How to Choose Men's Leather Shoes From A-Z: "Manly" Tips for Every Situation

Choosing men's leather shoes seems easy but turns out to be very complicated, right? Faced with countless designs, colors and concerns about sizes, many of you must have felt "confused". Don't worry, this article is a "lifesaver" for you!

Celidior will go from A to Z with you, discovering all the secrets to confidently choose the "true love" pair of men's leather shoes - suitable, comfortable, and enhance your style in all situations, from serious office to weekend dates.

Step 1: Choose the Right Size of Leather Shoes – The Foundation of Absolute Comfort

Why shoe size matters more than you think?

Did you know that choosing the right size of leather shoes is not just about fitting your feet, it also directly affects your foot health, comfort, gait and style. A pair of shoes that are too tight will cause blisters, pain, and can even deform your toes in the long run.

On the contrary, shoes that are too loose make it difficult for you to move, your heels are easily lifted up, and you look very unconfident. Especially for active young people or office workers who have to move a lot, a pair of shoes that fit well is the foundation for comfort all day long, helping you confidently stride and express your personal style. Don't take shoe size lightly!

How to measure foot size at home accurately

Buy shoes online or simply want to know your standard shoe size? Just a few simple steps below, you can measure your feet at home very accurately, anyone can do it:

• Preparation: A white sheet of paper larger than your foot, pen, ruler.
• Foot placement: Place the paper against the wall, heel lightly touching the wall. Stand up straight, place one foot on the paper so that the heel is still touching the wall.
• Drawing: Use a pen to draw the outline of your foot on the paper. Hold the pen upright and perpendicular to the paper for the most accurate results. Mark the farthest point of your longest toe and the last point of your heel.
• Measurement: Use a ruler to measure the distance between the two marks (foot length). Measure the width at the widest part of your foot if necessary (usually across the toe joints).
• Record the measurement & Compare: Record the measurement (in cm). Then, you can refer to the men's shoe size conversion chart below.

Men's shoe size conversion table for reference:

Leg length (cm)	Size US	Size UK	Size EU
23.5 – 24.1	6	5.5	38.5
24.4 – 24.8	6.5	6	39
25.1 – 25.4	7-7.5	6.5-7	40 – 40.5
25.7 – 26	8	7.5	41
26.5 – 26.8	8.5-9	8-8.5	42 – 42.5
27.1 – 27.8	9.5-10	9-9.5	43 – 43.5
28 – 28.4	10.5	10	44
28.8 – 29.1	11-11.5	10.5-11	45

Important note: The above size chart is for general reference only. Each brand, even each shoe line, may have a different form. When buying online, always check the specific size chart of that product/brand (for example, see the detailed size chart at Coolmate if available) to choose the most standard size for men's leather shoes!

Steps to measure foot size at home

The Right Time to Try on Shoes & Tips for Knowing Shoe Fit

Did you know that the best time to try on shoes is in the afternoon or evening? The reason is because after a day of activity, our feet tend to "expand" a little. Trying on shoes at this time will help you choose the shoe size more accurately, avoiding the situation of shoes that fit well in the morning but are too tight at the end of the day.

So how do you know if the shoes really fit and are comfortable? Keep these shoe selection tips in mind when trying them on:

• Foot hug: The shoe should hug your foot, not too tight to cause discomfort, nor too loose.
• Toe space: There should be a small space (about 0.5 – 1cm) between the longest toe and the toe of the shoe. You can use your thumb to gently press on the toe of the shoe to check.
• Heel: The heel should be fixed, not slipping or lifting too much when you walk.
• Toe movement: Your toes should move comfortably inside the shoe, not pressed together.
• Walk around: Don't just stand still, walk around the store a few times to feel if it feels comfortable and natural.

The space required at the tip of the shoe

Step 2: Get Familiar With Popular Types of Men's Leather Shoes

To choose the right shoes, first let's take a look at some familiar men's leather shoe styles!

