Men's shoes to give as Christmas gifts
This selection of men's shoes features pairs to slip under the tree: sporty looking sneakers like the Puma Speedcat or the adidas Spezial, retro running Asics, comfortable leather styles from Ecco and Geox, Italian leathers from Pantofola d'Oro, as well as football boots like the adidas Predator and F50 for the footballer, and indoor shoes for basketball or volley.
A pair for the city or the pitch.
Which pair to give depending on everyone's style
The right gift comes from the habits of the one receiving it. For a fan of retro silhouettes, a pair with a history is perfect: the Puma Speedcat, low and sleek, from the world of motorsport, or the adidas Spezial in suede, originally designed for indoor handball and now available in the colours of Lionel Messi. Those who like the look of the 2000s will appreciate the Asics Gel-NYC with its silver accents. For a man who walks a lot, comfort is key: the Ecco Exostride, made of leather with a thick sole, is available in a Gore-Tex version for winter, and the Geox Aerantis features the breathable sole that has made the Italian brand famous. For a more urban style, the DC Shoes Court Graffik maintains the padded upper inherited from skateboarding.
Other ideas
The selection for men also includes:
- Clothing.
- Accessories, hats, gloves, and bags.
- Gift ideas on a budget.
- Mid-range gift ideas.
- Gift ideas with a larger budget.
All the selection is gathered on the men's page.
Football boots: Predator or F50, what type of player
A pair of boots is chosen based on the play style of the person wearing them. The adidas Predator range, launched in 1994 on the idea of former Liverpool player Craig Johnston, focuses on the grip of the upper foot to give effect and precision to strikes and passes: it suits the playmaker or free-kick taker. The F50, lighter and sleeker, is aimed at fast players who seek speed in the first few metres, and its Messi version follows the Argentinian's style. The quality level is also important: Elite for demanding players, League for regular club practice. The FG label denotes a sole for natural dry terrain; for synthetic surfaces, compatibility is verified on the model's spec sheet.
Shoe size and playing surface: what to check before gifting
The shoe size should be checked on a pair that the recipient wears often, by reading the label sewn under the tongue, which also indicates the length in centimetres. This measurement serves as the reference, as the same number can fit differently between brands: an Italian Pantofola d'Oro in leather does not fit the same as an Asics. For sports shoes, the surface is also noted: natural or synthetic grass for boots, parquet for a court shoe like the Nike Air Zoom Hyperace, designed for jumps and movement in volleyball. For a basketball shoe, like the Puma LaMelo Ball, it’s also important to ask about the position played and playing habits, which guide the choice between ankle support and lightness.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sneaker to give to a man who only has one pair?
A low white or black leather sneaker with a simple sole goes with almost everything and for any occasion. It completes a wardrobe without imposing too strong a style, which limits the risk of getting it wrong.
Should you go half a size up for boots?
No, boots should fit snugly to maintain good ball control: stick to the usual size. Leather models stretch slightly over matches, while synthetic uppers retain their shape.
What maintenance for suede shoes in winter?
Before the first outing, a waterproof spray protects the suede from salt and melted snow. A brass bristle brush or a special eraser then removes dry stains without damaging the nap.
What’s the difference between a volley shoe and a basketball shoe?
The volley-ball shoe is lighter and often lower, with a rubber that prioritises grip and cushioning at the front foot for repeated jumps. The basketball shoe provides more ankle support and cushioning at the heel.
How to know if a man has wide feet?
A shoe deformed at the sides or a toe pressing against the upper are good signs. In this case, brands with generous fits should be considered, or a model in soft leather that will shape to the foot after a few wears.
