Whether you are running around campus, headed to a job interview, or catching up with friends, we’ve found the 35 best shoes for college guys for every occasion. Below is the complete list of must-have shoe styles to be prepared for any situation!
We know it can be hard to find great shoes on a budget, so we made it easy for you with the scoop on the complete collection of mens must-have budget-friendly shoes to step into success!
Here is the scoop on the 35 best shoes for college guys!
The Athleisure Sneaker
This has got to be one of the most important shoes to have in your closet, and I’ll tell you why! Having a pair of these shoes makes it easy to go from running around on campus to heading to networking events and more. With these sneaker styles, you choose which fits your look the best!
1. New Balance 515 V3 Sneaker
These New Balance's are great comfortable shoes that come in an array of color waves to match any outfit. Choose a more neutral color palette for an easy sneaker option that will elevate a sweat outfit. These are the perfect everyday performance sneakers for college students on the go.
2. Adidas Samba
The Adidas Samba Classic is the ultimate classic sneaker that brings a little flavor to any fit! With its sporty sleek appearance, it's no surprise the Sambas are popular amongst soccer players. Pair it with some jeans, a plain white tee, and a bomber jacket for a sporty day look, then switch out the bomber for a leather jacket to change the aesthetic for a dressier nighttime outfit. The Adidas’ Samba is the best casual shoe that still looks stylish.
3. Adidas Deerup Runner
The Adidas Deerupt Runner shoes are the best minimalist sneakers out there. It's a super sporty look and comfortability make them great everyday shoes especially during long walks on campus. Wear these Adidas Deerupt Runner shoes with a casual look for class, then head right to the gym for a workout without having to bring an extra pair of tennis shoes!
3. Nike Air Max
This shoe is a staple in streetwear, which is trending in fashion and we don’t see it stopping any time soon! The Nike Air Force 1s all-white sneakers are making a comeback, but instead of following the crowd, we think this is a viable option if you want the most out of an athleisure shoe.
These Nike men’s Air Max shoes are the best sneakers on our list of 35 best shoes for college guys if you want to get the most out of an athleisure shoe! Nike Men's Air Max $130 at Finishline.com so go get yourself a pair of these comfortable sneakers!
4. Run Star Hike
Check out the latest sneakers from Converse, the Run Star Hike. These may not be the traditional converse classic sneakers, but they offer the same wearability and no effort! Go for these Converse Men Run Star Hike easy slip-on sneakers like these. Get these for $100.
5. Moss London Suede Chelsea Boot
For my guys wanting to elevate their style on a budget, this suede Chelsea boot is what you need! Check out ASOS for a variety of Chelsea ankle boots at different prices. These chocolate brown suede Chelsea boots are a great way to add some dressiness to an outfit without breaking the bank. Priced at $54, They're a steal!
6. Clarkdale Gobi Taupe Suede
Clark is known for its quality shoes, and at only $95 these Taupe Suede Chelsea boots are a no-brainer! This color is a great alternative to the typical brown or black boot. With their fashionable appearance, these boots will make any outfit cooler without trying hard.
7. Aldo Sorick Chelsea Boot
A black Chelsea boot is the perfect choice for formal events as an alternative to a dress shoe. Pair it with a tailored suit for an easy but classy look or make it a bold distinctive look with these black suede Chelsea boots with chains to add edginess. If your personal preference is more of a classic look, go for a sleek silhouette black leather Chelsea boot instead. A little pricier at $135, but totally worth it.
8. UGG Biltmore Chelsea
This Ugg Chelsea boot gives a rugged and effortlessly cool aesthetic. Ugg combines fashion and function with these waterproof boots, which makes them an ideal pair of boots for any season. The best way to wear these is with a denim shirt and tapered pants, and that’s all you need! UGG men Chelsea boots priced at $139.
