Feet First

Footwear is, both literally and figuratively, the very foundation of a man’s wardrobe. Always one of the crowning jewels in women’s wear, shoes have become one of the most important components of a man’s attire for fall 2012. From classically inspired wingtips to the introduction of stylized hiking boots, the choices this season seem endless. But why should a man care about what he puts on his feet? After all, shoes are one of the last things he puts on each morning, and nobody really notices them anyway, right?

Actually, a man’s choice in footwear speaks volumes about his personal style. Unkempt shoes with dog-eared heels? He pays no attention to detail. Highly polished dress shoes with jeans? He has no style. Soft leather shoes that complement his outfit? He’s got it together. One of the first things a woman notices about a man (after his smile, of course) is the way he’s dressed. And while the details of his outfit may or may not be deal breakers, they certainly add to the whole. He may not think stylish footwear is that important, but his audience begs to differ.

Take this season’s wingtips, for instance. Not the stiff old brogues of his dad’s era, these updated lace-ups are constructed of soft, matte finished leather and often carry rubber soles, adding to their comfort and casual nature. Drawing on their multiple personalities, these new wingtips can look stylishly at ease with jeans or seriously dressy with a suit.

The re-appearance of tasseled slip-ons and loafers with ‘penny-strap’ detailing heralds the return of classically inspired footwear. And while these shoes take their cues from those of the sixties, they could never be considered ‘cookie cutter’ designs from the past. This season’s versions include such features as distressed suede and washed leather uppers with crocodile hide details.

The chukka boot, named after the ankle-high footwear worn by Polo players, marks its return in a pebble-grained version with rubber soles. Its chunky lines make it the perfect foil to the narrow bottomed trousers of today, and it’s equally at home with washed cotton sport pants, corduroys and dress flannel trousers.

Perhaps the most novel footwear this season is the stylized hiking boot, a reinterpreted version of the original that’s fit for the runway. Its speed laces and Vibram sole pay homage to the real thing, but such ‘designer details’ as shrunken leather uppers and lamb suede collars insure that it will never be confused with its utilitarian cousin. And from a fashion standpoint, its rugged good looks are the perfect complement to the slim silhouette of today’s sport pants and jeans.

Shoes are to an outfit what icing is to a cake. Both add a nice flavor to the whole, and are one of the last things you put on. While you can eat a cake without icing or wear the wrong shoes with an outfit, the question remains…why would you want to do either?