When you know that the shoes you are wearing are of high quality, you walk more confident and watch your steps (due the amount of money invested), and people will notice it. Shoes are the foundation, the one item you stand on and if that foundation is well built, the rest will stand upright and strong. When I wear good quality shoes, I walk carefully and in control; this will impact the people around you.
A couple of weeks ago I felt like taking the Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenues for a little walk, just to give them a bit of exercise. I’m not a fan of mirror shines but they are well shined. In one of the grocery isles of my local Walmart I encountered a lady who said, “I love your shoes!” To which I smiled and replied, “Thank you”, as one does. She then gave me a little wink and said, “You didn’t get those at Walmart.” And we both had a nice chuckle. Yes, people do notice. Especially women, in my experience.
People who encountered the late Queen have said that the first thing she looks at are the shoes. Shoes are what make or break the ensemble and I find that they're an often overlooked aspect of a gentleman's wardrobe.
Shoes take the most wear of any of your clothing, I think that is why it shows more attention to detail if you show that you spend time taking care of something that is so quickly damaged from wear.
I like shoes - my wife compares me with Imelda Marcos - I have a few pairs……..almost all brogues. Must admit, when I meet another dapper chap, first thing I check is their shoes, then suit, then watch! I usually find I can judge whether they are a chap or just following fashion from those!
Look and feel like a king. Wear high quality shoes. Dressing sharp and being a gentleman is a fine way to live. Humbley own it and earn high regard and respect from those you meet. Cheers!
Before I began following your channel, Ash, footwear was the Achilles' Heel in my sartorial style. But it is indisputably true that a good pair of dress shoes grounds one's entire outfit, and if properly fitted can be just as comfortable for regular use as sneakers or other more casual options. As an added reason to 'up' one's shoe game, women love shoes, absolutely notice them, and will frequently judge men on the quality of their footwear and the efforts they make in maintaining them.
I have watched your chanel and others, especially in tegards to shoe care, my pastor noticed my mirror shine on my shoes and had me clean and care for his. That is a boost to your morale as a chap indeed!!!
I remember meeting an old gentleman who had been head-porter in one of Paris' better hotels. And he told me that the first glance hotel employees cast is - to a guest's shoes. They have to be of good quality, well polished and properly maintained. That was years ago, but I have never forgotten it - and I have always adhered by it.
My grandfather taught me a long time ago that we’re not rich enough to buy cheap things, buy cheap, buy twice, a lesson to live by. That’s why my shoes are either Loake, Cheaney, Grenson or Tim Little, my off duty wear also includes several pairs of Tods. If looked after, they will last. Lifetime. You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes (they don’t have to be expensive, just appropriate for the situation and we’ll cared for), their watch - ditto, and their handshake.
I agree with what you said 100%. In my country we have a saying that can be translated as follows: "Cheap things always turn out to be expensive in the long run" in other words: "Buy cheap, buy twice". Regards.
I agree that the shoes need to have a good shine on them and is often the very first thing I notice on a man when I see a good outfit. Sadly a number of men will wear an expensive suit but their shoes will not look very good. I’m a guy who will shine his shoes and often had people notice which makes my day often
Even in our scorching daily 44C temperatures in Phoenix, polished good leather lace-up shoes with either pressed jeans or lightweight NZ wool trousers make a noticeable and valuable impact on people, business colleagues and clients. There IS no substitute for clean, polished leather shoes. People notice whether you care about yourself and your appearance. It tells them a lot about what you think of other people and their reaction to your appearance.
