Brogue Shoes: What Makes Them the Ideal Footwear Choice for Men
If you buy cheap shoes, or even moderately priced ones, in just six months they will start to come apart. The soles will wear thin and the colours will fade. However, if you buy a well-made pair of shoes they will last for years and even decades.
While more expensive shoes are more likely to fit this description, there are a lot of options out there. Especially when it comes to brogues which are shoes that have proven themselves to be unique wardrobe additions that are well worth the investment.
Brogues have seen a major comeback in recent years, principally due to their popularity with the style-conscious crowd. While brogues are not for everyone and some will always claim they hate them, those who do wear and appreciate these styles are generally very positive about them. There are many reasons why men love brogues, so let’s explore the most popular ones after we learn a thing or two about the origins of this type of footwear.
The Origin of Men’s Brogues Shoes
Mens brogues shoes are the type of shoe that encompasses everything timeless and elegant about men’s footwear. But have you ever wondered where exactly did mens brogues originate from? What kind of shoe is a brogue?
A brogue is a type of shoe with perforations that give it a very distinct appearance. The history of the brogue goes back centuries. This style was originally worn by people in Scotland as well as Ireland, although the Irish brogue is slightly different from the Scottish one. The first known brogues were made in 1846 in Ireland. The name comes from the Gaelic word used to describe cloven hooves, which were also called brogues. Today, there are plenty of modern styles of mens brogues shoes suitable for different outfits and which can match all kinds of accessories from belts to scarves.
Reasons to Wear Brogues
They Force You to Walk Correctly
Men’s brogues are a great investment if you want to improve your posture and gait. A lot of people walk with their feet turned inwards, which is a major cause of back pain and knee problems.
For example, if you have ever worn ordinary shoes with a metal or plastic tip on the end, you know that your foot tends to slide forward until it reaches that tip. This happens because there is nothing forcing you to keep your foot pointed straight ahead; there is no penalty for letting it slide out of line.
On the other hand, men’s brogues shoes help fix this problem by putting something in your way. The quarter catches your foot behind your big toe if you let it slide out of line, forcing you to correct it before you step down again. With practice, this becomes a habit, and you find yourself walking correctly without thinking about it.
They Are Built to Last
Male brogues are made of often made using sturdy materials, which will age gracefully and provide many years of excellent performance and service. In fact, most brogue shoes for men are made from mature leather that has been dyed with natural colours that will not rub off or fade. The colouring of these shoes is rich and varied. Each shoe will develop its own patina over time, giving them a worn, comfortable look that becomes more attractive with every wear.
Brogues are beautifully crafted, hand-sewn and expertly finished with nice welts, which means they will be durable enough to wear for many years to come. This is a time-consuming process, but the outcome is well worth it.
These shoes are incredibly snug thanks to their lightweight sole units that are flexible and shock absorbent. This means you can walk around all day without getting tired or sore feet. The leather lining is comfortable and breathable, so your feet won’t overheat even after wearing them for long periods of time.
However, even though they are worth buying, you need to find the correct size to feel comfortable wearing them. You can get your feet measured at a shoe store, or measure them yourself. When you’re trying on shoes, wear the same socks you would normally wear with those shoes. Your shoes should fit comfortably(but not tight) without pinching anywhere and without your heel slipping out of the back when you walk.
They Are Stylish and Versatile
Due to their simplistic design, men’s brogues shoes will accentuate any outfit you wear whether it is casual or formal. They are also the perfect middle ground for business casual settings because they give you that professional look without being too dressy. Because they fit in a variety of styles, even men who are into wearing western–style clothing like to fit in brogue shoes into their wardrobe.
The simple design of men’s brogue shoes makes it easy to match them to most outfits that you already have in your closet. You can pair a nice pair of men’s brogue shoes with jeans, khakis or even pants to complete your look.
In regards to the colour, you can find these classic shoes in brown leather, tan suede, black leather or blue suede leather just to name a few. Whatever colour you choose, be sure that they will draw attention to your feet and make them stand out from the crowd.
To Sum Up
Shoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about “man’s best accessory,” but one could argue that they most definitely are. And brouges are definitely a testament to this. A good pair of brogues is versatile and can be worn with any outfit, whether it is formal or every day.