Show your Personality With Stylish Shoes

You wear shoes almost every day for work, errands and going out with friends. Learn what they say about you with our guide to shoe styles and personality.

Show your Personality with Stylish Shoes

Some people just think of shoes as something that covers their feet and helps them stay comfortable during long days. But the shoes people wear actually say a lot about who they are. We’ve put together a guide to how shoe styles make a personality statement for the person wearing them. And it might even put words to why you fell in love with your current pair!

Dress Shoes

Men who wear dress shoes all the time are proud of what they’ve accomplished in life. They probably have a high-paying job and they definitely an appreciation for the finer things. These guys pay great attention to detail and know exactly what they want. Their buddies like them a lot, and they’re respected by everyone who knows them.

Running Shoes

Those who prefer running shoes are known to be goal-oriented, organized and confident. These are the folks who go the extra mile, whether it’s with their latest fitness challenge or with a big project at work. They are also known for multi-tasking and being involved in a lot of different things at once.

Work Boots

People who wear work boots are some of the most practical people you will ever meet. You can expect them to be analytical thinkers who are always planning at least two steps ahead. They are also grounded, well-balanced and independent people who aren’t going to get too excited or upset about any one thing.

Sneakers

If a guy walks up to you in a pair of sneakers, there’s a good chance you’re going to become fast friends. Sneaker wearers have a relatable personality and will probably get along with everybody at a party. They’re also likely an open-minded person, which matches the versatility of this footwear. Going with high-tops shows an additional air of sophistication as well.

Loafers

Despite what the name might suggest, loafer lovers actually aren’t lazy. Rather, they’re the steady rock that you can count on in any situation. People who wear loafers are known to be responsible, detail-driven and above all, genuine. They are always themselves, and they give other people the freedom to be the same.

Shoes with Contrasting Soles

If the sole of a shoe is a vastly different color than the upper, it typically means the wearer is confident. They like to have fun, but they know how to be professional and appropriate when necessary. And they just might surprise you when you’re least expecting it.

Shoes with Visible Brand Names

Only the most expensive dress shoes and sneakers have the logos large enough to see at a glance. And that’s just the way the wearer wants it. Someone with shoes that are clearly brand-name has a high income and wants to show it off to everyone. They won’t settle for anything less than the best, whether it’s their shoes or restaurant choice.

Minimalist Shoes vs. Flashy Shoes

Shoe color matters, but maybe not in the way you expect. Don’t assume someone with a basic, single-tone shoe is boring. They probably just decided they have better things to do than waste half an hour every morning deciding how to look. Expect a no-nonsense, drama-free dude who’s actually pretty cool once you get to know them. On the flip side, bright and colorful shoes are a clear indicator of an outgoing personality. This person will talk your ear off if you let them. 

What are the Different Types of Elevator Shoes?

There are lots of shoe styles out there, and elevator shoes are no exception. Find out what shoes you should get for different situations at TallMenShoes.com.

What are the Different Types of Elevator Shoes?

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and get a pair of elevator shoes to help lift your confidence and style. But which ones should you get? While there are a lot of lift shoes out there — just like with regular shoes — they can be divided into several main styles. TallMenShoes.com looks at the different elevator shoe types and why you might want them in your closet.

Formal Elevator Shoes

If you work at a company with a formal dress code or attend a lot of upscale functions and events, then you’ll need elevator dress shoes. They are designed to be worn with suits, tuxedos and other fancy dress. Whether you prefer oxfords or derbies, open or closed lacing, brogue or square toe, there’s a formal shoe that fits. Own at least one pair for boosting your presence when attending weddings, business meetings, fancy restaurants and black-tie events.

Height-Increasing Boots

Tall boots for men have traditionally been the most popular form of lift shoe. The generous amount of space in most boots is perfect for concealing the lifting layer. But it doesn’t hurt that they look good for an assortment of activities. You can find high-

heeled dress boots, work boots, hiking boots and urban outdoor boots. They’ll help you feel more confident and look more impressive in any season.

High-Heeled Casual Shoes

Men who want maximum comfort while still looking good will want casual elevator shoes in their wardrobe. These are the ideal shoes for backyard barbeques, movies with friends and heading to the local café. Many of them are suitable for business casual attire as well. You’ll have more fun in a pair of these because your style will be one less thing to worry about. When shopping, you can get casual shoes with a dressier or more athletic edge.