Told a chap in work I prefer to wear traditionally made British shoes when possible and I restore used pairs. He mentioned he had two pairs of brogue variants languishing in his wardrobe. I asked him the make, he sent photos on his mobile later that day. Two rather decent pairs of Grensons that looked in perfect shape.. I suggest he wears them when he goes out with his good lady... When it was pointed out what such a pair of shoes would cost today... and that they were made with real hands... and a couple of stitching machines, he was eager to do so. I told him 'nice shirt, pair of chinos and those shoes, you'll look very well dressed compared to most people these days' . He wore them to a family shindig in Cardiff and felt great. All but the most formal models of shoe can basically be worn with anything... other than jogging bottoms etc
Ash I have found that wearing well-made shoes over sneakers or trainers is much more comfortable the shoes form to your foot better and they give you better support. I had a co-worker asked me about and when I suggested he should try them over his sneakers he went to an Allen Edmonds store had his feet measured and tried on a pair. He is never turned back. After wearing these good shoes he said I will never wear those sneakers again. When I got into retail sales I started to wear sneakers thinking these would be more comfortable. They were not, and they did not last long before they broke down. They probably only gave me a month or two of where whereas my Allen Edmonds that I purchased secondhand no less have been servicing me very well . Plus the fact you get a lot of compliments when wearing them. Cheers Ron
Out of every two compliments that I receive at work, one of them is for my shoes, the other is for everything else including blazers, trousers, shirts, pocket squares and ties. As a high school teacher, even my students regularly pay attention to my shoes and comment on them. People don't realize the importance that shoes have for their overall presentation.
When I was about 8 (1973 ish) I remember having to put cardboard in my shoe! As my father was a gambler and spend most of his income on himself and his habit. A family friend on a day trip by car commented on the hole in my shoe as in those days without rear seatbelts, children would sit with their feet tucked in exposing the soles of their shoes under their bum! laughed and said you’ve got a hole in your shoe! He he !! I felt an immense sense of shame. As an adult I only wear Crocket and Jones and Barker Shoes. I promised myself as a kid that I would never be in that situation again. I have over 20 pairs. My children also wear great shoes.
Had my 6 working hours on suede shoes in black. And half a glass of Beet Root juice. Felt good. Never tasted a Beetroot juice before - but thanks to Ash I took the challenge. Have a great weekend mate.
Good quality nicely polished shoes, wristwatch and well fitting classic clothes is what i always notice in others. But the nice, stylish, polished shoes is the thing I get complement on by strangers including in an elevator like in your story.
I have had a few people complimenting my shoes. It is like, I know. I always look good. Hasn't gotten me any monetary gain. I dont know any employer ever looking at my shoes. After all, they never gave me the store so to speak. The emphasis should be on wearing them and not choosing to wear sneakers all summer. Proper maintaiance. Learning how to condition the leather to keep it from cracking. I have a well worn and loved pair of Church's perforated wingtips. I thought that the history suggested walking on the wet Moors in shoes like that. Well, mine have developed cracks in the leather. I only recently learned how to properly nourish leather to keep that from happening. I hear people say that clothes are an investment. They say cars are not an investment. In both cases, they can be or they cannot. The user decides. The buyer decides. Thank you for this video. The way that you put it, shoes can be considered an investment.
A good first impression matters, especially in the interview room where a good pair of well maintained shoes with a lick of polish might be the key, or one of many factors in gaining that all important first impression. I used to be a cadet that only owned 1 pair of boots (all my parents could afford at the time) so I spent half my time cleaning and polishing them after crawling in the mud to get a mirror shine for parade a few hours later while other cadets just pulled out a second pair of pre shined dress boots just for parade, that brushed off on me later on in life when I turned up to job interviews after leaving school (Also School got me used to wearing a strict uniform, blazers, shirts and ties correctly fitted and Cadets on how to iron and take pride in appearance) and when the interviewer gives that nod of approval and is more interested in the shine of my shoe, the fit of my blazer and wants to talk about my grandads 1960's Gold Tissot, you know you are in with a chance.
One of the most important messages you could have delivered, Ash. While most people don’t wear suits, (almost) all people can wear dress shoes. They can seriously elevate an outfit of a clean and simple t-shirt and jeans, into something a bit more sophisticated. I do believe shoes are the actual gateway to a more elegant world. As always, looking forward to the next video (throwing an idea - men’s watches under 36mm?).
The last few months I have been revamping my clothing style and the first thing that needed attention were my shoes. Shoes matter. And I have had a comment from someone. :)
Ash, a month ago I went along to a function and I was the only well-dressed man in the room. Someone introduced himself to me and I immediately recognised the name: a long-lost friend of mine, whom I had lost sight of some 40 years ago. Of course I did not recognise him and he did not recognise me: after all, we had changed quite a bit in those 40 years. But he later told me that in a conversation he never introduces himself - but as I was the only well dressed man in the room, he thought he'd better make an exception. So, thanks to my dress sense I have regained a lost friend! And at least partly I attribute this to you and your channel.
