Keep those things polished

Keeping a shine on your shoes is very important. Having the right shoe is the most important but a great shine is a very close second.

When I was a host at a very swank steakhouse in college the GM always told us to take a look at the shoes of the customers that came in. He talked about how the gentlemen that rolled in looking fly but had crap shoes might not be worth what they seemed, thus deserving a lesser table with maybe a lesser waiter. However when a guy rolled in with money shoes, shined up and ready to walk down the runway, regardless of what he had on above he would get special treatment. We would seat and treat guests based on how their shoes looked and in all honesty, 8 out of 10 times we were right to do so.

Knowing the importance of great footwear and spending the kind of money to own the best brings you to another level. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Good shoes don’t cost $100 bucks so sack up!

Keeping your shoes shined gives the illusion that you care; you spent some time or money to take care of yourself. Shoes are usually considered a small part of a wardrobe so if that small something gets a lot of attention you must believe in other small things which spreads like a fungus to everything else you do in life. At least that’s the perception a shoe shine gives off so keep those things lit up.

Here's a tip, wear your dusty Oxfords to the airport next time you travel. Spend $5 bucks and get a great shine. Nothing quite like getting a shine in a chair while you’re wearing the shoes. Every couple of weeks you can drop off 2-3 pairs of shoes at your local cobbler (that’s a shoe fixit guy for you heathens) and they’ll take good care of them for you.

One of my fav fashion blogs, Ask Andy has a great post about this. Check it out for more details on how to care for your shoe.

People notice your shoes first and you want to make a good first impression, right? Polish up big guy. Dingy, beat up clogs aint winning you any new friends.