Not only can a good pair of men's shoes make or break an outfit, they are also the most important piece of clothing to have an effect on your overall health. You need to choose the right men's shoes to ensure that you have a high level of comfort and support, and that your posture is easy to maintain.
When you're thinking about selecting the perfect men's shoes, make sure you think about when you'll be wearing them. There are various attributes that you'll need to look for dependent on whether the shoes are to be worn for exercise, everyday wear, casual wear or business wear. This article assumes that the shoes will be worn for everyday / business wear, and not specifically for exercise. Below are some key points to keep in mind when selecting the right men's shoes for you.
1. Durability. The shoe should be well constructed and made of a durable material such as leather, to ensure that it will protect your feet and keep them comfortable.
2. Shape. Ensure that the shoe conforms to the shape of your feet, and not the other way around. You should never force your feet into a shoe, as over time this can cause permanent disfigurement to your feet, and can also be very damaging to your spine, neck and posture in general.
3. Size. Get measured for your shoes regularly - every time you buy a new pair if need be! Ask a salesperson about the difference in sizes between US and UK products, and ensure that you buy a shoe in the correct size. Make sure you get both feet measured because there are lots of people (me included!) with different sized feet. If your feet are different sizes, go with the men's shoes that suit your larger foot.
4. Testing. Never select a shoe going on the size alone! Stand up, and take a walk in your shoes. Please make sure that your shoes fit well. Don't buy them unless they do. Your foot should not slip around as you walk.
5. The 'break in' myth. Never buy shoes that are too tight. Forget about a break in period - it doesn't exist. Salespeople mainly will tell you this simply to get you to purchase the shoe. Yes, your foot may stretch the shoe over time, however this is not good for your feet, and over the long term may cause pain, disfigurement and damage.
6. Style. Many of the best shoe designers and labels understand that for a shoe to be perfect, it must fit, and be of high quality. This is especially the case with men's shoes, as men are generally less 'design oriented' than women. So, although it may take some looking, you should be able to find a shoe in a great brand, which has a great design, is durable, and also has a great fit.
Take notice of the above tips. They should make it a lot easier to buy an appropriate pair of shoes. Remember, don't let the sales people push you into buying a certain pair of shoes - it's you that has to wear them!
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Dean Richards is a fashion industry expert, who has worked in the field of men's fashion for the last 15 years. He is one of the head writers for Men's Fashion Online which is the leading website for men's fashion