Scout Sixteen - Shoe Porn

Investing in Shoes

Scout Sixteen - Shoe Porn

There are some items in my wardrobe I won’t splurge on: t-shirts, underwear, or oxford button-downs. These pieces come and go in my wardrobe – sometimes they’re lost in the laundry, other times they’ve just worn out their welcome.  Because of this, I can’t justify spending good money on basics in my wardrobe.

Shoes, on the other hand, are a very different story. Shoes aren’t something you want to skimp on and here is why. While there are an overwhelming number of options out there, guys can get away with investing in a few classics that’ll last for years! Even better is that many of the best classic shoes get better with age.

While inexpensive, knock-off options are tempting, remember that many of these shoes are made from sub-par materials; you get what you pay for in the end and your feet will thank you. Quality shoes not only provide better support for your joints while you move around your busy day but they’ll also hold up for infinitely longer than their cheaper cousins. Would you want to spend $65 every year for a pair of shoes or $250 every ten years? These dual-color Trask Penny Loafers are priced at $225 but you’re getting hand-sewn quality and construction. The key is to invest!

If you’re looking for a specific style, do your research. Visit your favorite shops or browse options online before making the purchase. Ask guys whose style you admire and find out what footwear brands they turn to most.

And once you make your splurge, don’t forget to take care of your investment. While it’s true that quality shoes get more comfortable with extended wear, it’s important to keep them looking as epic as when you brought them home (though a bit of wear adds personality). Grab cedar shoe trees to preserve the shape of your shoe and give them a spray with a water-repellent to ward off water damage.

Shown: Trask Penny Loafers

Scout Sixteen is a lifestyle blog from Justin Livingston. Justin grew up in Mississippi but relocated to New York City in 2008. On Scout Sixteen, Justin shares his passion in fashion, travel, food and drink, and mental wellness.