Dapper Social

Dapper Shoes

Many men don't realize it, but they should consider themselves "too poor to buy cheap shoes." They might not want to pay hundreds of dollars for fashion's sake, but high quality shoes also last years, even decades longer than a cheaper pair. .

What's more, proper footwear can take a daily pavement pounding and help prevent all kinds of back pain, saving on wellness and medical costs down the line.

Some Leathers Age Better Than Others

Men's dress shoes are generally made of leather. There are several different types of leather, but most dress shoes fall into one of two groups.


Full Grain Leather: This has been minimally treated, and the surface ("grain") is pretty much the same as when it was on the cow, including any imperfections. Full-grain leather ages well (with proper care), developing a natural patina. The best shoes are made of full-grain leather, but that premium comes at a price.

Corrected Leather: This kind of leather has been sanded down to remove imperfections, and an artificial grain has been applied and coated with sealant. This surface can look nice in the store and is stain resistant, but it feels plastic-y, and will quickly crease and even peel off with normal wear. Most shoes, even some relatively expensive ones, are made with corrected leather.

Shoe Maintenance Is Crucial

"The biggest factor [in shoe durability] would be more dependent on the wear and care as opposed to the price tag," Shoes are limited by their quality and construction, a lower-end shoe will last quite some time if the wearer is mindful to take care of it like he would any high quality shoe."

What does that mean?

- Clean and shine your shoes regularly. This will help keep the leather supple and free from cracks.

-Use absorbent shoe trees after you wear the shoes. These will take up moisture (sweat) and help the shoe keep its shape.

- Have more than one pair of shoes, and try not to wear the same pair more than a day or two in a row.

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