Some time back, a colleague couldn’t stop smiling at me as I got into the office after I had taken a few days off. After exchanging pleasantries, he went directly to the point, “I respect your shoe game bro” This was a shocker to me since even though I am a men’s fashion enthusiast, I knew it in my core that very few people appreciate shoe game for formal outfits.
However, the truth is I try to stay at the top of my game when it comes to footwear, whether it’s a formal or a casual affair.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Footwear.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of what will elevate your style as a gentleman when it comes to footwear, let’s look at why it is important to choose the right shoes. Standing tall and looking sharp in your best outfit is great, but selecting the right shoes does more than just make you look dapper. In fact, according to Better Health, the kind of shoes you wear contributes to your well-being.
Top 5 Benefits of Choosing the Right Shoes for Men.
There are a lot of advantages you get from selecting the right shoe, but let’s look at the main ones:
- The right footwear will help you complete your look by adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
- Wearing the right pair of shoes keeps your feet healthy and free from injuries such as blisters.
- The proper footwear will keep you comfortable all through the day.
- The right footwear protects you in case of minor accidents such as a trip.
- Enhanced confidence is the end result of the first four benefits mentioned above. With elevated comfort and look, your confidence soars.
How to Pick the Perfect Pair: Factors to Consider When Choosing Shoes.
Now that we know the importance of selecting the right footwear, what should you look at in order to get the best one for you?
1. What Is the Occasion?
The occasion of the day is the most important thing to consider when choosing what shoes to wear. Depending on the event, you will be able to narrow down your choices to a few pairs to choose from. The starting point is always: is it a formal or a casual occasion?
For a formal occasion/event, you want to go with shoes such as brogues or oxfords. On an occasion where a smart casual outfit would do, you can go with something like loafers, and if it’s on the extreme side of casual, you can do sneakers.
While considering the occasion, also remember to check on seasonal appropriateness and weather conditions.
2. Consider the Comfort and Fit.
Comfort and fit are other critical aspects to put into consideration when selecting shoes for men. No matter how good a shoe is, comfort and fit will always come first. This is because the right comfort and fit have a lot of benefits, and on the other hand, if a pair of shoes is uncomfortable and doesn't fit well, the feeling would be unbearable.
With the right fit and comfort, you will be able to enjoy:
- Enhanced productivity
- Reduced risk of injury- this is because you won’t slip or trip easily or even get blisters.
- Improved posture
- Reduced fatigue
3. Your Shoe Selection Should Match Your Style.
"Fashion is about something that comes from within you." – Ralph Lauren. Style is ever personal. That is why even in buying shoes, as a gentleman you should put keen consideration into your style. Your style is the one that you feel most comfortable and confident in. Therefore, it is only fair to yourself to make sure that the kind of shoes you select matches your style.
4. Color Coordination and Budget.
As a modern gentleman, it goes without saying that color coordination is pivotal in dressing. When talking of color, always remember that shoes should complete your look and not overshadow the rest of the ensemble. It is always safe to go for neutral shoe colors like brown, black, beige, and gray, but that doesn’t limit you from experimenting with other colors, as long as it is done carefully.
5. Quality of the Material Used.
Just like any other piece of an ensemble, quality is essential. Investing in the best quality might be a little more expensive, but it is surely worth the money. If you get yourself shoes made of the best quality materials, wear and tear will be hardly heard of in your wardrobe. This is why at HolloShoe, we keep a collection of high-quality shoes to cater to our customers' needs.
From Classic to Contemporary: An Exploration of Men's Shoe Types.
Now, let’s look at some great men’s shoe styles and how we can pair them up.
Oxfords.
Oxford shoes are arguably one of the most popular types of formal shoes for men, from the classic men's age to the contemporary modern-day gentleman. They are easy to pair up with anything. Whether it’s for a formal dress code wedding or for a business meeting, you can never get it wrong with Oxfords. One thing that differentiates oxfords from the rest is their rich history and closed lace system. A dark brown or black pair of Oxfords would suit any formal outfit well.
Styling Tip: Match black Oxfords with charcoal suits for a classic look or brown Oxfords with navy suits for a touch of modern flair.
Brogues.
Next to Oxfords in formal shoe popularity are brogues. One thing that makes brogues stand out is their finely perforated designs. Although they are a little less formal when compared to Oxfords, they are a great choice. Brogue’s perforated detailing effortlessly bridges the gap between formal and casual. They too, go well with any kind of formal and smart casual outfits.
Loafers.
Although primarily used for smart casual and casual settings, loafers can also be used in formal settings. They give laid-back charm that enables you to seamlessly move from formal to casual with the same pair of shoes. Loafers look great when paired up with slim-fit pants, chinos, jeans, and shorts.
Styling Tip: Choose suede loafers for a more relaxed vibe and leather ones for a slightly elevated appearance.
Boots.
The different types of boots available offer both durability and style. Although they can be used for both formal and casual outfits, their perfect place is in the smart-casual sphere. Chelsea boots, which are the most popular type of boots, are well-known for a reason. They have a touch of sophistication and can be used on a variety of occasions.
Chukka boots are second in popularity when it comes to boots. Just like Chelsea boots, they give a perfect smart-casual look, but they are a perfect mix of sophistication and laid-back vibes.
Styling Tip: Pair Chelsea boots with slim-fit jeans and a leather jacket for a timeless, edgy look.
Sneakers.
With the different types of sneakers available, you’d need one if you ever want to step out looking like the epitome of a men’s fashion lover in a casual look. There are endless cool and contemporary possibilities with sneakers. If you haven’t yet selected your perfect pair of sneakers, it is good to experiment with a number as long as they please you and are in line with your style.
Pairing sneakers with jeans, chinos, or a well-fitting suit gives a fashion-forward vibe.
Elevate Your Style with the HolloShoe Collection.
They say the devil is in the detail. For men, shoes are a vital component of that detail. As accentuated in this article, it is extremely critical to get your shoe game right for you to maintain elegance and great fashion sense as a man. At HolloShoe, we curate our pieces to ensure that you get the highest quality of what fits your needs.
Reach out to us today and get your footwear fashion finesse elevated!