Shoes are perhaps the most favourite accessory for men. However, shopping for the right pair can be a bit tricky, especially in the case of formal shoes. From the right type and size to colour and proper fit, numerous things need to be addressed before investing your money in the best formal shoes. With that in mind, we’ve created this guide with all the important things and details to keep in mind before buying formal shoes for men. Keep reading!
10 Things to Consider When Buying Formal Shoes for Men
So, are you planning to buy the best formal shoes for men? Make sure to consider the following things:
Right Fit
First things first, get the right fit. It is the most basic yet important thing when buying formal shoes, as your comfort and convenience depend entirely on it. It is important to understand that formal shoes don’t melt in like regular sneakers. Hence, it is crucial to get the right size and shape the first time. Also, sizing can be different for different types of shoes. So, check the size guide and compare it against the actual size of your foot.
High-quality Material
Although formal shoes are available in various materials like suede or animal skin, leather is the best and the most classic choice for professionals. But again, there are many leather categories, including full-grain, top-grain, pebble-grain, and patent leather. Among these, full-grain leather is considered the finest material for formal shoes for men.
Style: Casual or Formal
The style of the shoes is another thing you must consider when buying formal shoes for men. This point alone can impact your buying decision. Note that formal shoes are available in various styles and designs, such as loafers, oxfords, derbies, brogues, Chelsea boots and chukka boots. All you need to do is, choose a design that matches your style and comfort.
Heel Height
Sneakers, in general, are flat. But almost all types of formal shoes come in heels, making them look classy and professional. There are many heel heights, but you should choose them according to your comfort level. Pick the shoes with a moderate heel, say about 1-inch.
Soles Quality
The soles of formal shoes are the deciding factor that determines whether or not your shoes will be comfortable. It is always a good idea to buy shoes with cushioned insoles to provide maximum comfort and smooth movement. Coming to the outer soles, most formal shoes have leather, rubber, or crepe soles. While rubber soles are highly comfortable, they don’t look very great. Crepe soles, on the other side, are not very durable. So, the best choice you’re left with is leather soles that look premium and are durable and comfortable.
Toe Shape
If you’re planning to wear your shoes to the office or any other formal event, then always pick the ones with a rounded toe shape. This toe shape gives the most classic and sophisticated look.
Colour
Another important thing to remember when choosing the right formal shoes for men is the colour.
Black is always the safest colour when it comes to formal shoes. It is classy and versatile. The best part is it goes with almost all colours. So, if your closet mostly has black, blue or grey outfits, black shoes are ideal for you. What’s more? They go well with jeans and khaki too. Further, when you’re buying black formal shoes, pay attention to their finish. A slightly glossy finish goes well with formal outfits.
Moreover, invest in good quality brown formal shoes to have a backup. Although they are formal, they should be matched more carefully. Tan, khaki, and brown outfits go perfect with brown shoes. Again, when buying brown shoes, it is recommended to buy a darker shade so that it matches most of your formal outfits.
Versatility
The best formal shoes for men are surely the highly versatile ones. Such shoes offer you great value for money. So, invest in a pair that can double up as your go-to shoes for several occasions. Simply put, your formal shoes shouldn’t be limited to office wear. Instead, you should be able to wear them perfectly at weddings, parties, meetings, or any small or big event.
Weight
Last but not least, pay special attention to the weight of the shoes. Make sure they are neither too heavy nor too light. While heavy shoes pose difficulties in moving around, lightweight shoes don’t give an attractive finish. Therefore, choose the shoe weight accordingly.
Price
Men shop less compared to women; let’s accept the fact. This is one of the reasons why they are always searching for excellent quality at the right price. On the other hand, if they get something expensive with a longer duration, they will just go for it. And this is perhaps the smartest way to shop.
And there you have it!
Buying the right formal shoes for men is not a puzzle anymore. All you need to do is, follow the simple tips discussed in the above article. Our job here is done, and now it’s your turn to pick the best pair of formal shoes for yourself.