Spring 2006: Best Men's Shoes

by Dakota Smith (RSS feed)
Mar 31st 2006 at 2:08PM

Happy feet! From moccasins to sandals, men get tons of options in shoes for the spring season. Here's a round-up of the freshest in men's footwear.

Paul Smith Leather Moccasin, $260

White, white, white--it's the fashion color of the moment. Which basically means that you can't go wrong by wearing anything white, shoes included. There are tons of styles of white shoes for spring, but Paul Smith's take on the white leather moccasin is one of the nicest.

Bottega Veneta Lizard Sandal, $330

Totally extravagant. Totally luxe. And totally not for the beach. Flip-flops get all macked out with lizard skin--a popular skin of the moment--via Bottega Veneta's sandal.

John Varvatos Distressed Boot, $375

This season, look for distressed leather in every style of shoe: dress shoes, loafers, and boots. And John Varvatos nails the boot category, creating one that manages to be both Brokeback Mountain-rough and urban cool.

Cole Haan Slip-Ons, $345

Granted, loafers can scream conservative and dull, but Cole Haan offers up a version that manages to stay stylish. If you're going to loaf this spring, you can't go wrong with this leather slip-on.

Paolo Lantorno Kidskin Slip-Ons, $189

Yes, orange. It's one of the season's most popular colors and certainly not for everyone. But if you're looking for a spin on the slip-on, you can't go wrong with this shoe from Paolo Lantorno, one of San Francisco's best shoemakers.

Alexander McQueen Puma, $290

Sneakers ain't ever going away--and now fashion designers are flocking to design custom sneakers for some of the biggest brands. A soft sneaker is one of the season's biggest trends, and Alexander McQueen's version for Puma is one of the best-looking sneakers around.

Banana Republic Leather Slide, $119

Sandals are big for men this season, and buyers will find a crop of different styles and colors, including this simple slide from Banana Republic.

John Varvatos for Converse, $109

Expect to see tons of Converse on the feet of happy hipsters this spring, including this blue, limited edition sneaker designed by John Varvatos. Laces not required, of course.

John Fluevog Leather Shoe, $119

John Fluevog mixes leather and mesh to create a casual, but totally funky shoe. Plus, the mesh makes the shoe just as comfortable as a sneaker.

Gucci Crocodile Lace-Up, $7,900

Crocodile continues to be a popular choice of skin going into spring. Spendy, for sure, but Gucci's take on the dress shoe is worth every penny. Check out the version in white, too, on the company's web site.

Tags: men's shoes, shoe fashion, shoes, sneakers, spring shoes, top ten shoes

Filed under: Shoes

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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)

randy Apr 6th 2006 6:35PM

is this site for real? are there actually fools out there that would buy and "slip on" these ridicules shoes??? and what's the deal with the "one that manages to be both Brokeback Mountain-rough and urban cool". the boot looks ok, but not for 375.! kinda looks like the ones i paid 130 for and got the pleasure of breaking them in my self. they end up looking the same. (hint ... just wear them awhile) i was just looking for some new shoes ... is this a fag site or what?

TONY SOPRANO Apr 6th 2006 6:36PM

GUCCI FOR $7,900 IS NO BIG DEAL IF YOU ARE A BOSS LIKE I AM. BESIDES GUCCI SENDS ME THEM FREE SO I LOOK GOOD ON TV!

glenn Apr 6th 2006 7:03PM

If men are going to wear slides, sandals, or any shoe that exposes their toes, they better start getting pedicures because noone wants to see ugly cracked heels and nasty yellow toenails

Burt Apr 6th 2006 7:25PM

Tie the laces together and throw the shoes over the power lines crossing the street. With the sandals, use cable ties to link them together and throw the sandals over the power lines. Or, just give me all of them and I'll wear them. Someday. Maybe.

david Apr 6th 2006 7:30PM

ecco shoes are by far the best. and most comfortable, lightest and great fo a bad back .. thye are ceratinly worth the 295.00 i pay for them..they are your feet, part of your body ..take care of it as your eyes..revo glasses are top notch at 200.00 or any price to care for your eyes..body etc..

Nina S. Apr 6th 2006 7:31PM

Most of the shoes shown are, of course, vanity shoes... the converse "tennies" are simply marketing hype... unfortunately a well crafted superb quality pair of shoes is pricy. (I LOVE my Cole Haans - but I bought them on sale)

Fifteen years ago, I would accompany my boss, who had severe arch problems, to Bally of Switzerland for men. He would find one style that was comfortable and buy the same shoe in several colors, with of course several pair of black and brown thrown in. A dozen shoes (even at $300 per) would last him years. Now it sounds far more extravagant than it really was. Anyone that has ever had foot problems knows the relief and blessing of a comfortable shoe. Few of us can afford $300 a pair, but if you can... and you find a pair, buy a dozen.

Allen Apr 6th 2006 7:32PM

I am thrilled to see that not one pair of shoes that I own is on that stupid list. Reebok Ex-o-Fit Hi Tops in white or black! They rock! My Bally loafers AND my black Hi-Tec Hiking boots are what's right!

Nick Apr 6th 2006 7:50PM

The exact copies, and I mean exact,with the exception of the rather peculiar ones, can be found on the net at BA M*son Shoe Company. Look 'em up. Save a buck. They will take'em back and refit you also.

Designer Shoes my foot!

Nick

Tracy Apr 6th 2006 8:06PM

I am greatly relieved and reassured after reading these posts to find that there are still people who are ccapable of thinking and responding like sane individuals. The Veneta's are almost acceptable, with the exception of the price. The others - OMG!!!

Milton Bell Apr 6th 2006 8:18PM

"Brokeback Mountain rough"? How stupid is that!!!! BTW, I see the marketers are STILL trying make the American public think that movie is something special calling it "The movie that changed the way we think about Hollywood"..........Cut me some slack. All the morons who voted that "thing" Movie of the Year will NEVER convince the rest of us that it was anything other than a mealy mouthed, Rosie O'Donnell type piece of crap!
Oh yeah, your shoes..........way overpriced. Sorta like buying a Rolex...what's the point when a Seiko keeps time just as well. Don't buy anything to impress someone else........do it for YOURSELF!

Gloria Balogh Apr 6th 2006 8:26PM

Ugly, ugly, shoes. Except for the leather slide, ugly, ugly shoes. Whew! Ugly, ugly, prices too. Just ugly,icky looking shoes........

john Apr 13th 2006 2:38AM

okay heres the deal on expensive shoes. they are comfortable, well made, look great and will last you a long time. i understand the converse, but honestly you are arguing on a website called LUXIST. the biggest updates are solid uranium ipods and hyper space age composite pens.....wait 3 months until spring is over and argue about the discount on overstock.com

who decides? Apr 29th 2006 6:26AM

wear what you want. where what is comfortable and appropriate for the situation you are in. is it absolutely necessary to buy every single item that is "in style" .. what happened to personal style. if you want to be a clone that is fine. if you want to do your own thing that is fine too. turn off the television. get off your cell phone. and buy a $9.99 pair of flip-flop sandals. back a lunch walk/bike to the beach/lake/park. read a book. eat your lunch. enjoy life. don't be consumed by the mindless spending nonsense that dominates our society. whether you are buying Chanel or Payless--- at the end of the day you are still the same person. shoes are just one expression.

be a good person. who cares about fancy shoes...