Here I stand; in line again at a local lunch stop near my work, pondering if I am actually going to get a “healthy” salad, or should I just douse the whole thing in ranch dressing? Tossing around this thought, I look to the floor and I am a gasp, appalled, and bewildered. What has caught my attention you ask? Is it a lack of cleanliness that is causing me to question my choice of eating establishments? Did someone just trip and fall causing the contents of there lunch to go flying all over the floor? No. It is shoes, footwear, men’s footwear to be exact. I am completely confused. How are these men, who look quite well put together from the ankle up making such bad decisions? Is finding good male footwear really that difficult? Are we in a mist of a footwear famine?!? Oh my god what can I do to help? Feeling stressed I give in to the ranch dressing urge and set forth to bestow some basic advice about footwear…
Let’s simplify. There are three basic options that everyman should have in his wardrobe.
1.) The loafer - Easy and breeze these babies slip on and off. Graduated from their prep school upbringing loafers can complement a suit or even dress up a pair of jeans.
2.) The oxford - The name given to any dress shoe usually with a lace closure - although there are variations, the best keep it simple with fine craftsmanship, good materials, and a great fit.
3.) The Chelsea Boot - Originally called the Beatle Boot after the band that made it popular, this boot features a side elastic insert making it easy to slip in and out of. A great cold weather option, these boots also complement straight leg pant and jean styles as their ankle height allows the pant to fall cleanly, and wont get caught up when you walk. It may be A Long Days Night, but get a good fitting pair of these and it wont feel as such.
If your budget only allows you to choose one of these options take a good look at your wardrobe and lifestyle. Which would best fit your needs? Black or Brown? Do you need something for everyday wear (loafer), or something dressed up (oxford). Do you travel often? The easy step in and out of a loafer or Chelsea Boot will whisk you through security at the airport while the oxford may cause delays...
Important Points of Interest:
* Watch for materials and craftsmanship - A piece of footwear is only as good as the leather it is made with, and as strong as the stitches that holds it together.
* Too Pointy! Too Square! Too Round! Just Right! - A great shoe has a great shape not an extreme one - if it looks dumpy, elfy, knomey, or nursey, put it down and move on! I cannot emphasize this point enough as this is the most common offense. Unless you are driving a car with no floor or engine and live in a rock this footwear is not for you. Leave it for some other Neanderthal to buy. A classically portioned shoe will serve you best and always look just right!
* Rubber is for sneakers and tires, leather is for shoes - Leather soles please!!! Although slippery at first, leather soled shoes are the only way to go. A cobbler can add taps to your shoes for about $15 increasing their traction and wear.
* Fit – Remember the Old Lady who lived in a Shoe? Don't you think she would have rather lived in a sneaker? Her shoes must have been pretty comfortable, right? Make sure yours are the same.
Where to Shop:
OK the big question. Unfortunately, as with most things in life, what you get is what you pay for. So during these tuff economic times in order to keep in budget this is where being a smart shopper pays off. Fortunately, for you the shopper, everyone and his or her mom is on sale during these tuff economic times. If you shied away from the big "expensive" department stores before now is your time! Don't be afraid! It is the end of the season and everything is on clearance in addition is being super discounted (did I ever tell you about the $1200 Paul Smith suit I bought for $240, well I just did). Get out there quick and check it out! Look for the store's private label brands as well (the shoes that have the store’s label in them). They are generally great shoes and are crafted quite well, and because they are produced for the store, they will more likely be at a greater discount because the store offers these goods at a higher margin. Don't be afraid to shop the rack and try on as many pairs as you need to, don't let the sales associate persuade you, and feel free to judge him by his footwear! Although I am a huge supporter for trying on in the store, online can have some offerings as well, so point and click your way to pedi-perfection!
Stay Away From:
*Low to Mid Range Chain footwear stores – For some reason these places just don’t get it.
*What you already have – This sounds simple, but people are drawn to items that are similar to ones that they have owned in the past, because they are subconsciously comfortable and familiar. Break this mold and elevate your taste level.
*Your male friends’ tastes and suggestions – The likely hood that they are committing the same offenses is quite high. This is your choice and you have to be happy with it. Besides, with your new acquired knowledge you are more than prepared to meet this challenge head on, or on foot as the case may be.
With that I take the last ranch-laden bite of my salad and feel at easy, if not extremely full. As my food comma sets in, it is my hope that I have done some good and that this advice will reach those in need – for my hearts sake.
~ Written by Brian Ciabotti
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