This week’s sponsor love: We go independent and local as often as possible, especially for special pieces and standout items that really make our wardrobe what it is. But everyone needs core items. Like the shoes you wear everyday. And for guys, it’s often the versatile, go-everywhere pairs that usually win out.

And then there’s the practicality factor. No matter how much you like to shop or how much flair you wear, a basic shoe packing go-with-anything character is something you’ll wear again and again and for tons of different occasions (which, we’d like to point out, saves you money, of course, to spend more on locally-made items from independent designers).

If there’s one style that holds the monopoly on practical and versatile in the men’s shoe landscape, it’s got to be the classic men’s oxford. Luckily, while it’s a classic style, it’s also got serious range. For a big selection of men’s oxfords and lace up shoes that range from boardroom-dressy to out-on-the-town sleek pairs with lizard skin and two-tone styling on down to rugged walkers perfect for weekends, Macy’s offers plenty of options at a variety of price points from brands such as Ecco, Johnston & Murphy, Stacy Adams, Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole.

As for our faves, we’re digging the Cole Haan Air Colton Plain Toe Oxford ($198) for its slick taupe upper and contrast laces, as well as the promise of Nike Air technology in the heel. The Stacy Adams Rafferty Oxfords in brown and cognac ($62.99) have a retro appeal we’d like to pair with a cold shaker full of cocktails on a Friday night, while Lounge by Mark Nason Vallejo Lace Up Oxfords ($96.99) in brown strike us as a great option for anyone whose kicks need to go from the airport to the office to the bar and back again.

Should you find yourself in the market for a new pair of men’s shoes, many in Macy’s online store are on sale at the moment, with more than a few options under the $100 mark.

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This post sponsored by Macy’s. We love our sponsors and hope you will, too. They make it possible for us to keep bringing you news and features about San Francisco’s independent fashion community, designers and upcoming events.