Oxford Shoes: The Definition of Elegance & Formality

Men's Oxford shoes are a classic shoe model, characterized by a closed lacing system - that is, the vamp is sewn directly under the quarters. This design creates a seamless, close-fitting feel and brings an extremely polite, formal look, making it the top choice for important events or office environments that require high neatness.

Oxford shoes are a classic shoe style, characterized by a closed lacing system.

Derby Shoes: More Comfortable, More Versatile Than Oxfords

Unlike Oxford, men's Derby shoes have an open lacing system, the lacing is sewn over the instep. This feature makes the shoe more flexible, easy to adjust the width and creates a more comfortable feeling for the wearer, especially those with a slightly high instep. Derby is still polite enough for the office but also easier to match with casual clothes than Oxford.

Unlike Oxfords, men's Derby shoes have an open lacing system.

Loafers: Convenient, Youthful, No need to tie laces

As the name suggests, men's loafers or Loafers are laceless shoes, you just need to slip your feet in and go right away. This convenience and quickness is extremely suitable for a modern, youthful and dynamic lifestyle. There are many popular Loafer variations such as Penny Loafer (with a leather strap across the instep with a small slit), Tassel Loafer (with tassel bell details) or Bit Loafer (with decorative metal bar).

Penny Loafer or Tassel Loafer with lifestyle style that shows convenience

Men's leather boots: Personality and Fashion

If you want to add a bit of personality and fashion to your wardrobe, don't miss out on men's leather boots. Popular choices like Chukka Boots (low cut, usually with 2-3 eyelets) or Chelsea Boots (ankle-high, characterized by elastic on both sides) will be an impressive highlight for your style.

Men's leather boots: Personality and Fashion

Step 3: Choose Men's Leather Shoes According to the Usage Situation

No matter how beautiful a pair of shoes is, it will look “out of place” if you wear it in the wrong situation. Let’s find out how to choose the right shoes for each situation!

Going to work: Elegance and Professionalism are priorities

The office environment requires neatness and professionalism, and leather shoes are the perfect piece to complete your office outfit.

• Standard: Oxford shoes with a slim, seamless design are always the most polite and formal choice, especially when combined with a suit on important occasions or meeting partners. A pair of shiny black Oxford shoes with a gray or navy blue suit is a classic formula.
• More flexible: Derby shoes with more comfort and adjustment, are a great choice for the daily office environment. A pair of dark brown Derby shoes combined with trousers and a shirt are both professional and comfortable.
• Creative, comfortable: If your working environment is not too strict about clothing, Loafers can be an interesting choice. Pairing leather Loafers with chino pants and a polo shirt or shirt will create a look that is both polite and dynamic.

In terms of color, black and dark brown are the two safest and easiest choices to coordinate for the office environment.

Going to work: Elegance and Professionalism are priorities

Weekend outings and dates: Comfortable, stylish and dynamic

Unlike the formality of the office, casual wear allows you to freely express your personal style. Leather shoes can still be the “secret weapon” to help elevate your casual outfit!

• Convenient and youthful: Men's loafers (Loafer) are the number one choice for comfort and convenience. A pair of brown leather loafers combined with beige chino pants and a basic T-shirt creates a simple yet stylish weekend outfit. You can refer to the extremely cool khaki/chino pants and T-shirt models at Coolmate to mix and match!
• Polite with a bit of dust: Derby shoes are also very easy to coordinate with casual outfits. Try combining Derby with jeans and a shirt over it, you will be surprised with this dynamic look.
• Personality and trendy: Men's leather boots such as Chelsea boots or Chukka boots when combined with dark jeans and a sweater or leather jacket will bring an extremely cool and attractive look.
• Absolutely dynamic: Don't forget the leather sneakers! A pair of white or neutral-colored leather sneakers can coordinate well with most dynamic outfits, from jeans, joggers to shorts.