Loafers with High Heels

Sometimes you need to feel taller even when you’re unwinding. Elevator loafers, otherwise known as lace-less shoes or slip-on shoes, are easy to get on and off when you have a quick errand to run or want to go to a relaxed party. It’ll be a lot easier to crack a smile when you’re feeling up to the task! Loafers can range from slip-on dress shoes and street shoes all the way down to cozy moccasins for evenings at home.

Elevator Sneakers

It’s easier to be the athletic type when you have the height for it. High-heeled sport sneakers are perfect for runners, basketball players, hikers, skateboarders and everyone else who loves physical activities. You can make a fashion statement while going for a jog, climbing a mountain and attending games with friends or your girlfriend. Get high-tops, mid-cuts or low cuts, and you’ll be in the game.

Lifting Sandals

Let the air flow through your toes during a summer day on the beach by wearing elevator sandals. Even on the most casual of days, you still want to impress, and some open-toed footwear will add a few inches without you getting weird looks while walking on the sand. The most common type of lift sandal is the fisherman sandal, because it’s the best design for discreetly increasing your height.

Best Looking Elevator Shoes

Even when your shoes are filling a practical function, they need to look good. Check out some of the best-looking elevator shoes we’ve found to lift your style.

10 Best-Looking Elevator Shoes

We know most guys who come to TallMenShoes.com want two things: to look taller and look better. After all, what good is a quality elevator shoe if it looks like it came from the bargain bin of style? While there are lift shoes and boots for pretty much any taste, some of them are going to look good no matter who puts them on. Here are some of the best looking tall shoes for men that will up your style game for every occasion.

Best Dress Shoes

·        TOTO D16022 Apron Oxfords – These 3-inch fashion shoes are for people who like to keep it simple with their dress footwear. Everything about them — including the full-grain black leather, plain toe, open laces — is an instant classic.

·        CALTO Y4103 Derbies – If you want to kick it up at an extra-formal affair, this 3-inch mid-top brown derby oxford is how to do it. The brown full-grain oxhide leather is complemented by a wing-tip brogue toe and accented double stitching.

Stylish Elevator Boots

·        CALTO Chelsea Boots – Boots are the best way to conceal the height increaser in footwear, and these slip-on 2.6-inch dress boots are as discreet as can be. The sleek leather construction and stretch sides are the perfect blending of formal and cool casual.

·        CALTO T5203 Tactical Boots – If you need something a little more formal, these lace-up cap-toe boots are the solution. They add 3.6 inches of height with a classic leather ankle style that gives your outfit some sophistication.

·        CALDEN K512666 Boots – Add some intrigue to your feet with these 3.1-inch full ankle boots. The black leather is accented by metal buckles, studs and eyelets, making them a real looker as part of a punk or goth style.

Casual Footwear

·        CALTO T1432 Shoes – These handsome 3.2-inch brown elevator shoes are ideal for a business casual look where you want to look nice, but not too nice. They have great accent stitching and a contrasting light tan sole that adds visual contrast so you stand out.

·        CALTO Y45023 Driving Moccasins – For when you really want to let loose! A pair of 3-inch camo grey mocs with a penny loafer style are great for relaxing around your house or a friend’s house. The camo really gives them some character to spice up a weekend. They feel nice and soft inside, too.

Best Athletic Elevators & Sandals

·        CALDEN K882896 High Tops – Be a baller in these 3.8-inch sneakers patterned after the classic basketball shoe. They’re great for a modern skater look as well. The blue/grey canvas top is completed by a white toe, outsole and laces that just feels sporty no matter how high your vertical is.

CALDEN MY0501 Hiking Shoes – These 3-inch sneakers beautifully walk the style line between athletic shoe and mid-top hiking boot. The grey upper is accented with white 

·        and red with toe cover detailing to give them some pop. And you’ll have great traction from the bottom sole.

·        TOTO G13072 Braided Sandals – We love these 3.2-inch fisherman sandals because they have the perfect blend of modern and vintage style. The burnished cordovan leather upper gives them the look of your favorite dress shoe — but one for strolling along the boardwalk and the beach!

