Christmas Gifting: How To Find The Perfect Pair Of Men's Shoes
  • HOME

Christmas Gifting: How To Find The Perfect Pair Of Men’s Shoes

Step into festive season with Crockett & Jones

Let’s face it: the hardest people to buy for come Christmas are usually the men. They don’t give anything away (and when they do, it’s usually with just a few days to go until the 25 December) – making the act of finding the perfect gift seem more like a mission than a fun activity. We’ve teamed up with British shoe brand Crockett & Jones to help you expertly navigate picky boyfriends, choosey fathers and fickle friends, so that they end up with a gift they’ll truly treasure for years to come.

The Country & Town House Responsible Buyers’ Guide

How To Find The Perfect Pair Of Men’s Shoes For Christmas

Slipper on dressing room stool with suit and Crockett & Jones bag

1. Consider The Purpose

First things first, you need to ask yourself this: will they wear these shoes? There’s no point in getting him a pair of running shoes if he’s not a fitness fanatic, or a pair of loafers if he spends most of his time loafing around at home. Consider what kinds of things the man in your life gets up to, and whether the pair of shoes you’ve got your eye on match with their lifestyle.

2. Think About Comfort

While you do often have to break in new shoes a little when you first get them, there’s a difference between getting used to them and finding them completely uncomfortable. Take into account the fabric of the shoe (leather, canvas and suede are all flexible materials) and fastenings, as well as whether your gift recipient will need extra cushioning or a wider toe box.

Close up of man having his shoes tied by store attendant

3. Substance Over Style

Following on from the above, it’s worth making sure that the shoes you are gifting are wearable, at the end of the day. Style is important – everyone wants to feel like they look good in their wardrobe – but it’s essential that you find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and provide support.

4. Shop In Store

Still struggling over what to pick? You can swing by a Crockett & Jones store in the UK, where the team will be more than happy to advise on finding the right shoe for a loved one. If you’re not the type to keep Christmas secrets, you can even bring your man along with you to see which styles they prefer and fit the best.

The Crockett & Jones Edit

Photo 1 of
Black velvet slippers with Christmas embroidery

Christmas Tree

Best For: Dad

Crockett & Jones Christmas Tree Slippers, £360

crockettandjones.com

Something suitably festive is on the cards for dad this year, especially if it comes in the form of these sumptuously soft black velvet slippers (with a satin quilted lining inside for extra comfort). They’re perfect for lounging around the house this winter, or celebrating the festivities in a relaxed setting. The cute little embroidered details – a Christmas tree and steam train – are just the icing on the cake.

Black patent shoes for men

Alex Black Patent

Best For: Significant Other

Crockett & Jones Alex Black Patent Shoe, £485

crockettandjones.com

If festive plans this year involve parties on parties – tag-teamed with your SO, of course – then you’ll both need to make sure you have a wardrobe that can dress you up to the nines. For the ladies, a flashy pair of heels should suffice. For the husbands and boyfriends out there, the Alex will surely do the trick to elevate any outfit. Decked out in black patent leather, these shiny shoes look great dressed up with a suit.

Brown Chelsea boot

Chelsea 5

Best For: Brother

Crockett & Jones Chelsea 5 Natural Rough-Out Suede Boots, £470

crockettandjones.com

When it comes to shopping for brothers, your ethos should be: the more uncomplicated, the better. Nothing gets straight to the point quite like a classic Chelsea boot, especially when they’re as stylish as these ones from Crockett & Jones. Perfect for running around in – whether in town or country – these boots are crafted from rough-out suede, a water resistant material designed to take on a more rugged aesthetic over time (meaning they’ll have a hard time ruining them).

Rust coloured shoes

Chukka

Best For: A Friend

Crockett & Jones Chukka Terracotta Suede, £430

crockettandjones.com

Have a fashion forward friend you’d like to spoil this Christmas? The look no further than Chukka, a Crockett & Jones style that oozes classic charm (while offering a small pop of colour). These unlined ankle boots are a signature shoe for the brand’s Parisian audience, and will no doubt make a similar splash on the streets of London this festive season.

Images courtesy of Crockett & Jones