With streetwear, you can freely choose a more diverse range of shoe colors such as brown, cowhide, navy blue, or even white for leather sneakers.

Unlike the formality of the office, casual wear allows you to freely express your personal style.

Attending parties and important events: Luxurious and sophisticated to shine

Important events or evening parties require the highest level of neatness and elegance. This is when luxurious leather shoes show off their beauty.

• Best choice: Patent leather black Oxfords are the king of formal events. Their sleek, classic, and ultra-chic look is the perfect complement to a tuxedo or formal black suit.
• Alternatives: If the event is less formal or you want to make a statement, a pair of patent leather black Oxfords in plain (plain) leather or a deep burgundy/reddish brown are also elegant options. However, make sure they are polished well.

Remember, on these occasions, it's the attention to detail and sophistication that really sets you apart.

Patent leather black Oxford shoes are the “king” of formal events.

Step 4: Choose Men's Leather Shoes That Suit Your Body Shape - Great Tips To Enhance Your Figure

Choosing the right shoes is not only about the occasion but also about your body shape. The right pair of shoes can make you look more balanced and confident.

For the short guy

For guys who are a bit “slim”, the goal is to “cheat” their height in the most clever way. Here are some tips on how to choose leather shoes for short men:

Should:

• Choose slightly pointed or rounded shoes: This style creates a visual effect that makes the feet and the legs look longer.
• Choose the shoe color that matches the pants color: The seamless color from the pants to the shoes will help "lengthen" the legs effectively, avoiding dividing the body into short segments. For example, try a pair of black pointed-toe Derby shoes with black trousers.
• Consider height-increasing shoes: If you want to increase your height more clearly, you can choose height-increasing shoes. However, choose the type with a cleverly designed height-increasing sole, not too obvious to look the most natural.

Avoid:

• Square toe, round toe, or chunky shoes: These types of shoes will make your legs look shorter and wider.
• Shoes that are too contrasting in color with your pants: This will create a clear boundary, “shortening” your legs.

How to choose leather shoes for short men

For tall and thin guys

If you have a tall and thin body, choosing shoes should aim for balance, avoiding making you look even "longer" and slimmer.

Should:

• Prioritize round or slightly square toe shoes: Round or square toe shoes will make your feet look fuller, balancing your height.
• Choose bright colors or different colors from your pants: Creating an accent on your feet with bright colors (like light brown, cowhide) or a shoe color that is different from your pants will help "break" the overall length, creating a more balanced feeling.
• Consider shoes with details: Shoes with decorative patterns such as Broguing (perforated patterns on Wingtip or Semi-Brogue Oxford shoes) can make your feet feel "heavier" and more stable.

Avoid:

• Too pointed and dark shoes: This combination will further increase the "long" and thin effect.

For example: A pair of round-toe loafers in tan color with light blue jeans will help you look much more balanced.

If you have a tall and thin body, choosing shoes needs to be balanced.

For men with plump, chubby figures

For guys with a full, round figure, the goal of choosing shoes is to create a slim and elegant look, helping the overall look more balanced.

Should:

• Choose a simple design with few details: Simple, not too fussy shoes will help focus on a neat shape.
• Prioritize dark colors: Dark colors such as black, dark brown, navy blue always create a visual effect that helps you look slimmer.
• Choose a slightly square or moderately round shoe tip: A square or balanced round shoe tip will be more harmonious with your body than a tip that is too pointed (making the foot smaller compared to the upper body) or too round (making the foot appear narrow). A pair of plain black Derby shoes with a slightly square toe is a safe and elegant choice.

Avoid:

• Shoes that are too elaborate and detailed: Will make the feet look heavier.
• Bright, shiny shoes: Easily reveal flaws and cause imbalance.
• Shoes with toes that are too pointed or too round.

For guys with a full, round figure, the goal of choosing shoes is to create a slim look.

