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Men tend to have an extremely personal and up-close relationship with their shoes. They put in a lot of thought and consideration before investing in that perfect pair, right? And why shouldn’t they? After all, footwear is something you have to pay extra attention to if you want to nail your look.

You can wing it when it comes to other accessories like watches, rings, bracelets, hats, etc. But shoes? Nope, not! They’re the most noticed part of a man’s ensemble, and truly a necessity in their lives. No matter what conditions your feet have to brave or what planned and unplanned occasions you attend, your shoes will protect your feet and adorn them till their very last breath; almost like your partner who stands by you during all the ups and downs of life (not that we’re comparing your partner with a shoe, but you get the drift, right?). And what do you think makes shoes so capable? It’s the quality of the material they’re made with, the techniques they’re stitched with, and the care you put in to maintain them; similar to the effort you put in to maintain your relationship (*wink)!

So why don’t you join us today as we introduce you to the ultimate category of men’s shoes that’ll make you stand out from the crowd? We’re talking about handmade genuine Italian leather shoes, and this is your guide to them. From an introduction to Italian leather to the best varieties of handmade Italian leather shoes – we’ll take you through every little detail in this post. So, without making you wait any further, let’s hop onto the article and find out what’s the whole hype about.

What’s the hype behind Italian leather shoes? 

Speaking of the best quality shoes, nothing can beat the style and supreme comfort of leather shoes. They’re classy, yet utterly non-compromising on quality. To top it off, if you make it a point to always go for handmade leather shoes, my friend, you’re a genius with impeccable taste in fashion! Handmade shoes are a great option if you live for attention to detail and exclusiveness, and of course, don’t mind investing a little extra. 

Now, what would you say if we told you that among Italian leather shoes, there’s yet another classification that’s regarded as the best of the best? Yes, genuine Italian leather handmade shoes are that category of shoes that can be a complete game-changer in a man’s wardrobe. They make you look vogue, stylish, and most importantly, make you stand out of the crowd. 

Italian leather shoes are the best in the market when compared to other shoe patterns. They’re super long-lasting and insanely durable. Not only that, the fine Italian craftsmanship that goes behind every single pair is very well known and highly reputed all across the globe. It is an age-old reliable shoe category that has the trust and belief of millions of happy customers. For hundreds of decades, leather craftsmanship has been an integral and extremely important part of traditional Italian households, and that’s what makes Italian leather handmade shoes such masterpieces.

Top 3 varieties of Italian leather shoes to stand out from the crowd

Leather is a fascinating material. Every single scratch and pore on it narrates its own story. It’s been ages that mankind has been using leather to craft a wide variety of products, but one of the most common and popular uses of leather is to make shoes. 

There are a bunch of Italian leather varieties used in shoemaking, and quite frankly, it can be a hell of a task to remember each one of them. But you don’t need to worry because we’re here to guide you. Before we jump into the brief categorization though, it's essential to understand that if you are aware and have a decent understanding of various types of mens oxford shoes leather, it will be a piece of cake for you to make more accurate and better choices, in terms of shoe purchase. That’s not it, you’ll be able to learn more about leather and woo your friends with this amazing knowledge!

The most common variety of Italian leather is calfskin. So, let’s start with that first! 

Calfskin is also known as vellum (derived from Latin). This material is the most popular and widely accepted when it comes to crafting good-quality men’s leather shoes. It is extracted from the skin of young calves (as the name suggests) who are mostly older than 3 months and younger than 12 months. The quality of this leather is impeccable; the material has a very tight grain with few to almost no imperfections, and that makes it a perfect choice to build high-quality leather shoes. Though calfskin does not require a lot of maintenance, it's always a good idea to polish and nourish it regularly so that the longevity of the material is kept intact. If you’re looking for your first leather shoe, calfskin is a safe bet. 

Check out high-quality Italian calfskin leather shoes at Lethato.

Honestly, if this article had been written a year ago, we aren’t even sure that suede would even make it to the list. But now, oh boy! Suede is one of our favorites. It is just the perfect material for casual shoes, and especially our favorite sneakers! On one hand, this material (split suede) is perfect to build informal shoes, but on the flip side, suede and water don’t go together very well. It acts as a sponge the moment it comes in contact with water; therefore, it ends up being the most fragile leather.

But you don’t need to worry about these cons if you’re always careful about exposing your leather shoes to wet conditions. Suede shoes are ultra classy and give off a sophisticated vibe only a few other shoes can match.

Check out high-quality Italian suede leather shoes at Lethato.

Camel leather, though a tad difficult to obtain, is scratch-resistant with a minimum amount of texture. However, the material needs to be sueded first in order to soften it up. FYI, camel leather consists of 10 times more fibers per square centimeter as compared to cowhide. And as far as the colors are concerned, caramel, tan, desert orange are the natural color options available in this category. Needless to say, this is one of the premium qualities of leather used in shoemaking.

To wrap it up

The varieties of Italian leather used in handmade shoes are endless. But the ones listed above are the key ones that high-class men’s shoe brands like Lethato prefer. The world of men’s footwear is extremely extravagant and total fun to explore. Not to forget, it’s filled with surprises too! To get a whiff of the different varieties of handmade leather shoes you can equip your shoe closet with, feel free to visit our platform time and again to refresh your memory and take a closer look at some gorgeous designs. 

A good pair of footwear is no less than a best friend. Just like your friends back you up when the times get hard, similarly, a trusty pair of footwear goes a long way in a man's closet!

Wearing footwear is an everyday necessity, but let’s be honest. With revamping fashion trends, why should our style stay stuck in the old times? All that each one of us needs is to add a hint of vogue in our footwear collection, and just like that, we can glam up our fashion statement and make a lot of heads turn. 

Intrigued? Well, you should be! In case, these super enlightening words of acknowledgment have started to probe at your subconscious mind and force you to refurbish your footwear closet, we’re happy to tell you that this is the right platform to be on! So, if you're planning on investing in a spectacularly stylish piece of footwear, handcrafted patina shoes can be a perfect fit for you. 

Birth of the Patinas

Have you ever wondered why men's shoes are mostly crafted in shades of black and brown? Well, that's a little daunting, isn't it? Up until a few years back, designers wouldn't even think of getting out of this stereotypical bubble just because blacks and browns are the most universal colors and sit well with all kinds of attires. But thankfully, that’s not the case anymore. The fashion industry keeps evolving and expanding every day, and so do rival brands to outsmart each other. And in this cut-throat competitive world, sophisticated footwear like patinas steal the show! 

A classic pair of handmade leather shoes is your one-stop solution for all your footwear malfunctions. They’re such a classic and a simple pair of footwear that they go with almost every outfit, which is why they're undoubtedly the most preferred and loved pieces of shoes globally. But before we talk any further about these beauties, it’s essential that we take a dive into their history.

The patinas were first crafted by Olga Berluti, a member of the French shoe company, Berluti. All thanks to their amazing shoe crafting technique, the brand became a real talk of the town in the 80s. An interesting fact about patinas is that they are especially hand-dyed to give the shoes an aged effect. Olga believed that the aged look gave a perfect stand-out look to a shoe, and the more the shoe looks worn out, the more fascinating stories it holds behind it. Now that’s a fascinating point of view, wouldn’t you agree?! 

Craftsmen who build patinas normally use various techniques for coloring the shoes, such as dyes, tints, excessive usage of solvents, and essential oils. In order to give patinas that unique and antique look, unfinished tanned leather is manually dyed and cut, and then finally the entire shoe is aged by using a technique named Anticatura. No wonder patinas are conspired to be the world's best men's dress shoes!

Key features of handcrafted patinas

When someone goes on and on about something, you’re bound to wonder what is it that pushes them to blabber so much, right? Well, here’s the reason we can’t stop talking about handmade patinas:

When it comes to order-made or handcrafted patinas, you don’t need to worry about the quality of the material. Patinas are the kind of shoes that must beam like lacquer, meaning it's mandatory to use premium quality material. They consist of full-grain leathers that are uncoated, defect-less, and chosen with exceptional skills. That being said, only a true craftsman can build a patina since they’re the only people who can recognize the right material. 

As we've already mentioned above, crafting a genuine and premium quality patina is no less than a piece of art. New techniques like vibrant colors, patterns, and everything are cool, but it takes the best of the best artists to create a masterpiece from high-quality produce. All in all, the final product isn't just supposed to be attractive; it should be extremely comfortable too. 

2 Varieties of Lethato Patinas you should definitely try

Now that you’re all geared up about them, allow us to introduce you to a couple of varieties of handmade patina shoes by Lethato you’ll absolutely love: 

The sole reason why Lethato Patinas are the most loved shoes after Lethato Oxfords is that they're super stylish and can be customized as per your requirements. The range of personalization options that Lethato offers allows buyers to speak their hearts out before their coveted pair is assembled. Trust us! The final product can leave you speechless (in a good way, of course)! 

