How to Elevate Your Shoe Game
Even among men who make the effort to dress well, shoes are often only an afterthought. We tend to buy the bare minimum of shoes we think we can get away with, and we usually go for something bland and neutral so that they can be worn with anything. The truth is, boring shoes (and especially wearing the same shoes with every outfit) can really sink your overall look, but the good news is that the opposite is also true – great shoes can be the magic element that gives an outfit the wow factor. Here’s how to elevate your shoe game so that it’s equal with the rest of your style.
Get over your shopping dread. There seems to be a bias among men against shoe shopping – some think it’s tedious, some think it’s more for women, or some just hate the idea of having to try on multiple pairs. If you can get past these mental blocks, you’ll discover that shoe shopping can actually be enjoyable, and it’s even better when you find that perfect pair of shoes that really makes your new outfit pop. Keep an open mind and remind yourself that you deserve to have shoes that are as good as your clothes are.
Get out of your comfort zone. It’s so easy to keep buying the same kinds of shoes over and over, isn’t it? Here’s why that’s not a great idea: you update your style choices whenever you need to, so that you don’t look outdated, but if you’re still wearing the same shoe styles that you wore fifteen years ago, it’s going to look out of place to say the least. Also, playing it safe with buying one pair of black or brown shoes may seem like a cost-effective strategy, but you end up forcing those shoes to go with outfits they don’t really go with and ruining the effect you’re trying to create with your clothes. Don’t be afraid to experiment – try shoes in different colors and styles and see what a difference it can make to how you look and feel.
Make decisions with your eyes and your feet, not your wallet. You spend more time on your feet than you realize, so it’s important to have shoes that support you all day long. This means that instead of looking for the cheapest option, you need to shop for a high-quality shoe that will be comfortable for many hours at a time, day after day. Let your eyes draw you toward styles that appeal to you, and then be brutally honest about how the shoes feel and whether you think you can wear them comfortably all day. Not only will your feet thank you, but quality shoes can help prevent problems in your legs and back, as well.
If you’re curious about what kinds of options you have and what the best way is to shop for shoes, here’s a short video with some tips that can steer you in the right direction and get you into a pair of game-changing shoes!