Over the past few years, there's been an explosion across the fashion world as it pertains to men's footwear. The sneakerhead rise, as it's known, has been well documented.
Today, the global sneaker industry is worth over $79 billion dollars. There are television shows about sneaker culture, endless websites dedicated to the subject, and entire social networks built around buying and trading shoes.
It's undeniable that upping your shoe game is the easiest and most popular way to better your personal fashion sense in this day and age.
If you're looking to dip your toes (literally) into the sneakerhead world, what do you need to understand about buying shoes and improving your style? Why is upping your shoe game so essential to modern manhood? Read on and we'll walk you through what you need to know.
Why Your Shoe Game Is So Important
Those who haven't submitted themselves to the world of sneaker culture before might be surprised to find out the importance that footwear plays in modern fashion. After all, men's footwear represents such a small part of one's overall appearance.
Why do shoes hold such a big sway over one's presentation and image? Understanding the reasons can help you to master your own sense of style when it comes to footwear.
The fact of the matter is that shoes make an impression on a person as no other accessory or wardrobe choice does. Footwear is the simplest way to dress a casual outfit up, give a hip look to something more classy, and make a statement about yourself and your fashion choices.
Shoes are the ultimate wardrobe accessory, and their innate ability to make an impression on the average person cannot be understated. Multiple studies have proven that your footwear is one of the most consistent and important ways to make a first impression.
Of course, your investment in proper footwear goes beyond presenting yourself to others. Shoes, of course, still have a great functional purpose in our day-to-day lives. Having the right pair of shoes for environments and situations you find yourself in can be essential.
Proper footwear can give you the support you need, keep you warm or cool, and ensure you're able to make the best of whatever situation you find yourself in.
That's without even launching into the possibility of shoes as an investment.
Many people sell shoes at a profit, trade, and build wealth by investing in this highly coveted footwear. You might not engage in this sort of business yourself, but it's hard to deny the additional power this provides even the most basic pair of kickers.
Now that you understand the importance of high-quality footwear, what do you need to know about finding the proper pair or two for yourself?
Basic Shoe Style Tips and Tricks
Before we get into any specifics, let's start with a few broad truisms when it comes to men's shoe fashion. If you've never had a strong handle on fashion, keeping these tips in mind will be a good way to set yourself on the path toward a more fashionable future.
That being said, remember that rules are meant to be broken. With enough confidence and panache, you can make anything work - you just need the confidence and sense of self to do it.
These aren't hard and fast rules, just guidelines for those still getting their footing right.
Hide Your Toes Away
Yes, when the summer weather comes, it can be tempting to reach for a quick pair of flip-flops or sandals. While sandals have had something of a hip comeback in the past few years, it still requires some broader fashion know-how to pull off this look.
If you're feeling less certain about your appearance, it's best to err on the side of closed-toe shoes.
Let's face it: most men don't take great care of their feet, and letting your feet hang out in everyone's face isn't going to be the strongest way to make a first impression.
Sandals can provide a relaxed and chill look, but sometimes they might give too laid-back of a vibe. You might look more like you spend all your time on the couch as opposed to the beach. Opting for something casual but a little more thoughtful can give a more consistently positive first impression.
Avoid Shiny Shoes (Unless You're Dressing Up)
Deciding to get serious about footwear is great, but you don't need to get too serious, either. Shoes with any sort of sheen or shine are really only intended for serious events, and you shouldn't toss these on your feet unless the rest of your wardrobe is going to match.
If you aren't throwing a suit on for the office, heading to a wedding, or going somewhere that requires this level of decorum, it's best to leave the shinier shoes in the closet.
Even if you're going somewhere where sneakers don't seem like the right fit, there are plenty of slightly more formal options that aren't as stuffy as shiny dress shoes.
Trying out some suede boots, for example, is likely going to suit your overall look much better.
Match Your Belt and Shoes
Dressing well is all about coordination, and the easiest way to include your shoes in this part of the equation is to match them to your belt.
If your belt is brown, try and pair them with brown shoes. Black belt? Black shoes.
This simple act can give the impression that your detail-oriented, organized, and are thinking smart about how best to present yourself.
