We could have called this a "best of." We didn't, because "best" is relative, and we haven't tried everything. What we can tell you is that everything on this list is Midlife Male Approved. That means we've bought it, worn it, used it, and kept coming back to it. It's our version of the best.
We believe in quality over quantity. One great item beats a closet full of mediocre ones. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. If it's working, keep doing it. Most of what follows has earned its place by simply never letting us down.
Let's be honest: a lot of this is nice-to-have, not must-have. That's the point. Maximizing midlife means being discerning, appreciating a high quality of life, and understanding what actually matters to you. The little things are the big things.
If you’ve been reading Midlife Male for a while, you know that Jon and I have very different tastes, hobbies, interests and styles. We also meet in the middle on a lot of things. We purposely didn't separate our picks. There’s a good chance you’ll know which picks belong to each of us. We had fun with this.
What we’re certain of is that every item here helps us live happier, healthier, wealthier, stronger, longer and have more fun. We've linked everything we can. A few links carry affiliate codes and earn us a few bucks, but most don't. Either way, from the ground up, these are our Midlife Male Essentials.
The Essentials
From the Ground Up: Socks & Footwear
I never took foot health seriously. In fact, I took my feet for granted and never gave them much thought because they never hurt. At 53, that's no longer the case. Soreness, stiffness, plantar fasciitis: all the years of literally "being on my feet" have taken their toll. Now my feet are an investment. Socks are not an afterthought, insoles are mandatory, and the right footwear for the situation is paramount. Jon plays a lot of basketball and swears that heel cups have kept his knees young. Here’s what we recommend:
Socks
Feetures Elite Light Cushion — Cushioned, targeted-compression socks that stay put whether I’m hiking a 14er, a 29029 or around my neighborhood.
Hollow Socks — Made from alpaca, and some of the most comfortable socks I've ever owned. The ideal compression, fit, feel, and performance I'm looking for.
Insoles
Superfeet Green — The original orthotic insole. Drop a pair in your boots and hiking shoes and feel the difference in your arches, knees, and back.
Tuli's Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cups — Extra cushion for heels that take a pounding on the court: basketball, pickle, tennis, whatever. Slip them into your shoes and your heels will thank you.
Training, Hiking, Running & Walking
Altra Solstice XT — Our go-to gym shoe. Wide toe box, zero drop, and stable enough for lifting and lateral work.
Altra Lone Peak — The trail shoe that made Altra famous. Roomy, grippy, and ready for anything off-road.
Altra Experience Wild — More cushion for longer days on the trail without losing your feel for the ground.
Altra FWD VIA — Our road running shoe. Plush, smooth-rolling, and easy on midlife knees.
Altra Escalante — The everyday walker. Light, flexible, and comfortable from the first step.
Pickleball
ASICS GEL-Renma 2 — Court shoes built for quick side-to-side moves and real lateral support.
Skechers Viper Court Pro — Comfortable, affordable, and surprisingly good on the court.
Basketball
Jordan Tatum 4 — The keys to a good hoops shoe as you age are: lightweight, ankle support and good traction. These Tatums hit all three and look great in solid colorways. Yes, Jon’s a Celtics fan, so that may play into it as well.
Golf
adidas Tour360 25 Spikeless — The worst thing about golf shoes is they look like golf shoes and are uncomfortable. These aren’t. They’re light, look good and have a nice grip minus the spikes.
Boots
Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger — Made to be resoled, not replaced. They only get better with age, like we do.
Timberland Premium 6-Inch Boot — The classic 6-inch boot. Waterproof, rugged, and never out of style.
Common Projects Chelsea Boot — Our Chelsea boot. Clean Italian suede that dresses up jeans or down a suit.
Clarks Desert Boot — The original desert boot. Suede, crepe sole, effortless.
Sneakers, Slides & Sandals
Common Projects Original Achilles Low — The plain white sneaker, perfected. Minimal, premium, goes with everything.
Nike Air Force 1 '07 — The other plain white shoe. A classic at a fraction of the price.
New Balance 237 — Retro-inspired everyday sneaker. Easy with jeans or shorts.
Vans Authentic — Simple, timeless, the original since 1966.
Converse Chuck 70 — Still cool after a hundred years. Enough said.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed — Cork footbed that molds to your foot. Summer, weekends, around the house.
OOFOS Ooah Plus Sport Slides — Recovery slides. Slip them on after a long run or a long day on your feet.
REEF Fanning Sandals — The all-time greatest beach sandal made even better with a bottle opener built right into the sole.
