27
Apr
About 70 years ago, scientists discovered perhaps the world’s oldest footwear – sandals that date back at least 10.000 years and were made with intricate weaves which proves that not only were they functional, but very stylish as well. So I’d say it’s fair to jump to the conclusion that even from our tribal days, we’ve searched and valued quality footwear for both their function and aesthetics. In fact, shoes are probably the number one thing I care about in my wardrobe, and contrary to popular belief, women aren’t the only ones infatuated with them.
A man should care about his footwear simply because it is the very foundation he stands on. On a daily basis, you put force on your shoes a few thousand times, and a poor choice of mens casual footwear can result in not only discomfort but injury as well – especially if you buy shoes that are uncomfortable.
But besides the obvious functionality aspect of shoes, there’s the appearance aspect that shoes provide. Even though they cover only about 5% of your body, they account for 30% of the visual judgement you make when meeting new people. Ideally, your mens casual footwear should be both stylish and functional, which is easily achievable if you follow three cardinal rules.
First and foremost, regardless of the type of shoes you’re buying, invest in quality. I realize that not everyone can afford to spend a lot of money on shoes, however, many who can opt to spend their money elsewhere and end up buying new shoes of lesser quality on a more frequent basis. Typically, low quality footwear is made of cheap materials which are glued together and easily tear. So if you’re searching the market for new shoes, save up a bit and then go buy something that will last you for several years.
Secondly, never sacrifice comfort and a proper fit. No matter how much you like how the shoes look, if there isn’t a proper size for you, just move on. Men with either extremely narrow or wide feet learn about these problems from a young age. I personally have wide feet and while normal sized shoes are oftentimes okay, there are also models that just cause me extreme discomfort.
Lastly, take care of your shoes. Learn how to shine them and how to waterproof them. Since you’re going for quality shoes that can cost a small fortune, you might as well take proper care of them to make the most out of your purchase.