If you really have a keen eye when it comes to men's footwear, you'll know how comfortable a pair of chukka boots are. They’re a perfect example of vogue and make for the ultimate staple in every man's wardrobe. Now, what if we tell you that you can get the best possible style quotient of patinas and the comfort of chukka boots in one pair? Sounds like a dream? Well, this can come true if you choose Lethato! 

Both men's chukka boots and patinas are exclusively made and sold by thousands of brands, but incredibly enough, Lethato’s in-house craftsmen have devised the ultimate combination of both these varieties to create a pair that’s simply out of this world. To give a vintage-aged look to the good old chukka, they’ve blended the right vibrant colors with selected leather material to give birth to an amazingly breathtaking patina chukka boot collection that’s sold exclusively by Lethato shoes. It seriously cannot get better than this so you have to check them out.

Looking for a specific patina pair?

Yes, we hear you! Lethato has amazing collections in so many different categories that getting a little lost is natural. But don’t worry; we’re here to solve that dilemma for you. Here are our top 3 picks for the best handcrafted Lethato patina shoes:

Handcrafted with Italian full-grain leather uppers, these penny loafers are a must-have for people having a taste for luxurious style. Sporting a comfortable design and their double-toned hand-painted patina finish adds a style statement to all outfits, be it casual or formal.

These oxford shoes are a delightful accessory to have in one’s wardrobe. Designed with authentic full-grain Italian leather uppers and giving off a sophisticated patina finish, these shoes are meant to complement all styles, be it casual or formal.

Handcrafted out of full-grain crocodile-embossed calf leather, these shoes feature a Brogue design and a closed-lace look that’s typical of a high-quality pair of shoes. Their brown tint and patina finish makes them suitable for formal occasions, but the crocodile embossing allows using them for casual events as well. 

Wrapping up

No matter what occasion it is, a stylish man will always go for a formal pair of footwear that compliments his attire. And according to our fashion sense, a pair of classic retro-finish handmade patinas makes for the ideal choice. They're widely available in interesting colors and patterns and look bomb with every single outfit. But if you want to go all out and have them custom-made (first off great decision), there are plenty of options at Lethato you can consider from. 

When thinking of the perfect ensemble for men, in addition to the outfit and accessories, the footwear plays a major role. What a man adorns his feet with portrays his personality, his outlook, and his sophistication. That’s the reason diligent men often give a lot of thought to selecting the right quality of shoes for themselves. The material, the cut, the look, the fit – each of them should be perfect.

Now, while there are so many varieties of shoes available out there, often handmade genuine leather shoes stand out. A lot of global brands specialize in creating high-quality custom-made leather shoes for an urban audience, but only a few excel when it comes to perfection and exquisite craftsmanship. Among them, Lethato Shoes is a name to reckon with.

Lethato is an online Indian brand that’s dedicated to crafting handcrafted leather shoes specially curated for modern men. The brand is quite popular famous for its luxurious footwear collection that comprises high-quality Italian and Argentinean leather oxfords, loafers, boots, and several other shoe varieties. Every single one of Lethato’s masterpieces is handcrafted and hand-painted by experienced shoe artists. The team at the helm of the company is passionate about designing the finest quality stylish handmade shoes, and they consistently strive to fulfill the needs of metropolitan men.

Lethato focuses on delivering top-notch quality, uniqueness, and excellence to their customers. As a brand they have a pretty growth-oriented approach, which is why they’ve acquired an amazing response from customers across the globe. Men in USA, Europe, and Middle East, vouch for their product quality, pleasing aesthetics, soft touch-and-feel, and perfect fitting. Every single shoe is handcrafted by professionals with a lot of affection and dedication, and that makes each pair even more special. 

Lethato Handcrafted Leather Shoes – Customers’ Opinion

In today’s modern world, the internet can be your best friend when it comes to finding genuine reviews about a particular brand or product. In terms of Lethato shoes too, you’ll find a lot of customer reviews from happy users who’ve used their products for years.

What people love most about Lethato is how stylish and comfortable their shoes are. Additionally, customers commend Lethato’s amazing shipping facilities and great customer support. Above all, the quality of the shoes is top-notch, keeping in mind the style quotient, versatility and durability. One particularly happy user didn’t hesitate in sharing his personal experience with the shoes when he said that he’d wore the shoes to an event and they made a great statement.

Such customer testimonies play a huge role in the growth and expansion of any brand/online store. They help in building huge customer support and allow you to convert potential buyers into loyal customers. For a brand to earn such admiration from users, there must be something awesome about it, right? Well, let’s find out what it is about Lethato that every modern man wants to pick their products.

Top 10 Reasons to buy Lethato Handmade Leather Shoes

Handmade Leather Shoes are available in different styles and designs. While style may be of prime importance to some, others may look for supreme quality. But if you’re looking for both, Lethato shoes have you covered!

Here are some reasons that prove Lethato footwear is the best in terms of style as well as quality.

1. Fine finish

Lethato leather shoes are handcrafted by professional and experienced craftsmen, considering your custom foot-shape, size, and personal preferences. Since every piece is hand-built and hand-painted, every shoe reflects perfection and attention to detail. Needless to say, the finish of such shoes is unmatchable.

2. Highest quality materials

The shoes from this brand are crafted with high quality Full Grain Leather Uppers and Argentinean leather sole. Both materials provide a luxurious finish to the shoe and make them stand out in. Unlike lower quality leather shoes where the material starts to split over and crack within no time, Lethato shoes make use of full-grain supple leather which molds easily without cracking.

3. Cost effective

Handmade leather shoes can often be a tad expensive, but they make for a great investment as each pair can last you for a very long time. Lethato’s leather footwear are quite cost effective as compared to other leather shoe brands, and each of their pairs can be used with almost every outfit. This essentially means that when you buy one such pair, you’ll end up using it a lot, and thus, save a lot of money.

4. Care guide

As we have mentioned above, men’s handmade leather shoes are a one-time investment and will last you for a very long time, but that’s possible only if you take proper care of them. Leather is a material that requires care, and it shows when it makes them look neat and new for a very long time. Unlike other brands, Lethato offers a care manual or guide with each pair of shoes it sells. This manual consists of every little detail you need to know about the product. It also includes the steps to keep your shoes new and long-lasting.

5. Extremely comfortable

Men's Chukka Boots by Lethato are bound to provide you utmost comfort since they’re specially crafted for you considering your custom size and foot shape. Moreover, with this brand, you can provide your own specifications so that the shoes can be further customized according to your choice. In this way, not only are these shoes “built-to-order,” they’re sure to provide the ultimate comfort to your feet to keep you moving throughout the day.

6. Strong and durable

Lethato’s range of handmade leather shoes are much more durable and long lasting as compared to machine made leather shoes that you find in most stores. These shoes are handcrafted by experts. This essentially means that you can expect the best fitting, good quality stitching, and great comfort. The professionals pay special attention towards each and every shoe, making sure that the final product matches your expectations.

7. Fashion game changer

If you’re new to men’s fashion, a pair of handmade leather shoes by Lethato is all you need. Their shoes are extremely versatile and add a lot of style and sophistication to your everyday look. Premium quality good looking handcrafted leather shoes can definitely change your entire fashion game and make you stand out in the crowd.

8. Perfect Wedding shoes

Wholecut Italian leather shoes are one of the most popular and stylish formal styles of oxfords available in the market. These shoes are paired extremely well with any sort of formal attire like tuxedo and suits, which makes them the best choice for your wedding day. Lethato offers a whole range of Wholecut Oxford Shoes and other styles in their exclusive range.

9. Look great with every outfit

Lethato shoes are an excellent choice if you want to add charm and character to your regular outfits. They totally amp up your style and lift your fashion statement. Handmade leather shoes look great with formal outfits like the traditional black suit or even with the modern and trendy color suits including beige, charcoal, navy blue and burgundy.

10. Great shipping policy

Lethato provides express shipping across the world in more than 200 countries. They work with leading courier companies (DHL & FedEx) that deliver packages within 2-6 business days in the USA, Middle East, Europe, and Canada. In case your desired product is out of stock or the size is not available, they will inform you in advance and will get it custom made just for you within 2-3 weeks.

Is it worth investing your money in Lethato Handmade Leather Shoes?

As mentioned before, Lethato is a home-grown online brand that provides a wide variety of men’s dress shoes. Their assortment of unique colors and designs will make your eyes shine. Most brands offer the same style of designs and colors in traditional oxfords and loafers, but that’s not the case with Lethato! They offer original variations and customizations to their customers, and that makes them different from other competing shoe brands. The quality of their footwear is quite premium and the brand itself is trusted by most modern men. Along with great style and design, they also provide a complete guide for your handmade leather shoes in order to keep them safe and long lasting, which always comes handy.

Here are some points that will draw your attention towards the footwear brand:

• Provides free express shipping to major Countries.
• Most of their high-quality handmade leather dress shoes are hand painted.
• Large range of sizes to choose from, including US men’s 7 to 15.
• All their shoes come with care guides, which is an extremely helpful manual to keep your leather shoes intact for a long period of time.