Lift Your Lifestyle with Trendy Shoes

Elevate your style and your confidence by choosing the right shoes! TallMenShoes.com has all the details on how trendy elevator shoes can lift your lifestyle.

Lift Your Lifestyle with Trendy Shoes

Are you ready to give your life a boost? The right shoes can help you do just that. The rise of men’s elevator shoes has helped guys everywhere experience the benefits of more height. A few inches of height and a healthy dose of fashion have made them the go-to choice for men who want to look better, feel more confident and be happier. But which shoes are best for this? Let TallMenShoes.com explain.

Walk Taller Every Day

First, a little backstory. For centuries, both men and women have tried different ways to make themselves look taller. Women can simply put on a pair of high heels, but these went out of style for men more than 200 years ago. So they’d tried everything else, such as Napoleon reportedly concealing decks of playing cards in his boot heels. At least he was playing with a full deck in one way.

Nowadays, height-elevating footwear is a little more sophisticated. Men can wear shoes that are just as trendy as regular footwear — and look almost exactly the same — but have a special wedge-and-platform combination built in that can add as many as 5 inches to the wearer’s height. And that’s just the beginning of how they improve your lifestyle game.

Elevator Shoes for Formal Occasions

So when is the right time to wear elevator shoes? Pretty much any time is. Looking stylish at work will have you on your way to better pay and opportunities. So get at least one good pair of dress shoes that you can wear Monday-Friday. Leather brogue lace-up oxfords and closed lace cap toe dressers have a professional look that will impress your bosses. And they will also impress at weddings and on dates as well. We’re also partial to nubuck elevator shoes which use rubbed cowhide leather that make it feel more like suede. They’re perfect for a posh suit or black-tie outfit!

Trendy Casual Shoes

Taking off the suit and tie doesn’t mean you have to ditch the great shoes. Casually increase your fashion sense so you’ll feel more confident even when running errands or hanging out with friends. Some of the casual elevator shoes we love are dress penny loafers for when you can’t completely let loose and low-top summer loafers for when you can. Walking sneakers and athletic shoes will help you stay active in styles for skaters and ballers that want to elevate their style in the concrete jungle.

Shoes for the Outdoors

Get outside and have fun, they say. Well, you can with some good shoes! Those with an outdoorsman soul should check out elevator boots. Good dress boots have the formality demanded at official functions in a down-home feel. And they’re great at hiding the hardware that lifts you up. Want to get down and dirty on trails and mountains? You’re going to want some hiking boots. No one ever heard of a short King of the Hill, did they?

Stay Stylish With the Right Shoes

Every man needs a few good pairs of shoes. The right footwear is sure to lift you higher in the office, on the dating scene, in the theater, on the town and anywhere else life takes you. We’ve showed you some of our favorite choices above for staying trendy as you gain in other areas.

5 Ways to Elevate your Fashion

Stand out when you head out with our men’s fashion tips. We know the clothes to wear and the techniques to follow for a better-looking, more confident wardrobe.

Five Ways to Elevate Your Fashion

Are you tired of getting lost in the fashion crowd — or worse, standing out for all the wrong reasons? Image and first impressions are a big deal whether you’re heading to the office, the club, the beach or just cruising on the town. We want men to look good and be themselves at the same time, so our style experts have put together the five best ways for men to improve their fashion so they look and feel good.

STYLE OG has a very nice video instruction here:

1.     Own At Least One Good Suit

Every man will have at least a few times a year where they need to dress formally. A smart suit says you know how to step up your fashion game. Navy blue suits and charcoal gray suits are the two most versatile colors available, as they can both be worn for almost every occasion or function. So if you can only afford one suit, make it one of these hues. Pair it with a few matching shirts and ties that you can switch out to add some variety.

2.     Don’t Forget about the Shoes 

Both men and women pay a lot of attention to what shoes you wear. They’re what you wear the most in your wardrobe, which means they say a lot about your personality. So don’t get caught in an old raggedy pair. At a minimum, own a good pair of lace-up oxford or derby shoes for formal dress and one or two pairs of loafers and casual sneakers so you can still look good at informal events. Quality is the key here — it’s better to have three well-made pairs of shoes than 20 bargain-bin pairs. - And don't forget, every man should have a pair of elevator shoes for the special occasion or not. 

