Eyes scan from top to bottom, and just like how the end of a story could make or break the entire plot, so can your feet. Gen Z fashion has been characterised by the infinite mix-and-match of combos that work, and combos that work when they shouldn’t. We’ve put Speedcats and Timberland’s in the main rotation, but what exactly is that perfect narrative formula? A minimal capsule of options that could go with anything? An array of statement shoes like a cherry on top? Sleek and classy or just a bit funky?
The simpler answer is usually the one that feels just right in the end, and Men’s Folio is bringing it back to basics — subversive basics — of the ones that can do both. Just like the feeling when you find the simplest old pieces at the bottom of your closet that end up making the most sense, we picked a few effortless kick gems that are tossed outside the main loop but are creeping their way back to appeal, that just make sense.
Taekwondo Shoes
Five-Finger Shoes

Mules
Engineer Boots
@broghan_semrad Blazer and biker boots 👍🏼 #fitcheck #fitoftheday #mensfashion ♬ son original – Trendformusic🤍🇲🇺
Boxing Boots

Boat Shoes
@giorgiopalermo Never not in my Timberland Boat Shoes @Timberland #Timbs #Ad ♬ Get You Some – Gibbz