Classic men's shoes

Features and Benefits
Varieties of the classics
How to choose and rules of etiquette
What to wear
How to lace up
Stylish images

Features and Benefits

Classic men's shoes are a type of footwear that is worn under a strict business suit and also has a number of features. They are made of genuine leather, suede or high-quality artificial material. They can be with or without lacing.

The main difference between men's shoes and boots is that they have lower sides and are intended mainly for the warm season or indoor wear, such as at formal events or presentations. But this does not mean that in the cold winter this type of footwear is not used, there are also insulated models. It’s just that in winter slush or in nature with deep snow cover, shoes with low sides are inconvenient and irrelevant to use. Their main feature is a representative appearance, efficiency.

Classic men's shoes consist of several parts: toe, vamp, berets, heel and sole. The ankle boots are the part where the lacing is placed, and the vamp is located between the ankle boots and the toe.

This type of shoe usually has a strict design with no unnecessary decorative details and a simple monotonous coloring. But the current fashion trends have brought a number of non-standard models with additional embellishments.

Varieties of the classics

There are eight varieties of classic shoes for men:

Oxfords

Derby

· Monks

Brogues

Loafers

· Boots

Chelsea

Boots "Chakka"

Oxfords are called so because they initially gained popularity among students of the university of the same name. These are shoes with massive heels and thin soles. A distinctive feature of Oxfords is closed lacing. The ankle boots are closed on top with a vamp. The color can be black or brown. The sides are usually deaf, but there may be summer models with holes for ventilation of the legs.

Derbies have open lacing. The sole is also narrow with a thick square heel, and the toe is tapered. This is a classic version of shoes for a dark or brown suit.

Monks are a model of shoes without lacing with a fastener for one or two straps with metal buckles. Their toe is elongated. They are made of leather, suede or a combination of these two materials. The most common variant of this shoe is monks with an elongated heel made of black leather and on one strap.

Brogues are a variant of the classic summer men's shoes with perforations. They are made of leather with black, brown, light colors, usually without lacing.

Loafers - men's shoes without lacing and fasteners. A distinctive detail is the presence of a long tongue compared to others. Wide-soled and wide-heeled options are common.

The ankle of the boots is completely closed. They have lacing, and they are made of smooth leather.

Chelsea is a type of boot with a high ankle, rounded toe and thin sole.

Chakka boots were originally used by polo players. It was necessary to make them so that they lace up quickly.Therefore, classic Chakka boots have only 3 or even 2 slots for lacing, soft soles and a rounded toe.

How to choose and rules of etiquette

It is best to choose high-quality shoes for men in company stores, boutiques specializing in the sale of this product. It is they, and not clothing markets, that will be able to guarantee quality, reliability and durability. In addition, you can always find competent sellers there who will advise which model is better to choose, in what cases it is preferable to wear it, how to properly care for shoes.

The preferred material for dressing classic men's shoes is genuine leather. And the sole is the most practical and durable polyurethane. With it, you can walk on any of the most chipped types of soil and at the same time feel comfortable. The sole made of leather is durable, but designed for smooth surfaces, on asphalt or rocky soil the wearer will experience discomfort. Rubber soles are the most short-lived, as this material wears off easily with regular use of the shoe.

When choosing, it is important to consider the color of the material of the boots in combination with the suit worn. Black, dark brown, dark blue models will be combined with the dark color of the suit, light with light. Shoes or low shoes are more demanding on the choice of clothing, and winter shoes are suitable for almost any men's outfit.

When buying men's shoes, you should not only try them on and make sure that you walk comfortably, but also press several times on the toe area and ankles. If the shoes, after pressing, take the initial shape, then it is elastic enough, it can be purchased.The quality of the goods will also be evidenced by even and strong seams, a uniform color of the material, tags with the name and logo of the brand.

When buying, you should not be shy to lace up your shoes on all the holes or fasten them on all the straps and walk in it. It should not initially reap, but also not be too loose, as it can spread over time. And of course, ensure comfortable walking.

Along with the purchase of shoes, you should immediately take care of caring for them. Usually shoe polish products are in the same store. The color of the cream should match the color of the shoes, and for light colors, a colorless version is recommended. For suede and velor shoes, there are special brushes on sale. Along with the cream, you should buy a sponge for it and a velvet cloth for polishing.

There are several types of leather that shoes can be made from. Smooth leather is the most successful option, as it has a noble classic look, is resistant to dirt, and is easy to care for. The look of grainy leather is more protected from dirt and moisture, but it looks a little rougher; you should not use it with a business suit. Suede allows the skin to breathe, has good thermal performance and is comfortable. But in rainy and snowy weather, you should not wear boots from it. Velor shoes are rough to the touch, but less durable. The same applies to buffed and polished leather.

After any use, stylish men's shoes must be cleaned. First, it is recommended to wipe them with a damp cloth or sponge, then dry, so that the surface does not leave any traces of moisture. After that, the shoes are wiped with a sponge with a cream of the corresponding color. A shoe brush of a different color cannot be used. If the surface is shiny, you can polish it with velvet.Proper care of shoes will significantly extend the life of their proper form.

What to wear

These shoes are worn under any trousers, under a suit in a business style and even jeans. But depending on the variety, there are rules.

Oxfords made of black smooth leather will look harmoniously with a suit in black, dark gray or blue colors. Brown shoes are worn under gray, brown or navy blue jackets and trousers. If the shoes are lacquered and black, then they are designed for a tuxedo. Socks with this type of shoes are worn in any case and are matched to the color of the trousers.

Derbies in black are worn with a business suit, while light gray, brown or beige shoes can be worn with informal trousers or classic jeans.

Monks are especially suitable for a casual style of clothing, such as jeans with pullovers, corduroy trousers.

Quarter brogues are suitable for business suits, but half brogues are recommended to be worn under trousers or jeans in a casual form.

Classic or Venetian loafers can be worn with a business suit. Matte black leather models are best suited. And loafers with metal fasteners are combined with informal clothes.

Thanks to their shape, boots and Chelsea boots are worn under winter trousers or jeans. And the Chakka boots are suitable for relaxing, walking and clothing corresponding to them.

In combination with sportswear, it is better not to wear classic models of shoes.

How to lace up

There are several ways to tie shoelaces on men's shoes. The most common type is criss-cross. It starts from the bottom, that is, the holes closest to the toe. The lace is threaded so that its ends are at the same distance from the holes.Then it is threaded from both sides into the following holes, while the ends intersect. And so it is repeated until the last holes. The result is a neat looking tie.

Other lacing methods are diagonal, straight, reverse, and criss-over-under. But they are more typical for sports shoes or informal attire. Therefore, for classic shoes, it is better to use the criss-cross option.

The correct lacing option is an indispensable detail for the look of classic shoes. It is no less important than the cleanliness and shine of shoes and their harmonious combination with clothes.

Stylish images

From stylish images, we can recommend the following models and collections of men's classic shoes.

Classic Derbies and Bluchers, which many have chosen for the most sophisticated outfits for special occasions for several centuries. Models made of smooth genuine leather in brown and black colors look very impressive, although there are no extra details in their strict appearance. They are designed for true connoisseurs of quality shoes.

Many options from the Kenzo collections are lacquered, strict black models that are perfect for a formal setting. You can wear them under a black or gray suit, and they look spectacular in any case.

Perforated brown Zenden Collection shoes are a good choice to pair with a brown or beige suit. But you can wear them in a more informal setting under light-colored trousers and a vest.