It’s often said that , the first meeting you have with an individual, you’re judged based by several factors which include three primary ones being your hair or handshake and, possibly the most important of all your shoes.
If it’s an interview for a job or first date, If you’re hoping to get approval from a potential employer or a potential lover You’re likely not be able to convince them when they look down and see a sad-looking pair of battered winklepickers.
“But there’s so many choices!” we hear you say. With an endless range of styles of shoes offered in shops and online, the process of shopping for shoes can seem overwhelming. Be assured thanks to some of the most famous brands of British manufacturing, we’ve cut down the variety to just seven fundamentals.
Black Leather Oxford Black Leather Oxford
There isn’t a golden rule or formula that can be used to build the perfect collection of shoes since styles will differ. It is important to be prepared for any possibility, even the ones that involve suits. In this case, you’ll require the black Oxford made of leather. Oxford.
For those who are more technical to get more technical, the Oxford name is a reference to a dress shoe with closed-lace that has a part (the portion of leather through which the laces run through) is stitched underneath the vamp (the front that the footwear is made of). If you can put your finger through the two holes in the lace the shoe you’re actually wearing is an Derby shoe.
It could appear like an unnecessary item to mention that the lacing mechanism provides this Oxford (or it’s the Balmoral for those who live located in Scotland) its perfect fitting and sleek surface, making one of the more formal type of shoe of all.
What to Find
“An Oxford should be worn with black or grey formal pants,” says Grenson creative director Tim Little. “Make sure the shape of the toe is correct. If it’s too pointed, you’ll appear like a spiv. to round they appear like clumps. An almond-like shape is what you’re looking for.”
Recommended Brands
Affordable: Aldo, Clarks, Topman
Premium: Dr. Martens, Kenneth Cole, J.Crew
Luxury: John Lobb, Crockett & Jones, George Cleverly
It’s the Brown Leather Brogue
Although it may seem like an exercise for guys who have plenty of time and testosterone in their arms It’s actually a long-standing technique for shoemaking that you’re aware of.
The brown dress shoes that are available in styles, were created to let water escape when the wearer was walking through the boggy Gaelic farms. However, this is where things get complex: since broguing is a method rather than a sole of a shoe, Oxfords can be brogues as well as Derbies and wingstips.
In general, greater holes mean more informal. Therefore, if you’re seeking something that can bring your from boardrooms to bars, go for a semi-brogue that does not have the W-shaped toe style.
What to look for
“Brown brogues can be a classic British timeless style that every wardrobe should include a pair,” says Little. “Look for a round-toe with a chunky sole wear with jeans or an elegant almond-shaped shoe with an elegant sole made of leather to wear with a formal outfit.
“Tan is the traditional color but if you’re looking to look more subtle go for a darker brown. Find leather that appears to be burnished because it looks luxurious and improves with each polish.”
Recommended Brands
Cheap: Marks & Spencer, Dune, River Island
The Premium Team: Oliver Sweeney, Paul Smith, Ted Baker
Luxury: Church’s, Tricker’s, Thom Browne
The Suede Loafer
Despite being associated with dressing as JFK The invention of the loafer does not have anything related to the sexy Ivy League, nor the simple loaf of bread (shoe-naming is often a real-life business, after all).
The first pair of men’s footwear on record was created in the early 1930s by an early 1930s Norwegian known as Nils the Gregoriusson Tveranger. He developed his Aurland footwear on traditional fisherman’s slip-ons as well as Native American moccasins, and they became the foundation for the famous Weejuns created by American designer G.H. Bass.
With a diamond-shaped cut-out The penny loafer has remained virtually in its original form, as have more sophisticated tassled versions and horsebit ones. While leather is the most common selection however, soft suede is the more flexible option.
What to Look For
“The classic design of shoes made of suede lends itself to more sophisticated outfits as well as being worn in combination with socks or not, to create an elegant summer look,” says Mr Porter senior buyer of shoes David Morris. “If you’re looking for a casual, smart look, go for the suede penny loafer in deep brown color or in a dark tan shade that can be put on with slim-leg shorts or chinos.”
Recommended Brands
Affordable: G.H. Bass & Co., H&M, Zara
Premium Brooks Brothers, Reiss and Charles Tyrwhitt
Luxury: Gucci, Cheaney, Edward Green
The white Leather Low Top
The men’s fashion watchers enjoy discussing the top and most fashionable sneakers of the moment. But if they were forced to pick just one that they could immortalize the past, there’s a good possibility that it would be the white leather low-top.
The slick look has been popularized in recent times by Adidas Stan Smith. It was first introduced in the 1960s under the name Robert Hallilet style, the shoe was given its current name in 1978. However, only in the past decade that been that the tennis white shoe become a common sight.
Every brand worth its salt comes with its own version of super-minimal to sporty, to be combined with anything from shorts to tailored.
What to Look For
“If you’re wearing white low-tops and suits, make sure they are as perfect as you can,” says Little. “Other than this, they are a must with every outfit.
“To maintain your sneaker in good condition, avoid wearing them with raw denim however that’s not the only true no-no. Combine them with flannel trousers and a merino sweater to create an elegant and casual look. You can also pair them with the chinos and a bomber at your weekend.”
