Spring Refresh: Shoes

Continuing with the Spring Refresh series, let’s talk about footwear.  As with most of your wardrobe, your shoes will go through a major change as the temperature warms up.  Your boots will hibernate.  Comfort becomes more of a factor.  Socks will become non-existent.

This year, let’s talk about how color can be a good addition to your Spring footwear rotation.  There’s nothing wrong with keeping with the normal tans and neutrals, but instead of playing it safe all season, have a little fun with the right color pallet.  Remember that when you wear a brighter pair of shoes, go neutral with your pants and shirt.  Otherwise you’ll look like a clown, or someone who just started reading #menswear blogs.

The same rule is true at 180 degrees: if you decide to wear neutral shoes, then feel free to go a little bright up top.  Whether it be with a brighter shirt OR a brighter pair of shorts (NOT together), feel free to have some fun.  There are some staples that you need: a pair of loafers, a pair of flip flops, and a pair of running shoes.  You have plenty of leeway in each staple category, so here are a few options:

From Top Left:

1. Belfry Shoes Loden Green Tassel Loafers:  Brand new to the game, Belfry is using chromexcel leather in very classic styles.  These are the classic Venetian tassel loafers in loden green.  Seriously cool.  The tassels give haters the perfect warning signal.
2. Brooks Brothers Pebbled Driving Moccasins:  Driving shoes.  They work for everyone in 99% of situations.  They get more and more comfortable as they are broken in.  Driving shoes are a privilege, so keep them looking somewhat new (polished, clean) or you’ll look like an amateur.
3. Havaianas Flip Flops:  Lightweight and sporty.  Exactly what flip flops should be.
4. New Balance M1300GD Running Shoes:  Sure, you have the 993s.  Probably a couple pairs.  Go for an alt-colored version from the New Balance you know.  I’m addicted to the 1300s these days.
5. Frye Jim Saddle Oxford Shoes:  Saddle shoes are on the upswing.  What’s even better is that they are coming back as brighter shoes are gaining in popularity.  This is the intersection of tan with a navy saddle…  Yep, as good as it gets.
6. Res Ipsa Wool Kilim Loafers:  I talk about these a lot.  They look fantastic, and draw more compliments than they do strange looks.  Large cajones required.
7. Alfred Sargent for J. Crew Double Monks in Champagne Suede:  Spring dress shoes.  Double monks are showing up everywhere, which is fine, and these light suede options should get tons of wear.  Avoid wearing these with jeans unless you are going for the lounge singer look.  Stick with khakis, seersucker, and lighter colored pants – pressed crisp or you’ll look like you stole them from someone much more stylish.
8. Clarks Low Wallabees in Sand Suede:  All…my…friends…know the low rider…the low…rider…is a little higher.
9. Peter Millar Nubuck Bit Loafers:  I really like an off-color pair of dress shoes in more formal situations.  Try these with a khaki suit at a spring wedding.  Sans socks (obviously) and aggressive attitude (obviously).
10. Quoddy Canoe Shoes:  A GREAT option in lieu of driving shoes.  They are more comfortable as they have a sturdier sole.  These may have a bit of granddad style, but there is nothing wrong with that.  Your granddad wore black cap toes as well.  These are even better after they’ve been through a couple Fight Club sessions.  Scars tell stories.
11. Sid Mashburn Green Suede Driving Moccasins:  Definitely a European look, the green suede will be perfect for your Master’s viewing party, or for when you need to sweep the leg.

Your thoughts?  What do you sport in the spring?