How to select the perfect pair of men’s formal shoes

Everyone knows that the shoes you wear can either make or break your entire outfit. At #fbo, we have an extensive range of men’s formal shoes that are both very well-priced and of great quality.

Let’s take a look at how to select the perfect pair of men’s formal shoes!

The first step in picking out the ideal pair of shoes is to think about the trousers you will be wearing them with. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend choosing a pair of shoes that are the same or a slightly darker color than your trousers.

It is also a good idea to try your best to match the belt you are wearing with your shoes as this pulls your outfit together very nicely.

Some guys like to dress smartly and enjoy not standing out from the crowd. Others, however, love a little uniqueness. If this sounds like you, why not consider a two-toned pair of footwear? White dress shoes also look formal but give you that something extra to jazz up your outfit. If you choose to go this route, try and balance the look by wearing a white or light-colored shirt.

In terms of the specific color of shoes you ultimately select, you can never go wrong with a pair of black, leather shoes. This is because they work exceptionally well with black, navy or grey trousers and a similar-colored belt.



A pair of brown dress shoes will look great when paired with beige, tan, brown or earth-toned pants, while a pair of burgundy-colored shoes will match your light brown or khaki pants very well.

If you go for a pair of tan-colored shoes, remember that these look wonderful with beige or white trousers. What about wearing a formal shoe with a pair of Tom Tailor, Energie or some good quality jeans.

When selecting your new shoes and how they fit you also need to consider the following key measurements.

1 – The overall length (heel to toe)
2 – The width
3 – The arch length (heel to ball)

When buying a new pair of shoes you need to note that Leather dress shoes are meant to be snug and might feel slightly tight. But don’t worry as your shoes will eventually loosen up slightly as the shoes will eventually mold themselves to your foot. If a shoe doesn’t fit properly, that can’t happen, and you’ll not only end up with ugly creases and cracks in your shoe, you can also hurt yourself.
A good pair of shoes will also last you a lifetime if you care for them properly. Always try to store them in the box that came in and give them a wipe down before you put them away. Avoid getting them wet or muddy as this can damage the leather and we recommend you invest in a good quality brush and polish or Dubin for healthier, longer-lasting shoes.

Pop into one of our #brandoutlets and see what we have.