3.     Layer Your Way to Success

There’s nothing inherently wrong with a basic shirt and pants — but it’s hard for just two garments to hold people’s attention. Adding layers to your base outfit is a great way to draw interest, and it gives you ways to adjust your look during the day. Throw a blazer, sport jacket or cardigan on over your shirt and you’ve instantly given your apparel character and detail. You can also do this using accents such as hats and scarves.

4.     Upgrade Your Pants

Having a dresser full of baggy, light-colored jeans will be comfortable to wear every day. But it will also look like you never left college. Owning a few pairs of chinos or khakis, depending on how formal you want to be, will upgrade you to a more dapper look without taking away the comfort. If you can’t give up on jeans, go with dark fitted jeans that have a more mature vibe. They also pair better with dress shirts, polos and blazers.

5.     Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

As much as you might love wearing plaid shirts, sport jackets, boots or fedoras, the same look can get stale to others after a while. Variety is good when it comes to fashion, so be willing to mix it up. If you usually wear a blazer, try out a cardigan. If you always collared button-ups, see how a polo looks. Go to new clothing stores now and again to see what catches your eye. Not every look will work, but the confidence you’ll gain from branching out is invaluable.

5 Tips to Look Great on a Date

Make a great impression on a first date or a 20^th with these five essential dating tips to help guys look good. We’ll have you looking smart from head to toe!

Five Tips for Men to Look Great on a Date

Getting ready for a big date, whether you’re in high school or your glorious 40’s, can be tricky for men. You don’t have to look like you’re going to a wedding or a gala at the Met. But if you show up wearing a soda-stained shirt and ripped jeans, the first date is also going to be the last. At the same time, you don’t want to come off as a poser — women can smell that more than any cologne. TallMenShoes.com has the five best tips and tricks for guys who want to look good on their next hot date while showing confidence, respect and authenticity.

1.     Clean Yourself Up

Many women say they like an outdoorsy man. But loving the earth doesn’t mean you have to wear it on a night out. Take a shower and use a good soap or body wash to remove the grime from a day at school, work or the basketball court. And wash your hair while you’re at it — no one wants to get close to oil and grease. Use cleansers that match your skin and hair type so you won’t end up all dry and cracked afterward.

2.     A Little Personal Hygiene Goes a Long Way

You don’t need to go to the barber shop and the dentist on the day of your date, but doing some grooming will really help — especially because your face is usually the first thing women notice. Brush your teeth, comb your hair, shave (or trim your facial hair), clean your ears out and everything else your mom taught you to do. Make sure to clip and clean your nails as well if you haven’t recently.

1.     Plan Your Outfit in Advance

If your date is set for 7 p.m. on Thursday, you should start planning your outfit well before 6:45 p.m. A day or two before the big night, spend a little time going through your wardrobe and make sure you have a shirt, pants, shoes, socks, etc. that all coordinate well. Everything you wear should fit comfortably and be free of stains and wrinkles. They should match the occasion as well, whether that’s drinks at the bar, an evening at the theater or a family reunion.

2.     Use Colors to Your Advantage

The color of your outfit should match your skin tone and personality. For example, blue goes well with fair skin while khaki looks good on darker skin tones. Colors display different traits, too; blue projects masculinity and stability, black conveys power and mystery, orange is a high-energy tone for active dates and pink shows sensitivity. If you have a heavier body type, be sure to wear different-colored pants and shirt; this will break up the pounds and look more flattering.

3.     Be Thorough & Take Your Time

No matter how excited or nervous you are, don’t rush at any stage. Leave yourself enough time that you can do everything carefully and double-check or fix things that are amiss. Rushing leads to sloppy work and mistakes that take time to correct, and before you know it, you actually are in a hurry.

Oh, and 5a. Don’t Forget to Smile. A genuine, confident smile is one of the most attractive things you can bring on a date. And the good vibes it adds are completely free!

Best Shoes to Buy for Your Boyfriend – TallMenShoes.com

Does your boyfriend want or need new shoes? Surprise him on his birthday or a holiday with the help of our experts on how to decide what shoes to get him.