The Wardrobe
Simple, clean, iconic, timeless. Style and substance: no trends, no bold logos, nothing that isn't built to last. These are the basic principles of great style and a great wardrobe. Remember, fit is more important than any brand name, what's "in," or price point. Invest in the best. Rather than buy three average items, buy the ONE you really want. Take care of your things and they'll take care of you. And everything looks better when you're in shape, so start by taking care of yourself first.
Underwear
NADS Organic Cotton Boxer Brief — There's only one brand. Every time. Certified organic cotton, no synthetics, and the most comfortable pair you'll own.
T-Shirts
James Perse Short Sleeve Crew — The luxury tee. Soft, drapey, and worth every penny.
Alex Crane Sun Tee — Breathable European linen made for warm days.
Buck Mason Curved Hem Tee — The perfect everyday tee. Great fit, made in the USA, built to last.
Alex Mill Standard Slub Tee — Relaxed, well-made, and a little bit cooler than the rest.
Denim
Levi's 511 Slim — Slim, not skinny. The jean that works on almost every guy.
Double RL Slim Fit Selvedge — Heritage selvedge denim for the man who wants the best pair he'll ever own.
Suits
Theory Chambers Suit — Clean, modern tailoring with a sharp fit off the rack.
Suitsupply Havana Suit — Serious quality at a fair price, with tailoring built in.
J.Crew Ludlow Suit — The reliable workhorse suit. Classic, versatile, and easy to buy again.
Sweaters You'll Wear Forever
Theory Hilles Cashmere Crewneck — Refined cashmere for the office or dinner.
J.Crew Cashmere Crewneck — Simple, classic cashmere at a price that won't make you wince.
Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew — Rugged, timeless knit that looks better with every wear.
James Perse Cashmere — Luxuriously soft layers for cool evenings.
Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck — American classics with a bit of edge.
Polos
TravisMathew Heater Pro Performance Polo — Performance fabric that breathes easy, doesn’t itch when you sweat and looks good both while playing a round and grabbing a burger and drink after.
Sunglasses & Readers
Ray-Ban Aviator Classic RB3025 — The original pilot shades. Timeless.
Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer — Iconic for more than 70 years and still the easiest frame to wear.
Oakley Radar EV Path — Performance shades for running, riding, and anything that makes you sweat.
VALLON Howlin' — Bold, chunky frames with some attitude. In black.
Look Optic Readers — Readers that actually look good. Stash a pair in every bag, car, and nightstand.
Workout Wear & Outerwear
The better I look, the better the workout. I truly enjoy putting together great training outfits that perform as well as they look. I stick to solids (black, navy, gray) and pretty much always monochrome. I like fitted, not tight, and I don't skip leg day, so I believe shorts should be above the knee. When I put on a great training outfit, I feel more confident, I feel stronger, and I feel more like gettin' after it. It changes my entire mood and demeanor. I even eat healthier when I'm dressed like someone who cares about his health. It's all connected.
Workout Outfits
Rhone Pursuit Short — Performance gear that looks sharp enough to wear out after the gym.
Vuori Kore Short — Ridiculously soft. The shorts you'll live in.
Alo Conquer Reform Crewneck — Clean, comfortable tee for training, yoga, and recovery days.
Arc'teryx Cormac Crew — Technical gear for when the workout moves outdoors.
Puffers & Midlayers
The North Face Summit Series Breithorn Down Jacket — Expedition-grade warmth for serious cold.
Patagonia Down Sweater — Our puffer. Warm, packable, and backed by a company that repairs what it sells.
Patagonia Better Sweater 1/4-Zip — Our midlayer. Looks like a sweater, wears like a fleece.
The Five Jackets Every Guy Needs
Buck Mason Felted Chore Coat — The versatile layer that works over a tee or a sweater, and stands in as a casual blazer.
Theory Morvek Leather Jacket — Sleek, minimal black lambskin that instantly elevates jeans and a tee.
John Varvatos Brown Leather Jacket — A little rock-and-roll, a lot of character. Gets better with every year.
Levi's Trucker Jacket — The original denim jacket. Nothing more needs to be said.
Uniqlo MA-1 Jacket — The classic flight jacket silhouette at a price that makes it a no-brainer.
