The Edit

Shoes

Most shoe mistakes happen before the shoe is ever worn: wrong size, wrong last, wrong assumption about what a style is for. This section covers the three pairs that do the most work in a normal rotation — a proper dress shoe, a loafer that can go either formal or off duty, and a white sneaker that doesn't call attention to itself. Fit gets more space here than polish or leather grade, because fit is where men actually go wrong, and it's the cheaper problem to fix once you know what to check. Buy fewer pairs, buy them right, and replace them on a schedule instead of when they fall apart mid-week. Start with the fit guide if you're shopping soon, or go straight to loafers and sneakers if you already own dress shoes and want to round out the rotation.