Classic for that and classic to never go out of fashion. Materials, accents, color combinations and finishes change, but the pointed toe will always return to the catwalks. Pointy shoes are the epitome of elegance, worthy of any formal reception from Black Tie to Grand Soir.
Today, pointed-toe shoes are in almost every wardrobe. Someone sincerely loves them, despite the fickleness of fashion, while someone endures, and makes an exception only in those seasons when it becomes simply indecent to wear shoes with a different toe shape. For many, pointed shoes have been preserved on the mezzanines since the late 90s - early 2000s. A hand does not rise to throw it away, and it is not necessary, especially since these models should be worn today.
Let's take a look at the not completely forgotten old again and refresh our memory on how and with what to wear pointed shoes.
A bit of history
In the Middle Ages, the crusaders brought unusual shoes with pointed toes from campaigns to the East. Europeans, as lovers of everything new and strange, quickly introduced pointed shoes into a fashion cult. For fashion victims, the toe length could reach 70 cm. Of course, such shoes were richly decorated with spurs and bells,especially among the upper classes. It looked strange, it was uncomfortable to walk, but fashion is fashion!
By the end of the 15th century, the fashion for pointed shoes began to decline, and in the 18th century it returned again, but in a more wearable and attractive form.
In the 20th century, pointed toes became a trend in the 1950s and 70s. Rock musicians have made them an integral part of the attributes of the subculture. Shoes were decorated with metal buckles, studs, toe and heel overlays. In the 80s, fashion banned pointy shoes, and everyone was talking about how you could wear it.
But everything flows, everything changes, and the pointed toes of shoes again and again disappear and reappear on the shelves of shoe stores. Consider the main models of men's and women's shoes.
Types of pointed shoes for men
Which models of men's shoes with pointed toes can be found in stores? Pointed toes can have several types of boots:
- Cossacks. This is the only type of men's shoe that cannot have a different toe shape. A pointed nose and beveled heels are the hallmarks of the Cossacks. Initially, they were worn by cowboys in the days of the Wild West, and now bikers, rock musicians and other especially brutal representatives of the stronger sex. Cossacks pair perfectly with skinny leather trousers and distressed jeans.
- Oxfords. These are classic shoes with open lacing. The shape of the toe is unprincipled for them, so there are models with both rounded and pointed noses. Oxfords are worn with dress pants, complemented by a tuxedo, jacket and even a tailcoat.
- Derby. These are most often pointed men's shoes with open lacing. They are less formal than Oxfords. Can be worn with casual wear.
- Monks. Shoes with straps instead of lacing and a narrow elongated toe. Monks can be worn with jeans or skinny pants.
- Brogues. These are men's perforated shoes. The shape of the toe is different, including elongated, pointed. Brogues do not require a formal style, they can be worn with corduroy and tweed trousers in a casual style.
- Loafers. Shoes without lacing, sometimes have an elongated toe. Wear them with jeans and casual skinny pants.
- Chelsea. Ankle-high boots with elasticated side panels. They have a small square heel and a pointed elongated toe. Are casual shoes.
And for women
In fact, the wardrobe of a modern woman is full of clothes and shoes that have migrated there from the men's wardrobe. Therefore, some of the shoe models are similar to men's, but let's start with exclusively women's shoes.
- Stiletto shoes. These are women's pointed-toe stilettos. Suitable for evening outings. They do not tolerate sports-style elements and accessories in the neighborhood.
- Boats. An elegant classic model can have both a small rounded and a long elongated toe. Pointed pumps can be worn with pencil skirts, cropped trousers, culottes, bohemian dresses in the style of the 70s.
- Muli. Shoes with an open heel and closed pointed toe. Pairs perfectly withpleated skirts and dresses just below the knee and wide palazzo trousers.
- Boots. Demi-season and winter shoes with a high top. The shape of the toe part is different, but more often it has a sharp elongated toe. The boots can be worn with both dresses and skinny trousers and skinny jeans.
- Treads. Another type of shoes for the autumn-winter period. The nose of such high boots can also be anything, including sharp ones. Pairs well with dresses, skirts, knee-length cardigans. To prevent the image from turning out defiant, do not wear over the knee boots with short skirts and shorts.
