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your feet are your number one form of transportation. You should take care of them so they will carry you the many miles you have left to travel.

Dress Shoes - dress shoes are those that are appropriate to wear with slacks or a suit. You should have comfortable dress shoes. Try them on before you buy them. Ask yourself, "could I run from someone in these?" When you are shopping for dress shoes you should wear dress socks. Shoes will fit much differently with athletic socks. (I wouldn't mention it if I hadn't seen it happen.) You need one pair of black shoes and one pair of brown shoes at a minimum. If you want your shoes to last longer, buy three pairs and rotate them regularly. I've been told that three pairs of shoes will last twice as long as two pairs. When you purchase shoes, buy a belt to match. When you wear the shoes, wear the belt that matches. It's too easy. Socks should generally match your slacks but don't have to be exact. Just don't ever wear white socks with slacks. If you wear the same pair of leather shoes every day, they will become quite odiferous. Dress shoes should be well maintained and allowed to air out between uses. Invest in a shoe spray deodorizer. You should also keep them conditioned and free from dirt build up. Although most men outside of the military rarely polish their shoes, it should be done on a regular basis to maintain both the good looks of the shoe and the condition of the leather.

Dress shoes come in a vast array of styles. Unless you plan on discarding your shoes in the next twelve months, shop conservatively as trends come and go quickly in the shoe department. A shoe with a squared toe is not only in style now but is significantly more comfortable than most other shapes. The wingtip is a classic can't go wrong style, as is the "toe cap". Avoid contrasting color shoes e.g. black with white insets as these are reserved primarily for "pimps". Unless you are seriously self-conscious about your height or have a real need for therapeutic soled shoes, avoid shoes with an overly elevated bulky sole.

Athletic Shoes - shoes that are designed for playing a specific sport. There are two rules regarding athletic shoes. First, if you participate in sports you should wear appropriate footwear. Second, if you haven't just played, are playing, or are about to play sports you shouldn't be wearing athletic shoes anymore. They are for sports and sports only. They are not a form of fashion but one of function. Wear athletic shoes with athletic socks. (Never dress socks.) Rules for flip flops and sandals are straightforward also. Only wear when warm out and never wear with socks. Never to work or dinner and make sure you wash your feet before and after wear.

Casual "tennis shoes" are appropriate with jeans, some casual slacks, or even shorts with white socks. They should never be worn with suits or any outfit that includes a neck tie, unless you are going for that edgy, retro look, normally reserved for rock bands or artists. These shoes should be comfortable, stylish, and clean. A man who takes the time to clean and polish his shoes usually takes time to keep other aspects of his life in order, and thus is a sign of being a solid individual.

The last significant thing to consider when shopping for shoes is the salesperson. You would be shocked at the vast knowledge of footwear some shoe salesmen have. Don't be afraid to ask questions about a certain shoe. It is the salesman's job to do more than just run to the back of the store and fetch your size from the storeroom.

After you have some good shoes, you can start stepping out and up in the right direction. Next month's segment will cover suits and slacks, two necessities, unless you're a nudist or streaker.

Learn more about this author, Trav McGee.
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