Shoe Shopping: A Practical Guide to Shoe Fashion for Men

When it comes to shoe shopping, most men are less than enthusiastic. However, the fact that you don’t want to spend hours shopping shouldn’t keep you from the best fitting, most comfortable, stylish shoes you’ve ever worn. Take a cue from some of the best-dressed celebrities such as Orlando Bloom, Jude Law, and Prince William – the shoes that you wear matter.

Shoe Shopping Dont’s

Most men understand that you shouldn’t wear any type of sock with Fitflop sandals or any other kind of sandal for that matter. Sure, there are still a few offenders out there, but for the most part socks and sandals are becoming a thing of the past – finally. But what about the other stuff men rarely think about? Are you making any of these mistakes when buying your shoes?

• Wrong Size – If shoe shopping doesn’t hold your interest, you can be a bit lazy at it. But it’s important to take the time to get properly fitted for each pair of shoes you purchase as sizes vary among brands. Wearing the wrong size can cause pain, chafing, and other foot problems. It only takes a couple of extra minutes to keep your feet comfortable.
• Arch Support – Some men have high arches; some men have no arches. You should always match your particular foot shape with the right supportive shoe. Wearing shoes that give too much or not enough arch support can wreak havoc on your feet.
• Wrong Type – Choose shoes suited to the activity you plan to do while wearing them. Not sure what to ask for? Study up on shoe types and how to wear them in the next section.

Men’s Guide to Shoe Styles and Terminology

If you’re confused by shoe lingo, you’re not alone. It’s difficult enough to understand what terms go with which shoe and even harder to know when to wear each type of shoe. The following will help you the next time you go shoe shopping:

• Oxfords – If you’re wearing something formal or dressy like a tux or suit, you should wear oxfords, wingtips, or brogues. These styles feature laces and are often crafted from brown or black leather. Look for a thin sole as well. Dressier shoes are meant to have thin soles.
• Loafers – Business casual best describes loafers. Featuring soft leather and muted tones, loafers work best with any type of casual business pant regardless of whether you pair them with a polo, sweater, or jacket.
• Boots – Boots can be dressy or casual. You can wear them with suits as long as you stick to a boot with a thinner sole. For casual days, you can go a bit chunky in the sole. You can also opt to wear work boots, hiking boots, cowboy boots, or any other type of rugged boot.
• Athletic – Athletic footwear includes all tennis type shoes including running/walking shoes and other types of sporting shoes. You can wear these with your workout gear or with jeans and a casual shirt.
• Sandals – Sandals include all open shoes such as flip flops, slip-ons, and strapped sandals.

Shoe shopping doesn’t have to be painful or mysterious. Take a little time to think about what type of shoe suits your wardrobe and lifestyle. Have a clear idea in mind before you go shopping. This will cut down on the amount of shopping time and you will be much happier with your selections. Look for comfortable, supportive shoes. After all, what good is a pair of stylish shoes if they’re too uncomfortable to wear.