Topman specializes in fashionable clothing and footwear for men (Topshop is its female counterpart). When wandering into their stores, you’ll find everything from formal suits to indie-rock inspired clothing. So it goes without saying that all their items would rank fairly high when it comes to style. However, each person is different. We all have varying preferences when it comes to fashion, and what we want to wear may fluctuate with the season or with our moods. Some are very rigid with what they’ll wear out while others like to experiment with their wardrobe. Keep this in mind when consulting others’ (or the internet’s) opinion on shoe style.

With that said, some general guidelines are always useful to ensure you stay away from the serious fashion no-no’s.

The first thing you should remember is that you can never go wrong with Oxfords and loafers. They are timelessly handsome and are versatile. Some manufacturers have also started vamping them up - adding a chunky sole or rounding the toes - to make them more suitable for contemporary street wear.

Another tip is to always have a pair of nice boots. Ankle-high boots such as Dr. Martens and Timberlands have gained popularity, so take this chance to jump on the bandwagon, too. Not only do they keep the feet warm during autumn and winter, but they also add a slightly rugged yet handsome finishing touch to your overall appearance. Just make sure the shaft isn’t too high, or you might look more fit for the garden than for the runway.

And last but not least, make sure you’re comfortable with how you look. If you’re in doubt and hesitating between two pairs, we recommend you pick the more conservative option. There’s nothing worse than buying a pair that’s too out-there, realizing it’s too eye-catching for your taste, and having to abandon them while they’re barely worn. For more on how to decide what pair to purchase, scroll down to our ‘Value’ section.

Color is what holds your entire outfit together and unifies the whole look. On top of that, you give off a different impression on others based on the tones you wear. It’s been proven color is a powerful tool for communication that can influence mood and actions? Did you know, for example, that red provokes warmth and even hostility while blue induces a feeling of calmness and sadness?

It’s true that Topman’s style doesn’t feature a lot of eye-catching colors. Scroll through their site, and you’ll find that the majority of their footwear and clothing are neutral-colored. It is, after all, a store for men, who often dress more subtly than women. Plus, there are numerous benefits to neutral-colored shoes, including their versatility and formal look.

When picking out a pair, there are some things to consider. It is advised for men to match the color to that of their socks and belt. This helps to unify your overall appearance. In addition, wear shoes darker than the pants in semi-formal or formal occasions - note that the recent white sneaker trend has turned the tables when it comes to casual streetwear. If you’re opting for a pair that’s not white, grey, or black, make sure the color matches or compliments the rest of your attire to avoid clashing.

When it comes to footwear, how much it costs matters just as much - if not more - than how they look and fit, especially if you’re on a budget. Indeed, it can be difficult to determine just how much is “worth it.” Topman shoes tend to be reasonably priced, though some are quite pricey. However, the benefit is that they come from reputable brands with reliable quality.

Expensive shoes are priced the way they are for a reason: they tend to be of higher quality. Durable and comfortable materials such as leather and suede are much costlier than synthetics. Plus, more reliable constructions and technologies are used. Take the Goodyear welt, for example. You might have noticed that we put this down as a pro for many of the shoes on our list. The Goodyear welt is a strip of material running along the perimeter of the outsole to attach it to the shoe, as opposed to simply using glue. This method is more durable and classier than glue, but it also costs more. It’s only natural that these factors should hike up the price of the shoe.

With that said, blindly reaching for the higher-priced pair doesn’t guarantee quality. Some footwear has defects and is less durable and comfortable than they should be, and others may be costly simply because the manufacturer knows that people will buy them regardless. It’s a good idea to take a look at customer reviews and get a gist of their quality, durability, and what to expect before making your purchase.

Versatile footwear can be worn in many different types of occasions. They are the go-to option when you don’t know what pair to pick and are the perfect “safe” option on busy mornings when you don’t have time to think of how you look.

As mentioned earlier in our “Color” section, color is a factor that determines versatility. The more toned-down and neutral the color is, the more versatile they are. Just think: black shoes can be worn to the nightclub and to the office. And as for your bright red shoe...well, not so much.

But color isn’t the only factor. Shoe style matters a lot, too. Even if the pair is black, you won’t be able to wear them to the office if they’re low-top sneakers. In general, however, sneakers are somewhat versatile for casual and semi-casual occasions. They are timelessly stylish and can be paired with jeans, joggers, or shorts. Other safe options are Oxfords, which have a more polished appearance; and Chelsea boots for effortless style during spring and autumn.

Footwear material determines its durability, comfort, and as we mentioned earlier, price. The right combination of materials will give you a balance between different features, and alleviate the minor downsides of each material.

Leather is undoubtedly the most common and reliable option - for a good reason, too. Cow leather is sturdy, flexible, and stretchy. It is also breathable and prevents sweat and odor. Through time it also conforms to the shape of your foot to provide customized comfort. When used in the uppers, it also gives the footwear a luxurious appearance and a rich quality. The drawbacks of leather is that it is heavy, hard to care for, and relatively expensive.

Textiles are not uncommon, either. This type of material is more often seen in casual sneakers (think Vans). The benefit is that textiles come in a huge variety of colors and special features. They are also durable and light, perfect for mild and warm weather. Just keep in mind that textile shoes are not water-resistant and don’t have the sophisticated look of leather. They are, however, much more affordable!