It seems that this decade, perhaps this century, in fashion, will be known for its inclusion of men.

Not just the movie stars and male models, but the common man, is now conscious about the way he dresses in this era of Facebook photo shoots and the word “fresh” to offset the emasculation of commenting on another man’s clothes. Rappers, longtime enemies to anything remotely homosexual, metrosexual or “in touch with one’s feminine side” now rap about their gigantic shoe collections.

Other evidence of this trend would be the great variety of stylish (and expensive) shoes worn by WJ males today.  Few teenage boys are letting mom take them to Payless to get tennis shoes any more. Whether they are wearing Tims and swinging their Alpha male legs through the hallway or wearing gigantic multicolor high tops because Wale told them to, the men of WJ know how to shoe shop. Here’s a breakdown of what can be seen in the hallways of WJ.

Sperrys– Though this brand is the most popular, many brands of boating shoe exist. Originally, they were worn by America’s wealthy boat owners and prep school attendees, but they have since gained popularity among landlubber and public schooler alike. In the south, there is a veritable Sperry’s cult, and not having them is tantamount to not owning jeans here. The WJ male, however, has only a modest appreciation of Sperrys, and they can only be seen on a select few.

Other names-Top Siders

He’s wearing them because… You go to Deep Creek in the summer, they go well with your plaid shorts, they were on sale at American Eagle.

They cost… $50 and up

“Tims”– A shorthand term (that comes from Timberland, a popular brand) for large, yellow, grain leather hiking boots. Tims have extended beyond their original utilitarian usage and become a fashion statement. These stylish, masculine boots send the message that you are a manly man, a old-fashioned man, a man of purpose (or are at least trying to look like one). Unlike their genuine steel-toed workman’s boot, these shoes are comfortable, and their color matches nothing most men would wear, and therefore matches everything.

Other Names– Boots/ Hiking Boots

He’s wearing them because… Churchill hockey fans need to learn some manners, he’s wearing jeans

They cost … $120

High Tops–  Most commonly Nikes, although other brands like Adidas and Creative Recreations remain popular.  These shoes cross every barrier in terms of style and social group, moving far beyond their popularity at inception with urban rap fans. These shoes are generally as “loud” as they come, being multi-colored, huge, and layered with logos and superfluous straps. Wearing these doesn’t tie a person down to any stereotype, but these shoes can still be associated with fans of rap and urban style.

Other Names– Kicks

He’s wearing them because… you listen to rap, you have big feet, you wear a hoodie, you have money to burn

They cost … $70 at least, can go up to $200+

Canvas Slip-ons– The difference between wearing multicolor Vans canvas shoes or wearing the more subdued brown and beige ones that are increasing in popularity is quite big. Though they are the same shoe in terms of construction, they serve entirely different purposes for WJ males. The former is a mainstay of those that identify with the skater look, that is, long hair, hoodies and tight pants, although it is hardly unique to them. In contrast, the more tame cousins are found on sweater and scarf toting semi-formal dressers, who wear them in conjunction with chinos or khakis. The antithesis of Tims, these shoes are small and offer nearly no support or protection for feet.

He’s wearing them because… it is easier to ride a skateboard on them, he shops at Urban Outfitters

They cost …$15-40

Chuck Taylors– A very old shoe that has never lost its modernity, they are both worn as normal shoes that complement any style, and as retro throwbacks that complement stereotypical “hipster” look. These shoes have fallen become less and less popular because of their “goofy” clown shoe look and restriction of the user’s movement. They also get dirty very quickly, and offer no more support than canvas sneakers. That said, these shoes will probably never go out of style, because they’ve  lived long enough to be considered “classics.”

He’s wearing them because… He listens to The Ramones, he wears tight jeans, he wants so very badly to seem retro.

They cost…50 or more.