I have had my eyes on these shoes for quite some time. With summer almost over, I think it’s going to be my next purchase. The monk double strap shoes have been around for a long time. The monk refers to the style of shoe once worn by Alpine monks in the 15th century. It is a moderately formal shoe: less formal than a full Oxford (American: Balmoral); but more so than an open Derby (American: Blücher). In between these, it is one of the main categories of men’s shoes. The double strap with buckles have been making a come back in the past few years. You’ll be seeing a lot more of them in the days to come.     What’s your take on the monk strap shoes?

Fashion Friday returns with the age-old question: “should I match my socks to my pants or shoes?” I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve answered this. People at the gym ask me that at least once a week. As a rule, you should match your socks to your pants and not your shoes. Why? you might ask. Mainly because it just looks better. If you match your socks to your trousers, then you have a streamlined look from your waist all the way down to your shoes. If you match them to your shoes, however, you can get the booty look where your pants have the illusion of ending around your ankles and your shoe/sock/booty combination begins. It makes your legs look shorter and your call attention to your ankles, or cankles (the combination of calf+ankle in one unsightly, unnatural organ). There are a few exceptions. (Yep,…

Nothing says summer more than the right shoes. Recently, men’s casual shoes options have grow beyond flip flops and boat shoes. But if you’re going to sport some sweet summer footwear you should keep a few dos and don’ts in mind. Dos: Clean your feet. Cut your toenails. I know it’s obvious, but it needs to be said. I’ve seen some of your feet. If you’re gutsy, go a step further and have a pedicure. Your feet and those who look at it will thank you. Have more than one pair of flip flops Pair sockless dress shoes with jeans or even shorts. This is a bold move and for the fashion forward. You can’t be timid and pull this off. Have fun with bold colors Don’t: Wear your ratty flip flops to work. When in doubt don’t wear it. Wear socks with your sandals (even if you’re European, this…

I have the best job in the world. I really do. I get to work with great men and women who have a passion to make the world a better place. Some of them are church leaders, and some start or lead amazing organizations. My friend Wayne Elsey is one of those rare people who has a winning combination of passion, business acumen and relentless drive. Less than four years ago he started Soles4Souls. Since then he’s managed to give away several million pairs of shoes. As a matter of fact, every 22 seconds, S4S puts shoes on the feet of someone in need. Today they’re starting a new challenge: 50,000 pairs in 50 days. And they’re doing it through social media. It sounds like a lot of shoes, but for $5 you and I can help change two lives with the gift of shoes–giving them comfort, dignity and even…

I have the best job in the world because I love what I do. I have the privilege to working with people whom I believe in, helping them make a difference in our world. A few months ago I got a call from an old friend who sold his business to start a not-for-profit organization. While watching the heart wrenching footage of the devastating tsunami a couple of years back, Wayne saw a pair of shoes wash ashore. Being in the shoe business, he decided to do something about it and began to put shoes in people’s feet that needed them. In a little over two years, Soles 4 Souls, his ministry, has already given over 2 million pair of shoes worldwide. That’s amazing to me. Wayne Elsey challenged me to help Soles 4 Souls to develop a product that would impact people all over the world even more and…