To Conclude

Lethato offers a huge variety of handmade leather shoes for men. From chukka boots to oxford shoes, they have an extremely wide range of men’s footwear that will never disappoint you in terms of quality, style, and comfort. They provide trendy and latest designs without compromising on the quality and craftsmanship, and that’s why each pair bought from them will make for a great investment.

We hope this information was helpful and you’ll end up making good use out of it.

Happy shopping! 

When you’re running from store to store to pick the right outfit, the right accessories, and the right footwear, sooner or later you’re bound to wonder, since when did getting married become such a tiring experience?! If you have some thought blazing through your head, well, you're on the right platform! With your wedding day just around the corner and a pile of confusion about what shoes to wear bothering you, this post will surely be your savior. 

In this article, we’ll be sharing information about a bunch of modern to classic pairs of mens dress shoes that will amplify your look and be the perfect match for your wedding suit. Since most weddings have a theme or dress code, we’ll try to provide the best style recommendations for each and every shoe style. We will also break down the color schemes, meaning what color shoes look best with what color suits to make sure everything falls in the right place on your big day. 

But before moving forward to the style guide/breakdown, let's get a clear picture of how you can shop for your wedding shoes.

Where should you shop for your wedding shoes? Online VS Offline

If you're a man who is well aware of his foot measurements and just hates standing in those queues at the billing counter, online wedding shoe shopping can be your best friend. Browsing for shoes online makes the job so easy and hassle-free that online shopping has become an all-time favorite option for most men out there. 

But if you're someone who believes in getting the feel of the product before investing your money, offline shopping would be an appropriate choice for you. Many customers have an intangible relationship with their favorite or most preferred brands, which is why they wish to shop from a retail store in order to get that one-on-one experience. So, the choice is completely yours, choose whatever suits you the most. 

Now that we’ve provided a pretty lucid interpretation of how and from where you can shop for men's wedding shoes, let's move towards the more primitive aspect of this article, which is how to style your wedding shoes with your suit.

Matching your wedding shoes with the color of your suit

A wedding is definitely one of the biggest days in a bride's life. But as we always say, it's a two-way thing. It’s equally important for a man, and guys should participate in it equally. As such, making an appearance in dapper attire that’s complemented with the right pair of wedding shoes is imperative. 

Despite the bride getting all the eyes, you shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that you too are going to be the center of attraction on your special day. And that is why you need to pick something that’s fashionable and versatile, yet super comfortable. 

Here are a few tips you can use to perfectly match your mens oxford shoes with your wedding suit:

Matching colors: black, brown, burgundy

A dark or light gray suit screams casual or a tad less formal, which makes it a very easy color to work with. Any shade of gray goes great with any color shoes you like, but a great choice will be going for a classic and stylish black wedding day shoe. This combination will add a ton of style and increase your fashion quotient. 

Matching colors: black, brown, burgundy

If you're planning on wearing a navy blue suit for your big day, the ball is definitely on your court. There’s literally no chance that you could go wrong with this color, and the reason is that blue is a neutral color that blends well with all the other colors in the spectrum.

Classic black wedding shoes will look great with a tailored navy-blue suit if your dress code is more on a formal side, but if you're going for a more light-hearted look, burgundy or brown wedding shoes will look just fab! They will add a hint of color to your outfit and draw eyes naturally towards your feet. 

Matching colors: black

When you pick a classic old-school black suit or tuxedo, there’s only one way to go with the footwear – classic black wedding shoes. No other color suits best with the traditional black tuxedo. Premium quality black leather shoes would look great with a well-fitted black suit. The whole look will make you stand out from the crowd and add a lot of class to your entire look. 

Matching colors: brown, burgundy

Thinking of going for a brown-toned suit for your special day? Well, we must say you have a great choice and an applause-able fashion sense. When you're wearing a brown/khaki suit though, go for brown shoes that compliment your outfit. Make sure you use a color tone that blends with the color/shade of your suit and the theme of the wedding (if any). A great tip to choose the right shade of brown is to always go for a color that’s darker than your suit. This will help break the monotony of your look and make you stand out in the crowd. 

Now that we have enough information about the color schemes/coding, let's move straight towards some of the most fashionable and classic wedding shoe styles. 

Variety of stylish wedding shoes

The penny loafers, arguably also known as America's shoes, are the number one go-to shoes for men. They look supremely amazing with casual as well as formal outfits. The Stewart version of penny loafers looks great with nearly every clothing item a man owns, be it jeans, shorts, or even a tuxedo. They are the best wedding shoes if you're planning a beach wedding – they’re a trendy, comfortable, and super stylish piece of footwear. 

An oxford belongs in every man's closet. They are, without a doubt, the most versatile pair of footwear a man could ever own. They can be worn to work, office, dinners, and look seamlessly appealing with all kinds of attire. Specifically, the purple classic cap-toe oxford is a type of shoe that can elevate your look within seconds. It consists of subtle double-blind stitching across the cap and the vamp of the shoe, which is an appropriate look for the high-end and classic tuxedo suit. This style of footwear can be an appropriate choice for a traditional church or temple wedding. 

The oldie but goldie, patent leather wedding shoe is definitely show-stopper footwear. It’s an extremely stylish and dazzling pair of beauties that look great when teamed up with a formal tuxedo. Patent leather is known for its high shine and glossy effect, which is purposely applied on the shoes in order to protect them from dust. These can be your best option if you're looking for a wedding shoe that’s formal yet classy. But be considerate of your budget before investing in these shoes as patent leather can cost you a big chunk of your money.

Dress boots are the most comfortable pair of footwear. They give you great support and comfort for those days when you have to stand for a long time or dance with a partner. But they surely make your feet a little sweaty, so prefer wearing them for a winter wedding. They might look very similar to other dressy shoes like oxfords, but actually, they’re quite different. Dress Boots for Men consist of a longer entryway for the foot, which is why they often brogue on the toe and along the seams. So, if you're planning to show off your socks or opting for a dressier look for your wedding, these are the right pair of wedding shoes for you.

The designer slipper style shoe is a perfect definition of class and appeal in this modern era. They are the coolest men's wedding shoes that symbolize a perfect balance of class, sophistication, and smartness. Grooms who like to pull off that edgy look and be the center of attraction can opt for these beauties. After all, there's no harm if a groom standing at the end of the aisle grabs some attention and generates a buzz for his unique fashion sense!

Oxford Sneakers come in a wide variety of designs, patterns, and explicit colors. Though typically, they're not considered wedding shoes, lately they have become very popular amongst the current generation. Not only grooms, brides to have been seen wearing this comfortable footwear for their big day. They are available innumerable styles and colors which is why they have become a style statement.

In Conclusion

We hope that this article was extremely helpful and we were able to solve your struggle in order to find the perfect groom’s shoes. These men's wedding shoe styles will make you feel and look good on your wedding day and allow you to walk the aisle with great comfort and confidence. 

The most underrated dilemma for a man other than “when will I get married” and “do I have a perfect job” is “does this footwear suit my outfit”?! 

Almost every urban man has gone through this, every evening; in fact, on several mornings too when rushing to school/college/office. It's the most difficult task to find footwear that goes with your dress and your personality at the same time. A wrong pair of footwear can easily ruin your look and impression. Considering that, here is the perfect option that serves all these purposes beautifully – the Monkstrap shoes! 

In the era of vivid styles and assorted choices, it’s unlikely that you haven’t heard of them. Every second man chooses these shoes for their perfect go-to look and also for their date night or an interview. Lately, Monk shoes have become a latest fashion trend for all the gentlemen out there, and therefore, it’s quite relevant that we help you grasp more information about this trend. 

So, without any further delay let's get started. 

What are Monkstrap Shoes?

Monkstrap shoes are lace-less dressy shoes with one or two buckle-like straps in the front that sear and hold the feet. This design makes them look unique and classy while also making it look a little more formal, considering that you can wear them at formal events like seminars and office meetings. This design also comes handy when you need to travel for long-distance voyages.

Many of us confuse monk shoes with derby shoes. But the monk’s signature design – the buckles – differs from the derby shoes. In fact, quite contrary to monk shoes, derby shoes commonly have laces in front. As compared to them, monk shoes are classier, more comfortable, stylish, and versatile leather shoes. They consist of all the qualities a fashion enthusiast could ask for.

We must say, monk shoes are the most interesting men’s footwear, not just because they’re classy and elegant looking, but also because of the interesting history behind them. Would you like to know what we’re talking about? Well then, dive into the next section.

History of Monkstrap Shoes

Monkstrap shoes were invented back in the 15th century in Europe. They were essentially designed for the laborers and monks who used to do reaping, plowing, and binding of the crops in the farms, all day long. Kiltie Monk strap had to travel miles to hills and mountains for their work, and these shoes were specially designed for them, keeping in mind durability, hold, comfort, and protection for their feet. The sleek design of the buckles and soft sole made it easy for them to work constantly with pain free, sweat free, and secured feet. Even though the inspiration was the traditional strap sandals, monk shoes were unquestionably a better option over sandals.  

