Your wardrobe for any occasion is incomplete without the right pair of men’s shoes. A man who wears the right shoes is sure to make an impression; equally, the best of clothes are ruined when worn with the wrong pair of shoes.
Shoes can be distinctively classified as formal and informal, and it’s usually difficult to wear them outside those categories – a casual shoe doesn’t work with formal men’s suit unless you are trying to make a statement, and formal shoes just look wrong with casual attire. As a result, shoes play a vital role in complete dressing.
While you are wearing a suit, you should match your men’s shoes with other accessories – especially with any other leather accessory that you might be wearing. So if you are wearing a brown belt, then the shoe should be brown too. Glossy belts should be matched with highly polished or patent leather shoes, matt belts should be matched with matt shoes.
It’s vital that you get the correct size of shoe. Men’s shoes should fit right the moment you buy them – otherwise you risk everything from discomfort and blisters through bunions and corns to calluses and bone spurs.
There’s no such thing as “breaking in a shoe” and it is a good idea to measure your foot each time you buy a pair of men’s shoes. Different brands have slightly different sizes. Furthermore, your feet will change size slightly over the course of the day as they swell from walking or prolonged standing; if possible, try on shoes at the end of the day if you want to ensure that they will always be comfortable.
When shopping for shoes, don’t try on just one. Most people do not have identically sized feet, and the difference can be marked. Always put both on shoes and walk around the store before you commit.
It is particularly important to ensure your heels and toes fit comfortably into the shoes. If you cannot slide your index finger between your heel and the back of the shoe, it is too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large. Your toes should be able to wiggle comfortably inside the shoe and you should be able feel that there is about a thumb’s width between the tips of your toes and the end of the shoe.