It’s said that the first meeting you have with an individual, you’re judged based by several factors including three most important ones being your hair or handshake and, perhaps most importantly 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 love interest it’s unlikely be able to convince them when they look down to see a ugly pair of battered winklepickers.
“But there’s so many choices!” we hear you say. With a seemingly endless range of styles of shoes offered in shops and on the internet, finding the right shoes can seem overwhelming. Don’t worry by enlisting the assistance of some of the most famous brands of British manufacturing, we’ve narrowed down the variety to just seven fundamentals.
This is the Black Leather Oxford
There isn’t a golden rule or formula that can be used to build the perfect collection of shoes since preferences will vary. It is important to be prepared for any possibility, even the ones that involve suits. In this case, you’ll require an black Oxford made of leather. Oxford.
For the technical side to get more technical, the Oxford name is a reference to a dress shoe with closed-lace that has a portion (the part of the leather that the laces pass through) is stitched underneath the vamp (the front of the shoes). If you can put your fingers through the two holes in the lace then what you’re really getting is an Derby shoe.
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It may appear like an unnecessary item to mention however, the lacing system provides an Oxford (or Balmoral, or Balmoral for those who live located in Scotland) its perfect fit and smooth look, which makes this the formal style of all.
What to Find
“An Oxford should be worn with black or grey formal pants,” says Grenson creative director Tim Little. “Make sure that the shape of your toe is correct. Too pointed and you’ll appear like a spiv. excessively round, and you appear like clumps. An almond-like shape is what you’re seeking.”
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 dancing classes for men who have plenty of time and testosterone in their arms but it’s actually an old-fashioned method of shoemaking that you’re likely aware of.
These dress shoes in brown are available in a variety of different styles, were created to let water escape as the wearer walked through the boggy Gaelic farms. However, here’s where things become complex: since broguing is more of a fashion technique than a footwear, Oxfords can be brogues as well as Derbies and wingstips.
In general, greater holes mean more informal. If you’re in search of something that will bring one from the office to the pub, go for a semi-brogue which does not have the W-shaped toe style.
What to Look For
“Brown brogues have become a British timeless style that every wardrobe ought to have one,” says Little. “Look for a round-toe with a chunky sole to wear with jeans or a more sophisticated almond-shaped toe and an elegant sole made of leather to wear with a formal outfit.
“Tan is the traditional color however if you’d like to look more subtle go for a darker brown. Choose leather that looks burnished, as it looks luxurious and will improve 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
Although it is associated with dressing up like JFK However, the creation of the loafer does not have anything related to the prettier Ivy League, nor the simple loaf of bread (shoe-naming is often a actual business, in all).
The very first pair that is recorded was created in the early 1930s by an early 1930s Norwegian known as Nils Gregory Tveranger. He designed his Aurland footwear on traditional fisherman’s slip-ons as well as Native American moccasins, and this was 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 option but soft suede is the most versatile choice.
What to Look For
“The traditional design of the suede loafer is suited to more formal outfits that can go with socks or with no socks, for an elegant summer style,” says Mr Porter senior buyer of shoes David Morris. “If you’re looking for a chic-casual look, consider 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
It’s the White Leather Low Top
Men’s fashion enthusiasts enjoy discussing the most popular and stylish sneakers trends of the moment. If they were forced to pick just one that they could immortalize the past, there’s a good chance that it’s the low-top in white leather.
The slick design is exemplified in recent times by the Adidas Stan Smith. It was first introduced in the 1960s under the name Robert Hallilet style, the shoe changed its name in 1978. However, only in the past decade that been that the tennis white shoe been a staple.
Every brand that is worth its salt has their own style, ranging from 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 an outfit, ensure they’re as clean as you can,” says Little. “Other than that, they really can be worn with anything.
“To maintain your sneaker clean, try not wearing them with raw jeans however that’s not the only true no-no. Wear them with flannel pants with a merino hoodie for an elegant and casual look. You can also pair them with the chinos and a bomber at weekends.”
