Menswear Notes: It's Suede Shoe Season

It’s time to smarten up with some suede shoes …

Mike Faist in Dior loafers, who will soon be seen alongside Florence Pugh in the Netflix adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic novel, East of Eden.

March is the perfect time to invest in a fresh pair of kicks: new shoes can instantly reinvigorate your existing wardrobe. As spring arrives, it’s a great moment to swap out heavy leather styles for soft suede – it adds a subtle layer of texture – once the rain has dissipated. What to buy? Suede loafers effortlessly smarten up an outfit and are definitely among the most comfortable shoes to wear. Dior’s Archie round-toe loafers (pictured above) are the shape of the season. Alternatively, try collapsible heel loafers, you can wear them backless once summer arrives. This season’s hiking boots (think boots built for the pavement, not the mountain) have been designed for both function and style thanks to Louis Vuitton’s lead.

Vintage low-profile track-style sneakers with tonal laces are what the style set are wearing now. Officine Creative’s slick sneakers are retro-coded and the sneaker shape to note. Few shoes are more timeless than Chelsea boots, so invest in a pair that feels seasonally appropriate like RM Williams rendition with padded insole for comfort and a durable rubber sole for grip. How to keep them clean? Use a waterproof spray for protection and brush regularly with a specialist suede brush to remove dirt (Jason Markk suede cleaning kit, £15). For a thorough clean, take your shoes to Just For Kicks at Pembroke Cleaners, 1a Pembroke Street Lower, Dublin 2, to be professionally cleaned.

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