It won't always make sense to match your belt and your shoes, but in instances where it does, it can be well worth taking advantage of.
Take Care of Your Shoes
This one may sound obvious, but you'd be shocked at how many people don't take the time to properly care for their footwear. This is even after investing a good deal of money in their purchase!
Even nice shoes that have gotten dirty, scuffed, and worn will lose their luster and fail to pop.
Depending on what kind of shoe you purchase, there might be different things you need to do to help maintain them. There might be different products you'll want to buy and different actions you'll need to take to maintain their appearance.
The longer you can keep your shoes looking fresh and new, the better impression you'll be able to make when you hit the block.
What Shoes Should You Buy?
Now that you have these general tips and tricks in mind, your thoughts may be wandering to what shoes you'll actually invest in to make your shoe dreams a reality.
There are so many different kinds of shoes out there, so many different brands to explore - it can all get a little bit overwhelming. Where should you start when it comes to buying shoes?
Get a Pair of White Sneakers
What's the simplest and easiest way to up your overall style? It's a basic everyone should start with: own one good pair of white sneakers.
White sneakers are incredibly versatile. You can wear them to the most casual events and even a good deal of more formal ones (granted you've listened to our advice and kept them clean and fresh).
White sneakers can be paired with just about any outfit and appearance. Even if you're not good at matching and coordinating, you'll be able to easily make an outfit pop just by slipping these on.
Branch Out With Stylish Sneakers
If you have one good pair of white sneakers at your disposal, you'll always be ready to hit the streets. But once you hit this milestone, where can you go if you want to branch out more than that?
This is where many shoe enthusiasts start to really get into their bread and butter. There's so much to love about so many different kinds of sneakers, and you can start approaching a real collector's mentality when it comes to this kind of work.
What are the best sneakers out there and which should you take the time to invest in? Even if you're not heavily invested in the sneakerhead world, you're likely well aware of the impact that Kanye West has had in recent years.
His Yeezy brand is currently the last word in sneaker culture. If you have the funds, investing in a Yeezy shoe model can be well worth it. You'll up your game with an eye-popping design and have an easy conversation starter with anyone who is in the know.
There are all sorts of Yeezys to consider, though the Yeezy 350 shoes are some of the most popular and are easy fan favorites. Of course, you'll want to stay true to your personal sense of style and taste, so pick out whichever pair most appeals to you.
Just remember that the flashier your sneakers are, the more you'll need to think about which outfit to wear them with.
If you don't want to spend quite so much money on your sneaker investment, you can find great shoes from Adidas, New Balance, Nike, and many other brands at more reasonable prices.
Other Types of Footwear
A few good sneakers are really all you need these days to up your overall shoe game. Today, people wear nice (and well-kept) sneakers to even the most formal of events. If all you can get right now is a pair or two of shoes, sneakers are the way to go.
However, if you do have the budget and room to branch out, there are a few other types of shoes that might be worth investing in.
Having some boots at your disposal can be a huge help, for example. Investing in a pair of Chelsea boots is one easy way to elevate your look, especially when the colder months come closer.
Chelsea boots offer an extremely 'in' look at the moment - but they do a whole lot more than that as well. They also provide the warmth and comfort you need to dredge through snow, sleet, and ice if you live in that kind of environment.
There are all sorts of other types of boots that might be worth investing in as well, depending on your personal sense of style and taste.
If you're looking to head to something slightly formal, having a good pair of oxford boots in your closet can also be helpful. These boots won't help you combat the weather at all, but they can provide a more polished appearance without being too stuffy.
A good pair of suede oxfords can be perfect for a wedding, or night out, and can even be used to class up a casual outfit into something a bit more special.
Improving Your Shoe Game
Men often have difficulty determining how best to up their fashion game. However, in this modern moment, it's easier than ever. Upping your shoe game is undeniably the best way to help elevate your overall appearance and make a great first impression on those around you.
While it can feel difficult to decide where to start when it comes to shoes, the above information and advice can help you to start down this path with little trouble. If you keep this advice in mind, you can have your shoe game down within no time.
Need more fashion advice and information? Need more ways to better your look? Keep scrolling to our blog for more tips and tricks.