For guys with big feet

If you have big feet, don't worry, there are still ways to choose shoes to help your feet look slimmer and more harmonious.

Should:

• Choose a long, tapered toe (slightly pointed or oval): A pointed toe or oval toe will create the illusion of lengthening the foot, making the foot look slimmer.
• Prioritize Derby Shoes: Thanks to the open lacing design, Derby Shoes allow you to adjust the width more easily, providing comfort for large feet.
• Choose dark colors: Like with a fuller figure, dark colors also help the foot look neater. Prioritize Derby or Oxford shoes with a tapered toe in dark brown.

Avoid:

• Square or round toe shoes: Will reveal flaws, making feet look bigger and shorter.
• Shoes that are too tight: Even if you want your feet to look slimmer, don't try to squeeze your feet into tight shoes, comfort is still the top priority.

Always remember to choose the right size to ensure comfort when moving!

Feet when wearing tapered toe shoes and when wearing square toe shoes

Step 5: Leather Shoe Colors & Outfit Coordination Rules

The color of leather shoes and the way they are coordinated are key elements to creating a harmonious and stylish look. Mastering the following basic rules will help you feel much more confident.

Must-have men's leather shoe colors in your wardrobe

If you are just starting to build your leather shoe wardrobe, prioritize basic colors that are easy to coordinate and suitable for most situations. Here are 3 must-have colors:

• Black: The most classic, formal and powerful color. Black shoes are an indispensable choice for formal occasions, professional office environments and are easy to combine with most dark-colored outfits (black, gray, navy suits).
• Brown: More versatile and warmer than black. Brown shoes come in many shades (dark brown, medium brown, light brown) and can be coordinated well with both formal and casual outfits. Dark brown goes well with navy blue, gray suits, while medium/light brown goes well with chino pants, khaki, jeans.
• Cowhide/Tan: Brings a youthful, fashionable and somewhat more liberal look. Cowhide color (also known as Tan color) goes best with casual outfits such as jeans, light-colored chino pants (beige, light blue, white) and is often an interesting highlight for the outfit.

If I had to choose an order of preference, I'd recommend starting with a Brown pair (for versatility), then Black (for formality) and finally Cowhide (for style variety).

The color of leather shoes and the way they are coordinated are key factors in creating a harmonious whole.

Rules for matching shoe color with pants you need to remember

The most basic rule of color coordination is: The color of the shoes should be the same tone or darker than the color of the pants. This helps create continuity and avoids making the legs "stand out" unnecessarily.

Here are some specific shoe and pants color combinations you should remember:

Pants Color	Shoe Color Should Be Matched	Note
Black Pants	Black	The safest and most classic choice. Avoid colors that are too bright.
Gray Pants	Black, Dark Brown, Burgundy	Can be combined with many colors, creating flexibility. Black gives the most formal look.
Navy pants	Black, Brown (various shades), Burgundy	Brown and Burgundy create a more interesting and fashionable contrast than Black.
Kaki/Chino Pants (Beige, Cream, Olive…)	Brown (various shades), Tan, Burgundy, Navy	Very versatile, can experiment with many colors.
Jeans (Blue)	Brown (various shades), Tan, Black (more casual), White leather sneakers	Depending on the light/darkness of the jeans and the style you are going for.

Mastering these rules of matching clothes with men's leather shoes will help you always be confident and neat. Don't forget to visit Coolmate to refer to many more diverse models of Men's Pants, easy to combine with your favorite leather shoes!

Color Matching Chart

Don't forget the belt accessory!

A small but extremely important detail to create harmony and neatness for the overall men's outfit is the leather belt. The golden rule you need to remember is: Try to choose the color and material of the belt similar to the shoes. Black leather shoes go with a black leather belt, brown leather shoes go with a brown leather belt. This synchronization is small but shows your sophistication and aesthetic taste!

A small but extremely important detail to create harmony and neatness for the whole.