While that was the original thought behind their making in the 15th century, even in the 20th century, there was a notion that monk shoes are meant for rough use like manual activities and travel. They were often considered boring and some men only used to prefer them for formal occasions. But with evolving fashion trends, these versatile shoes have finally succeeded in making their place and becoming everyone's favorite. 

Today, some of the most popular brands market monks and they’re a huge rage among the fashion-conscious men. And speaking of fashion, we know that you want to know how you can perfectly style a pair of monkstrap dress shoes now, so join us as we unveil the tips for the same in the next section.

Monkstrap Shoes Styling Guide

Monkstrap is the most fashionable and enduring footwear styles of all times. The build and craftsmanship of these shoes makes them appropriate for formal events with a hint of sophistication as well. But styling them perfectly is often challenging, and the two most common questions men deal with when choosing them are:

• How to look stylish while wearing monk shoes? 
• How can one carry them with style and yet be comfortable? 

If you’re struggling with these queries too, well, don’t worry. To help you in styling these religiously named dressy shoes, here are some styling tips and tricks that you might find helpful. 

First things first – What to choose: Single or Double monk?

There have been endless discussions and debates regarding this single question – which is better: single monk or double monk? 

The answer is simple – it totally depends on your personal preference! 

Both the straps are equally versatile and add so much class into your wardrobe. Single monk provides a cleaner and sharper look to your formal attire. On the other hand, double monk is more on an edgier side. Both kinds are perfect for occasions where you want to show a little more personality. They’re best for casual and business casual events, but they also work great for weddings and parties.

Monk shoes with a Suit

Monk strap looks best when accompanied with a well-tailored suit. It provides an extremely structured yet classy feel to the whole attire and it’s worthy enough to be your best option if you’re looking forward to attend a formal event. Keep in mind that:

• While styling a black suit, stick to the good old black colored monk shoes.
• Like every other shoe, black and brown monk shoes are your best options.
• If you’re planning to wear an unusual color like beige, charcoal, grey or blue, pair them with brown monk shoes. It will add a lot of character and enhance your look.

Monk shoes with Jeans

It’s high time that you ditch those same old sneakers and loafers for your everyday look! Try teaming up your fitted jeans with monk strap shoes to achieve that smart look.

• For a more casual and breezier look, choose tan colored double monk shoes along with a dark colored slim fitted jeans and white polo t-shirt.
• Brown leather monk straps are your best shot when it comes to styling with jeans, but if you want to explore more options in terms of variety, opt for tan color and suede material. They completely stand out with jeans.
• Try sticking to the neutrals. Don’t go overboard.

How to wear monk straps for casual look

• During winters – Brown monk strap with blue or grey chinos along with a sweater.  
• During summers – Tan suede double monk shoes with fitted blue jeans and an open neck oxford t-shirt.

How to wear monk straps for business-casual look

• Stick to single monk strap shoes, and to elevate your look, try adding small details like ties and pocket squares in order to stick to a business setting.

• You could also pick a charcoal suit with a round neck white shirt along with brown leather monk strap
• Alternatively, a brown leather monk strap with navy blue suit along with a structured coat or blazer can also be sported to achieve an office friendly winter look.

How to ace the formal look with monk shoes

• The basic – Black tailored suit with white oxford shirt teamed up with black leather single monk strap shoes.
• In mood for a little experiment? Go for a three-piece suit, white oxford shirt, a tie with double monk strap shoes. 

To wrap it up

We have no qualms about saying it yet again – monkstrap shoes are undeniably one of the trendiest, sassiest pairs of footwear for men out there. They’re super durable too and can protect your feet if you walk or work for hours. You can team them up with formal or casual wear; you could even go a little crazy with experimentation, but these shoes will never disappoint you. 

Hope this guide will help you pick the best monkstrap shoes for your wardrobe.

A pair of shoes can be a man’s best friend or his worst nightmare!

Footwear is something that you just can’t pick with your eyes closed or without adding any extra effort. You might be able to take the other accessories like hats, watches, wallets, etc, lightly, but when it comes to shoes, they are undoubtedly one of the most important necessities in a man’s life.

Men usually have quite a personal relationship with their shoes. They always look for a pair that goes well with all of their looks and personalities. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that for men, picking the right shoe is no less than choosing a best friend. After all, you can always count on them to have your back!

Speaking of choosing the right pair of shoes, nothing beats comfortable yet stylish custom handmade leather shoes. They’re super comfortable and elegant while being so simple and stylish. Also because they are handcrafted, they showcase the attention to detail and care from the craftsmen who spend hours to create them.

In this article, we will cover all the important information that you need to know about handmade leather shoes. From basic features to their pros and cons, you’ll get to know about every single detail regarding these classy shoes here. So, stay tuned till the end. 

What are Handmade Leather Shoes and how are they made?

According to renowned shoe expert, Daniela Ghezzo, to make a good pair of shoes all you need is “leather, nails, pliers, knife, some thread, a piece of glass for scraping, a hammer, and of course, electricity.” But the truth is that not all shoes are created in the same way, even though most are marketed through decorative words like “traditional” and “skilled.”

Typically, handmade shoes involve the handiwork of a skilled craftsman who spends hours working on them while also taking the help of a machine. In most cases, a “made-to-measure handmade shoe” is commissioned from scratch according to measurements taken by a person, not a machine (which is generally the case with custom-made shoes). After the measurements are taken, such shoes are hand-welted, hand-sewn at the sole, and hand-built at the heel. These shoes are created entirely by hand, following a form and pattern called a “last” which implies something that’s created from and for a particular wearer’s foot.

Among the most favorite leather varieties used to make handmade shoes are Cordovan, Kangaroo, Suede, Patent Leather, Lamb, and also Kid.

To give you an overview of the process of making handmade shoes in a high-quality shop:

1. First, every line and curve of the wearer’s foot is measured. Though machines may be used here, the simpler the tools, the better the accuracy
2. Next, the “last” is made.
3. After this, it’s time to create a pattern for the style of shoe that’s ordered.
4. Finally, the craftsman begins the long process of cutting and sewing the leather to match the pattern and last.

Handmade and Regular Leather Shoes – Are they the same?

Though we’ve touched upon the concept above, we’d like to reiterate it here. It’s important to realize the difference between conventional leather shoes that you’d buy off a shelf and custom handmade shoes. To make the distinction clear, we’ve highlighted a few areas of difference here:

Upper material

Regular leather shoes are mostly made using machines which is in contrast to handmade shoes which involve expert work by experienced hands. Since sometimes it becomes rather difficult to cut some high-quality mens leathers dress shoes using machines, often, shoe factories resort to using lower quality processed or synthetic leather which can crack easily. In stark contrast to this, stores that make handmade shoes use the highest quality full-grain leather for the shoe uppers and a lot of attention is paid to the cut which is done by hand using traditional tools like knives.

Soles

Most off the shelf leather shoes come with rubber soles since they can be attached to shoes the quickest. While there’s nothing wrong with a shoe that has a rubber sole, in matters of comfort and durability, a leather sole works best. Such a sole begins to soften with your weight and molds according to the unique shape of your foot. But of course, since the walking grip of a rubber sole is way better than leather, the best solution is to have shoes that come with a leather sole fixed with a rubber patch on it for better grip.

Quality control

Conventional leather shoes are usually mass produced in factories. Despite the highest level of quality checks, the attention to detail can’t be matched as that of the eyes of an experienced craftsman who has been working dedicatedly on the pair. In terms of the “lasting” too, off the shelf shoes are stretched and shaped using machines, and when so many shoes need to be lasted, the job is often rushed. Handmade shoes are lasted using hands and thus get the attention and time they deserve.

Customization

Needless to say, in the case of regular wingtip brogue oxford, you get what is served on the shelf. But in the case of handmade shoes, you get to have control! You can have a design that matches your style, a color that goes with your personality, and any other kind of customization that you can think of.

Considering all of the above, isn’t it obvious that handmade leather shoes are much better than conventional pairs?

Things you should know before investing in Handmade Leather Shoes

Finding the best-handcrafted leather shoes is no piece of cake. You should have proper knowledge about each and every aspect that’s important while picking the right pair. Here are some tips that might help you in finding your perfect shoe:

• Always check the material

The market is filled with choices and options when it comes to leather shoes, but there’s often a high level of competition between machine-made and handmade leather shoes. A large number of people prefer the former, but the ones who really take their leather shoe game seriously prefer buying premium quality handmade leather mens oxford shoes. No matter whatever style you’re going with, the first and foremost thing is to consider the quality of leather with which the shoe is crafted. Buying a high-quality leather shoe will ensure that your pair lasts for a long time and is very durable. Typically, full-grain leather is considered to be the best quality for handmade shoes.

• Craftsmanship and the reputation of the manufacturer

Always make sure to conduct a little market research before investing your money in premium quality handmade leather shoes. Before buying such shoes it’s always advised to cross check the reputation of a craftsmen/manufacturer. The best option would be to go with references and recommendations from people who have some sort of past experience with a particular manufacturer. But if you’re stuck and can’t find any leads, you can always hop onto internet or social media channels. From there you will be able to find reviews that talk about the quality, pricing, as well as customer service related to a particular brand of such shoes. With a few clicks you’ll be able to figure out quite a lot of information and your life will be sorted. After all, who doesn’t want to spend their hard earned money efficiently!