I receive not infrequent complements from ladies at social events about my shoes and their polish. Not every time, but repeatedly. Makes it worth the time I take to buff them before I step out. I like to think my outfits are a half step above. I wear mostly collared shirts etc. That they notice improves my day..
I have discovered that Parade grade Kiwi shoe polish is not available in the U.S. I ordered some on U.S. Amazon and it was shipped from the U.K. Shoes? SInce I started mirror shining my shoes and boots, I get comments and compliments about my footwear. Very uplifting.
As a bespoke shoemaker all I can say about the idea that shoes today should only follow the maximum of all casualization, comfort, is wrong. Period. The idea that classical leather shoes are not comfortable is the result of people buying crappy cheap ones and deduct that they are uncomfortable (duh!) in general and/or do not invest any time, effort and a minor amount of money into their shoes. Because even rather cheap shoes, if not the abysmal horrors of PU (or worse) "leather" and all plastic ultra-cheap construction, can easily and for little money made into a decent pair with a little effort and the aforementioned minor amount of money (much less than even the cheaper "decent" shoes cost initially). And I feel Clarkson (and of course Mr. Jones here) is completely right in the perception that shoes are a valid display case of personal qualifications for the simple reason that if someone feels no need to take care of his shoes, or even what kind of shoes he wears to what kind of occasion, he can dress however proper he wants, you can wear a bespoke dark three piece but if you pair it with the abysmal white sneaker, preferably with some wear... for comfort... it ruins any impression of the rest because it makes all effort in vested into clothing and looks beyond the feet look fake because it's incoherent. Good quality shoes alone might get you nowhere by themselves, but in contrast crappy shoes certainly close doors. About the effect of shoes I'd like to mention that we already had several customers who's decision for a more dapper and therefore more expensive shoe to be made has been explicitly influences by me greeting them and among other things they, naturally in our case, looked to my shoes and decided that they'd like to have come elements (we built orthopaedic shoes primarily, so it's always elements of "dapper" that we have to see how they can be implemented for the shoes so as to look less than an orthosis and more like a dress shoe of sorts) of them like brogueing in their orthopaedic shoes, which raises costs, sometimes substantially, but as a gentlemen customer said: "if I have to get new shoes for those bloody (worse expression, but censored😉) reasons I could just as well get the prettiest possible." Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
I have always noted and admired J.C.’s brown brogues. I suppose that they are a reflection of the country folk that I grew up with. Best quality work boots were an expensive investment back then. There was a tramp who stayed and worked for his keep on the farms. He was a non smoker so welcome in the farm barns. The most notable thing about his appearance was his shiny work boots ( his only boots ). I suspect that he got them second hand from a friendly farmer. If Flood the tramp came up in conversation his shiny boots always got a mention. More interesting content, keep them coming.
I sometimes work with hotel General Managers, often high end five-star properties. When we first meet, they routinely look to see if my tie is cinched up to the shirt and if my shoes are shined. You can literally watch their eyes give you the head to toe once over. Yes, these things matter when establishing a relationship and trust to be a person worth doing business with. Nice pens and watches also help.
It’s funny, but the same confidence boost can happen with hats/caps. I have two newsboy caps I wear regularly from Thomas Farthing and I get complimented on them all the time. It feels wonderful because some of them even say it shows being a classically put together person. And of course giving a newsboy a jaunty angle on your head can make one feel like a million dollars. Wearing my gray snap brim vintage fedora adds even more confidence- proportionate to the crown height maybe 🤔- but you feel like you could play the Sands with Frank Sinatra, really puts a little lift in the step and people do respond to that.
Well said....but you'll have to play the show without Mr. Sinatra: he's not in for such events anymore ! That's a pitty for him...and for You ! Wish you all the luck Sir... Have a Nice Day !...🎉
Sound advice here. Buy good quality shoes, look after them, and, if they are made from leather, keep them well polished. People notice, and you will make a favourable first impression.
While there are times for sneakers like exercise, I prefer to go out in public in a well made shoe or boot. I recently got 2 loafers(one suede other full grain)and a moc toe boot which all GY welted I got compliments on. I simply feel more confident in well made leather shoes and boots. Edit: I while also think Jeremy Clarkson is no doubt a controversial figure I also think his farm is doing great for his community, if I ever got to the UK his farm is high on my list.
