Shoes, a vast subject! Some juggle with ten pairs while others are constantly looking for the pair, the one that will change everything. What is essential in my opinion is to have the strong pieces of the male wardrobe; timeless shoes, iconic models , in leathers renowned both for their quality and their aesthetics. It is important to have at least one nice pair of shoes that will give your look a finishing touch and will set you apart from others. A well-chosen pair will sublimate your appearance!
How to choose your shoes for men?
1 | the richelieu
It is undoubtedly the most elegant and dressy model. We recognize it thanks to its closed lacing , unlike derbies which are made of two pieces of leather – called “ears” – and which have open lacing. Richelieu and Derby are the two most important models in the men’s wardrobe . The Richelieu exists in different finishes: the traditional flowered end and the non-flowered insert.
2 | la derby
Generally made up of a smooth upper ( note : the front of the shoe), they also exist with a flowered toe cap like the Richelieu.
You should try a material that fascinates me: Cordovan . Specialty of the Horween tanneries in Chicago , it is a horse leather characterized by a magnificent brown-red color very close to burgundy. What’s fantastic about this leather is that it doesn’t wax, it just needs to be buffed. Lazy friends, this leather is for you!
3 | moccasins
The queen of leisure shoes, perfect for the summer period, a safe bet . There are different models: loafers with tassels (“ tassel loafers ”), “ penny loafers ” (American loafers), bite loafers (a Gucci specialty), rubber stud loafers – a Tod’s specialty or Fairmount – very practical for driving due to their good grip.
4 | boots
Perfect for the autumn/winter season and for a long weekend in the countryside. These shoes will protect your feet from cold and bad weather.
Important point : when buying a pair of boots, opt for a rubber sole (instead of the traditional split leather sole) this will prevent you from slipping badly and will insulate your feet from the cold. For the material, opt for a resistant leather, such as grained skin or oily leather. The must in fatty leathers is that of the Degermann tannery in Alsace. A puncture-proof leather that skates beautifully.
There are many models. Especially among our English friends who have been able to create essential pieces throughout the centuries such as the Chelsea, the Jodhpur and our dear brogue boots or derby boots with flowery tips which are making a comeback! On the look side, you can wear your boots with raw jeans embellished with a nice hem for a little London side or flannel pleated trousers for a more formal appearance. So classy! My favorite the Conistons from Crockett & Jones
5 | buckled shoes
Since their creation in 1945 by the famous English bootmaker John Lobb (yes, again our British friends, what do you want, it’s the land of elegance!) they had disappeared from “circulation”. But they are coming back strong! What a pleasure. The return is obvious in the spring-summer 2014 collections with more contemporary proportions. Different models exist with one or two buckles, with or without toecap, floral, even with crepe soles. This model has the advantage of having good foot support and being practical to put on .
6 | slippers
Since they left the hushed apartments of aristocrats and walked the asphalt of our cities, we can say that they have the wind in their sails.
Alongside the classic model (monochrome velvet upper with or without initials – editor’s note : the upper is the top of the shoe) we see a multitude of variations appearing at the level of the upper which are currently being developed : tartan flannel, studded, embroidered with coat of arms (very second degree), in Harris tweed, patent leather, smooth, bite head, United Kingdom banner and so on. This diversity allows you to move from one world to another: for a very chic outfit, a nice pair of patent leather slippers will do, or for a more rock look, a pair in Scottish tartan flannel and moreover studded, if necessary. Please.
