Today it is no longer customary for a father to pass down shoes to his sons, a tradition that existed until the mid-20th century. Shoes, however, remain a very important item in a man’s wardrobe. They send a message about the wearer’s taste and social status. From the wear patterns on the sole, a skilled shoemaker can understand how the foot moves while walking. In this way, the heel provides clues about whether a person is introverted or extroverted. Did you know that? Moreover, the self-respecting man, as Cary Grant used to say, spends as much on his shoes as on his suit.
In this article, we will discuss patent leather shoes in the context of the wedding suit. Essentially, they are a type of wholecut made from leather coated with a hydrophobic, glossy film, immediately signaling elegance and refinement. Patent leather shoes have especially cemented the dress code known as black tie. Wedding, gala, or formal ceremony — these are just a few occasions where you can wear them.
But are patent leather shoes the only possible choice, or do you have a wider range of options? Many men complain about disadvantages: 1) that they are not versatile, 2) that they cannot be polished, 3) that they are too sophisticated for our times. If you think the same, here are three models that successfully replace patent leather shoes!
Black Wholecut Shoes
After patent leather shoes, these are among the most demanding shoes that exist. Their classic, timeless design makes them suitable for any formal event. Their defining feature is the absence of any seams (except for the unavoidable one around the welt). Sometimes, the shoe includes an ornamental medallion on the toe for extra style. The small drawback is that, being made from a single piece of leather, wrinkles will be more visible. The chosen outfit should be entirely black, including textile accessories.
Black Oxford Shoes
These are ultra-formal shoes with a closed lacing system. The sides of the vamp are sewn over the instep and close above the tongue. Essentially, the foot is “clothed” from all sides. In England, they are called Oxford; in the USA, Balmoral. A distinct feature is the absence of any decorative perforations. The second feature is a leather sole and a stacked heel. The third feature is the 270° welt stitching, ending where the heel begins. The great advantage of Oxford shoes is that you can wear them to the office, formal events, and even funerals (something impossible with patent leather shoes). The chosen outfit should be entirely black, including textile accessories.
Black Quarter-Brogue Shoes
Brogue enthusiasts know these as the decorative perforations (small holes) in the leather. The more perforations a shoe has, the more casual it becomes — and vice versa. Black quarter-brogue shoes are formal, yet slightly more flexible than the classic Oxford. The difference lies in a subtle perforated trim separating the toe cap from the rest of the shoe. The chosen outfit should still be entirely black, although textile accessories may be colored.
Therefore, patent leather shoes are not the only option for a wedding suit. Our mission at ZAVATE is to show Romanian men that there are always alternatives! In this article, we presented just three of them. Do you know any others?
