Guys, and gals for that matter, have been debating this for decades. Well, atleast over the past two decades. And the answer? Well, it's not as simple as yes or no.
When searching for an answer on this topic, I got so many points of view... some said it was totally okay because the "manliest men" have been wearing them since the beginning of time: Roman gladiators, "Greek gods", African kings... even Jesus. While others look at men in sandals as downright feminine, saying things like "I don't wear anything that's considered woman's clothing, that includes purses, skirts, and sandals."
Shoemaker in Dominican Republic
All the gentlemen wardrobe/styling books tend to avoid the topic of men in sandals. And when a book does mention it, it's either sternly against it or indirectly snubs it. A friend told me that he once read a rule in Esquire Mag that stated, "You lose 61 percent of your respect for a man when you can see his toes through his shoes." (or something like that).With that said, plenty of well dressed gentlemen opt for a luxe pair of sandals when in sunny Rio de Janeiro, vacationing in Jamaica, or simply strolling through the cobblestone streets of Sicily. So, now you may ask-- what's the final verdict, can me wear sandals or not?
The Traditional -vs- The Nontraditional
The issue of gentlemen wearing sandals is simply a matter of the traditional versus the nontraditional. The Urban Gentleman who chooses the traditional route should not expose his toes; canvas lace-ups, decks shoes, loafers, and oxfords all worn sockless is how he keeps his feet cool in the summer months.
Traditional Urban Gentlemen should just go sockless
The Urban Gentleman that chooses the nontraditional route should wear sandals that match his style. And let's be honest we can mentally flip through our rolodex of friends and picture which friends can pull off sandals and which can't. The extremely environmentally conscious type, the world traveler type, and the vintage hipster type are just a few that I can see getting away with sandals.
The hipster urban gents can get away with just about anything
Disclaimer: If you are choosing to wear sandals, then please get a pedicure. There's nothing worse than a man wearing sandals with unkempt feet. Make sure your toenails are cut and feet are moisturized, for more help go here.
Here's a few sandal wearing guys from the
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Shows:
Spring/Summer 2010 Fashion Shows:
Designers above: Versace, Kenzo, Kris Van Assche, Trussardi, Hugo Boss, Michael Bastian, Louis Vuitton
Other articles to help prepare you for summer:
How To Keep Cool in the Summer
Summer Rolls
PHOTOS via: Street Style Kid (via Sartorialist, PimPamPum, JCreport), NYMAG.com, flickr members: rachellake, The Messenger Image
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