With Mother's Day behind us, Father's Day is just around the corner. If you're lucky enough to have an amazing dad, you know that he deserves all the appreciation you can give him year-round, but Father's Day is a special opportunity to show him how much you care. A carefully selected card, a thoughtful gift, and some time spent with his family will make your dad's day one to remember.
We've always thought that shoes make a great present for any occasion. They're just the right combination of useful and fun, and the receiver will be reminded of you with every step they take. How awesome is that? Whether your dad is a sharp-dressed man or more of a casual, cool type, the right new pair of shoes is sure to brighten his day, revealing that you paid attention to his style and put some effort into choosing the perfect gift.
Need help deciding on the right pair of shoes for Dad? We're here to help with some of our most popular shoes for men. Find the style below that best suits your dad's unique sense of fashion (or help him out if he doesn't really have one)! When you give him these shoes, he'll feel comfortable, stylish, and most of all, loved.
Down-to-Earth Dad: Clarks Desert Boot
Clarks Men's Desert Boot in Beeswax Leather, Oakwood Suede, and Taupe Distressed Suede. Also available in Black Suede, Navy Tumbled Leather, and more.
This guy is an in-betweener when it comes to fashion. He doesn't agonize over his outfit every morning, but he's no slob, either. He's more likely to choose practicality over style, but somehow it works for him. If your dad is the laidback, unfussy type, he'll certainly appreciate the iconic Clarks Desert Boot.
Timeless and classic, the Clarks Desert Boot is a shoe with a history. Designed by Nathan Clark in 1950, these ankle-high favorites were inspired by the crepe-soled boots found in the bazaars of Cairo by British officers during World War II. Clark's fellow officers loved the boots for their rugged practicality and sleek, classy design, and those attributes haven't changed much in the last 60 years. The Clarks Desert Boot has enjoyed popularity among both men and women for decades, and it's hard to deny there's an effortless elegance to this ever-trendy footwear option.
A simple lace-up closure and an ankle-cut leather or suede upper over a crepe sole: These are the defining features of a Clarks Desert Boot. That simplicity is what gives the Desert Boot its versatility, making it appropriate for everyday with jeans and a tee or for low-key formal events with khakis, chinos, or even a suit. While it'll be a favorite for every down-to-earth dad, just about any man will appreciate having a pair of Clarks Desert Boots in his closet.
Classy Dad: Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe
Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe in Sahara, Oatmeal, and Brown/Buc Brown. Also available in Classic Brown Leather, New Navy, and more.
The classy dad always looks sharp. Whether it's a well-tailored suit for a night out or a crisp polo and khaki shorts at the neighborhood barbecue, he knows how to dress to flatter his frame, but never comes off as pretentious or overdone. Hopefully, you inherited his sense of style. This dad will appreciate the ubiquitous yet never faddish Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe.
You know Sperry Authentic Originals, often simply called A/Os or Top-Siders, but do you know their story? Like the Clarks Desert Boot, this is another shoe with an intriguing background. Founder Paul Sperry designed the very first boat shoe back in 1935. Paul was a sailor himself, and after a near-death experience on a slippery deck, he resolved to create a shoe that would offer the traction needed to keep sailors safe. Upon watching his dog race across ice without difficulty, Paul had his answer. Taking inspiration from the bottom of the dog's paws, Paul created the first boat shoe with its grippy "wave-siped" sole, and an American icon was born. Popularized by JFK and highlighted in The Official Preppy Handbook , the Sperry boat shoe is an enduring symbol of nautical style.
Stain- and weather-resistant leather uppers with hand-sewn moccasin construction give the Authentic Original both charm and durability. A shock-absorbent heel cup of springy EVA adds a dose of comfort to this informal slip-on. And of course, the rubber outsole features razor-cut siping to provide the traction he needs in wet or dry conditions. Overall, the Sperry Authentic Original Boat Shoe is classy and casual—just like Dad.
Professional Dad: Clarks Calhoun Limit
Clarks Calhoun Limit in Black Leather and Burgundy Brush Leather.
Is your dad a businessman, lawyer, or some other type of professional? If so, he knows the importance of making a good impression, whether on his supervisors, his employees, or his customers or clients. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest indicators of taste is a man's choice of shoes. He'll be ready for any board meeting or formal event with the Clarks Calhoun Limit.
The Calhoun Limit is much better suited to elegant occasions than our other Clarks pick, the Desert Boot. Still, both have that aura of class that makes all Clarks shoes so popular and versatile. Crafted from rich, premium leather, the Calhoun Limit is a simple cap-toe derby that will complement suits and dress up khakis or chinos. Along with a sleek and stylish upper, the Calhoun Limit features a cushioned, supportive footbed and classic leather sole. Keep Dad looking his best at work with the Clarks Calhoun Limit!
