No, there is nothing called an all-purpose shoe (and certainly not that rubber-soled distant cousin of the Ambassador car you’re looking at right now). No, one shoe for work and one for play isn’t much better either, not unless work means a factory shop floor and play means two rounds of your neighbourhood park in the morning. No, you won’t turn into a metrosexual if you buy more shoes, because real men occasionally do have feet, and a fashion sense. And no, four pairs doesn’t cut it either.
Five is the magic number of shoes you need to stylishly step over anything life throws at you: A presentation to the board, an afternoon at the races, the launch party aboard the yacht or a boogie-woogie at the club.
We’ve left out sandals and sports sneakers; doesn’t mean you have to, just as long as they count over and above the five we recommend.
Ferragamo Loriana
Rs. 45,000
A good Derby is to shoes what a crisp pair of blue jeans is to a wardrobe —simple, durable, multi-faceted and comfortable. It’s the shoe you’ll reach for by default and the one you’ll rarely go wrong with. Like, for instance, this black Ferragamo Loriana with round toes, stacked heels and clean lines. But in case you feel the need to project a little gravitas, say while negotiating the terms of your latest acquisition, reach out for an Oxford — the Derby’s stiffer, more formal cousin recognised primarily by its “closed lacing”.
(This story appears in the 18 June, 2010 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
Well said about well-shod feet! Move over Imelda Marcos and Danielle Steel too! It's time to bring the men to heel!!
on Jun 9, 2010It is very good if every man follows this.
on Jun 9, 2010