Seeing how you also walk in the world of the bush, I'd enjoy seeing a video on how to look good while in the bush rather than throwing all style away and going for modern practical. The upper class English are known for practically wearing suits into the bush.
I’m a chap of a similar age - I wear cross-country sneakers (sort of lightweight walking boots) for summer hiking and mountain biking, and occasionally Converse All Stars - but again usually during the hotter months. But trainers - only for the very, very odd occasion I play badminton!
well is all well and good , when you go out take your car from your garage , to the garage of your work or the place you go , but if you have ride motorcycle or have to walk 1 km to the bus stop in winter in the rain , you will not look so cool and crisp with your nice shiny oxford with leather sole :)
"A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step" Why not make that first step wearing a well-maintained highly polished good-looking pair of shoes!
I think particularly young men underestimate the power of presentation, especially with shoes. A friend of mine used to say that even the poorest man in the world can afford to clean his shoes. I find it difficult to hear the myriad of men who come within my sphere at work whose shoes are not well cared for. It's a detail thing I guess, if they care about their details they will care about mine. Silly perhaps but guess what, I'm the one writing the cheque so I will accept that can't tie a tie dirty shoes is the fastest way back out the door you came in. Yes, I'm an arse...le but you have to pick something as a reference.
So weird that you are talking about top gear. I saw a clip of it early today and saw someone in the audience that looked like you, Ash. Did you ever attend a taping?
I disagree. If enough people believe that to be well dressed, then it will become that standard. A suit and trousers would be considered ridiculously casual in the 1600's compared to what the "well dressed" nobility wore.
@justinlukas5289what a ridiculous comment 🤦🏻♂️ You’re talking about 1 sub set / genre of trainer / sneaker shoe. What about quality leather trainers a La Church’s and the like. They as smart as brogues do. The fact your opinion is they don’t is fine - opinions are just that. But seriously, high quality leather sneakers are a staple in the modern world in black, brown or white and go with seventh ring. Smart, smart casual - whatever
I love dress shoes and black roper boots. I would never wear those sissy casuals they have these days that have that white lining on the outside around the shoes which is part of the outersoles.
I will tell you this (for all the single men out there) that women will say one of the first things they look at is a man's shoes, and if the shoes they are wearing, they don't pass muster, and that man is deemed unattractive.
Your middle class. Your definately not working class.The upper middle class work. Thats not how you judge your place in society. Working class people don't wear £300 shoes or have your values.
Wrong or right, like it or not, fair or unfair, PEOPLE WILL INITIALLY MAKE A JUDGEMENT BASED ON HOW THEY SEE YOU🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵. It’s simply up to you whether or not you want to sway that judgement your way or not. Apologies…., slightly salty this morning…🤷🤣.
![TEEDEE TADA - DIAMOND NARAKORN X LEGO LYKN [Special Dance Performance]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QgtZedFeumA/mqdefault.jpg)
When you know that the shoes you are wearing are of high quality, you walk more confident and watch your steps (due the amount of money invested), and people will notice it. Shoes are the foundation, the one item you stand on and if that foundation is well built, the rest will stand upright and strong. When I wear good quality shoes, I walk carefully and in control; this will impact the people around you.
A couple of weeks ago I felt like taking the Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenues for a little walk, just to give them a bit of exercise. I’m not a fan of mirror shines but they are well shined. In one of the grocery isles of my local Walmart I encountered a lady who said, “I love your shoes!” To which I smiled and replied, “Thank you”, as one does. She then gave me a little wink and said, “You didn’t get those at Walmart.” And we both had a nice chuckle. Yes, people do notice. Especially women, in my experience.
Well played sir... Bravo!
People who encountered the late Queen have said that the first thing she looks at are the shoes. Shoes are what make or break the ensemble and I find that they're an often overlooked aspect of a gentleman's wardrobe.
Shoes take the most wear of any of your clothing, I think that is why it shows more attention to detail if you show that you spend time taking care of something that is so quickly damaged from wear.