• Design and appearance of the shoe

Before buying a pair of handmade leather shoes, be clear about the style, design and details (even the smallest ones) you want in them. It’s preferable to go through different varieties before ordering a pair. Always look closely at every single detail, be it the lace, buckles, zip closure, sole or shape. These are some of the most important features that you just can’t ignore while placing an order for a custom handmade leather shoe.

• Price and long-term benefits

Price is always a major factor when it comes to investing in a good quality custom handmade leather shoe. Such a pair is definitely a tad expensive when compared to machine-made shoes that you can find in common stores. But considering that such a shoe is custom-made and is crafted by an expert after putting in a lot of time and effort just for you, the price is quite justified! These shoes are crafted so brilliantly that they will stay with you for a lifetime.

How to maintain Handmade Leather Shoes

As we have already mentioned before, custom handmade leather shoes can be very expensive. So in order to keep them beautiful and shiny for long, and to make sure you don’t keep buying a pair every now and then, you have to provide them with a little bit of extra care.

To keep high-quality handmade leather wedding shoes for men in good shape and form, make sure you keep them clean, especially in harsh conditions like snow and ice. Additionally, here are some basic tips that will help you maintain the durability of your pair and make it last for a very long time.

• Remove the laces from the shoes (if they have any) and then use conditioner or polish to clean the shoes and make them shine. Laces can prevent the conditioner or polish from spreading evenly.
• Apply conditioner to your shoes after every 25 wears. This helps in moistening the leather.
• Use polish on your leather shoes once a month. Use small circular motions for application. This will help in protecting them for long.
• Use beeswax to protect the shoes from snow and icy weather. Beeswax helps in creating a waterproof shield around the material.
• Always make sure to insert shoe trees when you’re not wearing the shoes. 

Before you buy – A quick look at the pros and cons

Now that we have discussed all the important points you need to consider before buying premium quality handmade leather shoes, let’s have a look at the pros and cons of these shoes:

Pros

• They’re extremely durable and will last you a lifetime. Truly a one-time investment.
• They offer unique and premium quality.
• They’re appropriate for all seasons.
• They’re super comfortable.

Cons

• They’re often come with high maintenance
• They’re often priced on the higher end
• You need to be careful with the fake raw material.
• Sometimes they offer poor breathability, but it depends on the material you’re opting for.

To Conclude

Handmade leather shoes are undoubtedly the best choice if you’re looking to make a unique style statement. They’re classy, durable, long-lasting, and made with extreme attention to detail. Even though they come with a slightly higher price tag, they’re better than any off-the-shelf pair you purchase from a store. For a pair of shoes that exhumes sophistication, handmade leather shoes are ideal.

We hope you found this article knowledgeable and helpful. Don’t hesitate to use our tips to select the best pair of handmade leather shoes for yourself.

Looking for a pair of footwear that’s super classy, comfortable, and highly versatile? Well, the one-stop solution for all these requirements is a decent pair of loafers.

The men’s footwear segment has evolved immensely over the past few years with several new styles and designs emerging. The traditional laced-up shoes look has been replaced by slip-ons and a whole range of colors has become available. Among one of the most sought after shoe variety for men these days is loafers.

Whether you’re seeking a pair to go with your formal trousers, or jeans, or casual chinos, loafers make for the ideal choice. They’re chic and add charm to any outfit and every occasion. But in order to style them perfectly, you need to know all you can about them.

On that note, join us as we introduce you to the world of Handcrafted Men's Leather Loafers and let you know all about some particularly popular kinds of loafers – Penny Loafers, Tassel Loafers, Venetian Loafers, and Belgian Loafers.

Starting with the basics – What are loafers?

Loafers are classic slip-on style shoes without any laces or extra fastenings. They are the most comfortable and reliable choice of footwear when it comes to any occasion. They are typically made of leather, shaped like a moccasin with a flat heel.

Originally, loafers were considered as casual shoes, but with evolving fashion trends, they’re being worn by men on formal events as well. While they are the most compatible and classic footwear for men, with time there have been new additions to give traditional designs a unique modernistic look, be it the pattern, color, or different textures like velvet and suede. Many contemporary designers also create loafers embellished with crystals and pearls, and some even use handmade intricate embroideries to add their own style and aesthetic.

Qualities of loafers that make them different from moccasins

Loafers and moccasins are kind of similar but they’re primarily distinct types of footwear. Here are some differences that will give you a better idea in understanding how they’re distinct from one another:

• Loafers have a low-profile heel while moccasins don’t have heels or height.
• The upper vamp of a loafer may look similar to moccasins, but some loafers feature a piece of leather across the vamp which is known as

In addition to these, the following qualities of loafers make them stand out:

• A loafer is a low shoe, which basically means it doesn’t snuggle around the ankle, but instead, provides enough room for your feet.
• Loafers are absolutely hassle-free as they don’t contain laces or extra fastenings. They’re slip-on shoes

Now that you’ve understood the basic characteristics of a loafer, it's important to choose the right material, style, and pattern. Being lace-less shoes, loafers are extremely practical. Also, there’s a wide range of options available when it comes to these shoes, from traditional penny versions, to Venetian loafers, and tassel loafers. There’s truly a style available for every foot!  In the next section, let’s cover what you need to remember while choosing a perfect loafer.

Which material should you choose – Leather or Suede? 

Before we dive into the variety of loafers available, it's worth knowing what material is best and what importance each one holds.

Like other smart shoes, loafers are generally made of two fabrics – leather and suede. Both the materials have their own pros and cons.

If you’re looking for a more stylish, sleek and gleaming finish, leather loafers are the perfect choice for you. They mark a strong punctuation for a smart look and team up best with full suits or casual tailored separates. The only concern you might face is how to keep them clean and in good condition. Since leather is a strong and sturdy material as compared to suede, loafers crafted from it generally wear well and stay with you for a longer time.

Suede is a more delicate material, and unlike leather it asks for a lot more care. Suede loafers should be exclusively reserved for the spring-summer months. They look luxurious and fancy, but need to be protected from excessive moisture at all costs. Suede delivers a more relaxing and casual feel, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be worn for formal events. It’s just that they have more of a chill vibe which isn’t very suitable to autumn or winter season. 

Most Popular Loafer Styles

While there are quite a few different styles of loafers available in the market, the following are the most sought after.

Penny Loafers

Penny loafers are irrepressibly smart and preppy footwear. They are such classics that they take pride when assembled on the shoe rack even if they were invented almost a century ago. Former creative director of G.H Bass & Co. says, “The beauty of the penny loafer is its versatility. The shoe can be easily dressed up or dressed down and works with almost all the outfits’’.

Penny Loafers have the capability to add a lot of class and style quotient to any basic outfit.  They work great with summer attires as well as full-on suits, but they’re best used to add some polish to any casual or smart look. Be it a jacket, an oxford shirt, a t-shirt and chinos, or a jumper and tailored shorts, they look best with anything and everything. 

Tassel Loafers

Paul Lukas, an Oscar winning actor who starred in films like “The Lady Vanishes” and “Watch on the Rhine” is responsible for the birth of Tassel loafers. He was well known for his debonair style, and as the story goes, Lukas approached several shoemakers asking them to design a shoe that had tassels on an Oxford style shoe, something that he’d picked up in Europe. A few years down the line, in 1950, one of America's then leading shoe makers, Alden Shoe Company, released the first tasseled loafer with limited pieces. Now isn’t that an interesting story?

Tassel Loafers satisfied the demand for an elegant yet dressy shoe – a design that didn’t sacrifice practicality. Today, the best tassel model for loafers is the Cordovan. It’s made from subcutaneous layers of horse’s rump. As exquisite as it sounds, Cordovans are extremely luxurious, lustrous, and durable loafers.

Venetian Loafers 

Venetians are one of the most comfortable and suave loafers in the entire loafer family. They sit squarely between the two categories, formal and casual. These shoes look supremely cool with your favorite dark blue denim, but on the other hand, they look just as dapper with a formal suit. 

Venetian Loafers suit really well with khaki pants or your most favorite pair of dress trousers because of their elongated vamp. It is more of a preppy shoe without being haughtier and more elegant which makes it more of a casual wear. But if you want to style them with a nice tailored suit, go for a more subtle pattern that doesn't show a lot of stitching. That design will definitely amp up your look. 

Belgian Loafers

The first-ever Belgian loafer was crafted by a small group of craftswomen in the Belgian countryside. The technique they used to build this style of shoe was almost three hundred years old. First of all, the shoe is stitched from the inside and flipped once it's done. Quite strange, isn’t it? But this is actually the technique that results in an authentic Belgian loafer.

