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There are many grown-up and stylish shoe options for men during the winter months that are great for trekking around campus. They’re all comfy, moderately affordable and pair nicely with any outfit in your closet. A thing to keep in mind when buying shoes is that they are an investment. It’s generally more cost-effective to spend $150 on a pair of shoes that will last three or four seasons than a $60 pair that will fall apart after only one. Shirts are an item you can get away with buying the cheaper version, but shoes are worth the extra cash.
Casual Boot
The most versatile of the casual boots are the suede McAllister ones. Available in a variety of earth tones, these masculine shoes pair well with denim or khakis and a plaid shirt. There are also shearling-lined pairs to keep your toes warm on extra cold days. Not feeling the $100 price tag? My friend got a pair at Payless that look remarkably real.
I love the oiled leather ones as a more rugged option. The Maine-based brand Quoddy makes amazing shoes. These boots — and moccasins for girls — are a novelty and always sell out fast because only a select number of pairs are made each year. They look like the lovechild of a boot and moccasin, so they’re more casual than other winter options. Some have laces, others have double rings to tighten the shoe like on a belt.
I love the ringed versions, as it has added hardware detail. It’s major that a Maine-based brand is having a huge moment in the fashion world, so support our state.
Rugged Boot
Rugged boots will continue to be a go-to favorite for the rest of time. They’ll never go out of style and are always dependable. But instead of tired Timberlands, help your wardrobe grow up this winter with similar, yet upgraded options. The Red Wing boot is the most rugged and manly boot, yet is still modern enough to wear in settings other than playing in the dirt.
They’re perfect for the guy who doesn’t want to wear boat shoes, but isn’t satisfied with sneakers. Red Wings and other rugged boots have gotten so stylish that they’re now extremely mainstream and work with lots of outfits. Darker leather typically looks more refined than lighter versions and are much easier to keep clean.
Combat boots fall under this category, and have carried over from the rocker trend for girls that we’ve see for a few seasons now. Combat boots can actually be super trendy and very current, especially paired with skinny jeans and V-neck shirts.
Sneakers
Sneakers aren’t exactly the ideal winter footwear, but boys will be boys. GQ maintains that the only acceptable sneakers for grown men — since this is a college newspaper, this includes you — are Sambas, Jack Purcells and Chuck Taylors. Gym or running shoes should be reserved for the gym, not worn as everyday shoes.
It’s time to try out sleek, modern shoes that have a mature edge to them. I love the simplicity of Jack Purcells and that they are so classic. Chucks have a more edgy, hipster feel to them, but work for everyone as well. The gray Adidas Samba with white stripes is so fresh and so clean, and screams, “I’m cool.”
Once sneakers get dirty and tired, you might as well toss them. Until then, try and limit sneaker wear to a few days per week — I know they’re your favorite, but there are plenty of other options that are just as comfortable, but more mature and on-par with trends.
Bangor Daily News