How to choose shoes to go with a suit? From the royal road to the off-the-beaten-path, we introduce you to everything!

What kind of shoes should be worn with a suit? In this issue, we will introduce a wide range of shoes, from the royal straight-tip shoes with inside wings to sandals that can be worn with anything, along with examples of coordinated outfits.

When choosing leather shoes, be sure to check “inside or outside shuttlecock”!

Leather shoes are the standard shoes to match with suit styles, but different designs are suitable for different occasions. In order to determine which one to choose, it is important to keep in mind the “inner” or “outer” shuttlecock through which the shoelaces are threaded. There are two types of shuttlecocks: “inner shuttlecocks,” which are integrated into the instep, and “outer shuttlecocks,” which are sewn on top of the instep. Uchi-hane is a prestigious design originating from the British royal family and has long been used for formal occasions such as weddings and funerals. On the other hand, the outer wing is a casual design originating from military shoes, and while it is not suitable for formal occasions, it is adjustable in fit, making it just right for everyday use. As you can see, there are different types of shoes for different occasions, so please choose leather shoes with the occasion in mind.

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What should a businessman choose as the first pair of leather shoes to match his suit?

The first pair of shoes that should be purchased to match a suit is the most formal pair of leather shoes with ” straight tips with inner wings. Depending on the occasion, casual brogue shoes, tassel loafers, or even dress sneakers may be acceptable, but the straight-tip leather shoes with inner wings are a definite must-have for any occasion. The straight tip shoe with an inside sole is the one to wear not only for business, but also for weddings, funerals, and other ceremonial occasions, so you should have a pair of these shoes. (The image shows a Church’s consul, known as a famous shoe with an inner-feathered straight)

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Choosing shoes to match suits for different occasions

How to choose shoes to match your suit (1) “Business scene

The choice of shoes to match business suits has expanded considerably over the past few years. A decade ago, business attire was often associated with the suit, and leather shoes were the only footwear that matched the suit. However, when you have an important business meeting or give a presentation in front of a large audience, you often have to dress up in a formal suit style, so it is recommended to wear tight leather shoes such as straight-tip shoes with an inside sole or double monk shoes. For a variation, choose wingtip or U-tip leather shoes or loafers like the man in the snapshot, or dressy, court-style sneakers.

How to choose shoes to match a suit (2) “Formal occasions

In the same way that it is mannerly to wear a black suit or dark suit when invited as a guest to a wedding, funeral, or other formal occasions, it is also mannerly to choose black as the color of shoes. Here, too, the black inner-feathered straight tip works well. Wearing decorative leather shoes to a funeral because they are black may give a bad impression in some cases, so it is advisable to keep the styling safe and unadventurous for weddings and funerals. In addition, brown, a standard color for leather shoes, is considered unsuitable for weddings and funerals because of its casual look, but it is fine for wedding receptions and casual parties.

How to choose shoes to match a suit (3) “Party scene

Since a glamorous figure looks good at a party scene, it is recommended to choose shoes with a flamboyant design for a stylish look. Shoes with monk straps or loafers decorated with quilted tassels are also a good choice. Leather shoes with an edge are also allowed, so studded leather shoes such as those by Church and Jimmy Choo are also an option. However, the basic styling principle is to balance the suit, so be careful not to make your outfit look awkward.

How to choose shoes to match a suit (4) “Casual occasions

When you wear a suit as a casual style on an off-duty day, you can wear any shoes you like: you can wear leather shoes for a more elegant coordination, or you can wear sneakers for a lighthearted look. You can also choose to go down to the casual level by wearing sandals in the summer, as the fashionable people at Pitti did. If you are looking for a casual style, you should enjoy coordinating it as you like with the design of your suit.

Next, let’s take a look at the characteristics and recommended items for each type of shoe!