Step It Up: A Guide to Men's Shoes

Women loooooove shoes. We do! And what is one of the first things we look at when we see our date approaching? Yep! Shoes. Why? Because your shoes can say so much about you: Whether you are high maintenance or laid back. Whether you are doing well in your business or not. Whether you take care of yourself or have a take a more laissez-faire approach. All of these perceptions come from the floor up – it’s all in your shoes.

Details, Details, Details

Before we even get into what shoes every man should own, it’s important to do some “housekeeping,” if you will. Your shoe upkeep is just as important, if not more than the actual shoes you are wearing.  When you take care of your shoes, which seems to be a relatively minor detail, it is then assumed you take care of the other details in your life as well. {Read: You take the time to take care of your shoes?  You probably take more time to take care of your girlfriend. That’s a dating brownie point.} Shine them, wash them, get the soles fixed if needed and even change the laces! Here’s a bonus tip: Choose a bold color with your casual kicks for a subtle impression of creativity!

Don’t be “Dated” when Dating

This other bit of housekeeping is also important. You can shine up an old shoe, but if the styling is outdated, then that is a strong indication of your status at work, your level of awareness, and your knowledge of your current and contemporary surroundings. So if you find anything on the following list in your closet, put them aside until you replace them. Once replaced, it’s time to let go!

• Clunky, square-toed shoes
• Clunky and wide shoes with round toes
• Thick and wide, white (and/or dirty) tennis shoes
• Overly detailed shoes: anything with contrast stitching or too much hardware
• The over-extended, sleek-point-toe loafer or lace up (AKA the sleaze)

Getting on Trend

Now, let’s get into the shoes – and I am not talking about “trendy” shoes.  I’m talking about contemporary shoes. No matter what the shoe, whether it’s a tennis kick or a dressy loafer, shoes are being designed for a slimmer fit (just like the current style of men’s wardrobe fits, which will be a story for another day). A slimmer shoe actually can make you look slimmer overall, as well as make you appear taller when worn with a pant of similar coloration. Yep. Slimmer and taller. Which is why having your shoes updated to the newer styles is important for your dating life.

The Dating Shoe Staples

So with all of this in mind, let’s get you covered on the must-have shoes for date night, and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe.

• Grey Oxfords – A new and contemporary shoe staple to add into the mix of your dating wardrobe. Great for day dates and evening dates, they pair perfectly with light to medium denim, greys, khaki’s and whites. Just remember to wear a light slim sock!
• Medium Brown Wing Tips – The hip and more stylish replacement for the obligatory black dress shoe. The Wing tip is creative and detailed, while mixing well with light and dark gray slacks, navy slacks, and medium to medium dark denim.
• Black Loafer – Note that they are called the “take me home” (love that!). This is perfect for a dressier date, fancy dinner, and/or dancing. Worn with your suit is an obvious use, but for a laid back dressy approach, try pairing your black loafer with your dark denim, button down and a blazer. Here’s an extra style tip: Untuck your shirt and leave the bottom button undone for a more relaxed feel which will show your date a quiet, yet cool confidence.
• Dressy Sneaks – These hip new kicks are a perfect update to every look when you want to appear updated, yet understated. Pair these with dark and medium denims, or get creative and try them with a dress pant and hip graphic tee.
• The Updated Chuck – This is a fresher way to wear your casual kicks. The leather style gives off a luxurious feel to your day gear and sends the message that quality matters. Great for bikes rides, long walks and ice cream trips!

So, get your shoes whipped into shape because a wise shoe choice will always send a confident message to your date.