Types of Shoes for Men: 12 Styles and When to Wear Each
A wedding card is on your table, or your first office job starts next week. You need the right shoes, but every shop uses different names. This guide shows the 12 main types of men’s shoes, how to spot each one, and which to wear in Pakistan, from Jummah prayers to the baraat.
Men’s shoes come in five groups. Dress shoes (Oxford, Derby, brogue, monk strap) are for weddings and formal work. Smart-casual shoes (loafers, moccasins) suit almost any day. Boots (Chelsea, chukka, lace-up) are for cooler weather. Sneakers and canvas shoes are for relaxed days. Chappals and khussas are for Eid and mehndi. If you buy only one pair, buy a dark loafer or Derby.
The 12 types of men’s shoes at a glance
Find your shoe in the table, then jump to its section below.
| Type | How to spot it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Oxford | Laces sewn under the front, slim and smooth | Nikah, walima, formal work |
| Derby | Laces sit on top, the shoe opens wider | Office, smart days |
| Brogue | Small decorative holes in the leather | Smart-casual days, office |
| Monk strap | A buckle strap instead of laces | Suits, smart events |
| Loafer | Slip-on, no laces or buckle | Jummah, Eid, daily wear |
| Moccasin | Soft shoe made around the foot | Relaxed days, driving |
| Chelsea boot | Ankle boot with a stretchy side panel | Cool evenings, smart-casual |
| Chukka boot | Ankle-high with two or three pairs of lace holes | Winter days |
| Lace-up boot | Higher ankle, thick sole | Rough weather, casual |
| Sneaker | Soft, flexible sole | Casual days, walking |
| Canvas shoe | Light cotton-fabric upper | Hot days, casual |
| Chappal and khussa | Open leather sandal; embroidered slip-on | Eid, mehndi, traditional clothes |
Dress shoes: for weddings and formal days
Dress shoes are slim and polished. Most have laces and a smooth leather look. Wear them when you want to look sharp.
1. Oxford shoes
An Oxford has closed lacing: the lace panel is sewn under the front piece, so the shoe looks smooth and slim. It is the most formal everyday shoe.
How to spot it: Look at the laces. If the two sides close tightly with no gap at the top, it is an Oxford.
Best for: Nikah, walima, formal dinners, interviews. Black is the most formal colour.
Wear it with: A suit, a waistcoat with kurta pajama, or a sherwani.
Obsidian Sculpted Wholecut Oxford
Oxblood Asymmetric OxfordWant more detail? Read our Oxford shoes guide.
2. Derby shoes
A Derby has open lacing: the lace panel sits on top of the front piece, so the shoe opens wider. It looks a little more relaxed than an Oxford and is easy to put on.
How to spot it: Look at the laces. If the sides are stitched on top and leave a small gap when open, it is a Derby.
Best for: The office, daytime weddings, smart days out.
Wear it with: Trousers, chinos, or a kurta with straight pajama.
Espresso Split-Toe Derby
Cognac Folded-Quarter DerbyOxford or Derby? Check the laces
| Look at | Oxford | Derby |
|---|---|---|
| Lacing | Closed | Open |
| Look | Slimmer, more formal | A little more relaxed |
| Best for | Nikah, walima, formal work | Office, smart days |
See all our lace-up shoes in the men’s lace-up collection.
3. Brogue shoes
A brogue is a shoe with small decorative holes punched in the leather. Brogue is not a different shape. You can have a brogue Oxford, a brogue Derby or a brogue boot.
How to spot it: Look for rows of tiny holes along the seams and toe.
Best for: Smart-casual days and the office. More holes usually means a more casual shoe.
Wear it with: Chinos, jeans, or a plain kurta with trousers.
Shoezhub does not sell brogues right now.
4. Monk strap shoes
A monk strap closes with a buckle strap, not laces. It looks sharp and is quick to fasten.
How to spot it: Look for one or two buckles across the front of the foot.
Best for: Suits and smart events.
Wear it with: A suit or smart trousers.