Outdoorsy Dad: Keen Newport H2 in Black
Keen Newport H2 in Black, Midnight Navy/Neutral Gray, and Black Olive/Brindle. Also available in Magnet/Nasturtium.
Whether it's camping, hiking, canoeing, or one of the countless other outdoor pursuits, a lot of dads like escaping to the wilderness. Maybe he likes the peace and quiet, the fresh air, or the opportunity to explore and feel like a kid again. If nature is his favorite playground, he'll need the right shoes to keep his feet protected and comfortable. The Keen Newport H2 will take him down trails, across rivers, and beyond.
Relatively new brand Keen has seen an astronomical leap in popularity, largely due to their flagship style, the Keen Newport. The Newport's revolutionary "toe bumper" is Keen's answer to the question, "Can a sandal really protect your toes?" The rubber toe bumper will shield Dad's toes from treacherous terrain, so he can relax and enjoy this comfy fisherman's sandal. Speaking of comfort, the H2 boasts a "metatomical" EVA footbed that cradles your foot's natural shape and offers ample arch support. The polyester webbing upper and hydrophobic mesh lining are breathable, quick-drying, and easily washable, making it no big deal to splash through a creek or puddle. The Newport H2's non-marking rubber sole features razor siping (like the Sperry A/O) and multi-directional lugs for ultimate traction on wet or dry surfaces. In short, the Keen Newport H2 has everything your dad could ask for in a pair of outdoor sandals.
Active Dad: New Balance 928v2 Leather
New Balance Men's 928v2 Leather in White. Also available in Black and Brown.
Not all active dads get their kicks out in the wilderness. Whether he's a gym regular or just starting out his fitness journey with a daily walk, it's great to encourage your dad as he works toward a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. As any runner or workout enthusiast will tell you, the right shoes can make all the difference when it comes to comfort, avoiding injury, and even making progress. That's why the perfect gift for a newly active dad is the New Balance 928v2 Leather!
The New Balance 928v2 Leather is perfect for the dedicated walker. Whether it's down the block or around the track, the 928v2 Leather gives the stability and support he needs to reach his goals. This lace-up walking shoe is even a smart choice for dads who are on their feet all day at work. Innovative, industry-leading ROLLBAR® technology allows for exceptional motion control, while a padded tongue and ABZORB® cushioning at the midfoot makes every step as soft and cozy as the last. The New Balance 928v2 Leather is even treated for odor resistance, banishing unpleasant smells.
New Balance is one of the world's top brands when it comes to athletic shoes. The New Balance 928v2 Leather is a walking shoe, but we also have New Balance men's shoes for running (like the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v7) or cross-training (like the New Balance 824 Trainer) that dad is sure to love.
Older Dad: Johnston & Murphy Penn Slip-On
Johnston & Murphy Penn Slip-On in Black Full Grain and Red Brown Waterproof.
As sons and daughters reach adulthood, they often grow into a deeper understanding of their fathers, and gain a greater appreciation for dads' self-sacrifice, wisdom, and character. If you're lucky enough to have an amazing older dad who continues to offer guidance and support as you navigate life's challenges, you'll want to really show him how much he means to you this Father's Day. Give him the gift of comfort, convenience, and effortless style with the Johnston & Murphy Penn Slip-On.
When he dons Johnston & Murphy shoes, your dad will have something in common with every U.S. president since Millard Fillmore in 1850. Johnston & Murphy has gifted a custom pair of shoes to each and every president for nearly 150 years, including lace-up boots for Lincoln and stylish black wingtips for JFK. The Penn Slip-On marries polished Johnston & Murphy charm with materials and craftsmanship that defy the elements, making it the perfect choice to protect dad's feet.
Glossy waterproof leather and seam-sealed construction makes the Penn Slip-On the ideal choice for a dad who doesn't always check the forecast before he heads out. It also offers Johnston & Murphy's XC4® technology, which combines superior fit, advanced cushioning, lightweight construction, and a moisture-wicking lining for maximum comfort. The Penn Slip-On is also easy to slide his foot into on the way out the door, and elastic goring provides a more custom fit for sensitive, aging feet. Even if your dad already has it all, everyone appreciates a great pair of shoes.
So, which shoes do you think your dad would appreciate the most? It would be hard to go wrong with these great styles! If you haven't quite found the perfect pair for Dad, check out our men's new arrivals, or read some more blog posts about men's shoes:
President's Day Brand Spotlight: Johnston & Murphy
What's the Difference Between the New Merrell Moab 2 Mid and the Merrell Moab?
Product Spotlight: The New Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®
Want a matching pair for Mom? The Clarks Desert Boot, Keen Newport H2, and New Balance 928v2 Leather are all available in women's versions!