MEN'S SHOES  

Buying men's shoes: what to bear in mind

Before buying men's shoes, it is a good idea to consider the following points:

- What impression do you want to give? It is often said that you can learn a lot about a man from his shoes. There is, indeed, some truth in this adage, so before buying a pair of shoes you should be sure about who you are and what impression you want to give.

- The context in which you are going to wear them: Wearing shoes in a formal context or at work is very different from wearing them at a social event or while playing golf.

- Amount of use: Whether you are planning to use them continuously every day or just for specific occasions, some shoes are better than others depending on how often you want to wear them.

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- Finishes: Finishes always add an extra touch, whether it be the delicacy of aniline finishes or the soft tones and feel of suede.

- Soles: Made from leather, rubber or a combination of leather and rubber, among other materials, the soles of shoes are an important element that influences comfort and durability.

- Construction: The way the shoe is attached to the sole, whether glued, stitched or Goodyear-welted, affects the comfort and flexibility of the shoes.

- Fastening: Whether a lace-up, single or double monk strap or slip-on shoe, the fastening mechanism can affect the comfort and usability of the shoes.

- Decorative features: Decorative elements such as broguing (semi-brogue or full-brogue) or tassels are extras which always make a difference.

- Leather finishes: The finishes also influences possible combinations with other garments. For example, suede finishes, partly due to their softer colours, are very suitable for a more relaxed look.

- Colour: For a sober, more formal effect, black and brown are the colours normally chosen and should be combined with garments in a similar range of colours. There are also more casual types of shoe, like loafers, slippers and sports shoes, that come in a wider range of colours, giving us greater freedom when we combine them.

However, as in everything else, and especially in a field as diverse as footwear, the final decision is up to you.