Wardrobe Staple: Men’s Leather Shoes Dos and Don’ts

Much like in women’s wardrobe, the right footwear is so much more than an afterthought for a man’s outfit; aside from the protective role it has year-round, it’s a crucial element that impacts the overall aesthetic. If you have trouble deciding the type of shoes to place your bet on for certain looks, leather shoes are the answer. 

They’ve long been a part of the wardrobe for the durability, robustness, protection from the elements and breathability. And, with the versatile men’s leather shoes available nowadays, it’s never been easier to find that custom fit and all-day comfort you need, wrapped up in a stylish design. 

From a merely functional staple to a fashionable essential, leather footwear is getting the admiration it deserves. With so many options, you’re sure to find the right models to match your style, occasions and outfits. Still, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind for seamless results. 

Men’s Leather Shoes Dos 

To make the most of this valuable wardrobe investment, here are some helpful aspects to do: 

Go All in on Comfort 

The right fit is everything when it comes to leather footwear. Aside from paying attention to the size, in particular the length and width, especially when shopping online, consider your feet and whether or not you have areas that require more careful choosing. Wide feet and arch support are two common examples. 

Also, remember leather is the type of material that needs some time to break in, so if initially the shoes feel a little tight despite paying attention to size and fit, they can soften with time. To help with the break-in time, wear them for a bit at home every day until you get that perfect fit. This is important even more if you have some event coming up and you want to avoid painful blisters and discomfort from your new pair of shoes.

Spend a Little More

Quality is worth investing in considering genuine men leather shoes are long-lasting and can provide you with years of elegance, practicality, east styling and most importantly comfort. It can be tempting to grab the cheapest model there is, but if it’s not actual leather then you can end up on another shopping mission sooner than expected. Not to mention, fake leather isn’t nearly as comfortable or protective so the budget cut can affect your feet as well. 

Shop Based on Occasion

There’s a vast variety of options of leather shoes for men, including among the dress and casual ranges so it’s essential to know what you’re looking for – it tends to make the shopping easier, and can help you out with better styling your looks. 

If you’re looking for shoes with a more laid-back vibe, quite like sneakers, loafers and sandals are suitable choices you can wear on repeat with different casual combos. In case the occasion calls for something more put-together and elegant, Oxfords and Derbies are the models you can swear by. Boots, like the Chelsea style are a great all-rounder that can easily be styled up and down, and make the perfect pick if you need leather shoes that offer more versatility in the closet. 

Think of the Colour

While it’s okay to experiment with colours, you can accomplish a more eye-pleasing result if you try to coordinate the leather shoe colour with that of the rest of the outfit – especially the bottoms. Earthy tones, blues and greens are great if you want to wear brown shoes, whereas blacks are best left to be paired with black pants, grey and navy colours. 

Remember to Get in the Habit of Caring for Them

If you want to avoid any faux pas with the leather footwear, try making cleaning and maintenance your habit. The simple wiping with a clean cloth, dusting, then polishing and waxing with suitable products is mandatory to keep their aesthetic spotless, but also to extend their lifespan. 

Men’s Leather Shoes Don’ts

Much like the dos, there are some don’ts that can help you avoid mistakes and ensure you make the most of the investment, starting with: 

Skipping Shoe Trees 

There are some necessary supplies you get to purchase along with the leather shoe purchase, and shoe trees are one of them. Don’t avoid purchasing as they’re an accessory designed to help keep the shoes in their proper shape, protecting them from creases and damages when not worn. 

Not Considering Weather Conditions

Yes, despite leather’s durability, not all leather is equally suited for rainy weather. To ensure your pair lasts a long time, wear it only in rain if it’s waterproof, treated with waterproofing spray. This is crucial particularly for suede. Once wet, don’t dry near a hot heater, instead let the shoes air dry. 

Overlooking Soles

Soles are yet another detail that plays a role in the durability and comfort. Same as you would purchase shoes based on fit and occasion, it’s necessary to pick out the right soles. For overall comfort, rubber soles are imperative if you’re after daily comfort. For those big events and special occasions, you can go for the thinner design.