Belgian loafers come in different styles, colors, patterns, and materials, which makes it easy to find a pair for every occasion. They are very comfortable but unfortunately, any sort of extended use can break them down really quickly. Belgian loafers are very similar to slippers, and therefore, their best habitat is indoors, like restaurants, movie theatres, offices, or at home.

Wrapping up

Loafers add a lot of character and smartness to your entire look. They’re supremely comfortable, and yet so classy. Pairing up your clothes with a classic penny loafer can change your entire look and make you look a hundred times more elegant and voguish without compromising with the comfort. So, what are you waiting for? Buy your pair now!

Have you ever come across a guy who always looks dapper, suave, and confident no matter what the occasion is? We’re sure you have; in fact, most of us have at least one such man in our extended family or friends. But do you know how such men manage to look so appealing and hit the bull’s eye every single time? Well a lot of it is courtesy of what they wear!

A sophisticated man always makes sure to put in a lot of thought in his outfits, be it the major decisions like the style and cut or the intricate details like accessories and color combinations. He leaves no stone unturned when it comes to selecting in the right clothes (and the perfect mens dress shoes) according to the occasion, and thus, he always slays with his looks. And though we might not realize it until we come across someone like that, but building a fashion statement and looking up to that mark isn’t a piece of cake. It needs a lot of dedication, style awareness, and grasp of the tiny bits. After all, not everybody gets to be in the spotlight, right?!

Would you like to be included in this list of ever-stylish, ever-dapper men? We’re sure you would, and that’s why we’ve compiled these 7 tips for picking the ultimate men’s clothing that will help you look effortlessly stylish and make heads turn in a room full of people. Get your pens and papers ‘coz you gotta take some notes.

1. Don’t dress to impress

While stylish people are known to keep a close eye on the new market trends and combinations, when it comes to selecting their clothes, they tend to stick to ensembles they can carry comfortably. Following ongoing fashion trends might look cool, but a purely stylish vibe comes from your inner confidence which reflects only when you’ve dressed as per your body type and comfort level. Therefore, always stick to outfits that make you feel at ease at social gatherings. Hasn’t anyone ever told you that the most attractive thing a person can wear is his confidence?

2. Plan your outfits in advance

Planning and keeping your outfits ready a few hours in advance can save you from the last minute panic. Ideally, you should decide what you’re going to wear, check if the clothes are clean and ironed, and arrange the accessories and shoes one night in advance. Staying prepared can help you avoid unintentional styling mistakes (like the improperly matched tie or the oddly picked footwear). If you have everything ready beforehand, all you have to do is hop out of the shower and put the clothes on; that’s it, you're good to go for the day!

3. Consult pictures of your previously hit outfits

Dressing according to the event is extremely important. You wouldn’t want to look over or under dressed at a party. So what can help you stay balanced? Your phone’s camera, of course! Shoo away thoughts of vanity, and remember to click pictures of all the outfits you’ve sported at different kinds of events – formal, casual, or a mix of both. Then if you just can’t decide, simply scroll through your phone gallery, choose an outfit that has worked in the past, and Voila! Try it and let us know if this tip was helpful (and don’t forget to click the latest snap too).

4. Browse fashion catalogs and shop online when you can

If you're a fashion enthusiast but often struggle when finding the perfect clothes, this tip will change the game for you (forever). There are several websites out there which provide professional men’s clothing catalogs and photo-shoots. Browsing through these high definition pictures and picturing yourself wearing such clothes can drastically help you in better understanding your personal style as well as improving your fashion sense. The people in such pictures are styled by professional fashion designers, and you can grab some awesome styling tips from them. If you can’t find an outfit at the store near you, don’t hesitate from ordering from a reliable e-commerce store. In fact, you might be able to get more variety in terms of colors, sizes, and designs online as compare to local shops. 

5. Keep an ‘emergency shirt’ ready

A sophisticated man always stands out from the crowd, even if he’s wearing an old school black shirt. Ever wondered how? Well the answer is simple. He always keeps a perfectly fitting, clean and ironed shirt ready for last minute, unplanned engagements. You can’t step out to shop before every event and might have to come up with an outfit within an hour’s time (for on-the-go parties, for instance). Thus, try to have one or two well tailored, ironed shirts ready in your closet for such situations without compromising with your style statement. They can be total life saviors! 

6. Clean your footwear regularly

Even though it’s often unsaid, the truth is that more often than not, the first thing a person notices in a guy is his footwear. Studies have claimed that dirty footwear is a total turn off when it comes to men. Don’t make the mistake of falling in this category. Fashionable men keep their leather shoes clean irrespective of how formal or casual they are. This gives a clear indication about their lifestyle and seriousness of their fashion game.

7. Perfect fit

This is probably the most important tip that should never be neglected. Always choose clothes that fit you like a glove! Regardless of how expensive your coat, shirt, and trousers are; if they don’t fit you well, you’re money has gone down the drain. Perfectly tailored clothes make you look smart, attractive and handsome since they accentuate your body structure. So if you’re a man who has been working out lately, don’t forget to pick the right size of clothing. 

To Conclude

There’s still a lot in the pool of fashion knowledge that one can grasp and accommodate in their lifestyle and fashion sense. But these tips will definitely help you in figuring out the perfect style. It’s fairly simple to crack the right outfit. All that it requires is a little bit of knowledge and a sense of choosing the right stuff. We hope these tips will come handy for you down the line. 

Shoes aren’t just essentials that you wear everyday; they carry one’s personality if styled perfectly. And that applies to both, men and women, and in both scenarios, formal and casual. Regardless of how expensive and stylish the outfit you’re wearing is, if you don’t pay attention to what you put on your feet to complement it, your entire ensemble can look mismatched. That’s why shoes are considered an integral part of everyone’s wardrobe.

Talking about shoes, everyone knows there are several varieties available in the market – dress shoes, Wholecut Oxford shoes, Chukka boots, Jodhpurs, Chinos, there’s an endless range one can choose from. And what’s interesting to note is that today, shoe selection has caught the interest of men at an equal level as that of women.

Now when it comes to selecting the right shoes for men, there are several things you should consider, including the material, the stitching, and the color. Among other things, you should carefully look at a pair’s construction, which can often make the difference between the perfect pair and a lump of leather.

Though most reputed brands use the finest leather and the best craftsmen to create shoes that you can happily pay for, it’s important to still pay meticulous attention to how the upper part, insole, outsole, etc., have been crafted. But we agree, it can be difficult to know all of this if you’re unrelated to the field of shoe-making.

Thus, to help transform you into a conscious shoe buyer, through this article we’ll guide you to figure out the crucial aspects of two prominent shoe construction types – Blake Stitch and Goodyear Welt. We’ll focus on the details of each one and then highlight how they’re different from one another. Let’s get started. 

Blake Stitch

Blake stitching is amongst the primary mechanized techniques of shoemaking. It's a quick, simple, and cost-effective method to produce shoes, which utilizes a single stitch that goes through the upper, insole, and outsole.

Blake Stitching doesn't use a welt but instead a stitch that goes through the insole. This implies that the artisan should ideally use a machine because it's slightly challenging to perform this kind of work by hand. However, this is where the experience of a highly skilled craftsman can make a mark. There are quite a few shoe-makers around the world who are specially trained in the art of creating Blake Stitch entirely by hand. Naturally, when it’s such a coveted craft, it’s bound to be out of the world, won’t you agree?

Coming back to Blake Stitch, the absence of a welt in such shoes implies that they’re tighter, more elegant, and lightweight. And another major advantage of these shoes is that it’s quite simple to re-sole them if needed. What that basically means is that if the sole of your Blake Stitch shoes becomes damaged for some reason, you can get it replaced with an entirely new sole. Since the shoe doesn’t have any stitches on the exterior, the outsole’s body can be cut almost exactly in line with the upper to make an unnoticeable re-soling possible.

These slim styles are quite popular as Italian leather Men's Dress Shoes where they cater more to refined shapes and exemplary fitting. Blake Stitch shoes are extremely sleek and very durable. Moreover, there are a couple of high-end craftsmen that can produce them by hand, but as already mentioned, they can be built using machines too.

Pros

• Blake Stitching is general more cost-friendly than Goodyear Welt.
• Resoling is possible when the outsole gets damaged or worn out.
• Blake's welting is superior when looking for a close-cut sole. 
• There are no outside stitches that allow the whole body of the outsole cut extremely near the upper. 
• It has very few layers which makes it much more flexible.

Cons

• While Blake Stitch can be re-soled, it requires a particular tool which is costlier and tougher to use. 
• Fewer layers make the shoe less waterproof. 

Bonus Info – How to Identify a Blake Stitched Shoe?

If you look at the stitching of a shoe carefully, you can easily differentiate a Blake Stitched Shoes from the others. The stitch for such a pair will be quite noticeable at the sole’s edge. It would also be visible on the inside, around the insole, but if the shoe has extra padding seeing it might become difficult.

Goodyear Welt

Goodyear Welt is another famous kind of shoe construction which is an intensive, laborious, and extremely sturdy way to produce high-quality Oxford shoes.