Watches
I have a thing for watches. My prized possession is my father's Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, which I inherited when he passed. I wear my watches. They don't sit in a drawer. I want them scratched, patinated and "used." I want them lived in and on my wrist for life's adventures. This way, when my sons get them, they also get the stories. This is the watch that climbed 29029. This one my dad wore to Hawaii to train with Laird Hamilton. He wore this one on stage in front of 1,000 people. I also believe in fewer, and in your version of the best. If you really want a Rolex Sub, don't buy the Tudor thinking it'll be a good substitute. You'll always still want the Rolex. Wait, save and invest responsibly. It's a mindset that has nothing to do with telling time.
Rolex Submariner or Explorer — One or the other, never both, and always preowned. Pro move: find one from the year you graduated.
Tudor Black Bay 58 — Vintage-inspired dive watch sized right for the wrist. Buy it because you love it, not as a stand-in for a Sub.
Apple Watch Ultra 3 — Our training partner. Rugged, long battery, tracks everything that matters.
Casio G-Shock DW5600 — Indestructible and iconic. The watch you never have to think about.
Timex IRONMAN Classic 30 — The original race-day workhorse for ocean swims, triathlons or whatever you’re into. Jon’s go-to. Simple and tough as they come.
Skin Care & Grooming
It should go without saying that this matters. What we put on and in our bodies comes before any outfit or accessory. A skincare routine doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. It does, however, need to be consistent and a priority. This goes for hair, teeth and nails as well. Regular manicures and pedicures should be on the calendar. Dermatologist appointments for skin checks, Botox (if you're into that), and prescription retinoids on the regular. Include massages and chiropractic care here too, because self-care shows up in your complexion.
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser — Dermatologists' default for a reason. Gentle, simple, and gets the job done.
Freaks of Nature Deeper Dive Serum — Kelly Slater's barrier-building serum. Deep hydration for skin that lives outdoors.
Atwater Eye Armor — Caffeine and niacinamide to wake up tired, midlife eyes.
Wild Roman Face Moisturizer — Grass-fed tallow and botanicals. Old-school ingredients that actually work.
Freaks of Nature Peak Performance SPF 50 — Reef-safe mineral SPF built for athletes who sweat.
Atwater Skin Armor SPF 50+ — Daily mineral sunscreen with no white cast. Wear it every day.
Huron Deodorant — Aluminum-free deodorant that lasts all day.
Tom Ford Ombré Leather — The signature scent. A little goes a long way.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream — Our body moisturizer. Affordable, effective, no nonsense.
Lumify Eye Drops — Instantly brighter, whiter eyes before a meeting, a camera, or a date.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean — Once you go sonic, you never go back to a manual brush.
Sleep, Recovery & Home
Nothing is more important than sleep and relaxation for recovery. All the toys, bells, and whistles are great, but if you don't just rest, you're spending money for nothing. These are the nice-to-haves, not the must-haves. All have their benefits, but don't major in the minors. If you want these things, can afford them, and they add life to your years, go for it. If you think they're going to add years to your life, and they become a source of stress ("wake up before sunrise and cold plunge every morning" to prove how uncomfortable you can get), don't. That being said, these are the best-in-class items I strongly recommend.
Sleep & Recovery
Eight Sleep Pod 6 — We've slept on the Pod 5; the new Pod 6 is smaller and smarter. Perfect temperature, every night, on your side of the bed.
Normatec 3 Recovery Boots — Compression that flushes tired legs after a long run, ride, or flight.
Rally Orbital Massager — Glides instead of pounds. Deep relief without the jackhammer of a massage gun.
RumbleRoller Original — Textured foam roller that digs deeper than a smooth one.
Kanjo Acupressure Back Cushion — Lie back for a few minutes and let the acupressure points work on a tight back.
SISU Eddy Barrel Sauna — Ohio-built cedar barrel sauna for two. The best 20 minutes of the day.
Plunge Cold Plunge — Cold on demand, no ice runs. The perfect partner to the sauna.
Plunge Outdoor Shower — Cedar and copper. Rinse off between hot and cold without tracking it through the house.
Kitchen & Backyard
Traeger Ironwood 885 — Wood-pellet grill and smoker. Perfect for brisket, ribs, chicken and Jon even smokes a mean filet mignon now.
Blaze Premium LTE Grill — Built like a tank, cooks like a dream.
Ooni Koda 16 Pizza Oven — Restaurant-quality pizza in your backyard in about 60 seconds.
Montana Knife Co. — American-made knives for the kitchen and the field, built to hand down.
Breville Barista Express — Café-quality coffee at home. Pays for itself.
Breville Super Q Blender — Smoothies, shakes, and soups, smooth every time.
Tech & Travel
Apple AirPods Pro 3 — Noise canceling that makes flight sounds, a loud gym, or a coffee shop disappear.
