Years ago, I found solace in the minimalism theory. The idea of having less as a form of freeing one’s mind. Though I don’t and can’t actually be following the way throughout, I try as much as I can,
except for shoes.
But, in retrospect, like all shoe lovers, once you’ve reached a threshold, when your collection has started to pile up and there are shoes left not being worn for weeks, you start to feel the desire to add up falters. And if I could only keep and use 01 pair for all the purpose of dress shoes (considering my lifestyle and working culture), I would probably keep this pair:
Captoe oxford by Union Imperial (Japanese brand) with matching belt
Dress shoes are just as complicated as the men who adorn them, so many styles, schools, thoughts, and applications. I personally love the Chelsea boots above all, but I would go for this pair of balmoral mid brown oxford as an epitome of dress shoes. For following reason:
1. Oxford is both sleek and formal enough. Some would say black, for they can wear to…black tie events. But living in the business center of Saigon for almost 30 years and I’ve never seen any true black tie event so far, from statesmen to grooms, that fancy kind of dress code is not much alive in the country. So black or brown doesn’t matter. I don’t wear black trousers as well so fine for me.
Closed lacing system, thus Oxford.
2. No brogueing. At the end of the day, the job of the dress shoes are the keep you dressed up. A bit of punched cap is fine, but totally plain and simple do the job done better in terms of making the wearer stay sharp and clean.
3. Fits most pants and suits: in the culture today, if people can wear Stan Smith with a black suit, it means if you wear a pair of well-made oxford with a navy trouser and a tucked in shirt, you’re already well-dressed than 70% of the population (wear corresponding belt color also pls). Any weekend with dark jeans and chinos work just fine with a mid brown oxford.
Side by side with my other black oxfords. They actually have different lasts, though the style is almost twin in essence.
There are a lot of more questions one might throw in to determine his favorite pair: constructions, sole materials, even shoelaces colors. Personally, I prefer Goodyear welted with an open channel (I like seeing the threads). But at the end, each to his own liking. Just be confident in your pair and that already is a precious quality to have in any gentlemen.
The unmistakable stitched sole of a Goodyear welted shoe from my pair
That’s all the love for shoes today, what would be your favorite and must keep pair, please feel free to share in the comments. Thanks and take care.
