All types of footwear – from sneakers, oxfords, and loafers, to others – are included in this list, providing you with as many options to choose from as possible. In doing so, the list contains a nice variety and has options for both men and women.

With that being said, one of the main factors we focused on was that the designs had to be of high quality, or else the entire purpose of the list would be defeated. High quality can mean a lot of things, but in terms of this list, every model we chose was made of good, sturdy materials and was built to last you a long time. Listed below is each type of style, what we looked for, and its purpose.

Sneakers: Among one of the most popular choices for both men and women is the sneaker. Sneakers provide the wearer with fantastic comfort for extended walkability, and a design suitable for casual and semi-casual events. Affordable prices are also a plus if we can find them. One of the sneaker kings in this regard is the PUMA Classic; being quite affordable while also featuring a high-quality suede body that looks fantastic.

Oxfords and Boots (Dress Footwear): Oxfords, as well as boots, have been a staple in the contemporary fashion world for both men and women. Additionally, both of these styles can represent a mix of casual and formal, adding to the overall versatility of each option.

Loafers: Loafers are another versatile type that leans more toward the casual side of things while also having some professional aspects. The loafer itself is classified as a shoe without laces and features a lighter weight as well as slip-on characteristics.

If you're stumped on which style to go for, consider the following factors: where you intend to wear these shoes, what the occasion is, and whether you need to look presentable and polished, or if casual is just fine. There is an option for every situation, so don't hesitate to experiment a little and explore your personal style!

This material is the number one material we looked for when composing this list because it had to be of high quality for the design to be good.

The uppers, heels, inner soles, and outer soles are all created using different types of materials, and figuring out the quality of each material can pose quite a conundrum. Generally, finding high-quality materials is pretty straightforward, however. Below are the most common components utilized in footwear and what we look for in each one.

Leather: Leather is a durable, flexible material that is usually used in the uppers or soles of a particular design. Quality leather can be identified as “real leather” rather than its synthetic counterparts. It is durable, breathable, and it has that wonderful ability to mold to the shape of your foot over time, for an irresistible level of comfort.

Polyester Felts: Felts are composed of wool and a mixture of other materials. This mixture is great for increasing the thermal insulation of the design as a whole.

Rubber: Rubber is a tough, elastic substance made usually from latex or a mixture of other synthetic materials. Outer soles are what rubber is primarily utilized in, as the outer sole itself has to be tough and reliable to protect the wearer from debris, as well as to provide traction.

Foam:Foam, as many of you already know, is what’s used in the inner sole to provide a cushioned and comfortable foundation for the foot to sit in. Inner soles can be taken a step further with the addition of EVA materials and anti-microbial properties. (Many of which are rarely included in dress footwear.)

Not all leather is the same and not all leather footwear is made for the same purpose. Different types of leather can be found on different types of footwear, which in turn affects their effectiveness.

Some designs incorporate leather for purely aesthetic value, while others have it for performance purposes. This should be considered, always.

For instance, if you see a hiking boot that is made of
leather, you want to make sure that it is treated with special anti-stain and waterproof agents. This is not a performance leather, and is in a way a sponge for dirt and grime, rendering it unfit for dirt trails; thus, you need to make sure that the design is outfitted with these extra features which keep you protected when you need it the most.

However, a fashion design made of this type of leather is perfectly fine. Keep in mind what you will and will not be doing with your shoes, and you will be sure to steer yourself in the right direction. Know your leather types and what they can be applied for, and you can’t do wrong. In the final section of our Criteria part, we outline some common types of leather and leather processing methods used for footwear.

Whether you're wearing those chic heels, a pair of sleek oxfords or maybe some loafers to go with your suit, it goes without saying that your feet need proper support. Support is essential when it comes to comfort levels of any type of footwear, and without it, it's difficult to stay on your feet for long periods of time.

When we say support, we mean arch support. There are three types of arches in human feet: flat arches, neutral arches, and high arches. Most people have neutral arches, but you may fall into the first or third category and thus will require lower or higher arch support, depending on your type. It would be best if you can get your arch height measured by a professional and then fitted with the proper support.

Why is arch support so important, you ask? The simple reason is - it keeps your foot in a natural position as you walk, keep you from over- or under pronating and staves off foot fatigue. When you have footwear with proper arch support, you can stand and walk for as long as you want to without feeling tired in your feet.

In addition to arch support, bonus support can come in the form of contoured or molded footbeds. These footbeds have hills and valleys that correspond to the shape of the foot sole and are created for the sole purpose of cradling your foot as you walk. Contoured footbeds are a must-have if you intend on covering a lot of mileage in your new shoes.

In case the design that caught your eye doesn't have adequate support - don't panic! You can likely purchase a pair of gel inserts separately and slide them into your new shoes. Supportive inserts are quite popular, and you should have no problems finding the ones that suit you just right.

It is only natural that when you're buying new footwear that you want it to last for as long as possible. Durability is often high on our list when we're looking for designs that are high in quality. Shoes that we can wear year after year are truly worth every penny we invest in them.

So, how to know whether or not a design is durable?

Well, this depends on a myriad of factors: the quality of the materials the shoe is made of, the quality of its construction, how often you wear the shoes, whether you take good care of them or not.

It is no secret that this material is a durable material - being leather - but that it is also sensitive at the same time. Without pre-treatments, this material is prone to staining and scuffing and will need adequate care to maintain its plush texture. However, this doesn't mean you will have to take hours out of your day to clean and condition your footwear. Once a month of checking to see how they're doing and perhaps giving your shoes some love and care should be more than enough. Your footwear will be grateful and in turn will last for a long, long time.

Other than caring for the material, make sure to look for solid constructions. Seams are more durable than glue, and rubber outsoles, as well as leather linings, add to the overall longevity of a design.

Lastly, don't hold yourself back from wearing your favorite shoes just because you're afraid they will fall apart quicker. Footwear deteriorates even when it's sitting in your wardrobe, and besides, shoes are meant to be worn. The best thing you can do is wear them with confidence, and you will be sure that they paid off in the long run.