9. Baen Mono Chelsea Boot
With a waterproof treated finish, no need to worry about the weather messing up these suede Baen Mono Chelsea boots. Perfect for the 35 best shoes for college guys list. With a 4.6-star review, customers say the comfort level of these boots makes them totally worth $70 at DSW.com
10. Sonoma Goods For Life Colton Combat Boot
Don’t assume the combat boot is strictly fall and winter wardrobes… This style is super versatile and essential for any season. These Sonoma Goods For Life® Coltonn Combat boots have a memory foam footbed and the best part a zipper! At only $28 that's enough of a good reason to hurry up and grab these from Kohls.
11. Dr. Martens Combs Boot
At $99 these are one of the more reasonably priced Doc Martens out there. Typically Doc Martens are known for their chunky sole like these Combs boots listed, but they also have some sleek silhouettes and different models to check out.
12. Dr. Scholl's Cavalry Combat Boot
In need of comfort and a dressier style of combat boot? Well, look no further. These Dr. Scholls cavalry combat boots are the best of both worlds. A great addition for young guys trying to add to their wardrobe. At about $70 these boots are definitely budget-friendly.
13. Madden Belmin Lace-Up Boot
If you are looking for something new to spice your boot options, these Madden lace-up boots from Famous Footwear would make a fun addition. With a sophisticated and grown look, these are sure to impress anyone you want to notice. At only $65, they are right on budget!
14. Banana Republic Brendt Leather Chukka Boot
Is it a boot? Is it a shoe? It’s a pair of quality Chukka Boots by the Banana Republic! These Brendt Leather Chukka Boot with Crepe Sole are Designed with lightweight, durable OrthoLite for easy all-day wear. $178
15. Perry Ellis Wilson Portfolio Dress Shoe
Go from college student to respectable grown man with this pair of dress shoes! At only $30, this budget-friendly pair of dress shoes by Perris Ellis is perfect for formal occasions! Hurry and grab a brown pair as well, because at that price you might not have much time before they’re gone.
Perry Ellis has an array of decently priced classy dress shoes for men.
16. Chamaripa Oxford Tuxedo Shoe
Need a little pep in your step? These Charamipa Oxford Tuxedo Dress Shoes have an added advantage you would never guess... With invisible elevating height, they don't just give you some extra style. This is a great pair of dress shoes if you want an added 2 inches of extra height. Available on Amazon for $169
17. Stacy Adams Dress Shoe
These are giving retro Bruno Mars Vibes, and we love it! Having brown and black of each style of shoe is a must, but why not take it to the next level with these Stacy Adams Toscano Cap Toe Double Monk Strap dress shoes? Pull these out for special occasions. Check them out at Zappos.com for $75.
18. Thomas & Vine Conrad Wingtip Oxford
Add these to the list of formal options! These Conrad Wingtip Oxfords aren’t your usual dress shoe but are a fun alternative. If you want something for casual wear with a sporty touch then pick these up! Available today for pick up at DSW for $89.
19. Unlisted by Kenneth Cole Men's Stay Loafer
A dressier loafer is a great option to put the finishing touches on your business casual look. Check out these Men’s Stay Loafer from Unlisted by Kenneth Cole. At the super reasonable price of $48 at Macy’s, no need to look anywhere else.
20. Stacy Adams Tazewell Loafer
Now, this is a show-stopping loafer. Made with a unique knit fabric and classic tassel detail, there is no doubt you’ll be asked where you got these! The Tazewell Loafer is $80 at DSW, but it can be our little secret.
21. Alfani Penny Driving Loafers
So we gave you the scoop on the dressier loafer styles, but we know you need some options for casual outfits as well. Available in white, tan, and black these Alfani Penny Driving Loafers are the best casual shoes in this style at about $50 a pair.
22. Massimo Matteo Suede Penny Driver
Like more color in your wardrobe? These Massimo Matteo suede penny driver loafers come in 11 different colors, or if your personal style is more chill they've got them in classic brown and tan. Cooling perforations in the shoe add to the breathability of these lightweight shoes. Another shoe from Zappos.com for $69.
23. Birkenstock Arizona Slide Sandal
To give the full scoop on essential shoes for college life, we must add some open-toed casual slides for the spring and summer months. Who doesn’t love a good pair of Birkenstocks to slip on before running out the door to class?
For $100, they aren’t the cheapest pair but If you’ve had a pair before, you know they only get more comfortable with time. Birkenstocks are perfect for everyday wear!
