Ask your girl, or any female friend for that matter how many pairs of shoes she owns, and you’ll get a double digit response. For men its one option fits all. That’s plain uncool. Every well dressed man must have a well-stocked arsenal of shoes. These would come to use on several occasions in life. However, good news, we’ve looked up the market and shortlisted a list of five pairs of the essentials in terms of shoes that no gentleman should be without.

These are solid options that will get you through every important event in life. Trust me; you don’t need a separate closet just for your shoes like your wife/girlfriend does. Invest in a handful of sensible and cool pairs, and you’re good to go for years.

Black Lace-Ups

Back in the days when office dress codes were stricter, the first think a man would do after landing a job is to invest serious moolah into getting a pair of fuss-free black Oxfords. These days, you might not need them as often as before, but have a smart pair of black lace-ups handy. These would go fantastic with your tailor made suit. You can’t wear your beloved Nike Sport shoes to the boardroom, can you? TheMard Recommends Hush Puppies Leather - Buy Now!

Brown Brogues

These can be worn everywhere, with anything. The range starts at Jeans and ends with Suits. You are good to go everywhere – be it weddings and business meetings to romantic occasions like date nights. Originally developed for outdoor use, Brown Brogues are the perfect blend of sorted and stylish that a workhorse needs. TheMard Recommends Louis Philippe Leather - Buy Now!

Casual Boots

Put off the boring office clothes, now we’re talking off-duty adventures. These can brave any terrains and can take a lot of beating over the years. Stitched and rubber-soled for durability, these are not a designer’s idea of shoes. Their authenticity makes these the perfect shoes to wear with jeans. In case you love camping trips or working on your car in the garage, get one of these bad boys. Good thing is they’re so badass you can go on a casual date or even into the office on a wet day with one of these. No woman or Boss would complain. TheMard Recommends Hush Puppies - Buy Now!

Sneakers

Sneakers are meant for people who don’t care so much about ‘dressing up’. They go perfectly well anywhere except parties and in workplaces. When in doubt, just buy one and you’re good to go. One request, try to keep them clean if you’re wearing it day in-day out. That’s all. TheMard Recommends Puma Sneakers - Buy Now!

Slip-Ons

Want something simple and casual, yet smarter than a pair of sneakers? These American loafers always look sharp, and you will too. These comfortable and classic shoes are a slightly more stylish alternative to boat shoes and are way more versatile than sandals. You can even try your luck in office wearing these. Who knows, you just might make it! TheMard Recommends Clarks - Buy Now!