On Trend with REGARD Magazine ....Ask our Stylist... Men's Casual Dress Shoes

Dear REGARD Stylist,

My boyfriend hates dress shoes. He complains that they are severely uncomfortable, but he needs nice shoes for work, and for when we go out.  I’m tired of him wearing the same shoes he works out in, to take me to dinner. Help!

Maisha H. Westwood, Ca

Dear Maisha,

The rules concerning your honey’s foot fashion are pretty simple. There are options other than smelly gym shoes. Here are three of my favorites:

1. There is a major difference between sporting sneakers, and fashion sneakers. If your guy insists on a pair of kicks for going out in, find him a few really nice pair. A pair with some embellishment and a little color for a casual Saturday date, or a basic pair of dark slip-ons will also do the trick nicely and be much more appealing even just with a pair of jeans.

2. For a step above a sneaker, try a slip on. The first example shown is one of my favorites. It looks a lot like a slip on sneaker, but the fact that it is that the slip on style gives it a more sophisticated edge. The second example is a sporty  leather loafer style with a slightly extended toe box. Both will look great with not only jeans, but they can be dressed up a little, and will look great with a pair of chinos, crisp button up, and maybe a blazer. Great work option as the leather slip on style is usually very comfortable.

3. Desert Boots are yet another great alternative for exercise footwear. They are a chic cross between a boot and a cool leather or vinyl tennis shoe.  Typically, they come up above the ankle bone, so they are great for rainy days, and will keep your socks dry.

It is an inescapable fact that a pair of dress shoes with laces is much dressier and suit appropriate than a slip on, and most especially a sneaker. These are not in any way substitutions for a pair of a really nice pair of lace up oxfords or wingtips.  Your guy should have at bare a minimum a pair of lace ups with a slightly extended toe box, in the event that he has to wear a suit.  Dressier shoes should be in dark colors only like black, charcoal, or brown. Leave the crazy colored gators to the Huggy Bear wanna-be’s of the Universe. lol

Hope this Helps!

                                                                                    -Micah Riggins

Thanks to Aldo for the shoe options