Luxury shoes: Put your best foot forward

When it comes to shoes, form trumps over function: Suchi Mukherjee

I love beautiful footwear and my must-have essentials are a lovely pair of pop-coloured super-comfortable juttis from LimeRoad, black stilettos by Alexander McQueen, metallic high heels by Jimmy Choo and in the winter, a pair of UGGs. I love Indian juttis made from rural handcrafted leather. They are comfortable, vibrant and can inject life into pretty much most things—even western wear.

In general, in western brands, I love Alexander McQueen. I pretty much like most of the lines. And Jimmy Choo’s platforms are the only ones I can stay in all day. Unfortunately, when it comes to shoes, form trumps over function. They need to look fantastic. When it comes to tall heels, I have often settled for painful feet to make way for great design. I also love my UGGs. I have bought four pairs of brown UGGs. Always the same. The most versatile pair in my closet are the juttis. They look good with pants as well as with a long black dress.

 

Super sneakers: Club comfort with style

Zorawar Kalra, founder & managing director, Massive Restaurants
Image: Mexy Xavier



I love shoes by Bruno Magli, Berluti, Gucci, Santoni. One formal and one casual pair is a must in my wardrobe. I love patent leather, it goes well for formal events. Comfort is of prime importance and the shoes I wear the most are my Onitsukas and Guccis. I wear my Gucci loafers all the time; they are versatile. The new creative director Alessandro Michele has done a great job.

 
It's therapeutic to clean my shoes: Darshan Mehta
“For semi-formal attire, I love the suede shoes by Fratelli Rossetti.” Darshan Mehta, president and CEO, Reliance Brands
Image: Manoj Patil

My current wardrobe consists of 20 to 25 pairs of shoes. Once a month, I sit down and clean them all [most of my shoes are leather, regular cleaning is a must]. It takes me about three hours, but the process is therapeutic. It’s like reading a book!

I have many favourite shoe brands, which I segregate based on formal dressing, casual dressing, and for running. For formal wear, I love Bruno Magli. Then, I have at least half a dozen shoes by Finsbury. And over the last four years, I have taken a fancy to Zegna shoes. I typically buy shoes that have a rounded tip. I have two pairs of shoes with a rubber sole from Tod’s, which comes in handy when I travel abroad, especially during winters.


When it comes to casual wear, I break it into two parts: Shoes I wear with denims and shorts, and those I wear with semi-formal attire. With denims and shorts, I love to wear Onitsukas, I have some 8 to 9 pairs of Onitsuka shoes in different colours, including yellow. For semi-formal, I love the suede shoes by Fratelli Rossetti. And like to team them up with coloured socks.

For running, I currently have a pair of Adidas Zero Gravity shoes.


 
Comfort and quality of shoes matter to me: Sujayath Ali


“My shoe closet is incomplete without a pair of lace-ups or slip-ons for formal wear such as trousers and shirts; moccasins for most of my workwear—I pair them with my jeans and shirts or polos; and a pair of sports shoes for my sports activities, travel, etc. I like Florsheim for formal and casual shoes, and Nike for sports shoes. They are made to perfection and are value for money. Though what matters most is that the shoes are of good quality and comfortable. My go-to footwear is a pair of moccasins.”


Comfort is of prime importance when it comes to shoes: Mayank Bhangadia
Mayank Bhangadia, CEO & co-founder, Roposo

There are different shoes fit for different activities, agreed. But for me, comfort is of prime importance and all my footwear choices revolve around that. At work, I wear Adidas Yeezys, which give me the best of both worlds —comfort and flexibility to move around. While attending events, I prefer to wear a formal pair, and on vacations, you will find me in my comfy pair of Nike Air Max. Not to mention, for any and every occasion, too, I would choose my Nike Air Max shoes. Function, comfort, and style—they rank high on all parameters that matter.

They’re my go-to shoes every time I am in a rush and do not have sufficient time to figure out what to wear.

My favourite brand? I am really fond of my Adidas Yeezys at the moment. They are the latest addition to my wardrobe and have never let me down.

I remember owning a pair of Converse shoes as a kid, which I was very fond of. I would wear them everywhere and they became a part of my identity. I have still not been able to get rid of them.