Shoezhub does not sell monk straps right now.
Smart-casual shoes: loafers and moccasins
These shoes look neat but feel relaxed. They are the easiest pairs to wear again and again.
5. Loafers
A loafer is a slip-on shoe with no laces. You just step in. That makes it the best shoe for days when you take your shoes off often.
How to spot it: A low, laceless shoe. Some have a small strap across the top.
Best for: Jummah prayers, Eid, the office, dinners, daily wear.
Wear it with: Shalwar kameez, trousers and chinos. A slim loafer sits well under a wide shalwar.
Black Satin-Finish Evening Loafer
Espresso Split-Apron LoaferRead our loafers for men guide, see the full loafer collection, or learn which shoes go with shalwar kameez.
6. Moccasins
A moccasin is a soft shoe made around the foot. It is light and flexible.
How to spot it: The leather wraps under your foot and up the sides, with a top piece stitched on. Look for raised stitching around the toe.
Best for: Relaxed days and driving.
Wear it with: Jeans, shorts and casual trousers.
Shoezhub does not sell moccasins right now. Read our moccasin shoes guide to learn more.
Boots for cooler days
7. Chelsea boots
A Chelsea boot is an ankle boot with a stretchy side panel and no laces. You pull it on, often with a small tab at the back.
How to spot it: Look for the elastic panel on each side.
Best for: Cool evenings and smart-casual days.
Wear it with: Slim trousers or a straight pajama. Skip them under a very wide shalwar.
Black Chelsea Boot
Black Chunky Chelsea BootOur Chelsea boots guide explains fit and styling in detail.
8. Chukka boots
A chukka is an ankle-high lace-up boot with only two or three pairs of lace holes. It looks neat and is easy to wear.
How to spot it: Ankle height, two or three pairs of lace holes, low heel.
Best for: Winter days, casual work days.
Wear it with: Jeans, chinos or slim trousers.
Brown Chukka Boot
Black Lace-Up Chukka Boot9. Lace-up boots
A lace-up boot goes higher on the ankle and often has a thick, grippy sole. It is made for rough days.
How to spot it: A higher ankle, a thick sole and laces.
Best for: Cold or wet days and casual outings.
Wear it with: Jeans and cargo or straight trousers.
Black Chunky Lace-Up BootOur high sole shoes guide helps if you like a chunkier look. Browse all men’s boots.
Casual shoes: sneakers and canvas
10. Sneakers
A sneaker has a soft, flexible sole and is made for comfort. A clean white or cream pair works with most casual clothes.
How to spot it: A cushioned sole and a sporty or clean court shape.
Best for: Casual days, walking, travel.
Wear it with: Jeans, shorts, or a short kurta. Skip sneakers with a formal kameez.
Ivory Court Sneaker
Black Chunky RunnerNot sure about the difference? Read sneakers vs joggers or see the men’s sneakers collection.
11. Canvas shoes
A canvas shoe has a light cotton-fabric upper. It is cool in hot weather and easy to wash.
How to spot it: A fabric upper, usually with a flat rubber sole.
Best for: Hot days and relaxed outings.
Wear it with: Shorts, jeans and casual shirts.
Shoezhub does not sell canvas shoes right now. Our canvas shoes guide has the details.
Traditional shoes: chappal and khussa
12. Peshawari chappal and khussa
The Peshawari chappal is an open leather sandal. A khussa is a traditional slip-on shoe, often with embroidery. Both are loved for Eid mornings, mehndi and family visits.
How to spot it: A chappal shows your toes. A khussa is a closed slip-on, often with a curled toe and embroidery.
Best for: Eid, mehndi, festive days and warm weather.
Wear it with: Shalwar kameez and kurta pajama.
Shoezhub does not sell chappals or khussas. For a modern alternative with shalwar kameez, see our shalwar kameez shoe guide.
Which shoes should you wear for each event in Pakistan?
