House of Hayden Your Menswear Style Guide Series -#3 Lets Get Some Shoes

My favorite mother f**king piece to buy. I love shoes. If you let me, I could tell you every detail that goes into shoes, but I won't let myself.

There is so much to learn about shoes that this post will only be able to contain the 3 main types of shoes I think a man needs, as well as some tips on fit (because that's a whole article in itself), and how to style these types of shoes. Otherwise, I'd lose you somewhere along the line.

Don't worry: I will, eventually write an in-depth description on the construction and history of shoes.

If you have no idea on how your shoes should fit, click here for a Wikihow on finding your shoe size.

For the rest of you, here is my opinion:

Shoes are a form of expression. They can always scream personality, even when the rest of your outfit doesn't. But when your shoes look like sh*t, then you might as well not even try with anything else.

If you take an all gray outfit, and put some Robin Blue suede shoes on, then they are going to pop. Take that same pair of shoes with a white v-neck and some dark blue jeans- you're ready for a night out with friends.

Any day that I take out a pair of shoes, which are even just a little funky or fun, is a great day. I feel that pep in my step all through town and back. But for the longest time I was buying the wrong size in almost every shoe. I would buy either a whole size too big or a whole size too small. I almost destroyed my feet in the process, until I finally figured it out...

Size matters...(well, in this case anyway).

I cannot stress enough (specifically working in women's shoes, they destroy their feet for no reason other than “omg so cute”) that size matters. This is the fine line between your shoes always feeling great (quality depending), to being the most uncomfortable thing ever.

Some tips about buying shoes:

• Find your proper size: most stores will have a Brannock Device (that thing at shoe stores that measures your feet- they are always metal and ugly). For instructions on how to use one click here.
• Every day, your feet swell. All that walking (or even sitting) causes our feet to swell by night time (this is why your new shoes fit great in the morning, but by the end of the day they are killing you). Shop in the evening, when your feet are already swollen. This way your shoes fit all day long.
• Not every shoe is made the same (this means size, fit, and quality vary by brand and style).
• Just because the shoe was made, does not mean the shoe was made for you. They are designed to fit the masses, and sometimes, we just don't get what we want.
• If it's not the right size, DO NOT BUY IT!!!
• If it looks or feels off, DO NOT BUY IT!!!

For instance, I was reading a Men's Fashion blog and he posted this picture. I am pretty sure these are designer, but I don't need to point out to you what is wrong in this picture. The shoe itself is most likely gorgeous, but it just wasn't the right fit for him.

The best part is he says, and I quote, “I just live with it.”

No, you should not “just live with it.” If the shoe doesn't fit, or look good, then move on. End of story.

3 Types of Shoes:

Leisurewear:

This type consists of brands like Nike, New Balance, and Puma (really any of the sneakers from J. Crew work really well). You want these to be semi stylish, with colors that will match anything you want to wear (you are clearly allowed to buy the fun ones, just know you'll end up with a new pair with every new outfit).

Be warned, this type of shoe is one we should replace frequently depending on use. I would update every 4 months, with heavy use.

Take any of these sneakers, add in a neutral (gray, black, navy, and white) t-shirt and dark blue jeans and BAM, you look great. If you like graphic tees more than basics, then grab a more neutral color shoe.

In more recent years, brands have been creating more stylish shoe options catered towards men. This gives us a much better selection for what truly fits out personality best.

And the best part is this type of shoe it usually costs around $150 (some under $90). You can always find great deals if you look hard enough (I have some great suede blue jay high-tops from Puma I got for $23).

Here is a picture of my godson Waylan, and my $23 shoes (I mean me).

P.S. I didn't dress the toddler.

Tips for buying sneakers: Your size in a sneaker will be different from a dress shoe (same applies to sandals). Make sure they are snug, with enough room in the toe, but no rubbing occurs.

Work/Evening Wear:

(Style name from left to right: Dress Boot, Chelsea Boot, and Baroque Cap toe)

These can be anywhere from Dress Boots to Dress Shoes, to a mix of both. There are so many awesome options when it comes to what you can wear for work. But the key thing to remember is less flash and more class.

I say this in the sense of embellishments or crazy baroque shoes (they typically have a winged cap toe with perforations). A nice clean Black, Brown or Bordeaux shoe is the best way to go. These colors tend to go great with almost everything. These are more dressy shoes, so make sure to keep that in mind when styling them (think business or formal attire).

The great thing about this type is if you buy the right pair, and with the proper care, they will last 10 years. You can replace the soles, get the leather redyed, and do any small repairs at a local cobbler (shoe repair store).

Rule of thumb: Match your belt color to your shoe color. This creates a polished look. If they are opposing, it almost never goes well.

Nice Casual Wear:

One of my favorite options for nice casual shoes is Suede Chukkas Boots. They are great all year round, for any semi-casual occasion. You can take a nice pair of chukkas, mix in a nice pair of dark blue jeans, sports coat, and a neutral t-shirt. You are ready for a night out on the town, or a holiday dinner with the family.

Two other options I am a big fan of are Driver Loafers (right) and designer sneakers (left). Now I know, “designer sneakers,” but I'm not letting you cheap-out on shoes. The driver loafers are great for on vacation or a Sunday brunch with mom. They look great and are super comfortable.

Designer sneakers are great because they take the concept of Vans, and use better quality material to create a sneaker that works well for dressing up or down. These shoes will be the most versatile; these aren't the Nike's you wear out to the grocery store. They are to elevate your everyday style, so when you're at the grocery store, you'll know you look great. When you invest in them, others will make an investment in you.

These shoes you can almost do anything with. There was a small time frame where celebrities were walking the red carpet, wearing suits and sneakers. That trend is coming to a close, but the great thing is that they still work for everything else.

I would like to repeat, there is so much information on shoes, that I can simply cannot fit it all. At a later date, I will go much further into detail.

So now that we have covered the basics, what would you me to write about next? Please comment below with requests or questions on men's style!

With that note, we come to a close on our Menswear Style Guide Series. I will continue posting about more advanced Men's Styling techniques and my travels around Southeast Asia! Follow me on Instagram for updates!