How to Buy Mens Shoes – A Guide to Finding your Favorite Footwear

When considering your next purchase of shoes, one should look to these three easy qualifications for guidance. Just a little bit of thought before hand can really help you love your footwear.

Quality and Value

In general, one looks for the highest quality shoe within their budget, in this way, quality and value are linked. Quality can vary in several areas for men’s shoes with materials and construction at the forefront.

• Sole Attachment – One of the largest corners cut in modern shoe-making is the method of attaching the sole to the upper. Higher quality shoes will have their soles hand-stitched or Goodyear welted, while lower quality shoes will be only glued. 
• Upper and Lining Material- Long lasting and durable materials with reinforcing in high wear areas are essential for longevity. The lining is just as important as the outside since this will also see wear from foot movement.
• Stitching- Look for high quality stitching and thread. This will help hold the shoe together over time after adhesives break down.

Fit

Without proper fit, a shoe is destined to a life in the back of your closet and a wince and every glance. A general rule is to purchase leather shoes that are just slightly snug, that way they are able to stretch and mold to match your foot. There are ways to accelerate this process and fix ill-fitting shoes, but best not to make that mistake up front.

• Your feet can swell and change size and shape throughout the day, so plan to try on shoes earlier in the day to ensure proper fit. 
• Pay attention to pinch points and hot spots, no matter how minor. These will most likely magnify throughout the day.

Style

Some shoes are for fun, an experiment in style, a flash-pan fashion statement, just make sure you differentiate for your pocketbook’s sake. If you are looking to make an investment to last the years, stick to the classic styles and timeless looks. Stay away from bright colors and exaggerated adornments, there are other ways express your personal style and adapt to the latest trend. Of course if you have the means to update your footwear style every six-months, feel free to ignore this step.

There are a few shoes that slipped through this list and ended up expensive showpieces in my closet, but I can say my favorites have met every single one of these requirements. Happy shoe hunting.