The major contrast here is a canvas rib beneath the insole with a strip of leather and glue around the edge of the sole. The craftsman fills the gap between the midsole and insole with cork, while the welt is stitched to the outsole and midsole with a rapid stitch.

This two-level sewing ensures these shoes are more water-resistant. Moreover, you can attach twofold (or even triple) outsoles to them to give them more height and durability, but of course, that would mean that they’d become less flexible and chunkier.

Pros

• The two-level sewing makes resoling a Goodyear Welted shoes possible
• Eliminating the old sole can be done easily by hand or machine as the welt makes for a support between the outsole and the insole.
• The additional layers make the shoe more supportive and water-resistant.

Cons

• Due to the extra labor and materials required, a Goodyear Welt shoe is expensive.
• The additional layers that offer more structure come at the cost of flexibility.

Blake Stitching VS Goodyear Welt

Since both types of shoes differ on several fronts, it’s best to compare them based on such criteria.

Construction type: You should ideally opt for resoling only if your shoe is worn out, and that’s why, it’s important to buy shoes with durable construction. Blake Stitch shoes are better in this regard since unlike Goodyear Welt where a leather strip is simply attached to the upper, in Blake Stitch the upper part is stitched to the sole from within the shoe. This way, its longevity is guaranteed. 

Water-resistance: Whether you live in a cold region or your street is filled with last night’s downpour, one’s footwear needs to provide dryness to the feet in such situations. Goodyear welt shoes are truly water-resistant because of the stitches that are segregated by a leather barrier. On the other hand, Blake Stitched shoes aren’t that waterproof to an extent.

Flexibility: Shoe flexibility is necessary whether it’s for sprinting or for a casual walk. The smoother movement of an adaptable shoe evades muscle pressures. A Blake Stitched shoe is more flexible as compared to the Goodyear welted shoes hence doesn’t cause walking issues.

Cost: Due to the simple shoe construction of Blake Stitch, they aren’t very expensive. On the other hand, because of the complex shoe construction of Goodyear welt, it tends to become more costly.

Durability: Long-lasting shoes not only save your resoling charges but also protect your feet during extremities. Blake Stitch shoes are quite durable, often, more than Goodyear Welt ones.

The bottom line

Eventually, both kinds of shoe constructions have their own pros and cons, and both make for worthy add-ons to your shoe closet. And though we agree that picking just one of these kinds of shoes may be difficult, what can’t be denied is that knowing the key differences between them can help you make a more well-informed choice. We hope this article helps on your next shoe shopping spree.

Wearing footwear is a day-to-day necessity, but as fashion trends change, so should our moda. Adding a spoonful of vogue to our footwear can capture the eyes around. And if you’re looking for something spectacular to adorn your wardrobe, handmade patina shoes are the perfect fit!

Falling under the category of classic footwear, handmade patinas are loved globally. But they’re so delightfully simple, that you might have come across a pair without recognizing them or realizing their worth.

So to formally break the ice between you and this gorgeous pair of handmade shoes, allow us to introduce you to this awesome pair of shoes for men. Say hello to Handmade Patinas!

Falling under the category of classic footwear, handmade patinas are loved globally. But they’re so delightfully simple, that you might have come across a pair without recognizing them or realizing their worth.

So to formally break the ice between you and this gorgeous pair of handmade shoes, allow us to introduce you to this awesome pair of shoes for men. Say hello to Handmade Patinas!

The Unique Art behind Handmade Patinas

Up until a few years ago, men’s shoes were predominantly designed in shades of black and brown because they suit well to all attires. But as the fashion industry started to expand, so did the competition between different shoe brands to outsmart each other. This is the time when patinas set their foot on the fashion shore.

The art of patina was designed by Olga Berluti, a member of the French shoe company “Berluti”. With this craft technique for shoes, the Berluti brand was the talk of the town in the ’80s.

Patinas followed the technique of hand-dyeing the leather to create an “aged” effect on the shoe. The aged look idea was given by Olga because she believed that the most worn-out shoes have the most fascinating stories behind them.

Craftsmen building patinas typically use various techniques for coloring the shoes, including heavy usage of solvents, dyes, tints, and essential oils. To give patina shoes an antique look, incomplete tanned leather is manually dyed and cut, and then the entire shoe is “aged” using a white cloth, brush, and sponge. This technique is called “Anticatura,” which means antique finishing in Italy, and is loved by French cobblers. This is why patinas are considered one of the best mens dress shoes.

In addition to making patina shoes a trend, Olga Berluti also designed an exceptional palette of shades to make these shoes unique. To date, this tradition is followed by all popular brands.

Key Attributes of Handmade Patinas

• Top-notch leather

When it comes to handmade patinas, the leather is handpicked and is of top quality. And it’s only justified because for patinas to beam like lacquer, it’s mandatory to use premium materials. Patinas consist of full-grain leathers that are defect-less, uncoated, and picked from exceptional skins. This sort of handpicked supple leather is the one that allows all creativity to enhance. The method used to make these shoes polishes and creams the leather further to make it stand out from common leathers. Only a true artist can craft a patina. since only he can recognize the right material.

• Skilled artists

It’s no wonder the traditional patinas are considered young because of fresh methods that keep springing up. By new methods, we mean different combinations of colors, materials, and other secret recipes that trend the product. But it takes only a skilled artist to bring out the best and produce a shoe with the right shade. Initially, the artisan focuses on how to convey an aged look on the shoe. He then dyes the colors carefully to give a faded, old, worn-out charm to the shoe. The final product isn’t just attractive, but also extremely comfortable.

Different Kinds of Patinas

Customized patinas

The reason why patinas are the most sought-after oxford shoes for men is that they can be customized. These shoes are manufactured to present an up-to-date set, jaded-yet-cool outlook. The personalization feature allows the buyer to specify his wishes according to which the artisan can assemble the pieces. Believe us, the final output is good enough to take you 30 years down the boulevard, and it’s worth it.

A few commonly loved customized finishing styles in patinas are regular, marble and papiro. The patina artisan uses basic shades and adds the customer’s demand to bring out the magic in each of these styles. This is because they know in and out about the leather’s reaction to the dyes. The experience of the artist is clearly reflected in the way the end product comes out to be.

Nowadays, many brands use 3D customization tools that allow customers to configure their shoes to exactly match their personal style statement. They can choose the intensity of the shoe and manage the worn-out effect, and accordingly, help the artisan to visualize what they need.

Patina Chukka Boots

Super comfy suede chukka boots can’t be denied by any man who desires vogue. But, if you’re someone keen on walking with captivating footwear, you need to check on patina chukkas.

Men's Chukka Boots are specially made and globally sold by thousands of brands. And given that patinas are also crafted exclusively, you can imagine how incredibly patina chukkas are made. The artist turns procreative as he brings two distinct styles together with a pattern. To alter and pull an aged look on a Chukka, the artist blends the right colors that go well with the selected leather.

Looking for something out of the ordinary to adorn your feet? Try out a dark green patina chukka paired with a crisp tux!

Final Thoughts

Be it for any occasion, formal shoes are a must, and when it comes to formal shoes, we believe classic retro-finish patinas are the right footwear. As they come in different colors, they can be easily matched with any outfit.

If you’re wishing for a custom-made shoe, there are plenty of avenues from which you can buy them from. But you must be aware that online scams and knock-offs are lying in the market, hence do good research before buying one.

We believe that the three words that impeccably define Wholecut Oxford shoes are perfect, exquisite, and sophisticated!

Specially crafted with high-quality leather, Wholecut Oxfords look elegant with their spotless lines, smooth finish, and slim shape. Whether you want to wear them for an interview, a dinner date, or on your big day, Wholecut Oxfords go with any occasion and attire. In fact, they’re among the most sought after wedding shoes for men, that work equally well with jeans as well as trousers.

So if you’ve never bought a pair of wholecut Oxfords for yourself, it’s high time you give them a shot. And to help you see the benefit in buying them, we’ve compiled this list of the top 5 reasons to buy wholecut Oxford leather shoes. Check it out.

1. Pro-versatile

Simple yet classy, Wholecut Oxfords are undeniably handy. Their meek adornment is why they’re iconic in formal-wear fashion. These Italian leather shoes work fine with any tuxedo, but that’s not all. This dress shoe flexes and flaunts with any attire, say even a bomber jacket. This is why we like to call them pro-versatile! They feature a closed-lace design just like traditional Oxfords, and that’s why we believe they work fine for all events. Be it with jeans, trousers, shirts, or any outfit, wholecut Oxfords enhance your style appeal by several notches.

2. Sleek design

In terms of design, we know that wholecut Oxford shoes are similar to the regular Oxfords, but what sets them apart is their minimalist design which never fails to attract the people around. Their single evident seam at the heel as well as the seam at the shaft with spotless lines promises elegance. The thin, narrow shape of the footwear is aesthetically pleasing, and it’s no wonder that Oxfords are the fashion industry’s most sought and bought shoes. The calfskin leather used to make these shoes provides durability and comfort, and thus, they are one of the most promising footgear. Every gentleman deserves a pair of these men's Italian leather dress shoes because they won’t disappoint to present your superiority, anywhere. 

