10 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Pair of Shoes

Shoes are indisputably a huge fashion statement accessory, especially for men. In the current trend, every fashion enthusiast thrives to have an impressive shoe game. I’m talking about having the sleekest and most expensive shoe designs from renowned labels.

Having the right pair of shoes is one thing. Rocking in them and still maintaining your overall outlook is another. And this is where most people have it wrong. A pair of kicks can completely ruin or elevate your look.

So, if you thought picking the right pair of shoes was a one-second affair, you’re in for a rude shock.

Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid when choosing a pair of shoes – whether sneakers, boots, or dress shoes.

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10 Common Mistakes When Choosing a Pair of Shoes

1. Avoid Wearing Formal Clothes with Casual Shoes

You might have come across this idea from fashion runways and thought you should rock it.

Don’t! Big respect to fashionistas and models, but let this trend remain on the runway. The combination doesn’t work out as well as you would imagine.

You may own that killer tuxedo and a bomb pair of sneakers or trainers but please, keep those two worlds apart.

The formal dressing should only be matched by formal shoes and vice versa. It will save you from the criticizing eyes and giggles of the public which in truth can leave you embarrassed.

2. Socks and Sandals is a Big NO

There are only two options when it comes to socks and sandals. You either wear sandals without socks or pick out closed shoes if you want to put socks on – no compromise! Socks and sandals don’t go together whatsoever.

Sandals should be worn on plain feet mostly during the summer when it’s hot outside or on short errands to and from the house.

Socks with sandals will not only make you look like a fashion dummy but will also cause unnecessary sweating of the foot, which is super uncomfortable.

You might like: 7 Things Men Should Avoid Wearing To an Interview

3. Picking the Wrong Shoe Size

It’s a no-brainer that tight and pressing shoes cause discomfort. A common misconception that most of us have heard or read about is that you should pick shoes slightly below your size. The argument is that the shoes will stretch with time. Don’t be a victim of this misconception.

When picking out a pair of shoes, comfort should be your first priority. Comfort over style any day or time. I know having an outstanding pair of kicks is fancy, but not at the expense of your comfort.

You don’t need to change your walking style either just to show off a pair of classy but uncomfortable shoes.

When you’re out buying shoes, don’t assume your shoe size. Go ahead and fit in them first. Feet grow with time, and they may be slightly longer than when you measured them last.

Also, keep in mind that shoe sizes vary with brands. A size-eight Adidas may not be the same as that of a Nike brand.

How comfortable are we talking about here? Make sure that your toes aren’t pressed and that the padding is cushioned enough. Otherwise, you’ll be dealing with painful corns and bunions on your toes.

4. Wrong Shoes for the Wrong Occasion

I believe I’m speaking for everyone when I say we’re fashion-conscious about choosing an outfit for an event. Be it a wedding, a charity event, or a formal dinner. In a formal dinner, for instance, it’s obvious that you need formal shoes for that. A pair of brogues will work the magic with your formal clothes.

On the other hand, don’t expect to rock your brogues in the gym. A pair of sneakers is best suited for that.

5. Avoid Worn Out Shoes

We all have that one pair of shoes that we love more than the rest. Shoes have their life span and when that expires, it’s hard to let them go. I know the feeling. But it’s better off to cut them loose than having them cramp your style.

Wearing worn-out shoes makes you look less presentable no matter how trendy and elegant your dressing looks like.

Remember, some of us make shoe contact before eye contact. Also, worn outsoles mean your heel and some parts of your bottom foot will be subject to soreness. Don’t let a worn-out shoe change your walking style resulting in sore feet.

6. Don’t Match Your Shoes with your Socks

Are you conversant with the bootee effect?

This is what happens when you wear socks and shoes of the same color. If you’ve been doing this, it’s time to stop. Instead, a better alternative will be to match your socks and pants.

If you are going with a black suit, for instance, black or navy blue socks with brown brogues are very much appealing.

For casual wear, it’s not so necessary but it will still come in handy. Matching your socks to your pants creates a uniformity that won’t cause a color clash when you take your shoes off.

7. Avoid Square Shaped and Sharply Pointed shoes

As if there aren’t enough ugly shoes in the market, square shapes and sharply pointed shoes still made their way into the market. There’s no better way of putting this out but, no one looks good in such shoes (or at least the ones that I’ve met).

The good thing is that not many companies produce these shoes nowadays and you’ll rarely come across them. But in case you have them in your wardrobe, you’re better off getting rid of them.

The best and probably the only alternative to your shoes should be round-toed shoes. These shoes blend well with most outfits without drawing much attention.

8. Avoid Low-Quality shoes

Cheap is expensive. Need I say more than that?

As much as we are out here trying to save and be economical, it’s okay if you go an extra mile for a few pairs of shoes. Shoe game lovers will tell you this for a fact.

The more you spend, the more likely you are to get a high-quality shoe – although not to rule out the idea of getting quality shoes at a relatively cheap price. But chances here are very minimal. Either way, it’s better if you do your research well and find out which shoe will last you long regardless of the price.

High-quality shoes will last you long before they wear out. Additionally, it spices up your look and definitely boosts your confidence around people and your friends too.

9. Wearing the Same Pair of Shoe Over and Over

I can’t blame you for wearing the same pair over and over again. As I said before, we all have our favorite pair in the closet.

Most of the time, you’d want to step out of the house with them. While this might be the case, you should alternate from one pair to another once in a while.

In doing so, you get a prolonged lifespan of your shoe. But a long shoe lifespan isn’t the only reason for not repeating the same shoe over and over.

Wearing the same shoe repeatedly can lead to bad foot odor. Alternating between pairs gives you the chance to wash your shoes and leave them to dry properly.

10. Wearing Thin-Soled Shoes

Regardless of how much you hate the idea of having baggage shoes on your feet, it’s important that you wear ones with a sufficient amount of soles. Soles provide cushioning to your feet, especially on rocky grounds.

Aside from cushioning, a good amount of sole provides firm support to your feet too. But don’t just go for any sole. Ensure that they are flexible and comfortable. Rigid soles will hurt your heel and feet.

Final Thoughts

Shoes are a basic need for all humans. They make moving around easy and comfortable.

Picking out the right shoe for your feet should, therefore, be paramount. Having more than one pair of shoes of different types is highly recommended. That gives you a wide range of options for different settings.

When all of the above mistakes are avoided, you’ll not only look good but also avoid foot injury. The journey to a perfect outfit begins with the perfect pair of shoes.

So, it’s essential that you do everything right. Which of the above mistakes are you guilty of? Let us know in the comment section below.