Gents, are you shopping for dress shoes for men? Whether you’re rocking business casual or all suited up, a great pair of men’s shoes in Singapore can easily make (or break) your look. Just ask Nita Chauhan of Italian-made footwear label Vincitore.
Nita’s passion for men’s shoes took root when she was a young girl watching her father open his first shoe store at Grange Road’s Marco Polo Hotel. That’s when she recognised a gap in Singapore’s shoe market . “Having grown up selling branded shoes, I wanted to offer something that was affordable yet well made.”
She set out to collaborate with multi-generational artisans in Italy and Spain to create affordable yet well-crafted footwear that embodies the brand ethos: fine, formal, and funky. The inaugural Asian outpost of Vincitore was established in Singapore in 2015. Here, Nita shares some advice on finding the perfect pair!
#1 The secret to perfectly fitted men’s dress shoes
“Try them on! See how they look on your feet. Each shoe will look and feel different,” suggests Nita. That’s why she’s a strong believer in not shopping online for shoes in Singapore that cost over $800. “A lot goes into finding the right fit and more importantly, finding a shoe that makes you look good.”
#2 Rock your men’s dress shoes in Singapore by blending classic and casual
Dress shoes aren’t reserved only for dressy occasions, especially in Singapore where a more laidback aesthetic is often preferred. “The classic penny loafer blends casual and sophistication; it’s very versatile and can be dressed up or down per your styling needs. Monk straps are my personal favourite. Like the penny loafer, they too can be dressed up or down. I also recommend the whole cut. It’s classy and clean.”
#3 A few tips for great shoe care
- Cedar wood shoe trees are a must. “They absorb moisture and also keep the shoes in shape and smelling fresh.”
- Balm your dress shoes. “Just like your skin, leather shoes need to be cleaned by using a leather balm. Doing this once a week keeps the leather clean and supple and prevents cracks.”
- Treat your wet shoes properly. “After a rainy day when you come home with wet shoes, stuff your shoes with old newspaper and keep them at an angle near the refrigerator where the warm air is released. This helps dry the shoes. This may take two days, after which, balm your shoes.”
- Only polish when scuffed. Do not overuse the shoe cream.
#4 When shopping for dress shoes in Singapore, don’t make these mistakes!
A common faux pas Nita observes is buying what others are buying. “You may not realise this, but different shoes hold a different personality. A particular style may look good on your friend, however, when you try it on, it does not suit you. The monk strap is one such style.” Nita also advises against buying a size too big because you’re not willing to break into the leather. “This makes the shoes look sloppy.”
Lastly, don’t look for comfort in the wrong places. “A well-made shoe balances the body weight by aligning the fulcrum point in the construction. Buying shoes that don’t have a strong and solid foundation is like sleeping on a waterbed. After some time, your body alignment will be off, and you will start to have lower back pain as well as knee pain.”
Vincitore is at #02-155 Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard.
9853 9809 | vincitore.shoes
Now that your dress shoes are sorted, level up your look with a visit to these top barbers and hair salons for men in Singapore!