3. Exquisite craftsmanship

It’s no wonder that wholecut Oxfords are counted among the best dress shoes for men. After all, they’re crafted with some of the most high-quality materials. Wholecut Oxford shoes are pricey but that’s because of their modest pattern that’s curated by experienced Italian shoemakers with the finest leather pieces. Be it from any manufacturer, wholecut Oxfords are always free of blemishes and dents. The smooth texture and refined surface of these shoes is most loved by all buyers. In comparison to regular footwear, Oxfords are regarded very highly for their careful assembly. And while making any supreme quality shoe is tricky, crafting a wholecut Oxford is much more difficult.

4. Ideal wedding shoes

Doesn’t every groom love to dress up on his big day? Well, we certainly believe that as the groom you’d want to be in the spotlight. And we assure you, a decent pair of wholecut oxfords can surely help you ace your wedding look. Stepping into the big scene with a crisp, neat wedding suit paired with a shining pair of wholecut Oxford is going to be gob-smacking. If you ask us why, it’s simply because they captivate the spotless shiny polished look with a no-stitch design and wrinkle-less leather. The whole shoe’s texture ensures smoothness and gloss along with poise, and thus, wearing one for your wedding would be a game changer.

5. Your foot’s pal 

While some people may find the narrow cut of this pair uncomfortable, in reality, wholecut oxford shoes that match your feet size are sure to be the coziest footwear you can buy for yourself. The stitch and vamp of the pair can assume the shape of your feet if they’re made properly. And this is because real leather tends to expand and hug your feet perfectly after a few wears. So, while buying a wholecut Oxford, choose the best shoemaker brand and the right size.

Want to buy Wholecut Oxfords? Here are a few points to remember

As much as Oxfords are perfect, there are slight downsides to them too. But the fact is that these cons won’t affect everyone. So, have a look at our opinions and plan your purchase accordingly.

• Wholecut Oxford shoes are elegant, but their décor is very plain. If you’re looking for footwear that needs to match a glamorous, heavy adorned outfit then you might need a flashier shoe.
• Men who have wide feet will find this shoe’s narrow cut and closed lace a bit uncomfortable at first. Though it will loosen up with a few wears, if you’re skeptical, we’d suggest a Wingtip Oxford, which works for those with a high arch as well.
• A brand-new white dress looks much brighter than a used one. Just like that, after a few usages of a wholecut Oxford, there are chances of creases to appear on the shoe, and they’re made of a single piece of leather so there won’t be a wing or toe cap to hide those.

On a more positive note, wholecut Oxfords work for every attire and event. Hence, if you feel the above-mentioned issues won’t affect you, then this shoe is a best-to-go!

Wrapping it up

It’s a great choice to hit a shoe store right away and add a wholecut Oxford to your cart. We earnestly believe these shoes are ideal for all occasions and ensembles. And while everyone has a unique style, wholecuts are amazing as evening shoes for a dinner party and as casual wear for a day with friends. Their versatility, design, and refinement are why one can sport even a casual outfit, say a hoodie, with them. Colors like brown, tan, black, gray are the common choice for a formal event, but these shoes come in various colors as well which you can pair accordingly to your outfits.

If you’re reading this, you probably have your eyes on chukka boots, and we’ve got to admit, it’s a great choice. Whenever chukka boots come up in a conversation, the mind races back to Steve McQueen. The American actor (and the undivided boss of Chukka Boots) who wowed the audience with his screen presence, had a style every man wanted to follow. And when it came to his personal style statement, chukka boots were an integral part of it.

Chukka boots were primarily invented for G&T polo players, but they created a niche audience for themselves when armed forces started using them during World War 2. But that doesn’t mean it’s a boot that suits only the rough terrain. Today, chukkas are counter among the most versatile footwear and complement every season and trend. That’s why this boot is known as the foot’s pal which challenges every rough terrain.

The boot indeed has a rich legacy but that doesn’t mean you can’t style it with a Hawaii-themed shirt and trousers. Chukka boots are one of a kind when it comes to leather boots as they’re simple and humble. Let’s dive into some interesting details.

Starting with the basics – What’s a chukka boot?

Let’s begin with how they look and feel: “stylish, classic, comfortable, versatile and functional”. These are not our words but the gist of user reviews about these boots across multiple shopping platforms.

Moving on to what they are: ankle-high, lightweight, and cozy footwear made with leather and rubber. Though that’s a simple way to describe them, there’s actually an interesting story behind how these shoes came to be known as chukkas.

These trendy Italian leather boots got their name from a polo game known as chukker or chukka, but what’s noteworthy is that they’re said to have originated in India while the British ruled. Now that’s what we call a fascinating history behind a simple boot!

What’s the difference between chukka boots & desert boots?

If someone asks you to compare desert boots and chukka boots, you might easily get confused because desert boots are a subtype of the chukka boots. The only naked distinguishing factor is the sole as chukka boots have thin ones and desert boots have got them thicker.

When we talk about desert boots being crafted only with suede, we might wonder how they come under the chukka boot category, which are mostly made of leather. Well, that’s what makes them unique though they’re mostly identical.

How to wear chukka boots?

Modern day chukka boots have become super flexible, and can be styled endlessly. To spare you some Google time, we’ve jotted some styling methods to incorporate these boots in your ensemble and flaunt your style.

• Casual occasions

To all the urban men out there – wearing chukka boots will make any of your casual outfits showy. They infuse a smart vibe, and almost every colored attire matches with these kinds of boots. If you’re in for black attire, try on a cream shade boot to radiate a macho-man appeal!

• Smart casual occasions

The trend of men’s lace-up boots is evergreen, and so are chukkas. A fresh black boot bombed with a crew-neck tee and a blazer will make the crowd go, “O boy!” If you want to feel the late 80’s, grab a blue denim jacket, black cargo pants, and a black fedora in contrast to a gray chukka and stun the crowds.

• Business casual occasions 

While a casual look has its own vibe, a formal outfit carries its own reputation. A crisp black tux styled with a black chukka will emit some serious clever guy vibes. If you want to give a Sherlock Holmes atmosphere to any room you walk in, styling a brown chukka with a long brown trench coat and wayfarers are all it takes. 

Chukka boots buying guide 

Plenty of chukka boots are hitting up the markets to fit the latest trends. And while it may seem daunting, choosing a fine boot isn’t as tricky as you may think, because we’re talking about chukkas, and they go well with every attire!

Something we would want to roll in your mind is that light-colored chukkas steal any show. In case you want to bid on a bad-boy vibe, dark tinted ones are suggested. So, keeping these in mind, surf one from a good brand for your attire.

And here’s another tip - genuine Italian leather boots that sport a Blake-stitch construction and have a rubber patch/protector on the sole are extremely popular. Not only do these kinds of chukkas look great, they also offer superior grip while walking so there’s literally zero chance of slipping or tripping while walking.

Here are certain facts regarding these boots along with some killer fashion style tips.

• Chukkas are worth their price

One thing you can’t disagree with is the value of the chukkas. Boots are always known for their long shelf-life, and when it comes to these babies, chukkas are worth every single penny you spend on them. They’re neither too expensive nor too cheap but are available at different prices based on their appeal and craftsmanship. If you’re out to buy a pair that clicks with your budget, seek a tan-colored chukka boots (chukkas come in leather, suede, and rubber) that will ace every casual fit.

• The manufacturing is as smart as the look

As we discussed before, a pair of chukka boots that snaps with a tux or a suit cannot fail to make you look like a CEO. If that sounded too hyperbolic, you’ll first need to analyze its legitimacy. Chukkas are made with exceptional materials. Moreover, they’re specifically constructed using Blake-stitch construction. This famous Italian method of directly stitching the outsole to the insole makes the boot more flexible and comfy. Hence, the smartly crafted boots will indeed pass their effect on you.

• Be it formal or casual, chukkas are worth to add to your cart

Flexing a dark leather chukka to any formal outfit or a button-down crew neck t-shirt with ripped jeans will make you look suave and dapper. We’d root for you to try on a white chukka with a white cotton shirt and black jeans, spiced with a transparent cooling glass. Man-o-man, walking down the street with a bright white boot is going to catch a lot of eyes!

• Vacation time with chukka boots

Vacations are meant to make you feel liberated. Why would you like to feel uncomfortable wearing tight outfits and suffocating boots? Well, if you try on a chukka, you’re game on! Styling any colored chukka with a cap, a big-sized shirt above your favorite trousers is a cool reflex to try when you take a stroll. Also, say you’re on a hike with your friends and can’t imagine a sprain, these boots are going to be your lifesaver. With exquisite grip and rigidity, the simplest chukka boots will make sure you’re all good to climb.

Wrapping it up

On a personal note, we consider men’s Chukka Boots bliss. Every young man who seeks sneakers, for a change if you choose a chukka, you’ll look 100-times more elegant and voguish without losing any comfort. So what are you waiting for? Grab one now!