- Ankle boots. Shortened boots, often with heels and with a pointed toe. Ankle boots are insidious in that they can visually shorten the legs. To avoid this effect, try to match shoes and leggings or tights in the same color.
Following are already familiar models, borrowed from the strong half of humanity:
- Oxfords.
- Brogues.
- Loafers.
- Monks.
- Chelsea.
Point Toe Benefits
Pointed shoes (the models in the photo confirm this) visually lengthen the legs, making them sleeker and slimmer. The ankle visually becomes narrower, and the step is shorter, which has a positive effect on gait and posture. Shoes with a pointed toe look very neat and feminine. These shoes rarely have a platform in the toe, which means that their owner will not look vulgar and defiant.
As for men's shoes, pointy men's shoesalways look solemn and elegant. There is no better addition to an evening jacket or tuxedo than pointed-toe oxfords. Beautiful, elegant, well-chosen for the occasion, shoes speak of the delicate taste and personal style of their owner.
Disadvantages of pointy toe shoes
The downside is the fact that the long toe makes the foot look longer, so if you don't want your foot to look bigger, choose a model with a wider and shorter toe.
Elongated toe part due to the fact that the edge extends beyond the foot, rather quickly fails, wears out or goes astray. Be careful when climbing stairs, as there is a risk of not only ruining your shoes, but also tripping.
How to choose?
Pointed shoes, like many others, require a careful approach when buying. In the era of online shopping, many of us have already forgotten the last time we tried on shoes before buying. As a result, if the shoes “sat down” are not perfect, they either come back or are worn like that. In fact, poorly selected shoes harm the he alth of not only the legs, but also the spine. One conclusion can be drawn - shoes must be measured. They should not be too loose or too tight. The narrowed toe can put pressure on the little finger. If you feel this during the fitting, choose another model with a wider toe, as it will only get worse in the future. Don't expect shoes to break.
If you often wear pointed shoes (female) in combination withhigh heels, this can lead to valgus deformity of the foot, colloquially - a lump at the thumb. As much as you love these shoes, take breaks and alternate them with shoes with low, stable heels and more roomy toes.
Where to buy?
When something comes into fashion, you can find it everywhere: in the transition, and in an elite boutique. So, you can buy pointed shoes at any shoe store. Here are a few famous brands that have already hit the catwalk with pointed shoes.
- Giuseppe Zanotti.
- Donna Karan.
- Valentino.
- Karen Walker.
- Giambattista Valli.
- Emilio Pucci.
- Bershka.
- H&M.
Now there are a great many Chinese stores where you can buy clothes and shoes at attractive prices. Chinese pointed men's shoes are very popular. They have a bright unusual design, suitable for young people who like to attract attention. When buying online, read customer reviews carefully or ask the seller questions about quality and size.
What to wear for men?
Classic pointy men's shoes are designed for business or formal style only. Wear them with straight trousers and a jacket or tuxedo. For outerwear, a black trench coat or cashmere coat will do.
Cossacks with buckles and a chain through the heel require stylistic reinforcement. Not tolook too extravagant, wear them with dark straight-leg jeans, a T-shirt and a leather biker jacket.
For an autumn outing, take a look at black or brown Chelsea boots. Pair with straight-leg jeans and a voluminous knit cardigan for an elegant yet relaxed look.
What to wear with women?
Fashionable pointy mules this season, designers are richly decorated with natural fur. Wear them with cropped skinny jeans, loose pajama-style trousers or culottes.
Classic pumps are best worn with a floor-length evening dress or midi-length cocktail dress. They will also accentuate a formal trouser suit or evening overalls.
Women's pointy oxfords, unlike men's, are not evening shoes, so they can be worn with cropped tweed trousers, denim midi skirts or leather leggings.
How to care?
Caring for pointed shoes is not much different from any other. First of all, it depends on the material from which the shoes are sewn. For leather shoes and eco-leather models, there are special creams that protect against negative environmental influences, mainly from moisture. Lacquer shoes are less afraid of moisture, but they are more susceptible to mechanical damage, there are certain means for them. To care for suede shoes, professionals advise purchasing a special brush with rubber bristles.
In order for sharp noses not to stray or scratch before going outlubricate the toe with protective cream - this will preserve the life of your favorite pair.
