Hey, Guys: Women Do Check Out Your Footwear
In the countless ways men and women are different, we have found one more: shoes. From our poll a few weeks ago, we discovered that the male gender is single-minded when it comes to what kind of footwear they like to see on women. High-heeled pumps won by a landslide--in fact, there seemed to be no dissension among the ranks.
But when we asked women what kind of footwear they like on men, there was no universal agreement on one style. Their preferences were all over the place, and very specific, from cowboy boots to wingtips. And they were adamant about what they didn’t like--sloppy tennis shoes, foot-revealing sandals, obviously cheap footwear.
The bottom line: Shoes do matter. In fact, some wrote that feet (or what’s on them) are the first things they check out when sizing up a guy.
As for their no-holds-barred opinions, here they are:
* “My preference for shoes on a man is classic black dress shoes. No tassels! They are so tacky.”
* “I like to see men in shoes that fit the occasion or outfit.”
* “A standard, lace-up town shoe with a plain, horizontal seam at the base of the toe, in the following colors: black, brown, ox-blood red or white.”
* “Men look handsome in jeans, white shirts and hiking boots.”
* “I can’t say that any particular kind of men’s shoe appeals to me. But any pair of shoes that is cheap looks three times as cheap, and that’s very unattractive.”
* “I love men in slightly platformed wing-tip shoes.”
* “Cowboy boots! Nothing looks better with a nice-fitting pair of Levis than a pair of fine cowboy boots!”
* “Do I make snap judgments about a man based on the kinds of shoes he wears? Absolutely! My favorite man-shopping venue is the Great Western Forum. During a Lakers or Kings game, I can stand in any concession area and look down--and if I see a snappy pair of hooves (any shade of brown preferred) I can then check out the slacks, and work my way up to eye contact. It’s wonderful! P.S. Hey, guys--gym shoes and flip-flops are not allowed unless it’s a beach or sporting date!”
* “I wish someone would help men with their footwear because this is the first thing I notice. Please tell them not to wear shoes that need to have the heel replaced and haven’t seen shoe polish since the shoes were made.”
* “Long, bony, hairy toes creeping out of Birkenstocks--death to the sandal! My husband has been threatening to buy a pair with the useless compensation of promising to wear socks. Socks?! I can only hope the Fashion Police will blow the whistle on him. Give him a pair of Oxfords any day!”
* “Nothing compares to the cap-toe shoe for men. And why wouldn’t you look at a man’s shoes? My sister had this troll of a boyfriend who only wore hideous hiking boots with everything--he even wore them to a Christmas party! Thank God my fiance places high priority on the style and quality of his footwear. That’s why he has the privilege of being my future husband.”
The following is the result of a survey of the women in my small office: Loafers won with 75% of the vote. “Anything but sandals and flip-flops. Men don’t take care of their feet. They’re usually crusty.” No one except the under-30 crowd knew what Skechers were. Only they voted for them.
So, gentlemen, it’s time to toss the stinky sneakers and invest in some high-quality shoes. Women will thank you for it.
From the Fashion Police blotter: Don’t forget, we need your faxes and letters telling the worst summer fashion crimes you’ve seen. The season has arrived!
* When reporting or preventing a fashion crime, write to Fashion Police, Life & Style, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or fax to (213) 237-0732. Submissions cannot be returned. No telephone inquiries, please.
