Latest trends in men's shoes

Dressy shoes

With the merging of business casual in the workplace and beyond, there is a fine line between dressy and casual shoes. Many shoes can pass for both dressy and less formal occasions, and can go with everything from chinos and jeans to a suit.

The trend in dress shoes is more of a square toe (as seen in the Prada line), rather than wingtips. Shoes are more square and wide rather than narrow and round -- this goes for both laced shoes or loafers.

As for the sole, the wedge heel has crept into men's shoe styles. There are still shoes that have a separate heel, but you'll find shoes that have a wedge, and rubbery heel (wedge heel means that the sole resembles one platform, rather than a separated heel and toe -- and looks like, well, a wedge).

If you want to dress down your shoes, opt for a rubber sole rather than wood.

Casual footwear

Like I said, many casual shoes can be worn to work and with suits (of course, it depends on what line of work you're in). There are casual shoes that can pass for dress shoes, with the rubber sole and wedge heel, in both lace shoes and loafers. Ankle boots are also in style, with either laces, a velcro strip (that fastens the shoe) or an elastic band.

Speaking of elastics, a fashionable form of loafer that is presently in style is a slip-on with an elastic band at the front or the sides, to keep the shoes on and add a bit of detail. This elastic shoe is enough of a detail to add some originality to your shoes in a rather subtle way.

As for laces in dress/casual shoes, you'll find that laces are thin, unless you're dealing with the latest bowling trend.

More casual shoes:

If you've noticed women walking around with huge purses that look like bowling bags (two-toned with lots of stitching and big handles), don't assume that they've all joined the local bowling league. The "bowling" look is presently in style for both men and women, so much so that you may be tempted to steal the rented shoes next time you go bowling. 

Don't even think about it -- but do splurge and get yourself a nice pair of bowling inspired shoes. These are either two-toned (in colors such as black and beige, black and red, brown and beige) or one single color; have lots of stitching along the sides and front of the shoes; and have thick laces and plastic rings around the lace holes. 

Just don't go crazy with the bowling look, and leave the purse for your girlfriend. 

Sporty Trainer:
Whether bowling is your sport of choice or you'd rather go hiking on any given day, there is a wide variety of athletic shoes to choose from. 

Nike always presents consumers with the new versions of a shoe, or a totally revamped shoe that promises to make you slamdunk and match Vince Carter's shots. Whatever these shoes promise, leave the really jazzed up sneakers for the courts and wear more subtle sneakers with your jeans or chinos. 

For really fashionable sneakers that will surely suit most of your wardrobe, stick to colors such as white, gray and beige as the shoe's base. These go well with yellow, blue, black, and red detail in the shoe itself, and these combinations will look great with most of your clothes. 

You can find more subtle sneakers at companies such as New Balance, the North Face, Merrell, and the regular Nike and Reebok. The three former companies offer hiking shoes and cross-trainers that are fashionable and versatile. 

Rather than funky, colorful and really busy sneakers, hiking shoes are a great option that will keep you warm, and go great with jeans, khakis and even some nice pants. 

As for Nike, the Air Max and Shox R4 are the hot ones on the market, and are sure to give other sneakers a run for their money.
The elastic band trend (rather than laces) is also in style in the sneaker market, and makes a pair of sneakers look more dressy, while providing you with maximum comfort (although they do not serve the whole "sport" purpose). 

It's true that clothes and shoes do not make a man, but they do make the difference between a man who knows how to dress, and a man who should be revered when it comes to taste, style and class. So make that difference with the right pair of shoes, and men will always want to walk in your footsteps.