Formal shoes
About Formal Shoes
The shoes you wear talk a lot about you. Hence, whether you are attending a job interview, going on a night out, or running errands, you need to look your best. So, wear the right pair of shoes for the occasion.
Some accessories are a luxury while others are a necessity. And when it comes to shoes, wearing a comfortable and good-looking pair is more than just luxury. This is true when it comes to formal shoes. And when it comes to choosing the best footwear, Shops.ae has got you covered. This is the best place to be, whether you want to replace your worn-out pair, or gift someone something classy. Our buying guide below will help you make the right buying decision. So, keep reading to find out more.
Different types of formal shoes
Old people used to say, “never do business with a man in loafers”. Although that statement does not hold up in this day and age, the shoes you wear can impact how people look at you. That means your attire and footwear should match the event and place you are in. However, you need to know the different types of formal shoes for every occasion. We have compiled below the four most popular types that you can consider. Each of them comes with its fair share of upsides and downsides. Thus, it’s crucial to choose the one that suits your needs and taste.
Derbies
These formal shoes feature an open lacing system. Thus, they have a more relaxed look compared to other varieties. Their design is similar to Oxfords. However, the eyelets of Derbies are stitched on the top of the vamp. And this is how to differentiate the two from each other. When it comes to versatility, you can never go wrong with Derbies. Apart from formal outfits, they also add a touch of style to plain casual and semi-formal ensembles. The good news is, you can find a huge variety of this footwear here on our product search engine.
Oxfords
These formal shoes are popular worldwide. Hence, they are in every guy’s wardrobe. They come in plain leather and feature a low heel and closed lace construction. Plus, they are characterised by shoelace eyelets sewn under the vamp. Overall, these eyelets highly contribute to the footwear’s quality and aesthetic appeal. Featuring smooth leather that marks their spine and a closed lacing system, these formal shoes are the leading choice amongst men. Their traditional construction also makes them the right footwear for black-tie events and other special occasions.
Brogues
These are also called date-night shoes. The most distinguishing feature of this footwear is the perforations that run around the bottom edge. Brogues can be further categorised as a quarter, semi, or full depending on the pattern construction. A quarter brogue is the simplest version, with perforations located only along the edge of the cap. A full brogue comes with a pointed decorated toe cap with extended wings. On the other hand, a semi-brogue is characterised by perforations along the cap’s edge and in the centre of the toe cap. You can never go wrong with brogues if you want to add some twist to your OOTD.
Monk straps
These formal leather shoes for men feature a bold buckle. They sit between a Derby and an Oxford when it comes to formality. If you are in the mood to give your outfit a timeless and understated look, then go for single monk straps. Meanwhile, go for the two-strap version if you want to give off that military vibe. This style is designed with a toecap and dates back to the olden days when monks were searching for a great alternative to sandals. Today, it is a favourite choice among shoe aficionados who are searching for something classic, unique, and stylish. The best part is that you have a wide variety of options to select from.
Tips on how to buy Formal Shoes online in the UAE
There’s nothing complicated about selecting a pair of shoes. But despite that, people do tend to make mistakes even in the basic things. This might be because of the fact that there exist very subtle differences between certain shoe types. You can avoid making mistakes if you know the checklists to consider when shopping. Below are some of them.
- Choose the type of shoes – The first thing to look into when shopping for formal shoes is their type. They must suit the outfit you are going to wear them with. Some formal footwear can only be worn with a formal outfit. Meanwhile, others look perfect for both formals and semi-formals.
- Examine the leather – The quality of the leather plays a major role in determining the quality of the shoes. There are half a dozen factors that go into making good leather. The first one is the source of the leather itself. Secondly, you have to look at how well the leather is made. One that is supple yet firm is the best for formal shoes. Other things you need to consider are the smell, thickness, defects, and stitching.
- Find the best fit – Shoes are useless if they don’t fit. So, make sure that you are buying the right size. Thus, it’s important to get an accurate measurement of your feet before shopping online. Then, refer to the online shop’s size chart. In the event that there’s an issue with the size, you can always request a return or exchange.
- Cost and durability – The prices of leather shoes vary widely. There are affordable varieties and extremely expensive ones made out of exotic leather. At the end of the day, you have to find the pair that meets your needs and budget. However, don’t compromise on the quality and durability of the leather by going for a cheap one.
You should put more effort into taking care of the shoes than selecting the right pair. This is because shoes can get damaged or lose their shape if not taken care of. Once that happens, it doesn’t make any difference how good your footwear was. Therefore, clean your shoes after every use, polish them often, and store them properly. Finally, don’t forget to check out all the other amazing products in our Shoes category.
Question & Answer
Which leather variety is best for formal shoes?
Apart from its varying styles, formal footwear also comes in different leather versions. Smooth leather is any leather that lacks noticeable grain or pebbling and can be shined effortlessly. Patent leather comes with a permanent finish of linseed oil lacquer. However, it is now being simulated with a synthetic coating. Full grain leather is another great option. It is sourced from the most hard-wearing part of an animal’s hide, which is just below the hair. The grain pattern is known for its malleability and moisture-resistance properties. Top grain is touted as the second most durable leather. It is distinguished by a separated split layer as well as a sanded and buffed remaining surface to eliminate imperfections.
How to take care of leather shoes?
If you want to preserve the smoothness and shine of your leather shoes for years, you have to take care of them properly. The most important aspect of maintenance is cleaning the shoes after every use. Don’t leave any trace of dirt before you keep them in the closet. All you need are a soft cloth and a leather cleaner, and you’re good to go. If there are salt stains on the shoes, use a mixture of water and vinegar on them. Also, don’t leave the pair out in the sun for long. Instead, dry it at room temperature in the shade. Finally, make it a habit to polish your shoes, as it creates a protective layer on them.
What is the right way to store leather shoes?
It is possible to store the expensive leather shoes that you only use for special occasions without getting mould or losing their shape. Regardless of the type of leather, you should never store your pair in a damp and hot environment. That can do serious damage to the leather. Also, you must place it in a dry spot at room temperature. You can also stuff the shoes up with acid-free paper or a shoe tree to retain their shape. But you should be careful when using shoe trees. The wrong size can do more damage to the footwear than if you were not to use them in the first place.
Real gentlemen wear formal shoes made of leather. Why don’t you start exploring over 500 online stores here to find the pair that will bring out the best in your outfit? All you have to do is look for the models you want on our product search engine . Amongst the brands you will find on Shops.ae include the popular ones, such as Dream Paris, Bruno Marc, Calvin Klein, Deer Stags, Lee Cooper, and Aldo.