If there's one topic that's vast in the men's wardrobe, it's shoes. For some, two or three pairs are enough, while for others, a dozen are needed. At Finsbury, we believe there are five essential types of shoes, and we're going to introduce them to you:
The Richelieu
Sewn from a single piece of leather, the closed lacing of the Richelieu offers a fine and dressy look to the man's foot. The Richelieu, also called Oxford Shoes among our Anglo-Saxon friends, is the timeless and must-have of the male wardrobe.
It will be perfect for people with a moderate to medium-narrow instep. It is the ultimate refined model and can be worn perfectly with formal attire for work or a chic, dressy evening.
Expert opinion: A benchmark pattern for men's shoes, the Richelieu shoe has long remained the most popular and best-selling model type.
Highly versatile, the Oxford shoe complements the most formal styles of the elegant man. Whether formal or formal, the Oxford shoe remains a chic finishing touch to men's clothing.
The "one cut" models (seamless models across the entire upper) with a more Latin philosophy are now also mounted on shorter lasts, maintaining the continued strong appeal of this type of product among men.
The current trend: a one-cut Richelieu, accompanied by a small discreet flower on the toe, on a mid-short shape, all in a patinated iced brown leather.
Please note that some people with strong or developed insteps may have some difficulty with the fit of a Oxford shoe.
Photos credit: Emmanuel Macron (Le Point), Model Consul Noir Finsbury, Daniel Craig as James Bond (source Pinterest)
The Derby
Unlike a Richelieu, the shoe Derby is sewn from two pieces of leather. Its open lacing offers a less formal style than the Richelieu shoe.
The Derby shoe or sometimes called derbies Suitable for people with a more pronounced instep and offers extremely appreciable comfort because its open lacing allows it to better adapt to the shape of the foot.
Expert opinion: A must-have classic shoe, the derby maintains a more casual image than the classic Richelieu.
These two quarters, generally accompanied by 4/5 eyelets, rarely more, give it a decidedly less dressy look than the Richelieu, even if it will accompany all your suits in a very elegant way.
The current trend: It aims to frequently combine a derby with a thick or thin rubber sole, giving it, beyond its dressy side, a practical function in rainy weather or sustained urban use.
It is also the favorite product of active city dwellers who have swapped their suit for dark jeans/white shirt in casual wear.
Photo credit: Photo of Prince Harry in blue derby (http://stealhisoutfit.blogspot.com/, Model Clifton Noyer & Prieure Finsbury Brown Suede Calf , Jamie Dornan in derby (http://www.upscalehype.com/tag/jamie-dornan)
The Chelsea Boots
Mainly inspired by winter collections, the boots , also called men's ankle boots have made a place for themselves in men's wardrobes for their trendy and quirky style.
Expert opinion: Beyond the dandy chic/rock spirit that it conveys, the elastic boot also called Chelsea remains practical and elegant. A true icon of youth, it is now worn by the greatest number, generally at the end of the week, it retains a rebellious spirit, offbeat "so British" although new more angular shapes take it towards more assertive looks.
Practical because it slips on easily, it also protects the ankle and allows you to dress an area where jeans sometimes no longer fit.
Elegant and stylish, no mistake possible with jeans, the Chelsea boot will accompany you flawlessly on your outings, in black, dark brown and patinated gold versions. The brown suede version, on the other hand, keeps a more weekend look and is definitely less dressy.
I would add "versatile" to finish because it is increasingly worn with suits by some people. However, you will have to make sure that the bottom of the trousers does not get caught on the top of your boots, as this looks bad in the office ;)
In short, young people or older people, it is unanimous!
The current trend : With or without elastic, men's ankle boots can be worn all winter long, whether with chinos or jeans. Often featuring a rubber sole for added comfort, these boots can be worn both weekdays and weekends.
Photos credit: Pinterest & Model Borghese Noir Finsbury
The moccasin
Both casual and chic, the men's loafer is a very versatile shoe that will go with many outfits both in summer and winter.
Without lace, it is also very comfortable.
Slip-on, tasseled, lace-up or even studded, there are many styles of men's loafers to suit all tastes.
Expert opinion: the palette of the moccasin or loafer is wide, it can be both a very well-known formal model in its Penny Loafer form (College model at Finsbury), but it also includes all the more casual spring and summer models, which many now wear without socks.
Although less worn in its dressy version for some time, its success continues in more fanciful and tangy versions.
In very soft leathers or colored suede versions, it is part of the obligatory chic casual look from April until the end of September for beautiful evenings with friends.
A little tip: choose loafers with calfskin lining for greater comfort and good perspiration absorption. Don't worry, Finsbury never deviates from this rule!
The current trend: A suede loafer with chinos for beautiful summer evenings and a leather loafer for beautiful work days.
Photo credit: Brecourt Blue Patina Finsbury model , Michael Douglas (https://madame.lefigaro.fr/), https://style-seduisant.com/comment-choisir-ses-mocassins/ & https://www.thetrendspotter.net/dapper-mans-guide-wear-loafers/
The sneaker
Originally designed for sports, the Sneaker model or more commonly called basketball, is the casual model par excellence.
A must-have for men's fashion, it offers exceptional comfort for a relaxed effect in all circumstances, thanks in particular to its rubber sole.
Expert opinion: A true revolution of the last 5 years, the sneaker or more popularly called Basket is now a must-have for the modern man, young or old.
There are now many variations, the classic sneaker is a Bottier version of a trainer, a simple pattern, beautiful leathers, a rubber sole for an ideal compromise between comfort and elegance.
More recently, haute couture has seized on this phenomenon, customizing sports models to make them fashion icons. At Finsbury, the trend is to combine athletic, running-style shapes with ultra-technical and comfortable soles, while maintaining our shoemaking spirit. The result is distinctive leather sneakers with patinas of unparalleled transparency, all in absolute comfort.
The current trend : Increasingly present in everyday life, particularly following the great success of the Adidas Stan Smith, including with a suit, leather sneakers will break the formal look of a suit and give you a relaxed and offbeat look.
Photos credit: Bradley Cooper in GQ, Model Copan Marron Finsbury, Pinterest