Away The Carry-On — Durable, smart-looking roller bag that makes travel a little easier.
Ghurka Cavalier II Weekender — The heirloom bag. Handmade leather built to outlast you.
Ghurka Holdall No. 101 Dopp Kit — Your grooming essentials deserve a proper home.
Ghurka Examiner No. 5 Messenger — The everyday carry that makes an entrance.
The Garage
Always preowned. Let someone else take the depreciation hit. As with everything included here, it comes down to how you perceive yourself and how you want to be perceived by others. Nowhere does this stand out more than in what you drive. A man and his car. What type of man are you? (BTW, I currently drive a Jeep Grand Wagoneer. It's American, simple, and big enough for my dogs, my gear, and a cross-country drive loaded with all my son's stuff. I'm on my way to the cars listed below.)
Daily Driver
Land Rover Defender — Go-anywhere capability with real presence. Equally at home in the city or on a mountain pass.
Toyota Land Cruiser — Bulletproof reliability. The truck that will outlast all of us.
Sports Car
Porsche 911 — There's only one. Classic, iconic, and it never goes out of style.
Training, Sports & Health
Garage Gym
SMRTFT Nüobell Adjustable Dumbbells — A full rack of weights in the footprint of one pair. Twist the handle and go.
Titan Fitness Olympic Hex Bar — Trap-bar deadlifts and farmer's carries, easier on the back than a straight bar.
Onnit Primal Kettlebell (72 lb Gorilla) — Swings, carries, and a face that dares you to pick it up.
Onnit Slam Ball — Pick it up, slam it down. Conditioning and stress relief in one.
Aion Weighted Vest — Light, form-fitting load that turns every walk into a workout.
ATG USA Slantboard — The Knees Over Toes Guy's American-made slant board. The cheapest knee insurance you'll ever buy.
Sidekick AxisBoard — Ten minutes a day for stronger feet and ankles. Your Achilles will thank you.
Ice Shaker Warthog Bottle — Insulated shaker that keeps your drink cold through the whole session.
Sports
JOOLA Pickleball Paddles — My go-to brand for pickleball paddles. I love the Hyperion Pro and Agassi signature models.
Rival Boxing Gloves — Hands down the best boxing gloves. I've been using these for years. Durable, quality, and plenty of protection for my hands and wrists.
Wilson NBA Forge Pro — Indoor/outdoor ball with great grip and feel, at the gym or the driveway.
Swim
Third Eye Mystic Swim Goggles — Co-designed by surf legend Gerry Lopez. Wide view, great seal, built for pool and open ocean.
TYR Special Ops 2.0 Polarized Goggles — Polarized lenses that cut the glare in open water and bright outdoor pools.
Speedo Team Kickboard — The simple tool for leg work. Every swim bag needs one.
Fishing
Lew's American Hero Spinning Combo (7' Medium/Fast) — Reliable rod-and-reel combo perfect for bass fishing.
KastKing KarryAll 40L Tackle Backpack — Rod holders and four tackle boxes. Everything you need in one bag.
Health, Supplements & Drinks
I'm all about the minimum effective dose. Annual physical. Quarterly bloodwork. I use TRT, creatine, a multivitamin, and ezetimibe for my ApoB, and that's pretty much it. I have a concierge primary care physician who knows me and my lifestyle, and we work together. I eat pretty clean and follow an 80/20 approach to nutrition. It works, and it will keep working.
Humanaut Health — Bloodwork and longevity optimization. Know your numbers, then act on them. Lots of confusion in this space, these are our partners.
1st Phorm Creatine or Momentous Creatine — The most researched supplement there is, for muscle and brain. Pick either; just take it daily.
LifeAid / FitAid — Our go-to energy and recovery drinks.
Laird Superfood Sweet & Creamy Creamer — Plant-based creamer that makes the morning coffee better.
WYLD Gummies — Real-fruit gummies for winding down. Check your local laws.
Midlife Male Founder: Greg Scheinman / Follow Greg on Instagram & LinkedIn
Love Greg’s How I See It column? Visit the full How I See It Archive HERE where he shares his personal insights, experiences and perspectives on everything affecting midlife.
Midlife Male Editor-in-Chief: Jon Finkel / Follow Jon on Twitter/X and Instagram
Love Jon’s Manologue column? Check out the full Manologue Archive HERE. And if you really enjoy Jon’s writing, pre-order his upcoming thriller, Bear Brawl, now. USA Today Bestselling author Stayton Bonner calls it “Jack Reacher Meets The Edge.”