I am shoe-illiterate and need new shoes (male). Suggestions? ?

Hi, I really have no clue which brand/type of shoes/sneakers or "in-style." For the past 6months I have been wearing flip-flops but as it is getting too cold here in NYC I need new shoes....so far I am using my old gym shoes. I am a college student and don't want to be wearing "teenager" HS kid shoes like purple nike sneakers nor do I want to wear leather shoes/boots like I am a professional. Anyone have any suggestions of what kind/brand of casual shoes to buy, with pictures of the type and where to buy them? Thank you.