Recommended Brands
Affordable: Nike, Superga, Adidas
Premium: Common Projects, Grenson, Polo Ralph Lauren
Luxurious: Gucci, Givenchy, Tom Ford
Retro Trainers
Nowadays, a pair of running shoes can hold many treats and tricks as the digital rectangle in your pocket. This is fantastic for running but not so great to dress up for the weekend.
It’s a good idea to go back in terms of sneakers, to a time when the runners of today were spectacular, colorful and, dare we say it, enjoyable.
Retro styles such as that of the Nike Cortez and the Adidas Gazelle are simple to find, with brand newer ones such as Novesta, Spalwart and Walsh making decent renditions of sneakers from the 1970s and 1980s.
What to look for
“Retro sneakers are still able to stand in the face of time due to their simplicity of design and comfort,” says Morris. “Styles such as Vans canvas sneaker as well as the Prada Milano are all great options to dress down a formal office look or casual weekend style.
“Worn best when worn with denim indigo or black and a classic T-shirt. These trainers bring a dash of nostalgia to your everyday style.”
Recommended Brands
Affordable: Vans, Superga, Novesta
Premium: Nike, Adidas, Reebok
Luxury: Prada, Balenciaga, Veja
It’s the Leather Lace-Up Boot
A well-constructed pair of boots can be an excellent accessory to any outfit even if it’s for no other reason that they’re usually constructed like a brick You know.
Shoes that have been worn by farmers, soldiers, and many kinds of workers, the lace-ups made of leather will stand up to whatever you throw at them, be it an oil spill or the rare spillage of coffee.
The reassuringly sturdy features such as Goodyear welting, and triple-stitched seams that are found in brands like Grenson as well as Red Wing, mean that an excellent pair of shoes can last for a long time when properly cared for.
What to Look For
“Make sure that the leg is comfortable otherwise it will hurt for you to put on,” advises Little. “Stick to the look of workwear with tough twill trousers that are that are rolled up. The slimmer and more fashionable versions are also able to be worn with a suit as long as the trouser leg is narrow enough and cut at an ankle.”
Recommended Brands
Cost-effective: Clarks, John Lewis, Dune
Premium: Red Wing, Dr Martens, Oliver Sweeney
Luxury: Grenson, Cheaney, Moncler
The ‘Goes with Everything’ Chelsea Boot
“Chelsea shoes are an absolute timeless style that won’t go away,” says Little, which is true since they’ve been around since the middle of the 19th century.
The Chelsea was originally designed by the shoemaker of Queen Victoria J. Sparkes-Hall to provide an alternative to riding boots The Chelsea has its current name from the wealthy London borough , where they became fashionable throughout the late 1960s, and the 1970s.
Find pairs that are made of only two pieces of suede or leather which is a sign of high-quality craftsmanship. And according to Little recommends: “Make sure the elastic at the ankle is sturdy since it’s often the first to fail and can be difficult to fix.”
What to Do?
“Chelsea boots look great when worn with slim-fitting, tailored pants with a slight cut,” states Morris. “If you plan to wear them with formal attire be sure that the color of your footwear is complementary to the hue of your suit . You can also opt for a more slim boot sole that keeps your outfit sleek.”
As versatile as can be the shoe that doesn’t have to be kept in perfect condition because the occasional scratch or scratch just infuses the shoe with rock ‘n’ roll swagger.
Recommended Brands
Cheap: ASOS, H&M, Marks & Spencer
Premium: Kurt Geiger, Dr Martens, Dune
Luxury: Saint Laurent, R.M. Williams, Crockett & Jones
4 expert shoe care tips
Few people are as knowledgeable about footwear as Tim Cooper. As a third generation shoemaker and cobbler-in-chief of Oliver Sweeney, he knows not just the value of hand-crafted craftsmanship but that a quality footwear can get better with proper maintenance. Here are his four expert guidelines to follow.
Choose Your Polish Well
“Choosing the correct polish for your shoes is straightforward – always check the label. A high-quality polish must consist of natural components such as carnauba or beeswax. These components provide nourishment to the leather in the same way that moisturisers nourish your skin, keeping drying or cracking, as well as losing its luster.”
Longer Lives for Their Children
“Once every 4 to 6 months, make sure to apply a thick conditioner to your footwear prior to polishing to extend their life span and make the most of your leather. I’ve played around with a range of types of polishing material however, an older pair of tights provides an amazing shine.”
Use to protect yourself
“Whether it’s sneakers or shoes make sure you spray them with a hydrophobic to shield yourself from environmental elements. It keeps water molecules from the surface that makes up the. If you’ve worn them during the rain, let the sneakers to naturally dry. cover the toes with newspaper and, whatever you choose to do keep them away from any open flame.”
Maintain It Clean
“Always get rid of any dirt that has accumulated on your shoes to avoid further harm. If you want to clean the general area, you can use hot water and a dry cloth, and a soft bristle toothbrush. For more difficult areas, you can use a the leather cleaner using a clean, dry sponge and cloth. After that, take off the cleaner with an emollient cloth and let it dry.”
