All About Shoes

You can learn a great deal about a man from his shoes. A commonly held belief is that the first two things women notice about a man are his shoes and his watch. From the style he chooses to wear and how well his shoes are maintained, you can determine the value a man places on his appearance. Several things should always be taken into consideration when shopping for shoes in order to make a favorable impression.

Fine leather shoes are expensive but the only viable choice for business dressing. So first and foremost, make certain that you buy comfortable shoes. If you are fortunate enough to find a shoe brand that consistently fits you well, you should stick with that brand. New leather shoes will always feel slightly stiff at first, and the leather will become softer with wear. However, if shoes do not fit when you try them on (too tight, too narrow, etc.), they never will.

There are many shoe styles to choose from for business wear. If your place of business requires a suit and tie, lace-up shoes are the most traditional complement. Wing tip, cap toe, or split toe shoes are all appropriate. Finer dress shoes also have leather soles and heels. Rubber is often added to the heel for additional comfort and traction. If you prefer to wear a loafer with your suit, you should avoid casual styles such as penny loafers or driving shoes.

If your office environment is business casual, your shoes can reflect that as well. There are a wide variety of loafer styles that complement a business casual wardrobe. If you prefer a lace-up shoe, styles are now available with leather uppers and rubber soles and heels. For a different look, choose a Nubuck suede to complement your business casual ensemble.

Shoe colors traditionally range from black to burgundy to shades of brown and tan. You should not deviate from these colors (unless of course you do an excellent Elvis impersonation). Black and burgundy are the most versatile colors, as they complement a wide variety of suit or trouser colors. Also remember to match your belt color to your shoes and your sock color to your trousers.

As we mentioned earlier in this article, fine leather shoes are expensive. Properly caring for your shoes will both help maintain their appearance and increase their longevity. When you purchase a new pair of shoes, apply a coat of polish before they are worn. Then, continue to shine them regularly to keep the leather clean and supple. Finally, invest in a pair of shoetrees, which will help your shoes keep their shape.