While Aldo, Spring, and Payless Shoesource are probably some of the most common chains in the footwear market – they often do not carry brands of quality and substitute flashy product with little to no construction value. While brand name may mean nothing beyond a cosmetic difference in some realms, in footwear it really does matter a great deal due to the amount of time we all spend on our feet. Some affordable brands a gentleman should search for in a quality dress shoe might be Clark's, Bostonian, or Geox – though some designer brands such as Kenneth Cole are also quite well suited for wear.
With regard to style, a man should always consider colour and styling. Both black and brown are must-have colours in dress shoes or dress boots, black is a better match for a black garment while brown shoes are actually a bit more versatile and are an excellent compliment to navy, grey, brown, and tan suits. Brown is also typically a much better match for denim jeans, and as such are more valuable when considering them for casual wear.
Toe shape is becoming especially varied amongst men's shoes; men are eschewing the omnipresent rounded toe for varieties in square cut and even Italian-cut shoes with aggressively pointed toes. Shorter men should avoid the flashier pointed toe varieties at all costs at the risk of looking like a Christmas elf, or even worse, that you are wearing clown shoes. Square-toed dress boots are becoming increasingly popular and look great both formally and informally.
Sidewalk Surfers, a New Casual Style
An very interesting recent offering in the world of men's casual footwear would have to be Sanuk's product line – an interesting creation that they term the “sidewalk surfer”. Starting with a well made sandal sole with a rugged shoe upper stitched on top, Sanuk offers a sandal that looks like a cool, casual shoe that can be worn with shorts or jeans alike. Supported by such California surfing icons as Donavon Frankenreiter – Sanuks are very much in style and for good reason.
For the winter months, or for those who prefer a warmer shoe, Sanuk also offers a great many styles such as the Low Dawn, Sherlock, or Watson that are lined with shearling, or sheep's wool – in some cases with a tough and weatherproof lug exterior. Younger men who are looking for a neat alternative to flip flops or staid sandals should really look at this product line as they offer dozens of neat, alternative stylings alongside a very positive and personable business model.
Comfort, Quality, Style
The most important thing to remember when purchasing a pair of shoes is that above all else, they should be of a premium construction, fit correctly, and befit the style you are trying to adopt. Cheap shoes may look nice for the first week, but will quickly erode in appearance – and even more importantly, will erode in support and comfort
Most men should own a fair selection of shoes: at least two dress shoes or boots in black and brown, as well as a few pairs of casual shoes and athletic runners for the more active among us. A well-made and stylish pair of shoes will not only show that you take the initiative when it comes to your image, but also when it comes to your health
