(SPOT.ph) How many pairs of shoes does the average Filipino guy own? The shoe-obsessed may have a closetful, especially the hardcore sneakerheads, but there’s only so many you can use even though there are countless colors and styles out there (not unlike ladies’ shoes). Nobody’s stopping you from building a shrine for your precious pieces (or giving Imelda a run for her money, if that’s your thing), but if you’re striving for simplicity, you can start building your shoe collection composed only of the essentials.
If you're looking to streamline your wardrobe, here are the six pairs of shoes you’ll ever really need:
Mexico 66 (P5,800) from Onitsuka Tiger
Tri-Color Classic (P3,250) from Superdry
White Sneakers
Perfect for: Casual hangouts, like going to the mall or catching a movie during the weekends
Even if they get sullied the minute you step out your front door, white sneakers should be a staple in any man’s wardrobe. It’s like the dot on an exclamation point: the final “oomph” that completes your casual look. Anyone can wear sneakers in any other color, but white sneakers instantly elevate your look from boring to bitchin’.
Metcon 2 (P6,745) from Nike
Pureboost ZG (P5,795) from Adidas
Trainers
Perfect for: General fitness routines like going to the gym or jogging (consider switching to specialty shoes when you start getting serious about one type of sport)
You don’t need another reminder that you need to get off your butt and start being more active. And you’re going to need the appropriate equipment and apparel for that. There are as many different types of shoes as there are for different physical activities (tap-dancing shoes, anyone?) but if you must go with one set of athletic shoes, go with trainers.
Gommino in suede (P6,326) from Tod's
Milo Accel loafers (P4,500) from Hush Puppies
Loafers
Perfect for: Every day at work, after-office events, or Sunday afternoon at an art fair
If Oxfords are the shoes you wear to your graduation, loafers are what you wear every day during class. Loafers are basically slip-ons (a.k.a. no laces), a more casual version of the “leather shoes” basic. Depending on the style, this type of shoe can be used for practically anywhere. But whether you wear them with or without socks, however, is a judgment call.
101 in Cherry Red (P7,990) from Dr. Martens
Classic ankle boots in tan (P7,198) from Timberland
Boots
Perfect for: Hiking and mountain climbing on the weekends or going to a rock concert
In this age of unpredictable weather (and schedules), a good pair of boots is a necessity. Besides being practical especially during typhoon season, they never go out of style. Just ask your hippie uncle or cool older brother!
Empire (P4,299) from Traffic
Duncan Gloss Black Pair (P24,500) from Harry’s Of London
Black Oxfords
Perfect for: Weddings, funerals and the occasional high-society function
“Black leather shoes” is a catch-all term, but if you’re looking for the kind that you can use to meet royalty or attend a black-tie gala, then you can't go wrong with black Oxfords. Find a pair that’s classic and durable and it’s like finding true love. Just make sure to keep it nicely polished 24/7.
“Gilbert” Brogue Oxfords (P13,826) from Paul Smith
Titan Brogues (P4,739) from Kings Collection
Brown Brogues
Perfect for: A dinner date, business lunch with a client, or traveling
If you’ve seen leather shoes with a noticeable pattern, then you’ve seen a pair of brogues. Oxfords and derbies can be brogues if they’ve got the pattern, but in general, brogues are in a class all their own. Wear them with jeans or trousers, but always with the same colored belt (unless you’re a rebel or a kook, in which case, go ahead with the black-belt-with-brown-shoes look). Since you’ve already got black Oxfords, a pair of brown brogues will not only add life to your wardrobe, but personality to, well, you.