Match your event to the table. Each row has one pair from our shop.
| Event | Best style | Our pick |
|---|---|---|
| Jummah prayers | Slip-on loafer (easy to take off) | Espresso Split-Apron Loafer |
| Office | Derby or dark loafer | Espresso Split-Toe Derby |
| Eid morning | Loafer | Mushroom Minimal Loafer |
| Mehndi | Lighter or warm-coloured loafer | Cognac Folded-Saddle Loafer |
| Baraat or nikah (guest) | Black Oxford or black evening loafer | Black Satin-Finish Evening Loafer |
| Walima or formal dinner | Black Oxford | Obsidian Sculpted Wholecut Oxford |
| Casual day out | Sneaker | Ivory Court Sneaker |
| Winter evening | Chelsea or chukka boot | Black Chelsea Boot |
Which three pairs should you buy first?
You do not need ten pairs. Three well-chosen shoes cover almost every day.
- A dark loafer or Derby. It works with kameez, trousers and the office. Our loafers cost PKR 7,990 and our Derbies PKR 8,990.
- A white or cream sneaker. It is your weekend pair. Ours costs PKR 6,990.
- A black Chelsea boot or a black Oxford. Pick the boot for cool weather and the Oxford for weddings. Both cost PKR 8,990.
At today’s prices, a loafer, a sneaker and a Chelsea boot together cost PKR 23,970, plus PKR 250 delivery if you order them together.
How do you pick the right size?
Our men’s shoes come in EU sizes 40 to 46. Measure your longer foot in the evening, when it is a little bigger, from heel to longest toe. Then compare it with our shoe size guide. If the shoes do not fit, you can ask for an exchange within 15 days of delivery. The shoes must be unused and in the original box. See our returns and exchanges page for the steps.
5 common mistakes to avoid
- Wearing sneakers with a formal kameez or suit. They make a smart outfit look careless.
- Starting with a loud colour. Black or dark brown goes with almost everything.
- Choosing laces for places where you remove shoes often. Loafers are faster at the mosque.
- Wearing new shoes for the first time at a big event. Wear them at home first.
- Forgetting care. Wipe and polish leather shoes often. Our leather shoe cleaning guide shows how.
Delivery, Cash on Delivery and exchange
- Delivery: PKR 250 per order, across Pakistan. Metro cities usually take 2 to 4 business days and remote areas 2 to 6. See shipping and delivery.
- Payment: Cash on Delivery.
- Exchange: within 15 days of delivery for unused shoes in the original box.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 7 basic shoe styles?
There is no single official list, but a common list of seven is Oxfords, Derbies, loafers, boots, sneakers, sandals and monk straps. This guide goes further and covers 12 types, including brogues, moccasins, Chelsea and chukka boots, canvas shoes and traditional chappals, so you can name every shoe you see.
What is the difference between Oxford and Derby shoes?
The difference is in the lacing. An Oxford has closed lacing, so it looks slim and formal. A Derby has open lacing, so it opens wider and looks a little more relaxed. Wear Oxfords for nikah and walima, and Derbies for the office or daytime events.
Which shoes go with shalwar kameez?
Loafers are the easiest choice. They are neat, slip on fast and work for Jummah, Eid and weddings. Choose black or dark brown for evenings and lighter shades for daytime. Check that the shalwar hem rests lightly on the shoe. For a very formal event, a black Oxford is also a good choice.
Which shoes should every man own first?
Start with three pairs: a dark loafer or Derby, a white or cream sneaker, and a black Chelsea boot or Oxford. These cover work, weekends, weddings and cooler weather. You can add more styles later, once you know which ones you reach for most often.
What is the most formal type of shoe?
The Oxford is the most formal everyday shoe, especially in black. Its closed lacing gives a slim, smooth look. Wear it with a suit or sherwani to a nikah, walima or formal dinner, and keep the leather clean and polished.
Are Chelsea boots formal?
Chelsea boots sit between smart and casual. A slim black pair looks neat with trousers or a straight pajama. For a very formal event such as a nikah, an Oxford or a black evening loafer is the safer choice. Pick black, and keep the boot clean and polished.