4 Tips to Elevate Your Shoe Game

So you put together what you think is the perfect outfit, congrats. Except you missed the mark with one key essential piece, your shoes. Many guys forget how integral the right shoe is to taking your outfit from subpar to damn! Which is why I am going to share 4 tips to elevate your shoe game.

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.” —Christian Louboutin, founder of eponymous footwear brand

Why Are Shoes Important

In addition to their aesthetic, your shoes are also the most functional piece of clothing you’ll wear, as you spend most of your day on your feet. Like a great suit, they are an investment so they should be chosen with care and consideration. Also, first impressions are still a thing and as this this psychological study shows, shoes are one way strangers make evaluations about you.

Okay, How Do I start?

The first step in elevating your shoe game is by getting rid of your old and beat-up shoes. You know you have that go-to pair that you jump in whenever you are heading out..let them go, they are broken down, misshapen and dirty, please toss-em. Next, evaluate what your lifestyle is and what pairs you absolutely must have for business/professional settings then set your shoe budget(yes you should have a shoe budget).

Well-made shoes of good quality might be more expensive upfront but pay for themselves in the future. Next, determine what kind of feet you have; narrow, broad, high arch, or no arch/flat-footed. This matters as comfort is key.

The Must-Haves

There are five must-have styles in every gent’s collection.

Oxfords – By far my personal favorite shoe, Oxfords can be worn for formal or business.
Brogues – Scotch is not the only thing the Irish gave us.
Loafers – A loafer is a relaxed shoe but there is nothing lazy or unassuming about them.
Chelsea Boots – No matter the season, no other boot steps up your style game like a sleek pair of Chelsea Boots.
White Sneaker – It goes with most things and just looks clean.

How to Maintain Shoes

Your shoes are an investment in your image and, like any investment, require proper attention to maintenance. No, wiping them with a wet cloth is not considered proper care.

To maintain your oxfords, brogues, loafers, and chelsea boots they need to be wiped down, then properly polished, brushed and then shined. Walters Shoe Care provides some great instructions plus great products to use.

For your white kicks, it is extremely important that you keep them pristine white and fresh. For great products to help you do this checkout Reshoevn8r which will keep your whites right.

Two key items to get are a shoe horn, this helps prevent you from awkwardly trying to force your foot in and saves the back upper heel of your shoe. Second, a shoe tree not only helps maintain the shape of your shoes but pulls moisture out your shoes so no funky odors develop. You should have a pair for all your shoes.

Your style is part of your branding, don’t let weak shoe game derail all your other efforts. Keep elevating your style of life.

Feature image by Christina Victoria Craft