Founded in Germany, where they are the second best-known brand in the country after Volkswagen, Zalando are going from strength to strength and becoming very successful in a host of European countries. Their success could be attributed to their amazing range of shoes on offer, including many local brands.

Take for example, the footwear brand S.Oliver. It’s a brand I’d personally never heard of before but one that I’ll remember. The very on-trend ankle boot below only retails for £60 with Free Delivery. A bargain!

Although their primary focus might be on footwear, Zalando also offer a good range of men’s clothing items. From brands you’ll recognise, such as Levi’s and Diesel, to their own unique ‘Zalando Collection’, this online outlet offers an excellent selection of basic menswear items, as well as a superb premium range.

Zalando are now taking off in the UK, helped by some very amusing TV (example here). The reason I think they’ll go down a storm is that they not only promote a wide range of UK brands like H By Hudson, but they expose us to European brands we’d never likely come across. Oh, and the fact they offer free delivery and free returns!

Left to right: Grenson Tan Fred Commando Brogues: £199 Urban Outfitters; Loake Black High Polish 290 Chelsea Boots: £140 my-wardrobe.com

If the last time you wore boots it was with the full intention of getting them caked in mud, then you may need to slightly readjust your style philosophy. In other words, step away from the Hunter’s wellies – there are a great range of boots around this year, none of which are of the rubber variety. One of the most stylish boot adaptations of timeless classic is surely the commando brogue boot. A step up in smartness from the military boot, the commando brogue offer a more modern slant on this traditional style – and the perfect way to make sure that your basic jeans-and-jumper combo is right on trend.

If you’re looking for a slightly slicker option, then the Chelsea boot is the most obvious answer this coming season. Another classic style of shoe, the Chelsea boot is ideal for incorporating a touch of vintage style into almost any outfit, and looks great worn with slim-cut or straight-leg jeans. Alternatively, team with winter work-wear to prove you’re still cool, even when you’re office-bound and deadline dependant.

Left to right: Mens Caterpillar Hogan Boots: £125 Schuh; Clarks Originals Desert Boot Burgundy Suede: £79.99 Office

If you’re not exactly Made In Chelsea, then there are a number of less formal, but no less stylish, boot options available. Somewhere towards the other end of the boot-scale, for example, is the biker boot. If you’ve become somewhat accustomed to tucking your jeans into your boots, then worry not – it’s a look that’s almost certainly here to stay, albeit one which I cannot entirely condone. If you’re looking for that ever-elusive blend of comfort and style, then the biker boot might just be the perfect solution. Motorcycle preferred, but not technically essential.

Of course, the real shoe to be seen in over the coming season is the desert boot. Clarks may have designed the originals, but this style has undergone something of a resurgence of late. Brands such as Pretty Green are currently paving the way for a revival in mod-inspired style, with the retro desert boot at its heart, and are offering numerous variations on this classic shoe. If you’re not brave enough to jump on the burgundy bandwagon when it comes to clothes this season, then opt for pair in coloured suede – just make sure you get your money’s worth out of them before the snow shows up…

Fashion Crime 1: Short-sleeved shirt and tie

Perhaps the most frequent offender of the summer months is the short-sleeved shirt and tie combo. Each item on its own is unlikely to cause offence, but unless you’re being forced into some sort of unfortunate uniform, this pairing is simply unacceptable. It’s illogical, for a start, and it certainly is not the perfect solution to staying cool on a busy train while retaining a look of formality.

The Solution:

Really, a long sleeved shirt and classic tie is the only way to make sure you look sharp in a suit, so make sure you choose cotton options if you need to stay cool. If you really cannot brave wearing full-length sleeves and a tie, then opt for a classic shirt with a buttoned-up penny collar instead. Just as smart, and right on trend. Otherwise, my only suggestion is to keep an eye on the boss to see when it has been officially deemed too hot for tie-wearing, and make the most of those casual Fridays…

Fashion Crime 2: Trainers with a suit

Now to those of you wearing trainers…with a suit. This might seem ok because, you know, you have a perfectly good pair of work shoes in your bag, or under your desk, but trainers are just more comfortable. Or, worse still, you might be under the illusion that pairing your pinstripe suit with a pair of Converse’s is actually quite a good look. If you’ve just mumbled something to yourself about it being ‘more practical’, then it may already be too late for you.

The Solution:

Invest in a good, comfortable pair of smart shoes – and then, for goodness sake, wear them. If black seems too formal, then tone it down with a brown vintage-inspired pair. Patent material is certainly smart, but can easily come across as old-fashioned of not worn in a modern style. If you keen to keep it casual, then there are plenty of ‘worn-leather’ options around at the moment, which tent to be more comfortable too. You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of brogues, which can be easily switched for loafers during the summer months. On the other hand, there are a number of smart trainer styles available at the moment, which are certainly preferable to a scruffy pair of old Reebok’s and can be easily matched to the colour of your suit.

Fashion Crime 3: Ill-fitting suits

Considering the number of people who will happily use the irritating phrase, “all over it like a cheap suit”, you’d think more would know what a cheap suit looked like. Evidently not. That said, if your suit doesn’t fit properly then it will never ever look good, no matter how expensive it is.

The Solution:

You can have your suit professionally fitted and altered, which is probably the best way to guarantee a perfect fit. Otherwise, just look in a mirror? A suit which is too tight is just as bad one which is baggy , and it’s usually a good idea to get a second opinion from someone other than the shop assistant. Most suit retailers will offer a range of different styles, such as those specifically designed for athletic builds, so find the one which is best suited to your body shape. Don’t, for example, squeeze yourself into a skinny suit if you’re, um, not.

