4 things I've learned about shoes
I've learned a lot about shoes over the years. A little about style, some about construction and material. But also, just in general terms. Here are my 4 pieces of wisdom for you.
People do notice your shoes
You may have heard that shoes are the first thing people notice about you. I had always been a little skeptical of this, and I have yet to come across a study confirming it. However, researchers at the University of Kansas did provide evidence that the type of shoes a person wears can be a window into their personality.
Specifically, that one can deduce a snippet of information regarding age, income, and even one's attachment anxiety (yikes!).
Now I wouldn't say that I wear particularly "loud" shoes, but I am regularly complemented on my footwear. Whether it's my saddle shoes or my Chelsea boots, people around me do tend to notice my footwear.
And I would wager a guess that those around you are noticing your choice of footwear more than you think.
A high quality dress shoe can last you 15 years (or more)
If you're accustomed to purchasing basic sneakers or casual shoes on the Internet for $100 or less, the notion of spending three or four times that amount on a single pair of dress shoes can feel like a lot. However, fine dress shoes can last a very long time.
With proper maintenance and care (i.e. avoiding rainy days, using a shoe tree religiously, and getting a professional shine), your shoes can last upwards of 15 years. Mine have.
And when the sole wears away, don't throw them out, simply have them resoled. In fact, just about any component, save for the leather itself, can be replaced.
Furthermore, from an environmental standpoint, the calf skin used to make your shoes -- yes, young cows -- should be treated with the appropriate respect, in my opinion. By the way, vegan dress shoes are approaching the aesthetic of genuine leather these days.
A good shine makes a world of difference
When I feel like I need a confidence boost, I get a haircut and a shoe shine. This one-two punch will almost always leave me walking taller.
Although I own a shoe shine kit, I regret to admit that it collects more dust in my closet than it should. It's largely because I've witnessed firsthand the skill and quality that a professional can provide.
In fact, my Chelsea boots mentioned earlier, were days away from a date with Goodwill, had it not been for my fateful visit to The Shoe Care Co in downtown Denver. After a thorough wash (something that I personally had never thought to do) and a detailed shine, I couldn't believe how much better they had looked.
Whether it's a simple shine on your traditional black Oxfords or an elaborate heat treatment for your fun boots, a good shine is a great thing.
Shoe trees are your friend
When I was a kid, I was very good about putting the shoe trees back into my Sunday School dress shoes each week.
But in my high school and college years, I looked at the clunky shoe trees as nothing but an obligation, and one that I would soon free myself from. Fast forward to my corporate days as an engineer, and I began to notice that my nice shoes were forming deep wrinkles on top of the toe box.
I didn't think much of it, but then moisture started to build up in the crevice and I had new problems. It was honestly in my early 30's that I stopped looking at my wooden shoe trees as an obligation, but as a money saving tool.
I also learned that cedar shoe trees are antimicrobial and help to pull moisture out of the inside of your shoe. In addition, your shoe trees help your footwear to retain its natural shape, thereby reducing those wrinkles.
If there's a summary to my story, it's this: invest in nice shoes to save you money in the long run. Use shoe trees. Find your favorite shoe shine professional. And graciously accept the footwear complements that will come your way.
Notes:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656612000608#!
Further reading on shoe trees:
https://bespokeedge.com/blog/do-you-really-need-shoe-trees