn frequently. This type of shoe also has the reputation of lacking comfort for the wearer, which is due to its more structured nature.
Choose a pair of dress shoes when you need to take your outfit to a more formal level. Business attire, weddings, and other formal events are an excellent reason to put on your best shoes.
Some of the most common types of dress shoes include Oxford shoes, Derby shoes, and high heels. Dress shoes should remain in the best condition possible since worn-out shoes can look distasteful at formal events.
3. Business Casual Shoes
When thinking of business casual shoes, think of something in between casual shoes and dress shoes. These are the best shoes for company events and less-formal special occasions such as a birthday party or dinner out with friends.
Examples of business casual shoes include ballet flats, loafers, and canvas sneakers. Due to their versatility, business casual shoes are a great shoe option when you aren’t sure what the dress code is.
4. Fashion Boots
Unlike work boots, fashion boots are mainly intended for style. They come in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and materials, which makes them a very versatile option. They have styles appropriate for any season.
Since they have a reputation for having multiple uses, they can satisfy either casual, business casual, and even formal wear requirements. This depends on the style you choose, but there is a style fitting each of these types of occasions.
Fashion boots include cowboy boots, knee-high boots, insulated boots, laced booties, open-toe booties, and more. Many options are available for both men and women.
5. Athletic Shoes
Athletic shoes often meet very specific requirements such as those for a particular sport or event. Many different types of athletic shoes are found at specialty shops such as sporting goods stores and outdoors shops.
Running shoes, baseball cleats, and hiking boots are all common examples of athletic shoes. As these have a specific purpose and are put under a lot of strain, they need to be durable, comfortable, and supportive.
While a good fit is important for any shoe it’s especially important for shoes meant for heavy use as with athletic shoes. Trying on different styles and sizes can help make a good selection for your feet.
6. Work Shoes
Some professional positions may require employees to wear a particular style of shoe for safety or other reasons. Similar to athletic shoes, work shoes are meant for heavy use. This requires a high level of durability and comfort.
Professional industries that are likely to require a specific style of shoe (or strongly encourage them) include the service industry, construction, healthcare, and others.
Special properties are built into work shoes to meet the needs of a particular industry. For example, boots intended for construction have steel toes and are made of fire-resistant material. Shoes for healthcare and service workers are non-slip.
7. Sandals
Sandals are most commonly used in the warmer months of Spring and Summer. Some wear them mostly on the beach or during outdoor activities such as nature walks or water activities.
Different styles of sandals have different purposes. Thicker, more durable sandals can be used for hiking or adventure-style activities. Some flip-flops or fashion sandals can be worn for special occasions.
8. Comfort Shoes
Comfort shoes include those mainly intended for at-home wear. Since their main function is comfort, they tend to lack durability and structure in favor of softer materials. Many styles often lack meaningful tread and shouldn’t be worn outdoors.
Types of comfort shoes include house slippers, slip-on slippers, and sock-slipper hybrids. Since they’re intended for comfort, cushion is a priority. While there may not be significant support, you can expect them to be filled with soft material.
Obtaining Different Types of Shoes
Obtaining different types of shoes is a necessity if you want to meet social standards for a variety of occasions. Even for a minimalist, one pair of casual shoes and one pair of dress shoes are essential.
In reality, depending on your occupation, you may have a variety of shoes for different activities, occasions, and styles. The goal is to have what you need while also having fun with it.
Find the Best Shoes for You
Finding the best types of shoes for your needs out of the many different types of shoes available can seem daunting. However, considering what you need from your shoes will help you navigate the above list.
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