24. Adidas Adilette Comfort Slides
Every guy has a pair of sporty slides in their closet. The black and white Adidas men slides maybe some of the most popular amongst college men. Grab your own pair with the signature logo for only $28 right now on Adidas.com.
25. Z/2 Classic Chaco
First thing, these Z/2 Chaco's are vegan friendly. If that alone doesn't sell you on these they also have adjustable straps to fit your foot and durable high-tensile webbing heel risers which make them amazing shoes for an on-the-go lifestyle.
House shoes
We know college days are expensive, but Amazon has some of the best options for cheap dorm and shower shoes. Listed below are some affordable options of easy slip-on shoes for dorm life.
26. Amazon Shower Shoes
The important things about shower shoes are they keep your feet clean and don't break the bank. Anyone who has lived in a dorm knows a pair of shower shoes are a necessity. Luckily, Amazon has super affordable bathroom slipper options available. These slippers have holes for quick-drying, come in a variety of color options, and range from only $10-16.
27. Mix No. 6 Arza Slippers
Mix No. 6 Arza Slippers are stylish and cozy for walking around your dorm room, and a must-have for university life. A comfortable fit with faux fur lining and a 4.8-star review these comfy slippers are a great choice at $50 from DSW.com. A must-have in the list of 35 best shoes for college guys.
28. DL Men's Memory Foam Slippers
If you aren’t wanting to spend too much on a pair of house slippers, these DL men’s memory foam slippers with indoor and outdoor anti-skid soles are only $27 on amazon.com and come in brown, black, and gray.
29. Crocs Classic Clog
Without further ado, the Crocs Classic Clog. There aren’t many times we’d say these were the right shoes for the occasion, but they are the best shoes for hitting the showers, walking around the dorm, and just straight chilling. Crocs men collection has a variety of different styles and colors, but these were marked down to only $39!
Rain Boots are a must. They don't seem like the most important shoe to have, but if you find a trendy-looking style similar to a pair of Adidas rain boots you can wear them on so many more occasions! Check out these cool rain boots below.
30. Tommy Hilfiger Rainy Boot
So, we already gave you the scoop on wearing your combat boots as rain boots when you need them. But if you want a sportier pair, check out these Tommy Hilfiger rain boots. Now on sale for $61.
31. Sperry Cutter Rain Boots
These Cutter Rain Boots by Sperry are the best choice if you want a casual-looking shoe for rainy days. With a waterproof rubber upper and fleece lining these shoes will keep you dry and warm!
The bottom line is that this pair of shoes will help you look stylish with minimal effort! These could fit any a couple of the categories listed for the 35 best shoes for college guys!
32. Columbia Firecamp Boot
There are numerous things that make this boot great! With waterproof-breathable construction and 200g insulation, these Columbia Firecamp Boots would be an awesome winter shoe as well. At $59, you really can’t beat the versatility and price of these winter boots.
33. ASOS Gladiator Sandals
Last but not least, we have sandals for men. Sometimes you want a cooler option instead of sneakers when it's hot, so we found you a dressier option rather than a slide. On ASOS.com you can find these sleek gladiator sandals for men at a reasonable price of $58.
Sandals are a necessity for spring and summer! Don't be shy with your toes out in these sandals.
34. Nike Canyon Sandal
Wear a sandal but make it sporty! These are great for a casual sporty outfit during the warmer seasons. Ultra-comfortable, and super cool. Also, ideal for walking around campus, so these were a must on the 35 best shoes for college guys list. Get these Nike Canyon sandals available at Nordstrom for $56.
There you have it: the 35 best shoes for college guys! In our opinion, you can never have enough pairs of shoes or shoe choices, so we curated the full list of shoes perfect for the college student ready to take on the real world. These are the best choices of men’s shoes to help you add some fashionable grown man vibes into your wardrobe.
For more fashion scoop check out these articles:
- 60 Best Running Shoes For Women With Narrow Feet
- 15 Best Sprinting Shoes Without Spikes
- The 15 Best Minimalist Barefoot Shoes
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