Shoes to walk in with shorts

In about a 2 months I'm going to a major city--and the weather should be warm.  I may be wearing khaki shorts some and I need comfortable, but still good-looking, shoes to wear. I have black adidas sambas, which I'd wear with not-socks, so maybe that? Or get some NewBalances? Any suggestions? I'm 20 and want to dress relatively age-appropriate.

My first piece of advice would be to avoid shorts. I think they look childish, like you're on the Morton's salt box or something. I agree that I don't like the look of socks with shorts (I'm talking athletic shorts - as I mentioned above, I generally don't otherwise wear shorts). However, I'd suggest wearing those little ankle socks. I have a hard time finding them - my best luck is in the women's section. Just cut off the little pom poms I suggest this because I have rendered several pairs of sneakers unwearable by wearing them without socks. It could be that my feet stink more than others, but once they stink, there's not much you can do about it. As for actual shoe recommendations, I can only suggest sneakers.

What about sandals?

I'd advise against shorts as well. If you must, where a fashion sneaker based on running shoes. You can find very short socks in any running store. Sneakers with shorts look better sockless, but are much less comfortable. Sandals are a good idea in concept, but I've never seen something that works well. You are generally left with the unenviable position of deciding between mandals (look: either old man or a severely injured fashion victim), and "sport" sandals, which stink, literally, and make you look like a clueless fratboy or granola eater. Whatever you do, don't ever buy a pair of man clogs.

Considering your moniker, and the fact you're aiming for khaki shorts, I think you're probably going for a collegiate type look, which is not the same as an LA/Metro look. I think for someone your age, in your location--and assuming a more traditional look--I think khaki shorts are fine. Don't wear them too short.

There are various shoe options. I think fisherman sandals could work (no socks.). I like to wear the cotton canvas Sperry-type deck shoe (pick your brand). Boat shoes would work, as would penny loafers (probably go with a rubber sole for more comfort). Suede Bass bucs could even work, methinks.

I'm sure some from a more urban perspective would cringe at the above, (and it depends on what you're actually going to be doing, of course), but making the assumptions I state above, I think those suggestions would be fine.

The advice of the other members is accurate, and I do agree that pants are more appropriate than shorts no matter what the occasion, unless it's athletic. But there is certainly something to be said for being able to wear shorts without looking stupid. I spent some time in London, and when the weather warmed up, all those brits, so debonair in the chill and damp, looked ridiculous in shorts and black socks.

I'm 23, and in the summer I eagerly fall victim to frat fashion. If it's an occasion where shorts are acceptable, casual footwear often is too. You've probably already considered these, but try tasteful leather flip flops (Rainbow sandals makes quality ones, though they also cater to hippies and surfers). Fisherman's sandals can be good, but be careful not to go too International Male.

I sport the flip flops, or when toes shouldn't be seen, white tennis shoes (a classic, Jack-Purcell or Adidas, nothing too earnestly athletic), or penny loafers - I can hear people howling preppy, but these looks are durable when it's warm. No socks allowed.

Sometimes I'd rather not look so collegiate/touristy, but when that's the case I usually just switch to pants. I'm sure other posters will recommend linen pants in place of the shorts altogether.

For casual wear, I see nothing wrong with a pair of nice khaki shorts. I wouldn't wear them to work, but for kicking around on the weekend in the Summer, shorts are hard to beat.

My favorite shoes to wear with shorts are sandals, deck shoes, or plain white canvas sneakers. Mostly, I don't wear socks. If I wear socks (with the deck shoes or sneakers), they are short, white, cotton socks.

Wait shorts are childish looking. Never a good time to wear shorts. Can someone elaborate?

I was searching for "why do midwest people love ugly plaid shorts" when I came across this. I realize if you are going out after 8 but just in the city during the day shorts are childish?

I'll still wear shorts just curious that people really think this or just a couple random posters.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by PeterMetro

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My first piece of advice would be to avoid shorts. I think they look childish, like you're on the Morton's salt box or something.

Realizing this was teh major necro bump...

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

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Realizing this was teh major necro bump...

There are still valuable lessons to be learned...I would suggest this:

Originally Posted by southerncollegeboy

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In about a 2 months I'm going to a major city--and the weather should be warm. Â I may be wearing khaki shorts some and I need comfortable, but still good-looking, shoes to wear. I have black adidas sambas, which I'd wear with not-socks, so maybe that? Or get some NewBalances? Any suggestions? I'm 20 and want to dress relatively age-appropriate.

Fey sandals? No way.
Boots, my young friend.
Check out the real man on the left.

http://www.afrika-korps.com/afrikako...ikakorps_t.jpg

http://www.ostfront.com/militaria/prods/GOUN-00001.html

Shorts were childish...in the 19th century.

Shorts are fine IMO, I like to wear boat shoes with them.

Converse Allstars in a summer tint, without socks. There's no such thing as an invisible sock, and you can throw the allstars in the laundry if your feet make them smell.
They're comfortable, and you can choose between the classic higher ones or the low cut model. Just be sure to keep the top laceholes untied if you're going for the high version.

shorts are great and can be worn with a polo, a short sleeved shirt or a folded long sleeved shirt. you could even pull it off with a jacket, weather permitting ... like i did here:



in terms of shoes i recommend a suede loafer (either mocha or sand) ... ferragamo and calvin klein both have very nice ones at different price points (300 vs 100).