The popular saying ‘Fashion starts from the feet’ can also be applied to business.

No matter how perfectly you dress, if your shoes don’t look good, your overall image will be compromised.

Therefore, this time, we would like to introduce three basic shoe designs for the business sector, along with key points for choosing and wearing each type of shoe that everyone should know.

The first type is the ‘Straight Chip,’ which is a standard design of shoes commonly worn in the business sector.

Straight Chip shoes have the most formal design compared to other ceremonial shoes. They can be worn for a variety of occasions, from business events to ceremonies such as weddings or funerals, making them the most suitable choice for a first pair of shoes.

If you want to wear Straight Chip shoes for business purposes, we recommend pairing them with a suit and a neatly tied tie to create an overall sophisticated look without making it stand out too much.

The second style I want to recommend is the “Plain Toe.”

The Plain Toe features a simple design with no decorations, such as extra stitching or perforations at the toe area.

It can be divided into Oxford, which has closed lacing with the leather flap overlapping after threading the laces, and Derby, where the leather flap does not fully close. The appearance and the way it is styled differ significantly depending on these lacing patterns.

Oxford shoes give a more formal vibe, presenting a dignified look, making them suitable to pair with suits or other semi-formal attire.

On the other hand, Derby shoes have a more casual look and are ideal to wear with outfits that mix jackets and pants of different colors, or business casual attire.

Additionally, if the toe is too rounded, it further enhances the casual appearance. If you want to wear them to formal events, we recommend choosing a shape that is appropriately stylish and fitting.

And finally, the third style is the “Monk Strap.”

Normally, shoes worn with a suit need to have laces, but there is an exception, which is the Monk Strap.

Although it looks more casual than lace-up shoes, it has the advantage of being easy to put on and take off without having to undo the strap on the shoe. This is because the side of the Monk Strap has a special type of elastic that helps ensure a comfortable fit while wearing.

We therefore recommend the Monk Strap for those who want shoes that can be worn for any occasion, both in business settings and casually.

In addition to what has been presented, there are many other types of shoes, each with features suitable for different occasions.

It is important to understand the characteristics of various standard designs and choose to wear them appropriately for each situation.

“Fashion starts with the feet.”

Shall we try paying more attention to our feet than before?

【Straight Chip 】

The highlight is the horizontal line at the toe area. In the United Kingdom, this design is called a ‘Cap Toe.’ It is a design that is considered more formal compared to other men’s dress shoes.

【Plain Toe 】

Simple design with no decorations on the toe area. It is the standard for business work shoes, perfectly combining elegance with casual style.

【Monk Strap】

Monk Strap has a formal buckle. If it has a single strap, it is called a Single Monk, and if it has two straps, it is called a Double Monk (the one in the picture is a Double Monk).