Ditch the same old shoes and try something just a little bit special this year, it's time to march to your own beat.

1. This year, D&G is taking its well-deserved bow as creators Stefano and Domenico bring the curtain down on 18 glorious years of the diffusion range. Amid the flowers and plaudits that get thrown on the metaphorical stage will be a round-up of A-list creations, including these slim lined blue velvet Oxfords. Wear them for your best night out ever.
2. At any meeting of menswear's more serious players – be they pundits, designers or whatever – then you can bet at least one of them will be wearing shoes a bit like this. Neat, clean lined bucks with a fairly adventurous sense of colour, they are the right blend of classic meets avant-garde and the bright white sole is a subtle nod to the arrival of summer.
3. Belstaff is the go-to for throttle-twisting biker boots and its near-century of heritage means it knows a thing or two about making the sort of hardwearing multi buckled creations that disappear in a cloud of dust and smoke. But here's proof that the old bikers can also exercise restraint. The Chelsea boot style has the same quality leathers and near irresistible curves but with a more minimal approach.
4. This is the year of the dragon, right? Well, it's also the year of the loafer and the preppy favourite has been slimmed, tweaked and generally sexed up by a cohort of brands. But none can boast a better handle on the East Coast glory than Mark McNairy, whose luxed up versions will make you feel like royalty. Try them, and sink into that leather winged chair. There – you're instantly charming, elegant and intellectual. Martini?

5. If asked to name a classic shoe style that works with both smart and casual looks, then chances are you would instantly say brogue. In a few months' time, you may just reappraise that to go for the desert boot. Its pared down, historical style (its roots date back to WWII) will only become more popular, and why not, it works with everything. Get leather, get suede, just get some.
6. There's a new take on luxury this year and it speaks with just a bit more force. Take these slip-on loafers. In lustrous colours and leather that is textured to resemble crocodile skin, they are the antidote to the parade of sameness that plagues less imaginative feet, yet remain easily wearable with chinos, jeans and trousers. Sans socks, they'll be ideal with your tailored shorts.
7. Along with the desert boot, the British footwear institution that is Clarks also created the Wallabee, a distinctive, squashy suede upper and crepe sole combo. Born in 1965 at the pen of Lance Clark, it is the world's first comfort shoe and it's back on point. Believe the hype – these really live up to the claim of combining style and comfort.
8. A white shoe company is a best of breed professional set-up. They're called white shoe firms entirely because this is what the big swimmers in the New York think tank are reputed to wear. So the look is all about instant prestige. And with that blue strip sole, these really are the best partners for your chinos. You can almost feel summer…
9. Grenson – best known for its standard setting brogues – has gone all unexpected and produced a sleek black leather shoe exclusively for my-wardrobe. Called the Ernie it has a thinner sole and slim Oxford style profile while the black patent toecap brings a sleek edge to the look. What remains is all of Grenson's Northampton born expertise, so expect a quality shoe that will last.