Features

Fashion shoes: The Right Foot Forward

1 Aug 2016 by Intern1

Different feet have different requirements, and there is a type for each personality. Some are traditional with laces and others make a statement in straps. The options are vast with an assortment of styles, shades and textures for businessmen to explore when selecting the right pair of shoes. 

 The moccasin 

The moccasin covers the upper-foot just short of reaching the ankle. Intended as a “house slipper” because of its soft material, not many are aware of its formal side. A plain leather moccasin can be paired effortlessly with straight cut trousers. Those with an emblem closer to the instep definitely make a style statement.

Since they’re made of moose or other tender leather, they’re kind on the feet as well. Go for lighter shades of tan and grey to play down their bold look.

Canali - Moccasin

The oxford 

The quintessential business attire is bound to involve the oxford. It’s easy to confuse the oxford with the derby — look out for the closed lacing system to understand the difference. The chief characteristic of the oxford includes the classic thin lace that holds the foot snugly. Its classic round toe-cap befits those who prefer not to experiment with style. Basic in appearance, the oxford can be paired with nearly anything from a wide range of suits and tuxedos to regular shirts, and even jeans. Of course, opting for the black cap-toe the oxford when dressing for a black-tie event is ideal. Picking a tan offset against grey or dark blue trousers with a white shirt is a subtle way to add a touch of contrast to your corporate outfit.

It can be regarded as the epitome of simplicity; the shoe sewn from a single piece of leather adds a sophisticated feel to basic formals. The one-piece oxford that is the most basic of them all without any defining throat- or cap-lines on its body. The oxford has varieties for those willing to experiment, though. This includes the wingtip oxford that has a pointed cap and the plain-toe oxford without a defining cap-line. 

The oxford brogue

“Oxfords, not brogues – is the creed of a Kingsman,” cited Colin Firth in the secret-service film The Kingsman. Inferencing that the latter are not considered a formal shoe after all, since it’s essentially a country pattern. That’s of-course if you are a secret service spy!

Brogues in theory are not an entirely different shoe-type. They are nothing but perforations and artistic toe-lines on the existing oxford — making it the oxford brogue While the patent black oxford is an appropriate pick for a black-tie event, an oxford brogue can be worn at less formal corporate affairs. The perforations come in different designs and shapes, that infuse a sense of play to its formal originals.

Brown is the preferred colour for most fans of this shoe-style. For a slick look, don’t forget to match your belt with those oxford brogues but keep the rest of the look understated with muted colours.

The derby 

The derby has a more open feel to it in comparison to the oxford. The evident difference between the two is its laces — the former’s laces are attached on top of the vamp that covers the toes and instep, and the gap between the lace flaps is wider. 

Some may argue that the derby is a casual cousin of the oxford; however it still comes under formal footwear. 

While a rubber sole derby works for casual days, a leather sole derby is better for notable occasions. Leather sole derbies complement chinos and suits quite well. Here again there are types: the cap-toe derby, plain derby and wingtip derby. Their more rugged construction makes them more durable in comparison to the oxford, making it the perfect choice for rainy days. 

Picking a dark blue or brown is an interesting choice for post-work drinks or even a Friday evening at the office.

The monk-strap

They’ve always meant business. The monk-strap gets its name from monks who wore similar shoes as comfortable alternatives to sandals and slippers while working. The strap(s) runs across the shoe from one end to the other where it attaches itself to a buckle. Monk-straps are available in leather and suede, with or without any brogues on their face. They’re versatile in appearance such that jeans and formal trousers effortlessly match them.

Stefano Ricci - Loafers

The loafer

A blend of the moccasin and the oxford, the loafer could just be the most comfortable option available in the closed-shoe category, thanks to its easy to slip on characteristic. The loafer comes in two types: penny loafer and bit loafer.

The penny loafer is considered more playful because of a fringe or an emblem that is placed on the upper side of the shoe. It can even be plain with a defining vamp and flap. The bit loafer has a neat buckle on the upper, giving it a dressier look.

Your escape from traditional business footwear, the loafer can even be worn without socks or with ankle length socks. Avoid pairing it with trousers and go for darker shades of denim instead.

The dress boot

The dress boot has a very masculine feel with high ankles, thick laces or defining buckles. It belongs to the oxford family — only with a longer shaft.

Perforation is common along the edge, and unlike the casual version, leather is the prime material. It looks best in darker colours paired with narrow-bottom trousers.

The chelsea boot

Without any laces or straps on the shoe, the chelsea boot is crafted from a single piece of leather or suede. It has an elastic side panel and high block heels, low enough so as not to take away from its masculinity. 

Laces aren’t part of this shoe category but a variation of the boot includes a zip instead of the elastic panel, but that would mean casual.

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