It hit me a few weeks ago when returning from a business trip. If there is a such thing as a “dad-bod” now, then there is most certainly a dad-shoe. Now just like a dad-bod, the dad-shoe isn’t always exactly the same shoe however its usually an all-white or all-black shoe with no unique markings or styling that has been made the same for the past decade! An example might be the Nike Mens Air Monarch IV which has been one of the top selling shoes for years and no the sneaker heads aren’t buying them. Perhaps its the idea of versatility that these shoes possess to allow certain men to feel that they can wear them from the gym, to the sports field, to a date night with the wife…I mean they’re leather and bright white…that’s classy right? No. No it is not!

Please understand I am not recommending men go out and begin buying matching shoes for their workout attire. Although Chucks do come in a lot of colors…I mean a lot! But back to the point at hand. Your “sneaker” ,as most dad’s might call, them should never double as a casual shoe. I am not writing a fashion blog but I am writing this so men can learn to buy shoes for function and some fashion benefit. Technology has come a long way since most of these dad-shoes first hit the market and that means you’re not wearing the latest and greatest. Not that you need to be paying an arm and a leg for your gym shoes or everyday sneakers. It just means you need to upgrade for the same price as there are plenty of other options on the market for about the same price.

Gym/Athletic shoes should be chosen based on most often use. For example if you’re buying a running shoe to lift weights and occasionally do some light cardio and maybe a long distance run every now and then, you’re buying the wrong shoe. That doesn’t mean to go and buy those lifting shoes with the wooden heel, it just means look to buy more of a cross training shoe. The Under Armour Strive IV Training Shoes are a great choice and hey look you get upgraded advances in shoe technology for about the same cost as the dad-shoe! And will you look at that! They’re not big and clunky and “gasp” they have color!

Casual shoes need to be versatile for everyday use to transfer from a possible casual business lunch to a night out on the town. Break away from the loafers and get something that shows you’re a little adventurous. This will not perform like an athletic shoe and they won’t look as stuffy as the shoes you wear to an office. So grab something simple enough to not scream metrosexual or anything else because if you’ve been wearing dad-shoes this long I doubt you’re the attention seeking type. This Original Penguin Men’s Quest Sneaker might be perfect for you. Now that’s not a bad modern looking shoe for about $50.

I know we’ve just doubled the average dad-bod guy’s shoe collection but trust me, you’re feet will thank you when you put on the athletic shoes and everyone in your immediate surroundings will thank you when you put on the casual shoes! So remember when your dad-shoes finally give out…don’t just order the same pair again!