I like shoes - my wife compares me with Imelda Marcos - I have a few pairs……..almost all brogues. Must admit, when I meet another dapper chap, first thing I check is their shoes, then suit, then watch! I usually find I can judge whether they are a chap or just following fashion from those!
Look and feel like a king. Wear high quality shoes. Dressing sharp and being a gentleman is a fine way to live. Humbley own it and earn high regard and respect from those you meet. Cheers!
Before I began following your channel, Ash, footwear was the Achilles' Heel in my sartorial style.
But it is indisputably true that a good pair of dress shoes grounds one's entire outfit, and if properly fitted can be just as comfortable for regular use as sneakers or other more casual options.
As an added reason to 'up' one's shoe game, women love shoes, absolutely notice them, and will frequently judge men on the quality of their footwear and the efforts they make in maintaining them.
I have watched your chanel and others, especially in tegards to shoe care, my pastor noticed my mirror shine on my shoes and had me clean and care for his. That is a boost to your morale as a chap indeed!!!
I remember meeting an old gentleman who had been head-porter in one of Paris' better hotels. And he told me that the first glance hotel employees cast is - to a guest's shoes. They have to be of good quality, well polished and properly maintained. That was years ago, but I have never forgotten it - and I have always adhered by it.
My grandfather taught me a long time ago that we’re not rich enough to buy cheap things, buy cheap, buy twice, a lesson to live by. That’s why my shoes are either Loake, Cheaney, Grenson or Tim Little, my off duty wear also includes several pairs of Tods. If looked after, they will last. Lifetime.
You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes (they don’t have to be expensive, just appropriate for the situation and we’ll cared for), their watch - ditto, and their handshake.
I agree with what you said 100%. In my country we have a saying that can be translated as follows: "Cheap things always turn out to be expensive in the long run" in other words: "Buy cheap, buy twice". Regards.
I agree that the shoes need to have a good shine on them and is often the very first thing I notice on a man when I see a good outfit. Sadly a number of men will wear an expensive suit but their shoes will not look very good. I’m a guy who will shine his shoes and often had people notice which makes my day often
Even in our scorching daily 44C temperatures in Phoenix, polished good leather lace-up shoes with either pressed jeans or lightweight NZ wool trousers make a noticeable and valuable impact on people, business colleagues and clients. There IS no substitute for clean, polished leather shoes. People notice whether you care about yourself and your appearance. It tells them a lot about what you think of other people and their reaction to your appearance.
I am completely in agreement with your view on shoes.
Told a chap in work I prefer to wear traditionally made British shoes when possible and I restore used pairs. He mentioned he had two pairs of brogue variants languishing in his wardrobe. I asked him the make, he sent photos on his mobile later that day. Two rather decent pairs of Grensons that looked in perfect shape.. I suggest he wears them when he goes out with his good lady... When it was pointed out what such a pair of shoes would cost today... and that they were made with real hands... and a couple of stitching machines, he was eager to do so. I told him 'nice shirt, pair of chinos and those shoes, you'll look very well dressed compared to most people these days' . He wore them to a family shindig in Cardiff and felt great. All but the most formal models of shoe can basically be worn with anything... other than jogging bottoms etc
I should add, Clarkson is an oaf and in no way a gentleman!
Ash I have found that wearing well-made shoes over sneakers or trainers is much more comfortable the shoes form to your foot better and they give you better support. I had a co-worker asked me about and when I suggested he should try them over his sneakers he went to an Allen Edmonds store had his feet measured and tried on a pair. He is never turned back. After wearing these good shoes he said I will never wear those sneakers again. When I got into retail sales I started to wear sneakers thinking these would be more comfortable. They were not, and they did not last long before they broke down. They probably only gave me a month or two of where whereas my Allen Edmonds that I purchased secondhand no less have been servicing me very well . Plus the fact you get a lot of compliments when wearing them. Cheers Ron
My granddaddy ( MD of a very very large company) said “ if you want to understand a persons values…look at his shoes first.
Out of every two compliments that I receive at work, one of them is for my shoes, the other is for everything else including blazers, trousers, shirts, pocket squares and ties. As a high school teacher, even my students regularly pay attention to my shoes and comment on them. People don't realize the importance that shoes have for their overall presentation.
Well said!
