T: We have done a lot of posts lately on essentials that every man should own.  I think that these posts are one of the best parts of what we do here.  Every guy should own a few items that are versatile and look good on everybody. 

So, if I was forced to pick out a few pairs of casual shoes to wear for the rest of my life, I would pick one pair for each season.  And the winners are:

Spring: Canvas Shoes—the simpler the better.  This means that they should not look like they came out of a Sci-Fi film or look like something Turtle from Entourage would wear.  And for the love of all things good and holy, they should also not be running shoes. 

There are many great options but you shouldn’t be paying north of 100 dollars for any of them.  Personally, I like Chucks and Jack Purcells (both by Converse).  Seevees and Vans Authentics are also great options.  I also really like the Rod Laver model by Adidas (below). 

Summer: Boat Shoes—there is no excuse for wearing flip-flops in the summer and showing everyone your toes (even if you get weekly pedicures like Andrew). 

To see our old post on boat shoes, click here.

Fall: Desert Boots—honestly the most versatile shoe that I own—trust me.  Good enough for Steve McQueen is good enough for me.  Check out our first write up on them here.  

Winter: Work Boots or Bean Boots (depending on the climate where you live and the level of preppy-ness of your upbringing).  Work Boots are better for wearing around in the sleet and slush of a big city or just walking around.  On the other hand, Bean Boots are good for the snow that tends to pile up in more rural areas and college campuses. 

If you live in a place where it never snows, pick up rain boots instead (or just spend all your time at the beach in your flip flops for all I care).

To see our article on work boots (above, left ), click here.  If you think you might dig Bean boots (above, right), look here. 

You could wear either pair of boots in snow and slush but the Bean boots are waterproof.  Unfortunately, my idea of snow boots in college were a pair of Reebok Classics (and my idea of a fine wine was Mad Dog). 

T: I have a pair of running shoes.  Hell, I get new ones every year or so.  I do lots of things in them: play basketball, run, lift weights, play tennis.  However, I do not wear them to any non-sporting occasion.  Simply put, running shoes are for running only.  I am not one of those people who thinks that you should wear wingtips or monk straps with jeans on a Friday night (although those people do look stylish in their own right) but if you wear New Balances or any other pair of techy running shoes to a bar, you need to step your game up.

I see dudes all the time wearing running shoes with jeans or khakis.  Aside from billowing, untucked dress shirts and square toed shoes, this is one of my biggest style pet peeves.  Save the running shoes for the gym. 

Here is list of links to posts we have done on better casual footwear:

Desert Boots

Wallabees

Vans Authentics

Jack Purcells

Converse All-Stars (Chucks)

Boat Shoes

Work Boots

Saddle Shoes (not really my thing)

Penny Loafers (a little dressier)

I’m sure that many people could add to this list……..

Just please avoid looking like this:

T: A few weeks ago, Jon from stylehunting approached me about writing a 10 essentials post about the 10 things that I feel are essential to my mess of a life.  Jon (along with his friend Jesse) runs a great blog and I was thrilled that they approached me to do it.  Below is what I wrote. 

stylehunting:

I’ve been wanting to do a ‘10 Essentials’ series for a while now (a la GQ) and just when I get my first reply, Jack from whereisthecool beats me to the punch and asked CBenjamin to do one of his own. Regardless of who’s idea it was, ‘10 Essentials’ is a cool way to showcase various people’s originality through the things they consider essential to their daily life. I am always surprised at the plethora of unique items people find endearing.

Tom, T&A

1. Blackberry Curve

I send a ton of texts so this thing is perfect for me.  More importantly, it’s not held together with tape like my last phone.

2. G-Shock Watch

I’m writing a post about this next week but this watch is durable, waterproof, and stylish enough to wear with almost anything (except with a suit).  As a teacher, the timer also comes in handy when my students play games or I time how long they have to complete a test. 

3. Klean Kanteen

I drink a lot of water.  If I can’t find this waterbottle at home or at school, I freak out.  It’s kind of like my security blanket. 

4. Iron Heart Jeans 634 S

Aside from shorts in the summertime, the only pair of pants I wear when I’m not working. 

5. Clark’s Desert Boots

Manly enough for McQueen, formal enough to wear with a knit tie to work. 

6. Sperry Boat Shoes

During the summer months, there is nothing better. 

7. Macbook Pro

Without this, I would not be spending all my time writing my blog.  I think my girlfriend would say this is a good thing. 

8. Oxford Button Down Shirts

I own at least 6 OCBDs from Brooks Brothers, Uniqlo, Rugby, Land’s End Canvas, and Gap.  These shirts are my go-to both on and off the clock.

9. Uniqlo Harrington Jacket

Harrington jackets can take you from September to December and from March to May.  I wear this jacket more than anything else I own. 

10. Brooks Brothers Slim Extra Long Ties

When you are 6’5”, its hard to find ties that come past your ribcage.  Its even harder to find slim ones.  Brooks Brothers is the only place where I can find slim ties that are long enough for me—I have 4.

- Jon