Picking Out the Perfect Dress Shoes for Men

The right dress shoes can go a long way towards making your outfit. But with so many shoe styles out there, what exactly should be on your mind when you’re shopping for your next pair? The experts at TallMenShoes.com are here to help you find the best dress shoes for every occasion. Here are some of the most important things to consider when selecting new men’s dress shoes.

Shoe Material

Generally speaking, you want shoes that are smooth and shiny — but not too smooth and shiny, as this can give them a cheap plastic feel. Leather is the preferred material for dress shoes, as it is supple, lasts a long time and goes with more styles of dress clothes. The only downside is that it requires more care. Suede and canvas can be acceptable in the right circumstances.

Toe Shape

There are a number of toe shapes out there, from perfectly squared toes for a modern dress casual look to traditional narrow-pointed wing tips. Obviously, everyone has different tastes. But shoes with moderate toes between these extremes are a good compromise for most people. They will fit with more different outfits so you can wear the shoes more often.

Dress Shoe Color

When it comes to dress shoes, you can’t go wrong with black. This bold neutral tone goes with almost any suit, pants or blazer you own. If you can only afford one pair of dress shoes, black is the way to go. Other colors such as brown, tan, navy blue and white are available, but they should be worn situationally based on the rest of your outfit.

Laces or No Laces?

This one of the classic debates for any shoe style: looks or comfort? Fortunately, there’s an easy answer. Wear lace-up dress shoes for black-tie and formal occasions, as they have a professional look for work, galas and five-star restaurants. Loafers, buckle straps and other slip-on dress shoes are better for business-casual work days or informal dinner parties. Many common lace-up shoes, such as oxfords and derbies, are available in a slip-on design as well.

Trying on Dress Shoes

When you’re shopping for dress shoes, try them on in the afternoon and evening. Everybody’s feet swell a little bit throughout the day from normal walking and standing. Therefore, if a shoe fits perfectly first thing in the morning, they’ll feel tighter and tighter as the day goes on. Men also should wear the same style of socks to the shoe store that they’ll be wearing with the shoes on a regular basis. And if you’re buying leather shoes, they should fit right there in the store. Leather shoes barely stretch during use, so unlike casual shoes, you don’t need to worry about them loosening up as you break them in.

Buying Dress Shoes Online

While you can often find better prices online for dress shoes, the downside is that you can’t try them on first. Therefore, if there’s a new style you’re looking at that you haven’t worn before, you should strongly consider ordering two pairs of different sizes. As long as one fits and is comfortable, you can keep that pair and send the other back. (Just make sure the store has a good return and exchange policy.) You’ll then know exactly what to order the next time you need new shoes.

Choosing the Best Men’s Dress Shoes – TallMenShoes.com

Wear the right footwear for every formal and semi-formal occasion with the Tall Men Shoes Guide to Selecting Men’s Dress Shoes for work, events and nights out.

Picking Out the Perfect Dress Shoes for Men

The right dress shoes can go a long way towards making your outfit. But with so many shoe styles out there, what exactly should be on your mind when you’re shopping for your next pair? The experts at TallMenShoes.com are here to help you find the best dress shoes for every occasion. Here are some of the most important things to consider when selecting new men’s dress shoes.

Shoe Material

Generally speaking, you want shoes that are smooth and shiny — but not too smooth and shiny, as this can give them a cheap plastic feel. Leather is the preferred material for dress shoes, as it is supple, lasts a long time and goes with more styles of dress clothes. The only downside is that it requires more care. Suede and canvas can be acceptable in the right circumstances.

Toe Shape

There are a number of toe shapes out there, from perfectly squared toes for a modern dress casual look to traditional narrow-pointed wing tips. Obviously, everyone has different tastes. But shoes with moderate toes between these extremes are a good compromise for most people. They will fit with more different outfits so you can wear the shoes more often.

Dress Shoe Color

When it comes to dress shoes, you can’t go wrong with black. This bold neutral tone goes with almost any suit, pants or blazer you own. If you can only afford one pair of dress shoes, black is the way to go. Other colors such as brown, tan, navy blue and white are available, but they should be worn situationally based on the rest of your outfit.

Laces or No Laces?

This one of the classic debates for any shoe style: looks or comfort? Fortunately, there’s an easy answer. Wear lace-up dress shoes for black-tie and formal occasions, as they have a professional look for work, galas and five-star restaurants. Loafers, buckle straps and other slip-on dress shoes are better for business-casual work days or informal dinner parties. Many common lace-up shoes, such as oxfords and derbies, are available in a slip-on design as well.

