Sunday News (Zimbabwe)

Men’s shoe trends — Must haves in 2020

-

SHOES have always been a significan­t part of people’s status throughout history. They have been known to indicate or represent wealth or lack of it, especially in different forms of media and literature. Many people still agree that you can tell a lot about a guy by the shoes he wears. Which actually makes sense as there is still an inherent bias that men are less detail oriented than women. That they only care about a good combo of shirt, jacket and pants.

By showing off a stylish pair you break away from that stereotype. You prove you’ve got an eye for small detail. Women are drawn to men that have stylish shoes so that’s a great reason to keep your shoes up to date.

1 The running sneaker

It is important to be practical in your approach when buying shoes. These are the most functional shoes on the list. A pair of comfortabl­e but stylish running sneakers is a must have for every wardrobe. While running sneakers are designed to feel good, rather than look good. For versatilit­y choose a style with minimal branding. Bright colours also work well for a statement street look. White running shoes will appear beaten and bruised within a few weeks so a good shoe care routine will need to be in order.

2 The white low top trainer

If you are going for a more casual look, we cannot turn up our noses at a simple pair of low top trainers. While we will never condone the high top sneakers that were popularise­d by dads everywhere, we do think a minimal pair of sneakers is a must have for all men. White low tops are perfect when styled with black jeans for a monochroma­tic look. A minimal pair of white trainers is fantastic at portraying a casual yet neat look for when boots or chukkas are too much.

The oxford is characteri­sed by its closed lacing unlike the open lacing system. The design was originally a palin shoe made of leather, but over the years is has evolved and now includes a broad range of fabrics and detailing. Most men already own a good pair of black oxfords which they wear for more formal occasions, however, this shoe also looks great in tan colour for casual events.

4 The leather boot

It is hard to pin-point one’s style of men’s leather boots as the must have of all wardrobes. The range of ankle high boots is so varied that one could be carried away and develop a boot buying habit. Few shoes can convey as much personalit­y as the boot. A pair of leather lace-up boots is a must have addition to every man’s winter wardrobe. Opt for an ankle high, black or dark brown boot and cuff your pants for a casual, edgier aesthetic. You can also pull your trousers over the top of the boots for a more conservati­ve look. Invest in a quality pair and they will last you years.

Low and lace free, loafers are a mainstay of smart casual dress and are favourite shoe style for summer months. A pair of brown loafers will suit a range of palettes and will work for both casual and formal looks. Navy is a good colour to consider and works well to complement tones like whites, beige and greens. Burgundy is also a great colour and can work well to brighten up your wardrobe. If you are after a pair of loafers to suit neutrals, beige will work well and complement­s light skin.

Like so many types of dress shoes, the brogue was conceived as a far more utilitaria­n shoe than the way we wear it today. For versatilit­y, we suggest a pair of half brogues (perforated toe cap, but no wings). Opt for dark brown brogues for formal occasions and lighter brogues for casual days. Black brogues work best with a suit but don’t get carried away and wear them to a black tie event.

7 The suede chukka

Chukkas have surged back in popularity over recent years, having first become popular in the 40s. The shoe is a minimal, round toe, ankle high boot with just two or three lacing eyelets. I suggest opting for a pair of tanor cream suede chukkas as the next addition to your wardrobe. These shoes find themselves at a more casual end of the pool, offering an elegant alternativ­e to sneakers. Combine chukkas with a pair of jeans or chinos and a polo shirt for the best look. They also give you a safe option to dress down an outfit that threatened to become too formal with brogues. By combining a pair of chukkas with a sports jacket, you can make your outfit appear more approachab­le.

When buying shoes please make sure you are knowledgea­ble about quality — make sure they are made out of full grain leather, world class materials and go through thorough inspection before buying. Quality shoes tend to last longer.

— Make sure they are carefully constructe­d to last plus cushioned leather insole will prevent any discomfort (related to the pressure points around the heel).

— make sure they wont restrict movement whatsoever. — Additional informatio­n from online sources.

Email: rutendochi­dawanyika3@gmail.com

 ??  ??
 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Zimbabwe