Shoes Are Essential - GENTLEMEN'S AVENUE

Gentlemen,

When it comes to style there is only essentials and essentials. Why do I say that? Well pants, shirt and shoes are essentials contrary to popular belief that shoes are accessories. According to my favorite MacBook dictionary an accessory is, “a small article or item of clothing carried or worn to complement a garment or outfit.” The shoes a Gentleman wears should not to be overlooked or minimized because they are one of the few things that can speak about your personality, confidence and style without a word ever being spoken (see articles: “The Craftsmanship of Barbers” and “Mustache: Style and Personality”). In this article I will exclusively deal with classic dress shoes the style, color and manufacture.

Before we get to the nuts and bolts of the article, a good example of how shoes create an impression can be found on the hit show Boardwalk Empire. In the intro to each episode before you ever see the main character’s face, Nucky Thompson played by Steve Buscemi, there is a close up (click image above) of his shoes! Immediately you know his style and character based upon the essentials, heavy pinstripe pants with a pair of spectator wingtips. At the end of the opening scenes there is a close up of Nucky’s eyes followed by another view (click image to left) of the shoes! Everyone who has watched the show will forever associate black and tan spectator wingtips with the character Nucky Thompson and Boardwalk Empire. The shoes play an essential role and speak volumes in silence.

The style of a shoe is often disregarded because it is viewed as an “accessory” and not an essential like pants or shirt. If you take the time to wash, iron or dry clean your clothes logically you should choose the right style of shoe. Would you really wear nice pants and great shirt with some raggedy ol’ shoes or awkward style? Not all styles are fitting either because the lines and contour of the shoe can demonstrate power and simplicity or relaxed and elegant. The classic wingtip design is invading the market once again. Even tennis shoe companies (image on right) are making them! A few classic styles are displayed below and depending on the manufacturer will vary slightly (Allen Edmonds are displayed).

Once you chose the style understand that color will also create an impression. Some Gentlemen want to stand out from the crowd and go with a color that stands out (image below, 2 shoes on right are suede). While others want their shoes to be the building blocks and flow with the rest of the apparel. The shoe color should match or be very close to the belt color (as shown below/Allen Edmonds).

Now that you have chosen the style and color the decision of shoe manufacturer should be determined because not all shoemakers are the same. The craftsmanship is what sets them apart and it is not unusual for a quality shoe to last for decades. There are several things to consider: sole, lining, uppers and heel. Some shoes are re-craftable which means they can be rebuilt for a fraction of the cost but not all manufacturers offer that. A few notable quality companies are Allen Edmonds, Stacy Adams, Floreshiem.

Do plenty of research because some manufacturers may not have the style you are looking for. When it comes to shoes you will get what you pay for in quality and style. Just think of it this way, if you pay $400 (high end) for a pair of shoes that can last 10 (or more) years that works out to $40 a year! Although, the heel and sole may need replacing during that period. There is no piece of apparel that can give you that kind of life and value. Of course, you will need to care for them and not use them for jogging or riding your Harley.

In the end a dress shoe is a statement about who you are and where you are going. People will rarely notice the brand of pants or shirt but shoes will definitely create and leave an impression. Personally, I have heard more compliments about my shoes than any article of clothing!

Gentlemen of tradition and distinction have used quality shoes and only a few manufacturers still create shoes with craftsmanship and uniqueness. We should place shoes in their rightful category of an essential to style.

Mr. M

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LYRMBGB!