When I was about 8 (1973 ish) I remember having to put cardboard in my shoe! As my father was a gambler and spend most of his income on himself and his habit. A family friend on a day trip by car commented on the hole in my shoe as in those days without rear seatbelts, children would sit with their feet tucked in exposing the soles of their shoes under their bum! laughed and said you’ve got a hole in your shoe! He he !! I felt an immense sense of shame. As an adult I only wear Crocket and Jones and Barker Shoes. I promised myself as a kid that I would never be in that situation again. I have over 20 pairs. My children also wear great shoes.
Bravo sir. You have squared the circle of life.
Had my 6 working hours on suede shoes in black. And half a glass of Beet Root juice. Felt good. Never tasted a Beetroot juice before - but thanks to Ash I took the challenge. Have a great weekend mate.
You are living the big life sir!
Be careful with the beetroot juice! It’s got a lot of fibre in it 😉
There is an old saying, best foot forward and it's true. Another great video Ash,👍
Yes! Thank you!
Good quality nicely polished shoes, wristwatch and well fitting classic clothes is what i always notice in others. But the nice, stylish, polished shoes is the thing I get complement on by strangers including in an elevator like in your story.
I have had a few people complimenting my shoes. It is like, I know. I always look good. Hasn't gotten me any monetary gain. I dont know any employer ever looking at my shoes. After all, they never gave me the store so to speak. The emphasis should be on wearing them and not choosing to wear sneakers all summer. Proper maintaiance. Learning how to condition the leather to keep it from cracking. I have a well worn and loved pair of Church's perforated wingtips. I thought that the history suggested walking on the wet Moors in shoes like that. Well, mine have developed cracks in the leather. I only recently learned how to properly nourish leather to keep that from happening. I hear people say that clothes are an investment. They say cars are not an investment. In both cases, they can be or they cannot. The user decides. The buyer decides. Thank you for this video. The way that you put it, shoes can be considered an investment.
A good first impression matters, especially in the interview room where a good pair of well maintained shoes with a lick of polish might be the key, or one of many factors in gaining that all important first impression. I used to be a cadet that only owned 1 pair of boots (all my parents could afford at the time) so I spent half my time cleaning and polishing them after crawling in the mud to get a mirror shine for parade a few hours later while other cadets just pulled out a second pair of pre shined dress boots just for parade, that brushed off on me later on in life when I turned up to job interviews after leaving school (Also School got me used to wearing a strict uniform, blazers, shirts and ties correctly fitted and Cadets on how to iron and take pride in appearance) and when the interviewer gives that nod of approval and is more interested in the shine of my shoe, the fit of my blazer and wants to talk about my grandads 1960's Gold Tissot, you know you are in with a chance.
One of the most important messages you could have delivered, Ash.
While most people don’t wear suits, (almost) all people can wear dress shoes.
They can seriously elevate an outfit of a clean and simple t-shirt and jeans, into something a bit more sophisticated.
I do believe shoes are the actual gateway to a more elegant world.
As always, looking forward to the next video (throwing an idea - men’s watches under 36mm?).
The last few months I have been revamping my clothing style and the first thing that needed attention were my shoes. Shoes matter. And I have had a comment from someone. :)
Shiney good quality shoes do make a difference, I walk a little straighter, usually with a smile and confidence.
The wealthier don't just choose shoes to be 'decorative', they recognize quality, comfort and long life, even sustainability.
Ash, a month ago I went along to a function and I was the only well-dressed man in the room. Someone introduced himself to me and I immediately recognised the name: a long-lost friend of mine, whom I had lost sight of some 40 years ago. Of course I did not recognise him and he did not recognise me: after all, we had changed quite a bit in those 40 years.
But he later told me that in a conversation he never introduces himself - but as I was the only well dressed man in the room, he thought he'd better make an exception. So, thanks to my dress sense I have regained a lost friend! And at least partly I attribute this to you and your channel.
I receive not infrequent complements from ladies at social events about my shoes and their polish. Not every time, but repeatedly. Makes it worth the time I take to buff them before I step out. I like to think my outfits are a half step above. I wear mostly collared shirts etc. That they notice improves my day..
I used to be against Orthopedic shoes, but I stand corrected...
