The 5 leather shoe models every man should have in his wardrobe
30 Images
by Editorial Staff
View gallery
There is a saying that for shoes and your bed, it’s best to spend a little extra money. Because either you are in the first or the second. Proverbs aside, it is true that a nice pair of shoes, of good quality, can enhance your appearance, even if the pants are not from a top brand. There are models that last a lifetime, and then there are those that a man should have in his wardrobe because they can cover both leisure time and formal occasions. What are they?
[Read also: Elegant shoes: 7 models that last a lifetime]
GQ has selected the 5 must-have models of leather shoes, perhaps an opportunity to replenish your wardrobe, or rather your shoe rack, in view of the arrival of spring.
White sneakersFirstly, the color: perfect with anything. Great with denim, as in the 1980s. They are worn during the weekend and for those who can afford it, with a tuxedo or formal attire. If you choose basic ones, or with a clean and linear design, you will have more room to experiment with the look you choose for the top. Leather beats canvas, even though the latter is perhaps easier to clean, in terms of elegance. Plus, we have already given you some tips for proper maintenance of your white sneakers. You can find them here.
[Read also: White sneakers: 10 models to wear (even) with a tuxedo]
BroguesThey are defined as shoes (be it an Oxford, a Derby, or a chukka) whose upper is decorated with distinctive brogueing designs. Born, it seems, in Scotland, in England brogues change names according to the designs and stitching that characterize the toe and upper. The most common is the Full brogue or wingtips: the toe is decorated with a kind of W that extends laterally, like swallow wings, halfway down the shoe, and is underlined by dense perforations and serrations. The toe is also decorated with perforated scrollwork. When it’s two-tone, it’s called Spectator.
Chelsea bootsIt was the house of Saint Laurent, under Hedi Slimane‘s direction, that relaunched it on the Paris runways a few seasons ago. And since then, it has returned to being an indispensable must-have. The black boot is perfect to wear with dark, skinny pants to complete a soft punk or rock look. Some models are made of nappa leather, while others are made of patent leather, for evening wear.
The iconic loaferIntroduced in its modern form for the first time in 1932 by the American Spaulding family, this type of shoe has never gone out of style season after season. Comfortable, lightweight, made of nappa leather or suede, it is to be worn on sunny days, during casual weekends.
DerbyThe basic model features laces, like the brogue, Oxford, or French shoe, but compared to the latter, which is more elegant and formal, the derby has a decidedly more sporty character, also seen in the sole that can be made of rubber or crepe, something unthinkable for a French shoe. How to distinguish one from the other? The derby has the eyelets overlaid on the upper’s vamp. Often used also in a laceless version, closed by a strap or a lateral metal buckle (called a monk-strap shoe by Americans), it is said that the Duke of Windsor was a great admirer of sleek derbys with laces, which he wore in the countryside and in all informal occasions.