Judged By Your Shoes
Why footwear is so important in a job interview.
by Rita Gworek

I have heard it said that when you are in New York City and you finally get a reservation at a restaurant that takes months to secure, the first thing the maitre d’ does before he seats you is to look down at your shoes. Depending on your shoes you may get a table near the noisy kitchen because you are wearing a pair of Payless shoes or prime seating near a window because you are wearing a pair of Ferragamo shoes. It is that important to wear the right shoes.

Shoes are designed to be worn with different dress codes. The shoes you wear with a suit are not the same shoes you should wear with a pair of jeans. So business shoes, business casual shoes, casual shoes and athletic shoes all have a different style and purpose. Wearing the wrong shoes or worn out and scuffed up shoes can ruin the look of the most expensive clothing.

Women tend to be a little savvier when it comes to shoe styles than men, although there have been numerous exceptions. If you look at the significant difference in the number of styles of shoes available to women it is easy to understand how even the most knowledgeable shoe aficionado can make a fashion faux pas. Women should always fight the urge to show off their shoes at the expense of a well-put-together ensemble. Shoes do make the woman, but it can break them too!

Shoe styles are created to complement the clothing. If someone is wearing a heavy coarse fabric in the winter then a shoe with a lot of volume and substance like a boot is appropriate. And if someone is wearing soft flowing clothing in the summer then a shoe that is strappy and more sandal-like is an appropriate choice.

How to Shop for a Shoe
Shop on a Monday or Tuesday when stores are less crowded. This way you will get more attention. Let the sales person know what style of shoe you need. Is it for business, business casual or casual? If you are shopping in a higher end store, the sales person will be knowledgeable in shoe styles and how to fit you. If you are discount shopping you will have to rely on what you know. The shoe should fit and feel comfortable right away.

There should be no need for a “breaking in” period. Breaking in shoes means “stretching them out.”

Classic business shoes are all leather in the uppers, inside and on the soles. The problem with leather bottom shoes is that it is not comfortable to stand or walk for a long period of time. Because of this, more manufactures are now making rubber soled shoes that look like leather.

These are very comfortable and great for your feet.

I have often read that you should shop for shoes in the evening when your feet have expanded. This way you will get a comfortable shoe. It is best if the sales person measures your foot both for length and width. Some people have one foot longer than the other – occasionally, as much as one shoe size. Unfortunately, if you have this problem you have to purchase two pair of shoes in different sizes.

A lot of people are just a half size different. Some people suffer from having a wide foot but a narrow heel. That also complicates a proper fitting, but can be compensated for by purchasing a laced up shoe. There are so many more places to shop for shoes like online, catalog and retail stores that make it easier for you to find a difficult fit.

For a long foot, a cap-toe style will make your foot look shorter. Wide feet look slimmer in a square-toe shoe. Short feet look longer with a modified pointed-toe.

The most important fact to remember about shopping for shoes is that each manufacturer uses different patterns. This means that a size 10 in one brand may not fit you in a size 10 in anther brand. You have to try on every brand to find one that meets your needs. Now that you have the right fit and style of shoe, wax and polish them. Polish not only makes your shoes look new, it keeps them in good condition.


© Rita Gworek 2009
Rita Gworek is a presenter for the TAP and ACAP seminars on “Dressing for Success.” She is finishing her certification as a Master Tailor. She has been an image consultant and personal shopper for more than ten years in the Washington, D.C., area.