Men seeking to shine at work or on a big night out are turning to their footwear to make an impression.
New research by leading online fashion brand Jacamo reveals a growing trend to buy more expensive shoes and more pairs than ever.
Over half of men (55%) own three pairs of traditional shoes which are worn regularly compared with two pairs that were kept for smart occasions just five years ago, a study for Jacamo found. One in eight men admit to owning ten pairs of shoes.
The UK Footwear Association backed up the Jacamo research by revealing spending on traditional shoes climbed by 3.6% last year.
Other industry reports predicts that women’s reputation for being the prime collectors of shoes will comes under threat in the next five years with spending on men’s footwear set grow faster than women’s.
Latest analyse from retail experts Mintel found men’s footwear accounted for 37% of all sales in 2017, up from 34% in 2015 while demand for women’s shoes grew at just 10%.
Jacamo said the surge in quality shoes was driven by a growing number of men influenced by social media and trends among the younger generation thinking more about what they put on their feet.
Website Business Insider said those going for a job should concentrate on shoes more than their suit and 80% of hiring executives in a study for the influential website said “shoes” were “extremely important “ in creating the right impression.
Celebrities and their stylists have long known that good shoes are key to a red carpet outfit with famous names such as George Clooney, Will Smith, David Beckham, Jamie Rednapp and Bradley Cooper championing the traditional shoe over more casual footwear.
When asked what was the biggest motivator to buy quality footwear, nine of ten of Jacamo customers (90%) mentioned quality while two thirds of respondents (68%) said it was more important to buy the best shoes you can afford, rather than splashing out on clothes.
One in two men (53%) said they would rather have an expensive pair of well-fitting stylish leather shoes than an expensive suit.
Jacamo said: “Shoes have often been the forgotten item in a man’s wardrobe but no longer. Greater interest in fashion generally is boosting sales.
“The old adage that ‘you can always judge a man by his shoes’ has been taken to heart by a new generation of men who are now paying serious attention to their footwear as well older generations who like bolder styles and different colours.”
Analysis for online retailer Jacamo over the last two years shows that sales of “high end” shoes, those priced at £100 and above, have risen by 29%.
While black is still the most popular colour for men’s shoes, dark brown then tan, blue, grey and red are increasingly popular.
