Issue # 5 - Walk a Mile in Better shoes...Please.

Issue # 5 - Walk a mile in Better shoes...Please.

Contrary to popular belief guys, one pair of shoes is NOT proper for all occasions. It is amazing how many men wear the same shoes day in and day out, for every occasion, no matter where they go. Generally these shoes are a type of running shoe/cross trainer/hiking shoe as shown to the left. What are you thinking? These don't even look good on a trail, let alone with shorts and white socks as so many of you wear them with. Yet there they are, with jeans, shorts, work pants and yes, even dress pants. I have seen men at work, in suits and ties with THESE types of shoes on. It's painful to witness.

I find that this eyesore of a faux pas is a direct result of the common belief among men that it is "un-manly" to own several pairs of shoes. Something in our genes, or rather something in the years of masculine stereotypes we've been force fed, has led us to believe that owning several sets of shoes is something only a woman should do. This gentlemen, is ridiculous and you need to stop thinking like a caveman. At the very LEAST, and I stress the LEAST, is a pair of casual shoes for everyday use, a pair of dress shoes for formal occasions, a pair of running shoes for athletics, and a pair of sandals/thong sandals/summer shoes for well, summer. If you don't have these, you have a lot to learn.

Where to start? Well let's make sure you get yourself a good pair of everyday shoes. This all depends on your style, and in my opinion one pair isn't nearly enough, but if you insist on having just ONE pair, then you need a pair that will pretty much go with everything. Stick with the neutrals, which are black, grey, and brown. Find a pair that works for you and make sure they look good. My girlfriend just bought me a fantastic pair of black leather Slip ons by Steve Madden. They can be dressed up or down, and are fantastically comfortable shoes. You're going to want something that can equally be dressed up and down. Take some time and find a pair that works for you.

As for dress shoes, this again is up to your personal taste and preference. You should have a solid pair of black and brown shoes, each for different occasions. Europeans are known for saying "Black shoes are only for weddings and funerals", which i think is a great rule of thumb to keep in mind. Square toed shoes are a little past their prime now, but if you opt for a square toe, try something that's a little slimmer and more of a pointed square toe. Ankle boots are also making a comeback, and will not only look cool, but also solve many a man's handicap with choosing proper socks as well. Black is formal, brown is more casual, but these rules as always, can be bent.

That covers your MOST BASIC of starting points. In my opinion a man can never have enough shoes. Several pairs of casual/everyday shoes should be collected since each shoe should go with whatever outfit you're wearing. If this sounds gay/feminine to you, then you're the exact person that NEEDS to be reading this. A couple other tips: Your shoes need to match your top, and your belt preferably. If you're wearing a jacket then the shoes need to match this, and so on. These rules can also be bent, but use your head here chump.

Some still abide by the rule that you cannot wear black and brown at the same time. This rule is still pretty much in play but i find it all depends on the shade of brown, and ultimately YOUR PERSONAL STYLE. I cannot stress this enough gentlemen, your personal style and attitude will make or break an outfit. If you are going to wear red Chuck Taylor sneakers with blue jeans, a yellow t shirt and a green military jacket, then you need to have the lifestyle, flair and attitude to pull it off. Style is not based on rules, just guidelines. You do the rest.

The goal is not to be a clone of everyone, but to ultimately use these tips and guidelines to find your own personal style, and as hippie as it may sound, Yourself in the process.

Sincerely,

S.G.