The Ultimate Guide to Men's Footwear: From Loafers to Sneakers to Sandals

A man is often judged by the shoes he wears. It’s a universal truth — your choice of footwear isn’t just functional, it’s foundational. From first impressions to finishing touches, nothing communicates confidence, taste, and purpose like the right pair of shoes.

For the modern man in the UAE, the variety of daily occasions — whether it’s a boardroom meeting in DIFC, a leisurely brunch at JBR, or a traditional family gathering — demands a curated and versatile footwear collection. Knowing what shoes to wear with chinos, suits, or casual ethnic wear becomes key to crafting a complete look.

This men's footwear guide breaks down everything you need to know, helping you choose with intention and style. At Indobaz, we believe that great style starts from the ground up — which is why our curated collections blend classic western styles and ethnic staples for a thoughtful mix of function and flair.

[Image: A stylish flat lay of essential men's footwear including sneakers, loafers, and ethnic sandals]

Why Your Shoe Game Matters More Than You Think

The Power of First Impressions

Footwear is often the first thing people notice — subconsciously or otherwise. According to a study by the University of Kansas, people can accurately judge aspects of your personality just by looking at your shoes.

Wearing well-maintained, situation-appropriate footwear sends a strong message: you pay attention to the details. Whether you’re closing a deal or meeting the in-laws, your shoes can make or break the message you want to send.

Completing Your Outfit

Shoes are not just accessories — they anchor an outfit. Switching footwear can instantly reframe your entire look. Take a pair of navy chinos: wear them with brown loafers for a business-lunch polish or with white sneakers for a weekend-casual vibe.

It’s all about creating harmony. The right pair completes the story you're telling through your attire, whether you lean minimalist, traditional, or trend-forward.

Comfort and Confidence

Great style also means great fit. Quality shoes support your posture and keep you comfortable all day. More importantly, wearing the right shoes for the right moment gives you a boost of confidence and readiness.

Investing in good construction — think premium leather, stitched soles, and ergonomic design — ensures your shoes look better and last longer. It’s a win-win for both elegance and economy.

[Image: A confident man walking through Dubai wearing polished dress shoes with a tailored suit]

The Essential Men's Footwear Guide: Building Your Core Collection

The Dapper Gentleman: Formal & Dress Shoes

Oxfords

What they are: The pinnacle of classic sophistication, Oxfords feature a ""closed lacing"" design — sleek and clean-cut, perfect for formal dressing.

When to wear them: Essential for high-formality events like weddings, corporate meetings, and black-tie functions.

How to style them: Pair black Oxfords with a charcoal or tuxedo suit; try brown or burgundy Oxfords with navy, grey, or patterned suits for a sophisticated twist.

Derbys

What they are: With an ""open lacing"" system, Derbys offer a slightly more relaxed fit compared to Oxfords while still keeping it sharp.

When to wear them: A flexible option for business-casual days, dinners, or smart-casual Fridays.

Why you need them: They balance the formal vs casual shoes equation perfectly, offering comfort without losing structure or style.

Monk Straps

What they are: Bold and buckled, Monk Straps come without laces and often feature a single or double metallic strap.

When to wear them: Ideal for fashion-conscious environments and events that call for individual flair.

How to style them: Match with tailored trousers, slim chinos, or a check blazer. A proper trouser break will show off the buckle detail — don’t let it hide!

[Image: Close-up of polished brown monk strap shoes paired with a navy suit]

The Effortlessly Cool: Smart-Casual Staples

Loafers (Penny, Tassel, Bit)

Why they're essential: The undisputed champion of slip-on cool, loafers are the easiest way to level up your look without overthinking.

Styling for the UAE climate: With year-round sunshine, loafers pair beautifully with linen trousers, chinos, or tailored shorts. They even complement a light suit for warm-weather formals.

The sock debate: Go with no-show socks for a clean, modern edge — perfect for brunches, date nights, and casual Fridays.

Indobaz Angle: Tan leather loafers and a linen kurta set makes for an effortlessly chic Indo-Western ensemble. A subtle nod to tradition, with modern comfort built-in. Learn more about Indo-Western fusion style.

Minimalist Sneakers

The modern classic: Clean-lined, leather sneakers in white or black have become essential shoes for men juggling city life and casual elegance.

Beyond the gym: These are not your training kicks; they’re designed for versatility and street-smart elegance.

How to style them: Pair them with slim denim, cuffed chinos, or even an unstructured blazer. They offer a laid-back look that still feels sharp. Need more wardrobe inspiration? Check out our Men’s Fashion Guide for UAE.

Key tip: Keep them clean. A scuffed white sneaker kills the vibe — a quick wipe goes a long way.

[Image: White minimalist sneakers styled with beige chinos and a navy shirt]

Chukka / Desert Boots

What they are: Mid-ankle boots with two or three eyelets, usually made of suede or leather. Rugged, but understated.

Best for cooler months: Ideal for UAE’s milder seasons — perfect for alfresco dinners or winter evenings outdoors.

How to style them: Chukkas look fantastic with jeans or chinos and serve as a great middle ground between dressy and casual. Explore more men’s footwear options at Indobaz.

The Relaxed Weekender: Sandals & Traditional Footwear

Elevated Sandals & Slides

The rule: Skip the flip-flops — opt for leather or suede sandals with structure and aesthetic appeal.

When they're appropriate: Think weekend getaways, pool parties, or casual strolls through the souk.

Styling them right: Match with neutral linen shorts, a short-sleeve shirt, and a watch for an easy, pulled-together off-duty look.

Ethnic Footwear (Mojris/Juttis & Kolhapuris)

The Indobaz Signature: These handcrafted staples from South Asia are deeply rooted in tradition — with timeless appeal and cultural pride.

When to wear them: Mojris and Juttis are perfect for weddings, Eid, Diwali, and family functions. Kolhapuris bring a casual yet regal energy to weekend and festive attire.

How to style them: Pair Mojris with Sherwanis or achkans for formal elegance. Kolhapuris work with Kurta-Pyjamas, Pathani suits, or even dark-wash jeans for a cool fusion edge. Learn more from our Men's Kurta Guide.

Highlight craftsmanship: Embroidery, fine leatherwork, and rich colors speak to generations of artisanship. Each pair tells a story of heritage and design.

[Image: Traditional juttis and ethnic footwear placed next to rich South Asian fabrics]

Shoe Care 101: Protecting Your Investment

The Golden Rules of Maintenance

• Use cedar shoe trees to soak up moisture and retain the shoe's shape.
• Avoid repeated daily wear — give your leather shoes a day off to breathe.
• After each use, wipe down your shoes to remove dust and surface dirt.

Cleaning Different Materials

• Leather: Use leather polish and conditioner to keep the surface soft and gleaming. Don’t skip the occasional buff.
• Suede: A suede brush is your best friend. Gently lift dirt and maintain nap. Finish with a suede protector.
• Canvas: Spot clean using mild soap and water — avoid full immersion, which can lead to deformation.