See what you did there…. xD
I have discovered that Parade grade Kiwi shoe polish is not available in the U.S. I ordered some on U.S. Amazon and it was shipped from the U.K.
Shoes? SInce I started mirror shining my shoes and boots, I get comments and compliments about my footwear. Very uplifting.
As a bespoke shoemaker all I can say about the idea that shoes today should only follow the maximum of all casualization, comfort, is wrong. Period.
The idea that classical leather shoes are not comfortable is the result of people buying crappy cheap ones and deduct that they are uncomfortable (duh!) in general and/or do not invest any time, effort and a minor amount of money into their shoes.
Because even rather cheap shoes, if not the abysmal horrors of PU (or worse) "leather" and all plastic ultra-cheap construction, can easily and for little money made into a decent pair with a little effort and the aforementioned minor amount of money (much less than even the cheaper "decent" shoes cost initially).
And I feel Clarkson (and of course Mr. Jones here) is completely right in the perception that shoes are a valid display case of personal qualifications for the simple reason that if someone feels no need to take care of his shoes, or even what kind of shoes he wears to what kind of occasion, he can dress however proper he wants, you can wear a bespoke dark three piece but if you pair it with the abysmal white sneaker, preferably with some wear... for comfort... it ruins any impression of the rest because it makes all effort in vested into clothing and looks beyond the feet look fake because it's incoherent.
Good quality shoes alone might get you nowhere by themselves, but in contrast crappy shoes certainly close doors.
About the effect of shoes I'd like to mention that we already had several customers who's decision for a more dapper and therefore more expensive shoe to be made has been explicitly influences by me greeting them and among other things they, naturally in our case, looked to my shoes and decided that they'd like to have come elements (we built orthopaedic shoes primarily, so it's always elements of "dapper" that we have to see how they can be implemented for the shoes so as to look less than an orthosis and more like a dress shoe of sorts) of them like brogueing in their orthopaedic shoes, which raises costs, sometimes substantially, but as a gentlemen customer said: "if I have to get new shoes for those bloody (worse expression, but censored😉) reasons I could just as well get the prettiest possible."
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
I have always noted and admired J.C.’s brown brogues. I suppose that they are a reflection of the country folk that I grew up with.
Best quality work boots were an expensive investment back then.
There was a tramp who stayed and worked for his keep on the farms. He was a non smoker so welcome in the farm barns.
The most notable thing about his appearance was his shiny work boots ( his only boots ). I suspect that he got them second hand from a friendly farmer. If Flood the tramp came up in conversation his shiny boots always got a mention.
More interesting content, keep them coming.
I Agree, that’s why since i’m young i spend fortun in collecting my beloved Tricker’s and Alden, in many style and colors.
I sometimes work with hotel General Managers, often high end five-star properties. When we first meet, they routinely look to see if my tie is cinched up to the shirt and if my shoes are shined. You can literally watch their eyes give you the head to toe once over. Yes, these things matter when establishing a relationship and trust to be a person worth doing business with. Nice pens and watches also help.
It’s funny, but the same confidence boost can happen with hats/caps. I have two newsboy caps I wear regularly from Thomas Farthing and I get complimented on them all the time. It feels wonderful because some of them even say it shows being a classically put together person. And of course giving a newsboy a jaunty angle on your head can make one feel like a million dollars. Wearing my gray snap brim vintage fedora adds even more confidence- proportionate to the crown height maybe 🤔- but you feel like you could play the Sands with Frank Sinatra, really puts a little lift in the step and people do respond to that.
Well said....but you'll have to play the show without Mr. Sinatra: he's not in for such events anymore ! That's a pitty for him...and for You ! Wish you all the luck Sir... Have a Nice Day !...🎉
You as well! To be honest, even at his current…disposition…Sinatra can still carry a tune much better than I. 😂
Choosing a person based on their shoes is as good a reason as any other.
Sound advice here. Buy good quality shoes, look after them, and, if they are made from leather, keep them well polished. People notice, and you will make a favourable first impression.
Always found it interesting that leather shoes and belts are considered well dressed, but leather jackets are strictly casual.
His views aren't outdated, they are classical.
Hi Ash, can you do a tutorial on polishing bluechers and monk straps? Thank you!
