The Trouble with Dress Shoes

It has been over 365 days since I have worn a traditional pair of dress shoes. Why? Well, for starters, I took on the challenge to wear nothing but Vibram FiveFingers for a year. This commitment included weekly church attendance and more formal events such as weddings and funerals. Black KSOs, Mocs, and Treks were my dress-up footwear of choice due to their stealthy qualities. However, occasional odd looks managed my way despite attempts of concealment. It was a little tough to get passed, but that is just my vanity talking.

I was quite proud of my choice some years ago when I purchased a stylish pair of black, leather dress shoes stamped by the name of none other than Dr. Scholls himself, the best I could buy at Walmart. Dr. Scholl's website touts:

Long before cobblers repaired shoes and prior to the invention of boots, heels or sandals, men and women searched for comfortable coverings for their feet. Foot comfort and health have taken a big step forward, and the maker of Dr. Scholl's products can be credited for much of the progress in this area. Thankfully, technology that helps us run, walk and stand in comfort continues to progress. The Dr. Scholl's brand leads the way by utilizing the latest podiatric medicine and research to revolutionize the way Americans think of, and care for, their feet.

Comfort is exactly what I perceived when I first slid the shoes on my feet. As long as I didn't have to wear them for too long, they felt great. After a year of strengthening my foot's ligaments and muscles and re-aligning my posture, however, those same shoes were no longer as accommodating.

Having been asked to speak at a youth meeting with a focus on choices, I chose to slip into my dressier footwear that had collected a year's worth of dust. It was by far a superior choice to VFF in the way of formal wear... Or was it? I tied them on after a quick dusting, noticing adequate width in the toe-box, a good start. Then I stood up. Immediately, I felt unstable. The 1/2" heel threw my center of gravity forward. Maybe some walking would help me get used to the shoes again.

As I moved forward, I could feel the shoe's sole fighting against my foot for control over my gait. Although made of a softer rubber, the shoe was far from flexible, so when I rolled my foot down, starting from the outside, and the shoe pulled my foot down with a slap. The motion repeated over and over as I paced the hallway searching for a feeling of familiarity but none was found. I was dressed up sharp but felt awkward, like being reintroduced to an old girlfriend. It just wasn't the same as it used to be.

I've been eyeing a pair of Terra Plana Oaks as a minimalist dress shoe option for sometime now, and I look forward to new stock being shipped to North America for the spring. My brown, leather Aquas work as a semi-formal attire option, and they are extremely comfortable. I could probably get away with more if the Aquas were black. I do have a pair of OeTZI Troop boots on their way. The black upper and sole may just work under my dress pants. Another option comes form a company called Flexible Footwear. While a smaller company, I have read promising reviews of their product. Price, however, may be a significant obstacle for most. I hope to gather more details on this company in the future.

Comments

[Paul]

Nathan

Over the last year I have struggled with dress shoes. I now wear socks at work and put on Walmart water shoes when needed. Someone needs to make a minimal dress shoes that is truly minimal and not cost a fortune. I will never be able to go back to wearing shoes for more then short periods

Paul

[Patrick]

Nice post! I have struggled with dress shoes as well and have worn KSOs to church too!!

I do have a few pairs of Vivo Barefoot shoes and the Oaks are nice for weddings and other more "formal" events. You just have to make sure you get the right fit.

I am pretty excited to try the Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove as a dress shoe option. I have a pair of Trail Gloves and like them a lot--but the Tough Gloves could be a viable dress shoe option!