Step 6: Look at the Material, Look at the Details – Evaluate the Quality of Leather Shoes

Materials and finishing details are also important factors that determine the durability and beauty of a shoe.

Overview of common skin types

Understanding the basics of leather will help you make better choices:

• Genuine leather (Full Grain/Top Grain): This is the highest quality leather. Full Grain is the top layer of leather, keeping the natural surface, high durability, good ventilation and becoming more beautiful with use. Top Grain is also genuine leather but the surface has been treated (sanded, coated...) to remove defects, still durable but a little less natural than Full Grain.
• Suede/Nubuck: Both are genuine leather but the surface is treated. Suede is the inside of the leather, has a soft and smooth surface like velvet. Nubuck is the outside, lightly sanded, also soft and smooth but tougher than suede. Both are beautiful but need more care, avoid moisture.
• Synthetic leather (PU Leather/Synthetic Leather): Is an artificial material that imitates leather. The advantage is cheap, diverse colors. The disadvantage is that it is less durable than genuine leather, less breathable (easily causes stuffy feet) and does not have a natural beauty over time. Beware of low quality leather shoes labeled “genuine leather” but are actually synthetic leather.

Materials and finishes are also important factors.

How does shoe tip (Cap toe, Wingtip, Plain toe...) affect style?

The decorative design on the toe of the shoe also contributes to defining the style of the shoe:

• Plain toe: The toe is completely smooth, without seams or decorative motifs. The simplest, most versatile style, suitable for many situations.
• Cap toe: There is a seam across the toe of the shoe, forming a “cap”. This style adds a bit more formality than the Plain toe, very popular in Oxford and Derby office shoes.
• Wingtip (Brogue): Characterized by a “W” or “M” pattern on the toe, often accompanied by perforated motifs (broguing). The wingtip style is often more classic and casual (depending on the level of detail and shoe style).

Different shoe toe styles: Plain toe, Cap toe, Wingtip

What does the sole of your shoe say about your shoes?

The sole not only affects comfort but also says something about the quality and style of the shoe:

• Leather Sole: Gives a classy, ​​classic and very elegant look. However, leather soles tend to wear more easily, can be a bit slippery when wet and require more care.
• Rubber Sole: Durable, good anti-slip and feels softer and more comfortable when moving a lot. Rubber soles are suitable for many types of shoes, from formal to casual, but can look a bit less classy than leather soles.
• Sole stitching structure: High-quality shoes often have a stitching structure (such as Goodyear Welt or Blake Stitch), which increases durability, makes it easier to replace the sole when worn and is more water-resistant than conventional glued soles.

The underside of a leather soled shoe and a rubber soled shoe

Celodior Tips: Preservation and Avoiding Mistakes When Choosing Leather Shoes

To keep your leather shoes with you for a long time and keep their original beauty, don't forget to take care of them properly!

3 Tips to keep men's leather shoes like new

Apply these 3 simple tips to help your shoes stay beautiful and durable:

1. Regular cleaning: Use a soft brush or a clean damp cloth to wipe off dirt on the shoes after each use.
2. Regular leather care: Use shoe polish or a specialized leather cream suitable for the color and leather material of the shoes (about 1-2 times/month or when the leather feels dry) to keep the leather soft, shiny and crack-resistant.
3. Use Shoe Tree: Insert a shoe tree (preferably made from cedar) into the inside of the shoe immediately after use. Shoe trees help absorb moisture, deodorize and most importantly, keep the shoe shape from deforming.

Leather shoe care tools

Mistakes to avoid when choosing and wearing leather shoes

Everyone makes mistakes, but try to avoid these common ones to always appear polished:

• Choosing the wrong size: The most basic mistake but has the biggest impact on the comfort and health of your feet.
• Wearing the wrong shoes in the wrong situation: Wearing loafers with a formal suit in a formal event is a typical example.
• "Disastrous" color combination: Shoes, socks and pants have no relation to each other in color.
• Lazy cleaning, not preserving: Leaving shoes to accumulate dirt for a long time, dry and cracked leather reduces the life and aesthetics of the shoes.
• Buying cheap, poor quality leather shoes: Shoes quickly break down, bad shape, uncomfortable to wear and affect the health of the feet.

