Men’s footwear preferences are undergoing a significant transformation. You wouldn’t be too surprised today to see a man wearing a suit with a pair of sneakers for his best friend’s wedding. You might even see the groom flaunt sneakers with his sherwani!
Today, being ‘on trend’ goes hand in hand with comfort. Gone are the days when men didn’t mind wearing hard boots that pinched their toes just to fit in with everyone else. Today, they choose comfortable shoes that they can wear all day.
Many shoe brands in India have noticed this changing mindset. As a result, the new collections prioritise comfort. Various soft cushioned sneakers and casual shoes are available online and offline. Let’s take a closer look.
Transitioning From Formal to Casual Shoes for Men
Did you know that heels were originally designed for men’s footwear? In Persia, men’s shoes could have heels as high as 4 inches! That style disappeared in the 18th century. This was probably one of the first signs of men recognising the need for comfortable shoes.
A man’s shoe cupboard once only had rows of boots, oxfords, and other dress shoes. Today’s fashionable gentlemen probably wear just one or two pairs of formal shoes sparingly. The rest of the row is filled with sneakers and sandals. Multiple factors are driving this change.
Firstly, the choice of materials. Dress shoes are usually made from leather. These shoes are expensive, require regular polishing, and could be uncomfortable during the summer. Using faux leather could make the shoes less expensive, but durability suffers. In addition, the leather material must stretch and mould itself to the feet.
As a result, these shoes often require a break-in period — meaning the first few times they are worn, they might feel stiff or uncomfortable until the leather gradually adapts to the shape of the feet.
Secondly, there’s been a gradual change in lifestyles. Today offices don’t look like the offices you see in the Man Men series. Men are still expected to dress smartly, but the only time they wear a blazer is probably for a senior client meeting. The workday has also become longer. So, comfortable attire and smart, casual footwear are acceptable.
Additionally, commuting habits are evolving. With buses and metro travel requiring a considerable amount of walking, wearing comfortable footwear has become essential.
Sneakers – The Classic Casual Shoes for Men
You can’t talk about men’s footwear without mentioning sneakers. These shoes may have been originally intended for the sports field, but today, they’re everywhere.
Sneakers are the go-to shoes for days chilling at the mall, movie nights, and even date nights. Many men have more than 1 shelf dedicated to their sneakers. After all, there are so many different types to pick.
There are sleek PU-topped sneakers in classic black and white colour combinations. These are great for the office, a movie date, or a block party. To keep them looking fresh, just wipe them down.
On the other hand, mesh-topped sneakers are ideal for all-day wear. The choice of materials here allows your feet to breathe. This means you won’t have to worry about your feet smelling bad when you remove your shoes.
In addition to the different materials for shoe uppers, you’ll also find a variety of soles. If you enjoy walking barefoot, look for a pair of thin-soled shoes. These are great for running errands around your society or visiting a friend’s house.
But what if you find yourself on your feet most of the day? After a while, your feet may start feeling the strain. On such days, you need shoes with a thicker sole.
Rather than look only for branded shoes at the lowest price, look for shoes with a well-cushioned sole that supports your feet. This keeps you from feeling the pebbles and potholes in the street and reduces the risk of accidentally twisting your feet.
Slip-On Shoes – Effortless Style for Busy Days
Tying shoelaces can feel like an extra task when getting ready in a hurry. Many leave their sneaker laces tied when taking them off and then struggle to slide their feet back in without untying and retying the knot. Instead, a pair of slip-on shoes offers the convenience of wearing shoes without any extra steps.
Today, a wide range of casual shoes for men is available. Some designs mimic the loafer style without the formal appearance, while others feature faux laces, providing the look of lace-up shoes without the hassle of tying them. Like sneakers, slip-on shoes offer ample cushioning for all-day comfort and support. Choosing the right size is essential—if too loose, they may slip off more easily than intended.
Sports Sandals – An Outdoor Favourite
When monsoon rains arrive, or you plan to visit a riverside getaway, keeping shoes dry can be challenging. This is where sports sandals become the perfect alternative, offering a balance of style, comfort, and practicality.
Ideal for holidays and weekend escapes, sports sandals provide the ease needed for long walks, casual outings, and spontaneous adventures. In the city, they are a convenient option for picking up a delivery or taking a relaxed stroll with friends.
As temperatures rise, their open, breathable design ensures superior comfort, making them a more appealing choice than enclosed shoes. While clubs may favour sneakers, sports sandals work just as well for a trip to the movies, a picnic, or any laid-back outing.
Emerging Trends for Casual Men’s Footwear
Comfort doesn’t have to come at the price of looking good. If you think of yourself as a trendsetter, here are a few moderations in casual shoes for men you should know.
Chunky Tech-Powered Sneakers are in
Chunky men’s sneakers are making a strong statement on fashion runways, reflecting a growing preference for comfort without compromising style. Characterized by thick soles and broad silhouettes, these sneakers provide a secure fit while offering enhanced cushioning against uneven surfaces like potholes and cobblestone streets.
However, the trend isn’t just about making soles thicker—footwear brands in India are integrating advanced technology to elevate comfort. Features like air pockets add a spring-like bounce to each step, while coil sole technology enhances arch support, making these sneakers a perfect blend of fashion and functionality.
Brown is the New Black
While black and white have long been staple colour choices in footwear, neutral shades are now gaining popularity. Browns, ranging from soft beige to deep coffee tones, quickly become the new go-to hues for sneakers. These shades offer a sophisticated, more mature look compared to the traditional all-black or all-white styles.
In addition to their stylish appeal, brown sneakers are easier to maintain and pair seamlessly with a wide range of outfits. They complement both formal and casual looks, making them versatile enough to wear with trousers and a button-down shirt or with chinos and a simple tee.
The Resurgence Of High-Tops
Shoe designers are shifting their focus beyond just the soles; the collar of the shoe is also undergoing a transformation. The collar, which is the part that wraps around the ankle when you slip your foot in, is becoming taller as shoes get chunkier. This trend, once mainly associated with basketball shoes, is now making a comeback in everyday footwear.
By raising the collar above the ankle, high-top shoes provide improved ankle support, helping to reduce the risk of twisting or straining the foot during side-to-side movements. This design adds a distinctive look and offers extra stability for those on the move.
Buying The Best Men’s Footwear
Today, it seems like there’s a never-ending range of casual shoes for men. It’s the brand name, colour, and surface design of these shoes that usually catch one’s attention. Price matters, too. But these aren’t the most important features.
It is more important to choose a pair of shoes that are comfortable and support your feet well. They should be made from durable materials that can withstand daily use. Construction is important, too. Look for shoes with a strong, seamless joint between the upper material and the soles.
Like most men, you’ll probably look online for new shoes. Most shoe brands in India have an online presence through independent websites as well as multi-brand shopping platforms. Since you won’t be able to try them on before making your purchase, pay attention to their return policy.
At Asian Footwears, we have a wide range of trendy casual shoes for men. Check out our online collection for today. You can also give us a call at +91 7561000092 or email our team at info@asianfootwears.com.
