You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes.
Dr Martens for rockers.
Brogues for city boys.
Up-cycled 60s winkle-pickers for hipsters.
Those daft foot-glove things for holistic sporty types.
White patent slip-ons with a gold chain for the mentally bewildered.
Cowboy boots for... well, cowboys, obviously.
These are the rules.
So if you've got an interest in looking good below the knees take a look at our suggestions for London's best shops for men's shoes and get yourself kitted out with some nice treads.
And remember: up here for thinking... down there for dancing.
Best places to shop for men's shoes in London
Church’s seem to be associated most with the tweeds and Barbour coats of the country set but they have shops all over London and remain a name that guarantees quality. Founded in 1873, you can find shops in Piccadilly and Knightsbridge, where the brogues and Oxfords sell to both Londoners and tourists looking for that traditional English gentleman’s look.
John Lobb may have sold off part off itself to Hermes but its heritage remains in the UK. Possibly the preeminent men’s footwear specialists in London, a pair of John Lobbs are as much a status symbol as they are a pair of shoes. The prices make them exclusive but the quality means a comfortable shoe that will last for years and years.
Grenson was struggling to modernize until the former Adidas Originals designer Tim Little came into the company. In a short time the brand was back out there mixing up its classic moulds with new contemporary designs. The chunky Vibram soles are something of a signature modern Grenson look.
Located on Jermyn Street, surrounded by other classic British fashion luminaries, Tricker’s is a quintessential brand in British footwear. Most famous for their brogues, those intricately detailed wingtips, they are fashionable in city and country circles.
Loake is another classic English shoemaker. Their London store is located in the Princes Arcade where you can find their selection of classic and contemporary models.
Harrods Shoe Salon is a place for true footwear addicts. Luxury lives in every pair and names like Tom Ford, Gucci and Paul Smith decorate the space. Expensive doesn’t cover it; expect to see prices that go all the way up to £4,000 - yes, that’s four thousand pounds! – for a pair of Ermenegildo Zegna crocodile skin derby shoes.
If you want to find a quality selection of shoes without wearing your poor feet out looking, then stop in on Selfridges. The range is huge, with a variety of styles to suit all tastes. Brands include Kurt Geiger, Oliver Sweeney, Todds, Grenson, Nicholas Kirkwood and Hudson.
Londoners will know Office stores as the shoe shops where men and women are given the blessing to divide up and head off in the direction of their own sex’s footwear. The men’s section offers a range of styles that compete with the luxury brands for looks but stay low on price. If you’re intimidated by paying over £100 for a pair of shoes then Office is the place.
If you want a range of men’s shoes where prices don’t come close to a month’s rent then Topman has your back. The shoe department is well curated and offers a mix between modern and classic. You won’t get the very biggest brands; instead you’ll get contemporary designs avoiding premium materials in favour of accessible price points.