Fashion Crime 4: Rucksacks

An alarming number of rucksacks seem to have crawled onto the backs of otherwise well-dressed individuals of late. It might be a gym kit, but the best way to make people wonder if you work out is not by having an ever-present sports bag.

The Solution:

Short of a Tesco carrier bag, almost anything is preferable to this mismatched combination. If you don’t fancy surrendering your sense of ‘boyish charm’ to a briefcase, but would rather avoid looking like you’ve taken style tips from Boris Johnson, then opt for a stylish messenger bag instead. These bags are also the perfect alternative to the generic laptop bag, whilst leather options will always look smart and stylish. If satchel style just ain’t your bag, so to speak, then keep it sporty with a retro duffle gym bag, which will still look a little less like you’ve brought your P.E. kit to work.

Fashion Crime 5: Pink Trousers

Lastly, I’d like to address a new and worrying trend which appears to be taking over the nation’s commuters: pink trousers. There’s been more than a few fashion faux pas which have taken place in the name of ‘metrosexuality’ over the last few years – some of you may even have the candyfloss-coloured pink shirt still lurking at the back of your wardrobe to prove it.

The Solution:

While the Sloane Ranger style might be making something of a comeback, it’s probably best to nip this particular fashion disaster in the bud. Anyone planning to sit on public transport should already be aware that pastel-coloured pants are never going to be a good idea. Even if you don’t need to wear a suit on a daily basis, black or blue tends to be a far safer option. If you really can’t resist proving your manliness with a pair of coloured trousers, then either go for darker shades, such as burgundy, or else team your pastel pants with a polo shirt and catch the next train to Chelsea.

Of course, there’s a huge choice available when it comes to summer footwear – as long as you give those military boots a few months of rest, you’ll probably be ok. However, canvas shoes are certainly one of the comfier options, not to mention the perfect way to, uh, avoid the dreaded sweaty-feet situation.

Left to Right: Black Slip-On Espadrilles: £7 Urban Outfitters; Pretty Green Cord Slip On Champagne Cord: £54.99 Office Shoes

Last year, anybody who was anybody was wearing espadrilles – after all, if you’ve slathered yourself in big name labels, then what better way is there to say ‘Don’t worry, I’m really quite down to earth, and a total hipster at heart!’ Nevertheless, they are probably the comfiest shoes you will ever find, and investing in a classic pair will see you through more or less anything that the summer might throw at you.

If that doesn’t sound very rock ‘n’ roll, then check out the range of canvas shoes on offer at Pretty Green: the label founded by Oasis, I mean, Beady Eye frontman, Liam Gallagher. Team with a parka jacket, skinny jeans and sunglasses, obviously.

Left to Right: Fred Perry Kingston Stampdown Stripe Shoes in Red Canvas: £40 mainlinemenswear.co.uk; Mens Toms University Classics Shoes: £37 Schuh

It is also important to remember that there’s nothing which says your canvas shoes have to be beige – although if you don’t purposely avoid this season’s earthy tones, there’s a good chance that this is what you’ll end up with. But, if you’d rather keep it colourful, then check out the selection of canvas shoes offered by sports names, such as Fred Perry and Lacoste.

Lastly, whilst most people don’t seem to find footwear too confusing, there does seem to be certain sector of society who struggle – namely, university students. Come summer, students begin to think it is acceptable to team flip-flops with absolutely everything. This is just not the case. Honestly, what are they teaching them in those places? If you really can’t fight the academic urge, then opt for a pair of Toms University Classics instead. Not only do they look MUCH better teamed with jeans and a hockey-team hoodie, but Toms donate a pair of new shoes to a child in need every time they sell a pair. So you can still feel smug about your shoes, even after you’ve chucked a pint of snakebite over them.

Already major fans of the leading footwear retailer Hudson shoes, Fashion Monkey think the new H by Hudson Lester are absolutely stunning.

The combination of black perforated suede and leather uppers really give them their stylish flare.

At £69.99 we think these are definitely a steal! BUY NOW.

Additionally, spend over £14.99 and you’ll get Free Delivery (for UK users).

Don’t miss out on this amazing sale. Visit Schuh Now!

Recycled footwear seems to be quite fashionable in itself and Fashion Monkey have listed some of their most popular shoes below:

To view all Mens Shoes in the sale click here.

To view all Hudson Shoes in the sale click here.

Alternativley, read Fashion Monkey’s review of H By Hudson Shoes.

The K-Swiss Truxton trainers are a combination of 80′s retro styling with a modern twist which combines to bring you a comforabtle super funky trainer. This particular style uses black, white and olive colours to make this trainer very distinctive.

Recommended Retailer: Office Shoes
Price: £49.99

Don’t dispair, Fashion Monkey are here to help. Below are our top 3 fashionable shoes which will impress the ladies.

1) H by Hudson ELLINGTON BROGUE BROWN LEATHER

Price: £74.99
Retailer: Office Shoes

2) Ask the Missus CRANE SINGLE EYELET GIB. TAN LEATHER

Price: £44.99
Retailer: Office Shoes

3) H by Hudson FUGUE GIMPED GIBSON BROWN LEATHER

Price: £44.99
Retailer: Office Shoes

Read more about Hudson Shoes in our designer label guide….