Men’s shoes might not be analysed, idolised and fetishised in the way that women’s are, but that doesn’t mean they should be an afterthought.
Given that men’s clothes tend to be plainer, accessories are often all the
more important.
Shoes say a lot about the wearer, which is probably why bad ones are cited so
frequently as a serious turn-off. A pair of functional clod-hoppers – the
kind ordered from the back of a Sunday newspaper – warn any potential
suitors that the wearer’s idea of a good time is heading to an out-of-town
PC World to compare games console prices. Garish limited-edition trainers,
meanwhile, indicate latter-day Nathan Barleys. Long pointy shoes are pure X
Factor reject: avoid the approach taken by a groom at a recent wedding,
where one wag in the congregation noted his shoes were so pointy that they
entered the church five minutes before he did.
A streamlined pair of brogues or loafers says cocktails, power and fun. Hello,
Don Draper. At least they do on a date or at the office, but on holiday, not
so much. Shoe success is about matching the style to the occasion as well as
picking a good pair, as David Cameron showed last summer when he posed on a
cliff path with Sam Cam wearing slip-on loafers with jeans. Note to Dave,
smart-casual does not mean wearing something smart and something casual at
the same time. Fortunately such footwear faux pas can be avoided by having a
minimum of six carefully curated pairs to cover all occasions. Exercise
restraint, look for modern classics, and don’t just think in terms of smart
and off-duty. There is a whole spectrum in-between – which is where styles
such as desert boots and punched brogues come in.
Maintenance is also key. Sir Hardy Amies, in his classic ABC of Men’s Fashion,
made an elegant case for keeping shoes well-polished: “It should be
noted that the surfaces of the materials in a man’s costume … are
predominantly matt. The silk of his tie, and the leather of his shoe or
boot, are welcome light-reflecting contrasts. This is just one reason why
well-polished shoes are essential.”
Six essential shoe styles
Loafers
Popular since the 1950s, the loafer is synonymous with preppy Americana. Wear
with chinos or shorts, and team with the obligatory striped sock for a
timeless style. The ultimate loafer comes from Gucci. Launched in 1966, it
conveys both casual elegance and smartness.
Gucci loafer, 1,240, www.gucci.com
Desert boots
Beloved of film stars such as Steve McQueen and more recent rock royalty Liam
Gallagher, the desert boot is probably the most versatile footwear known to
man. Perfect with both jeans and shorts, it’s at its best when worn with a
rolled chino. Feeling bold? Then wear with a casual suit to the office.
Office desert boot, 56.99 www.office.com
Tennis shoes
White tennis shoes are timeless, and owning a pair should be actively
encouraged, if only to suppress the ever-increasing ubiquity of the
fanciful, try-hard sportswear trainer. Not all tennis shoes are created
equal; spend less than a tenner and they’ll fall apart in under a week.
Superga tennis shoe, 40, www.my-wardrobe.com
Brogues
Brogues earn maximum style points because of their versatility – they can be
suave and sophisticated, or add a twist of eccentricity. Brogues suit jeans
or a suit, and even brown brogues can work with black trousers – although
perhaps co-ordinate with a knitted brown tie to bring the whole look
together.
Oliver Sweeney brogue, 220, www.oliversweeney.com
Smart lace-ups
Choice is varied when it comes to the smart lace-up, so keep it simple by
selecting a good black pair. Team them with jeans or a suit and they’ll even
be useful for the occasional black-tie dinner. Invest wisely and they could
last you a lifetime.
Ndc shoe, 306, www.ndcmadebyhand.com
Deck shoes
As the name suggests, deck shoes were originally worn on boats, but they are
no longer just for Sloanes and extras from ‘Howard’s Way’. More of a summer
shoe, they can be worn comfortably with and without socks. Draw the line at
wearing them with a suit – they’re at their best when worn with skinny
rolled jeans or chinos.
Asos “Quoddy” boat shoe, 159, www.asos.com
Article source: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/best-foot-forward-essential-shoe-styles-for-men-2121714.html
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Tags: Ladies Shoes Fashion
