- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Dear Grooms, Please Stop Ignoring Your Shoes, Thank You Very Much
If you can’t tell your Oxfords from your Derbys, here’s a quick lowdown on all things men's footwear...
L-R: Fizzy Goblet, Banjaaran, Guiseppe Zanotti, Gucci, Berluti, Ferragamo, Modello DomaniL-R: Fizzy Goblet, Banjaaran, Farfetch, Gucci, Berluti, Farfetch, Modello Domani
Dear grooms-to-be, do you know what the first rule of dressing well is? It’s wearing great shoes.
A good shoe—or the lack thereof—will affect your outfit significantly. As the British fashion designer Hardy Amies once said, “It is totally impossible to be well dressed in cheap shoes”. And he wasn’t wrong. It doesn’t matter how exquisite your suit or tux, or sherwani is, if your shoe looks off, that’s what everyone is going to notice.
Shoes are often the most overlooked part of a groom’s outfit—and ironically, the most important. So, to help you walk into your big day in style, we bring to you our top recommendations for the coolest shoes.
We’ll handle the shoes. You focus on not letting them get stolen.
Your Guide To Footwear As A Groom-To-Be
Oxford shoes
Oxford shoes are arguably the most elegant and sophisticated shoes for men. They have a closed-lacing system—meaning the two flaps holding the laces are sewn under, as opposed to their edges showing. It's what makes them so chic and gives them a more streamlined look. Men of culture, these are your shoes.
There are also various variations within the Oxford shoe. Our favourite? The whole-cut Oxfords! These are made with just one piece of fabric, so they have no joints or seams.
Manifest recommends: You can opt for plain-toe Oxford shoes, like the Jimmy Choos. Or you can go for our favourites, the whole-cut Oxford shoes—like the Berluti or Shutiq shoes.
Foxley Oxford Shoes, Jimmy ChooJimmy Choo
Buy it here
Alessandro Démesure Scritto Leather Oxford Shoes, BerlutiBerluti
Buy it here
Roush Arrowhead Shoes, ShutiqShutiq
Buy it here
Derby shoes
Not to be confused with Oxford shoes, the Derbies have an open lacing system, which means the two flaps holding the laces are stitched on top. This makes them more casual and laid back than the Oxford shoes. A great choice nonetheless.
Manifest recommends: The Marsèll square-toe derbies if you want something interesting while keeping things classic, or the Valentino Garavani or Christian Louboutin Derbies if you want to have some more fun!
Square-toed derby shoes, MarsèllFarfetch
Buy it here
Rockstud Derby Shoes, Valentino GaravaniFarfetch
Buy it here
Chambeliss Night Strass Derby Shoes, Christian LouboutinChristian Louboutin
Buy it here
Loafers
This extremely versatile shoe can be worn formally or casually, and with or without socks. Just make sure to go for the no-break or negative-break pants (pants that show the ankle) with this shoe. You don't want the hem of your pants covering your loafers.
Manifest recommends: The Jeetinder Sandhu loafers if you're the experimental kind, the Giuseppe Zanotti if you want to add some fun bling to your shoes, the Gucci or Bally loafers if you're the minimalistic kind.
Cruel Velvet-effect Loafers, Giuseppe Zanotti Farfetch
Buy it here
Horsebit Loafers, GucciGucci
Buy it here
Waylon Loafers, BallyBally
Buy it here
Fishy Silver Loafers, Jeetinder SandhuJeetinder Sandhu
Buy it here
Brogues
Brogues are shoes with decorative perforations. Mini history lesson time! The origin of brogues can be traced back to the 1600s, back when the shoes were solely functional, as the holes on the shoes were used for water drainage while walking on damp terrains.
In the present day, however, brogues are purely aesthetic. They come in different kinds and go well with just about anything. For an old-school aesthetic, opt for these shoes.
Manifest recommends: Tod's brogues for a truly elegant vibe.
Brogues, Tod'sTod's
Buy it here
The Landon Brogues, Escaro RoyaleEscaro Royale
Buy it here
Cap-top derby brogues, Thom BrowneFarfetch
Buy it here
Monk Strap Shoes
Not as formal as the other dress shoes, Monk Straps are the kind of shoes that you can go for if you are aiming for a more laid-back look.
Manifest recommends: Ferragamo double-strap blank monk shoes!
Double monk strap shoes, FerragamoFerragamo
Buy it here
Double monk strap shoes, SantoniFarfetch
Buy it here
Tallin Burnt Brown Triple Mon Strap Shoes, WhitemudsWhitemuds
Buy it here
Mojris
Grooms who wish to take the traditional Indian route can opt for the classic mojris. Go all out on the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-esque aesthetic, or go for an Indo-Western look for your haldi or mehendi by pairing a breezy chikankari shirt with wide-legged pants and mojris!
Manifest recommends: The Needledust Juttis! Especially if you like your shoes to make a statement.
Rumi Juttis, NeedeldustNeedeldust
Buy it here
Stargazer Gold Embellished Juttis, Fizzy GobletFizzy Goblet
Buy it here
Banarasi Juttis, Modello DomaniModello Domani
Buy it here
Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.
It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.
This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.
This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.