Trying on Dress Shoes

When you’re shopping for dress shoes, try them on in the afternoon and evening. Everybody’s feet swell a little bit throughout the day from normal walking and standing. Therefore, if a shoe fits perfectly first thing in the morning, they’ll feel tighter and tighter as the day goes on. Men also should wear the same style of socks to the shoe store that they’ll be wearing with the shoes on a regular basis. And if you’re buying leather shoes, they should fit right there in the store. Leather shoes barely stretch during use, so unlike casual shoes, you don’t need to worry about them loosening up as you break them in.

Buying Dress Shoes Online

While you can often find better prices online for dress shoes, the downside is that you can’t try them on first. Therefore, if there’s a new style you’re looking at that you haven’t worn before, you should strongly consider ordering two pairs of different sizes. As long as one fits and is comfortable, you can keep that pair and send the other back. (Just make sure the store has a good return and exchange policy.) You’ll then know exactly what to order the next time you need new shoes.

What Shoes Should I Wear to an Interview?

When you’re trying to get that dream job, you need to make a great first impression. Find the right footwear with our guide to men’s shoes for interviews.

What Shoes Should I Wear to an Interview?

You’ve spent hours, even days, preparing what you’re going to say during your big interview. Now it’s time to figure out what to wear. Your attire says a lot to companies before you even open your mouth, and you want it to say that you’re the right person for the job. The TallMenShoes.com Guide to Job Interview Footwear can help you to select the right men’s shoes to get your big interview off on the right foot.

Pre-Interview Preparation

Part of getting ready for a job interview is learning about the company you’re hoping to work at. That includes learning about the dress code as well. Consult any handbooks that might be available, look at pictures on their website or find a professional contact who can help. The office environment offers clues as well. A modern open-space office indicates a less formal working style, while traditional leather chairs and wood tables are a sign of stricter attire expectations. Whatever you deduce, always dress at least to the level of the company’s current employees — and possibly higher if you think it will impress them.

Interview Shoes to Wear

When the dress code is formal, or even semi-formal, you can’t go wrong with a pair of black cap-toe oxfords. This classic formal footwear can be paired with black-tie outfits and almost any color suit. Brogue wing-tip shoes are a good bet as well, whether it’s a full, semi or quarter-brogue. The derby oxford is excellent for a smart casual interview atmosphere. Whatever type of oxford you’re wearing, make sure the color coordinates with the rest of your outfit. If you’re interviewing for a job in construction, outdoor work or another blue-collar field, you might want to bring some boots or work shoes with you in case the interviewer asks you to demonstrate your skills.

Shoes to Avoid

Some interview shoe choices are obviously bad — you wouldn’t want to wear running sneakers, hiking boots or sandals to an office under any circumstances, for example. But some dress shoes need to be left at home as well. Don’t be caught dead in loafers or any other type of slip-on. These shoes are good for business-casual dress and for traveling once you already have the job. But they’re far too casual for when you’re trying to land it. Shoes with buckles, such as double-monk straps, are okay for a laid-back startup, but a little too informal for a large conglomerate. Light-colored shoes should be avoided, too, as they are more likely to show stains from accidents or mud puddles en route to the interview.

Preparing your Interview Shoes

Once you’ve picked out your shoes, they need to be in tip-top shape throughout the interview: Make sure they’re laced properly whether it’s a closed or open lacing style. Improperly laced shoes look unprofessional and are more likely to come loose or chafe as you walk. Use a shoe repair kit to remove any minor scratches, scuffs or dings — if any part is noticeably worn, you’re probably better off getting a different pair. You’ll want to give them a good polish or at least wipe off any dust from sitting in the closet. And if they feel a little loose, add some 

go wrong with a pair of black cap-toe oxfords. This classic formal footwear can be paired with black-tie outfits and almost any color suit. Brogue wing-tip shoes are a good bet as well, whether it’s a full, semi or quarter-brogue. The derby oxford is excellent for a smart casual interview atmosphere. Whatever type of oxford you’re wearing, make sure the color coordinates with the rest of your outfit. If you’re interviewing for a job in construction, outdoor work or another blue-collar field, you might want to bring some boots or work shoes with you in case the interviewer asks you to demonstrate your skills.