Great idea!
While there are times for sneakers like exercise, I prefer to go out in public in a well made shoe or boot. I recently got 2 loafers(one suede other full grain)and a moc toe boot which all GY welted I got compliments on. I simply feel more confident in well made leather shoes and boots.
Edit: I while also think Jeremy Clarkson is no doubt a controversial figure I also think his farm is doing great for his community, if I ever got to the UK his farm is high on my list.
Yes. On women and men
I once’s worked with quite a hot lady , who only dated guys with good shoes .. trust me chaps , the ladies truly do notice
Seeing how you also walk in the world of the bush, I'd enjoy seeing a video on how to look good while in the bush rather than throwing all style away and going for modern practical. The upper class English are known for practically wearing suits into the bush.
Great suggestion!
Well I’m wearing my Veldskoen boots today in the woodland. South African footwear that is practical and stylish.
👍 Well done 😎
Put a good pair of shoes on and they take you to a different level 😊
1:46 Divisive character ... Jeremy Clarkson ... lol
I wonder how you would also describe bombastic folks like Piers Morgan or Gordon Ramsay!
As a 52 year old Chap i dont wear Sneakers in the public. Point.
I’m a chap of a similar age - I wear cross-country sneakers (sort of lightweight walking boots) for summer hiking and mountain biking, and occasionally Converse All Stars - but again usually during the hotter months. But trainers - only for the very, very odd occasion I play badminton!
well is all well and good , when you go out take your car from your garage , to the garage of your work or the place you go , but if you have ride motorcycle or have to walk 1 km to the bus stop in winter in the rain , you will not look so cool and crisp with your nice shiny oxford with leather sole :)
"A journey of a thousand miles starts with one step" Why not make that first step wearing a well-maintained highly polished good-looking pair of shoes!
I think particularly young men underestimate the power of presentation, especially with shoes. A friend of mine used to say that even the poorest man in the world can afford to clean his shoes. I find it difficult to hear the myriad of men who come within my sphere at work whose shoes are not well cared for. It's a detail thing I guess, if they care about their details they will care about mine. Silly perhaps but guess what, I'm the one writing the cheque so I will accept that can't tie a tie dirty shoes is the fastest way back out the door you came in. Yes, I'm an arse...le but you have to pick something as a reference.
So weird that you are talking about top gear. I saw a clip of it early today and saw someone in the audience that looked like you, Ash. Did you ever attend a taping?
No sir. It must have been another intentionally well dressed man
Sneakers/trainers will NEVER be well-dressed. End of story.
I disagree. If enough people believe that to be well dressed, then it will become that standard. A suit and trousers would be considered ridiculously casual in the 1600's compared to what the "well dressed" nobility wore.
@justinlukas5289what a ridiculous comment 🤦🏻♂️ You’re talking about 1 sub set / genre of trainer / sneaker shoe. What about quality leather trainers a La Church’s and the like. They as smart as brogues do. The fact your opinion is they don’t is fine - opinions are just that. But seriously, high quality leather sneakers are a staple in the modern world in black, brown or white and go with seventh ring. Smart, smart casual - whatever
Call them ‘gym shoes’, and the wearers will soon give them up, and wear ‘Proper shoes’ again.
collar gap
👍
In the words of ZZ Top, every girl crazy about an intentionally well-dressed man. 🎸🎩
I love dress shoes and black roper boots. I would never wear those sissy casuals they have these days that have that white lining on the outside around the shoes which is part of the outersoles.
I will tell you this (for all the single men out there) that women will say one of the first things they look at is a man's shoes, and if the shoes they are wearing, they don't pass muster, and that man is deemed unattractive.
Your middle class. Your definately not working class.The upper middle class work. Thats not how you judge your place in society. Working class people don't wear £300 shoes or have your values.
A man with dirty ugly shoes especially sneakers is not my friend. ---------- I'm not referring to the poor.
Style tip: don't wear comfortable shoes.
Wrong or right, like it or not, fair or unfair, PEOPLE WILL INITIALLY MAKE A JUDGEMENT BASED ON HOW THEY SEE YOU🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵🫵. It’s simply up to you whether or not you want to sway that judgement your way or not.
Apologies…., slightly salty this morning…🤷🤣.