an Influential Male...is a well dressed man who carries himself with confidence stands out and gets noticed no matter his XL size...

Friday, April 9, 2010

'Sole" Searching...


There's truth in the saying that men's shoes are like cars...getting you from point A to point B in a certain style and plummeting in value the minute your feet hit the sidewalk...similar to that of a car when it leaves the dealership. For those of you Influential Males that feel that one or two styles serves the purpose of your entire wardrobe.... NOT !!! No longer the ritual of one black and one brown, every man should have a shoe for the season, the date, the office, the court and the just because pair. So then the question arise from men asking why 20 pairs and the answer to that is... "If men paid attention to shoes, it would be easier for them to put their outfits together more successfully" (Lauren Solomon, a New York-based Image Consultant). Here I will discuss 10 pairs of shoes that every man must own...






1. The Black Oxford
Every man needs a high-quality black oxford lace-up in his shoe collection. This $1,440 leather-soled and stacked-heel style by British shoemaker John Lobb is worth the investment. For more information, visit
www.johnlobb.com
2.The Brown Wing Tip
Also known as a brogue, the wing tip is another classic, but differs from the oxford thanks to its perforated leather pattern. The $975 pair shown here is by British shoemaker Edward Green; the company started making shoes in 1980 and today each calfskin pair, made mostly by hand, takes several weeks to complete. For more information, visit
www.edwardgreen.com
3.The Summer Dress Shoe

As more men embrace seasonal dressing like lightweight suits in tan and gray for warmer weather, the summer dress shoe has become a necessity. Michael Toschi, founder and designer of San Carlos, Calif.-based retailer Michael Toschi International, suggests lightening things up with cream contrast stitching and laces on a brown or tan shoe. A good choice: the $660 Berta (left). It also looks great with jeans on weekends. For more information, visit www.toschi.com
4. The Loafer
Forget pennies and tassels. If you're ready to splurge, exotic leathers are the way to wear loafers. The $1,895 Arlo by Martin Dingman (left) features saddle-tanned alligator skin with a rubber sole for year-round wear. For more information, visit
www.martindingman.com
5.The Driving Moccasin
The driving "moc" is designed with a flexible rubber sole and rounded heel that allows the wearer to gradually apply pressure to his vehicle's brake or accelerator. The Roadster by Hush Puppies, $120 (left), features a cushioned lining and is available in sage,oatmeal,russet, chestnut and mint. For more information, visit
www.hushpuppies.com
6.The Boot
You know that favorite pair of worn-in, rugged jeans that fit perfectly and look good with everything? You need a boot to go with them. The $298 Jake Chelsea boot by Frye (left) is made with distressed, weathered leather, a leather sole and a stacked heel. For more information, visit
www.fryeboots.com
7.Classic Tennis Shoe
Save your sneakers for the gym. Nothing looks worse than a well-dressed man in jeans or shorts with a clunky, white athletic shoe on his foot. An understated classic like a Converse Chuck Taylor by John Varvatos ($95, left) is a must-have for running errands and walking the dog. For more information, visit
www.converse.com
8.The Athletic Shoe
The athletic shoe should be used for exactly that--sports. Go for comfort, support and functionality--just don't wear it out to dinner or to the beach (unless you're running there). This $100 Nike Trash Talk is the first basketball shoe ever made from recycled leather For more information, visit
www.nike.com
9.The Leather Flip-Flop Or Slide
Anyone aspiring to the laid-back casual lifestyle should start by owning a pair of leather flip-flops or slides. More sophisticated than $5 rubber versions, this $120 pair by Ugg Australia has a comfortable split-sole rubber bottom and molds to the wearer's foot with time. For more information, visit
www.uggaustralia.com
10.The Tuxedo Shoe
The black patent leather lace-up is a safe bet for formal occasions. The $250 Bickel plain-toe blucher by Johnston & Murphy (left) is an affordable option. For more information, visit http://www.johnstonandmurphy.com/
*Video courtsey of Forbes.com

So when it comes to men's footwear, the rules are relatively straightforward: Always match your shoes to your belt, your sock to your pant and never wear socks with flip flops...Please!!! So Influential Males before you step out of the house be sure your foot game is on point because "A woman always notices one thing about a man when she meets him"... His Shoes...so what are your shoes saying...

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