How To Pick Formal Footwear For Men

S hoes can make or break the first impressions. So, if you have an occasion lined up with a lot riding on it, then learn how to pick formal footwear for men. The first step is to acknowledge that choosing to pick from is vast. Much work is being done towards diversifying the men’s footwear department, so you don’t have to compromise on comfort and style.

So, keep reading to channel your inner maven and make the best first impression with the power of your shoes. 

Check Out The Feel Of The Fabric

Most of the formal footwear for men is made of leather. And, it is not a wrong choice since it is smooth but doesn’t have a slippery look. Leather also tends to last longer and add a touch of sophistication to your overall ensemble. Moreover, leather doesn’t get dirty as fast as other fabrics, so the shine of the shoe lasts for a long time.

If you don’t like leather —that’s okay. You can look for shoes made from other shiny materials but don’t have a plastic feel and slippery look to them. Many people prefer cotton, nylon, and polyester as they are light-weighted and do not contract in size over time.

Pick The Right Toe

When it comes to men’s formal footwear, the toes come in different shapes. Some are squared, some are pointy, some are wide, and some are narrow. There is no standard best shape as it depends from person to person. 

However, if you have no idea which ones to pick, find a shoe with a toe shaped between wide and pointy. This shape often goes with all types of outfits and adds flair to them. If you are not a fan of this shape, keep experimenting with other shapes, and you’re bound to find one that fits you the best.

Don’t Avoid Heels

Men often avoid heels because they somewhat have feminine connotations attached to them. But, the real deal is to embrace them. Buy footwear that has heels. It doesn’t have to be high ones. In fact, anything a little less than one inch is the ideal heel size to pick. 

Flat shoes give a casual look. For formal footwear, heels work out the best. They positively impact one’s posture, which gives added confidence to the one wearing it. 

Go For Lace-Ups

Comfort is cool, but don't dodge the laces when you’re choosing a pair of formal shoes. Slip-ups are comfortable and easy to wear, but nothing about them is formal. So, laces are a must as they add a touch of sophistication to the outfit. 

If you’re wearing tuxedos or suits, shoes with laces are the only way to go. But, on the other hand, if you pick a slip-up or sneakers, then the whole vibe of the outfit will be lost somewhere in the translation. So, don’t compromise on this factor.

Choose The Right Color

Picking the right color for your shoes is as essential as picking the right color for your suit. If you’re picking a black pair of shoes, you’re in for luck as it goes for pretty much everything except for brown. So, if you have a brown suit in mind, don’t go for the decisive black. Black shoes also have the best shine, so there’s that.

On the other hand, Brown shoes offer a lot of variety as they also go with many colors, especially tan or brown colored suits. However, the best thing about going for brown shoes is that you can pick from various brown shades. So you can pick the one that goes the best with your suit, and voila!

Wear Them And Walk Around

You cannot buy formal footwear without giving them a try. The only way to finalize your purchase is to wear your final pick and walk around with them in the shop. If the comfort level is maximum and you’re satisfied with the style, hurry up and buy it!

Moreover, don’t forget to try them out with socks. If you omit this step, then the shoe size might not fit you on the occasion when you try them on with socks. So, always keep space for them and avoid wearing your formals without socks.

Once you learn how to pick formal footwear for men, you’re guaranteed to walk that walk with perfect posture and confidence. So, take some time, be patient with yourself, and experiment. Only then will you find a perfect pair.