Some common mistakes to avoid

Frequently Asked Questions (PAA Optimization)

Here are some frequently asked questions when choosing men's leather shoes:

What color men's leather shoes should I buy first?

If you are a beginner, prioritize Black or Dark Brown. These are two basic leather shoe colors, the easiest to match and flexible for many situations, especially office environments or occasions that require politeness. This is the safest and smartest first choice.

What is the difference between Oxford and Derby shoes, which one is better for me?

The main difference between Oxfords and Derbys is the lacing: Oxfords have closed lacing, which gives a more seamless and formal feel. Derbys have open lacing, which allows for easier width adjustment and a more comfortable feel.

Which one is better depends on your needs:

• Choose Oxford if you need maximum formality (events, very formal office).
• Choose Derby if you need more flexibility and comfort for the office or even going out. Derby is also often more suitable for people with a high instep.

What is the difference between Oxford and Derby shoes, which one is better for me?

Do you need to wear socks with loafers?

YES, YOU SHOULD WEAR SOCKS WITH LOAFERS! Wearing socks helps keep both your feet and shoes clean, absorbs sweat better and avoids unpleasant odors. To ensure aesthetics, use invisible socks (or no-show socks). These socks are designed to be completely hidden inside the shoe, making it look like you're not wearing socks while still ensuring comfort and hygiene. Visit Coolmate to find quality no-show socks!

Loafer feet with open-toe socks

How to choose the right size leather shoes online?

Buying online, you can still choose the right size of men's leather shoes if you carefully follow these steps:

1. Measure your feet carefully: Follow the foot measurement instructions in Step 1 for the most accurate measurements.
2. Compare the brand's SPECIFIC SIZE CHART: Don't just rely on the general size chart. Each brand/product may have a different form, check the specific size chart of the shoe you intend to buy.
3. Read the product description carefully: Look at the shoe form information (loose, tight, standard size...) if available.
4. Refer to reviews/feedback: Reading comments from previous buyers about the size issue is a very useful reference.

How to choose the right size leather shoes online?

Are genuine leather shoes afraid of water? How to handle when wet?

Yes, genuine leather does not “like” water, especially if it is submerged in water for a long time or is exposed to water frequently. You should limit walking in heavy rain when wearing genuine leather shoes.

If your shoes get wet, treat them immediately by following these steps:

1. Dry: Use a soft, clean cloth to gently absorb all the water on the surface and inside of the shoe (do not rub hard).
2. Absorb moisture: Stuff crumpled newspaper or, best of all, a cedar shoe tree inside the shoe. This will help absorb moisture slowly and keep the shoe's shape from deforming when dry.
3. Let it dry naturally: Leave the shoe in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and high heat sources (such as hair dryers, fireplaces) because high temperatures can cause the leather to shrink, become dry and cracked. This process may take 1-2 days.
4. Leather care: Once the shoe is completely dry, use a suitable cream or leather polish to restore moisture and softness to the leather.

Are genuine leather shoes afraid of water? How to handle when wet?

Conclusion

So we have gone through all the secrets on how to choose men's leather shoes! From choosing the right size, recognizing popular styles, matching colors to the occasion and body shape, to identifying materials and properly preserving shoes. Hopefully, with these shares, finding the "true love" leather shoes will no longer be difficult for you.

Now, you have enough knowledge to confidently choose and enhance your style. Apply what you have learned to find the most suitable companion! Don't forget to explore more cool clothing and accessories at Celidior to complete your outfit. If you find the article useful, please share it with your friends and read more interesting articles on Celidior Blog!