Shoes to Avoid

Some interview shoe choices are obviously bad — you wouldn’t want to wear running sneakers, hiking boots or sandals to an office under any circumstances, for example. But some dress shoes need to be left at home as well. Don’t be caught dead in loafers or any other type of slip-on. These shoes are good for business-casual dress and for traveling once you already have the job. But they’re far too casual for when you’re trying to land it. Shoes with buckles, such as double-monk straps, are okay for a laid-back startup, but a little too informal for a large conglomerate. Light-colored shoes should be avoided, too, as they are more likely to show stains from accidents or mud puddles en route to the interview.

Preparing your Interview Shoes

Once you’ve picked out your shoes, they need to be in tip-top shape throughout the interview: Make sure they’re laced properly whether it’s a closed or open lacing style. Improperly laced shoes look unprofessional and are more likely to come loose or chafe as you walk. Use a shoe repair kit to remove any minor scratches, scuffs or dings — if any part is noticeably worn, you’re probably better off getting a different pair. You’ll want to give them a good polish or at least wipe off any dust from sitting in the closet. And if they feel a little loose, add some inserts or wear thicker socks so they don’t wobble. (Wear knee- or calf-length socks to avoid exposing your hairy legs.)

How to Find the Perfect Shoes to Wear to a Wedding

On a wedding day, everything has to be perfect — including the shoes. We’re here to help you find the best men’s wedding shoes for grooms, groomsmen and guests.

When it’s time for you or a dear friend to tie the knot, you need everyone to look nice. That includes having great wedding shoes to show off — and not just grabbing the first pair you see in the closest or on the sneaker rack. But with so many dress shoe styles out there, how do you pick the right ones? TallMenShoes.com has helped a lot of men with their footwear, and our guide to wedding shoes will help you pick the right pair every time.

There are several factors that can go into choosing men’s wedding footwear, including the season, time of day, theme and location. (Viva, Las Vegas.) But the most important one remains the dress code. No matter what other factors there are, oxfords will always look out of place on a beach, and boat sandals will never do at a black-tie affair. We’ve broken down the most popular wedding types and how you can dress your feet up for the occasion.

Black Tie Wedding Shoes

This is the most formal of formal weddings, and you need the shoes to match. This calls for the highest-quality pair of black dress shoes to go with your tuxedo. We recommend black leather oxfords — preferably ones that are whole-cut from a single piece of leather, especially for the groom. These kicks are lightweight, flexible and sleek, which are everything you could ask for. Make sure to break them in and give them a good shine before the big day.

Best Shoes for Cocktail Attire & Black-Tie Optional

When you’re wearing a suit instead of a tuxedo, you have a few more footwear options. In addition to whole-cut oxfords, give cap-toe oxfords a try at these weddings, or go with a classic wingtip brogue toe if you’re feeling classy. You can even rock shades of brown and tan as well as black if they go with the suit. These can double as work shoes, meaning they’ll be ready to roll when the weekend arrives.

Men’s Shoes for Casual Weddings

With the right semi-formal shoes, you can still look nice while you’re letting loose. Single-monk or double-monk strap shoes are perfect for this dress code, as they pair a classic oxford or brogue style with this casual buckle. Dress boots for weddings are another laid-back option. Consider them if you’re attending a ceremony with a more outdoorsy theme.

Beach Wedding Shoes

Heading to the sandy surf for a wedding? It’s time to ditch the laces and straps! Some good dress loafers or fashion loafers will go well with trousers, slacks or khakis. And you won’t have lace eyelets that can get gummed up with sand either. If it’s a truly casual tropical affair, some fisherman sandals will do the trick as well. It’s always easier to feel upbeat in comfy footwear, right?

Weddings with No Dress Code

Did the RSVP not include a dress code? Is it a spur-of-the-moment Vegas wedding? In these cases, simply look at the time of day and the season. If the wedding is in the afternoon or is a summer wedding, go with beach or tropical wedding shoes such as the loafers. (Maybe skip the sandals, just in case.) For evening ceremonies that are in a cooler season or environment, dress up with cocktail attire and a good pair of oxfords.