Recommended Brands
Affordable: Nike, Superga, Adidas
Premium: Common Projects, Grenson, Polo Ralph Lauren
The Luxury Industry: Gucci, Givenchy, Tom Ford
Retro Trainers
Nowadays, a pair of running shoes can hold many treats and tricks as the electronic rectangle that is in your pocket. This is fantastic for running but not so great for dressing up your weekend.
It’s actually quite simple to go back with regards to sneakers to a time when the runners of today were spectacular, vibrant and, dare we say it, enjoyable.
Retro designs like those of Nike Cortez and the Adidas Gazelle are simple to locate, as are more recent brands such as Novesta, Spalwart and Walsh offering decent impressions of the kicks of the 1970s and 1980s.
What to Look For
“Retro sneakers have stood in the face of time due to their minimalist 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
This is the Leather Lace-Up Boot
A well-constructed pair of boots can be an excellent option for any wardrobe even if it’s for no other reason that they’re usually constructed like a brick Well, you’re aware of that.
Shoes that have been worn by farmers, soldiers and all kinds of workers, the lace-ups made of leather will stand up to whatever they are thrown at them, whether it’s an oil slick , or an rare spillage of coffee.
Affirmatively durable features such as Goodyear welting, and triple-stitched seams which are common in brands like Grenson as well as Red Wing, mean that an excellent pair of shoes will last for years when properly cared for.
What to Look For
“Make sure that the leg isn’t too stiff or they’ll be uncomfortable wearing,” advises Little. “Stick to the look of workwear with tough twill trousers that are with a roll-up. The slimmer and more fashionable versions are also able to be put on with a suit in the event that the trouser’s leg is narrow enough and cut at your 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 style classic 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, as an alternative to riding boots and the Chelsea is named today from the wealthy London Borough where they were fashionable throughout the late 1960s, and the 1970s.
You should look for pairs of only two pieces of suede or leather as a sign of quality workmanship. Also, according to Little says: “Make sure the elastic at the ankle is sturdy because it’s the first thing to break and can be difficult to fix.”
What to Do?
“Chelsea boots work particularly well when worn with slim, tailored trousers with a slight cut,” Morris says. Morris. “If you’re planning to wear them with formal attire ensure that the color of your footwear is complementary to the hue of your dress and go for a sleeker boot sole that keeps your outfit sleek.”
As versatile as are they This is a shoe that doesn’t have to be kept in perfect condition since the occasional scratch or scratch will only fill the shoe with rock and roll attitude.
Recommended Brands
Cheap: ASOS, H&M, Marks & Spencer
Premium: Kurt Geiger, Dr Martens, Dune
Luxury: Saint Laurent, R.M. Williams, Crockett & Jones
4 Tips for Keeping Your Shoes Clean
There are few who know the art of footwear as Tim Cooper. As a third-generation shoemaker , and cobbler-in-chief of Oliver Sweeney, he knows not just about the importance of craftsmanship from the past, but also that a great shoes can become better with proper maintenance. Here are his four expert suggestions to live by.
Choose Your Polish Well
“Choosing the best polish for your shoes is straightforward – always check the label. A quality polish must consist of natural components like carnauba wax or beeswax. These ingredients nourish the leather the same way moisturizers do your skin, keeping drying cracking and losing its shine.”
They can prolong their lives
“Once every 4 to 6 months, you should take the time to apply a thick conditioner to your footwear prior to polishing in order to prolong their lifespan and make the most from the material. I’ve tried a variety of polishing materials however, the old tights provides an amazing shine.”
Use to protect yourself
“Whether it’s sneakers or shoes make sure you spray them with a hydrophobic to guard against environmental elements. It keeps water molecules from the upper layer on the surface. If you’ve worn them during the rain, let the sneakers to naturally dry. put on newspaper toes and, whatever you choose to do keep them away from the radiator or an open flame.”
Make sure it is clean
“Always remove any dirt or grime from your shoes to avoid further injury. If you want to clean the general area, you can use hot water and a dry cloth, and a soft bristle toothbrush. For more challenging areas, apply a leather cleaner products using a clean fabric and brush. Remove the cleaner with the help of a damp cloth, and let it dry.”