Are you looking for a new shoe for work, the weekend, or somewhere in-between? You’re going to want to cool your jets for a second and think about that decision carefully because your choice in the shoe can say a lot about who you are as a person.
What are you saying about yourself with your current choice in footwear? Find out below.
Contrast Sole Loafers
The contrast sole, unlike some of the other colourful shoes that we mention, is something almost exclusively worn by those people who have confidence and personality. The flash of yellow or orange (two common contrast soles) on a dressier or business-casual shoe can show that you’re there to work, but you’re also fun to spend time with.
Tassel Loafers
Tassel loafers are a good example of a traditionally skewed style that is still considered an acceptable trend on a certain type of person. They may not be right for the 20-something, but they are a great choice for that person’s boss.
Work boots are a practical look that is great for handling all of the challenges that you might face in a given day. It shows that you’re comfortable working with your hands, and it gives you that All-American vibe. Work boots today can look good too, and there are plenty of options that allow you to show your style while getting the job done.
Boat Shoes
For most of us, boat shoes are about anything but getting the job done. They are a classic New England and incredibly preppy look. First designed to allow you to move around quickly and comfortably on boats, they’re now the look of someone who’s more interested in heading to Nantucket for vacation than to their fishing or boating job.
Biker boots tend to be worn by those who are looking for a more aggressive, and less office-friendly style. What you’re essentially showing people is that you’re a more aggressive person (some studies have found that biker boots are worn by more aggressive people), you lack trust in the people around you, and that you’re relatively reserved and a bit more egocentric. In short, you’re exuding the ‘biker’ vibe.
Chukkas
The chukka was once built for military men, but today it has almost nothing to do with the military (at least in a fashion and style sense). Today, people who wear chukkas are showing that they have good fashion sense, with a slight hipster edge. You’re a guy who’s aware of the trends, but you like to keep things simple, which is perfect for the modern environment that many of us live in.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are great for when you want to go running, but when you’re showing other people when you wear them around as part of your daily wear is that you are stable and less prone to attachment anxiety. After all, you’re wearing a pair of incredibly casual shoes, that you’re not worried about scuffing or getting dirty. While you might think that fun-looking shoes are worn by those with a more ‘fun’ personality, research has shown that this isn’t necessarily the case.
A close cousin to work boots in many regards, cowboy boots show people that you are ready to work, you’re rugged, and they are one of the most All-American shoes that you can buy. Just like work boots, you can get cowboy boots in plenty of different styles, so you can easily dress them up for many occasions. These are far more prevalent in the south, and particularly in Texas.
Oxfords
The Oxford is a very traditional shoe and one that is worn by a subset of people who appreciate the older, better things in life. In this sense, old doesn’t have to mean antiquated, but rather it can mean the feel of a fine, bespoke suit. It also shows that you care about having a good shoe that can complete the look. One subtle differentiating point is the fact that those who wear oxfords are also likely to transition into a trendy look after work as well.
Loafers
Loafers are a great look to complement Oxfords in the office, but those who wear them can struggle with seeming a little too off-trend, particularly if they are wearing squared toe shoes, which tend to look you bought your shoes when that look was last popular: during Colonial times.
Your choice of shoes can say a lot about you, and it can just as easily give up a lot about you as well. If you’re dressed for work and wearing a modern suit, but wearing old, beat-up shoes, people will notice. You want your shoes to match the look that you’re going for, and the best way to do that is to find a good pair of shoes for most occasions that you’ll find yourself in.
What type of shoes embodies your style and personality? Let us know in the comments.
