The Boot-Shoe Hybrid: Foot Versatility at Its Finest

Shoes were originally made for the most basic needs of the foot and accompanying body-with most shoes of the 20^th century being made of, first, canvas and then leather, the covering of the foot and a thick sole for durability were all that most people desired. But with the growing categorization of shoes as the workplace changing and extracurricular after-work activities expanding, the demand for broadened shoe styles changed as well.

What is essential in most shoes is finding a medium in the usage-this is having a quality shoe that is both visually functional and comfortable. The days of using basic leather dress shoes for the house and workplace and Chuck Taylors for home and/or athletic use seem to be over. With younger adults, the flexing opportunities to move from place to place, while maintaining a wardrobe that is appropriate for the office or the restaurant, is a premium concern. In light of this, it is wise to adopt the ideology and strategy to finding the "boot-shoe" hybrid.

The boot-shoe is essentially (for men) self-explanatory, but the actual concrete model of a boot-shoe itself is not exactly profiled in the shoe industry. What the shoe is depends on what you're looking for in a situation-flexible shoe-most of the time, the profiles are sneaker-based (essentially what is known as a casual/lifestyle shoe). What the hybrid does is help move with the flexing wardrobe of the fashion industry, as high-end denim styles and the fusing of blazers, vests, and oxford shirts have come to prominence among men of all ages. Just as the entirety of the outfit blurs lines, the shoes can make or break how the outfit is accepted. If the shoes flex with the attire, then the style is complete.

Here are the things to look for a potential boot-shoe acquisition:

1. Stick with a basic or more muted color palate. Going with black, or gray- or brown-based hues helps to downplay the athletic look that the shoe may have. These colors also portray a more authentic dressy look without sacrificing its updated image.

2. Finding something that you believe is truly comfortable-having a foam-based shoe (found in most basketball shoes or cross-trainers) can take the edge off, like most dress shoes with just a leather sole and a minimal instep.

3. Make sure the shoe is low-contrast with its own colorways. In other words, no dominant bright colors with dark colors, which can take away the shoe's versatility.

4. Make sure the cut of the shoe you purchase is something that you agree with. Most of the time, if pants are worn (be them jeans or slacks) then a low-cut or a mid-cut isn't going to matter, but the breathability can vary. Because of this, make sure the cut and style of shoe doesn't impede on its breathability.

As aforementioned, the shoe industries have not largely invested into a "hybrid sneaker", but various brands do make their name on the production of off-beat dress shoes or street-friendly athletic shoes.

The Jordan Brand (a subsidiary of Nike) specializes in its performance wear for basketball activity, but with the highly popular Retro line of re-released Air Jordans allow for "L'Style" (short for "lifestyle") colorways which allow for purchasers to have a greater assortment of street-friendly sneakers that AJ lovers can appreciate. Along with Brand Jordan, Nike's Cole Haan company makes its business producing dress shoes with Nike's Air technology, allowing for better fit and enhanced comfort. Cole Haan also remakes classic Nike styles with more luxurious materials to suit the office.

310 Motoring is another company that makes various hybrid styles that appeal to a variety of garb combinations. Followed with Timberland's increasing activity from work boot to street shoe, adidas' high-end design shoe sets, and the re-emergence of the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star and the infamous Puma Clyde augmented with fine suede and stitching, the boot-shoe hybrid is silently becoming the way of the shoe connoisseur.