What Shoes to Wear to an Interview
It's said we make our first impression of others within seven seconds of meeting them. That means that the first seven seconds of an interview are crucial. It’s the time to push away the nerves, get out your best handshake and make sure that your appearance is reflective of the type of man they are looking to hire. That’s why we’ve put together a guide for the best professional shoes to give a great first impression, from formal through to more casual choices.
Professional Work Shoes
The most important thing to consider when treading into professional office environments is your turnout. From grooming through to your suit choice - it all ends with the shoe. So be sure to give them a shine before leaving home for a polished finish, and reach for comfortable, clean leather options. Play it safe with dark, neutral palettes. Blacks and dark navy are best.
Keep it Classic
You can’t go wrong with traditional, black leather dress shoes. A small block heel and refined lace-up front will give you the confidence to stride in and nail the interview, because you can never be over-dressed on this sort of occasion. For something a little different, try reaching for textured leathers. This will help to stand out and reflect a little personal style without being overbearing or offensive.
The Loafer
Less formal than a dress shoe, but still refined enough to be paired with your suit of choice. A loafer is a super comfortable option and the thicker tread will offer more stability. This is a great option if you want that little extra support, or if you have painful joints. Of course, leather is still the best finish for keeping things smart.
Join The Navy
This navy dress shoe with a wooden block heel and sole is the perfect compromise between personality and formality. The minimalist and classic silhouette compliments the colours perfectly so it’s not too much and not too little. It’s the ideal juxtapose for finishing off a navy or grey suit.
Smart-Casual Work Shoes
If you work in the creative industries where the office dress-code is more relaxed, you can take the formalities down a step. Browns are a good smart/casual colour choice, whilst boots and brogues would feel more at home here, especially if paired with chinos.
Buckle Up
The easiest way to downplay the sharpness of a dress shoe is to find alternative fastenings. Buckles are a great, contemporary way to mix up the classic, conventional silhouette. These are a great option for pairing with tailored trousers and a more relaxed shirt for a put-together but down-played look.
Suited and Booted
Don’t be too quick to turn away from boots. If your interviewer is a casual dresser, you can easily mirror the vibe by pairing some smart black jeans with minimal, clean boots. Chelsea boots are a great mordern option, but this simple, black leather pair by Emiliano are a great choice too. Just keep it refined and simple - keep away from laces or too much military-inspired detailing.
If The Fabric Fits
We’ve already mentioned brown leather, but why not try a softer fabric for a casual setting? Suede is perfect, and we’re loving this modern play on the traditional dress shoe by Stepwel. Reimagined in navy suede with contrast stitching and laces, these would look great with a pair of camel chinos and a white shirt.
So that’s all there is to it. If you’re not sure, keep it simple. Be confident, and remember to nail those first seven seconds. You’ve got this!