Classic for that and classic, so as never to go out of fashion. Materials, accents, color combinations and finishes are changing, but a sharp toe will always return to the podiums. Pointed-toe shoes are the embodiment of elegance, they are worthy of any solemn reception from Black Tie to Grand Soir.
Today, shoes with a pointed toe are in almost any wardrobe. Someone sincerely loves them, despite the fickleness of fashion, and someone suffers, and makes an exception only in those seasons when it becomes simply indecent to wear shoes with a different form of toe. For many, pointed-toed shoes have been preserved on mezzanines since the late 90s - early 2000s. Throwing away her hand does not rise, and it is not necessary, especially since it is these models that need to be worn today.
Once again, we will analyze the still not completely forgotten old and refresh in memory 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 fashionable cult. For fashion victims, the length of the toe could reach 70 cm. Of course, such shoes were richly decorated with spurs and bells, especially among representatives of the upper classes. It looked strange, walking was uncomfortable, but fashion is fashion!
By the end of the 15th century, the fashion for pointed shoes started to decline, and in the 18th century it returned again, but in a more wearable and attractive form.
In the XX century, sharp 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, rivets, overlays for toes and heels. In the 80s, fashion introduced a ban on pointed shoes, and everyone just talked about how you could wear it.
But everything flows, everything changes, and the pointed toes of the shoes again and again disappear, then appear on the shelves of shoe stores. Consider the basic models of men's and women's shoes.
Types of pointed shoes for men
What models of men's shoes with pointed toes can be found in stores? Sharp toes can have several types of boots:
- Cossacks. This is the only type of men's shoes that cannot have another toe shape. A sharp nose and a sloping heel are the hallmarks of the Cossacks. Initially, they were worn by cowboys in the days of the Wild West, but now bikers, rock musicians and other especially brutal representatives of the stronger sex. Cossacks fit perfectly with skinny leather trousers and frayed jeans.
- Oxfords. These are classic shoes with open lacing. The shape of the toe is unprincipled for them, so there are models with both a rounded and a pointed nose. Oxfords are worn with classic trousers, complemented by a tuxedo, a jacket and even a tailcoat.
- Derby. This is most often pointed men's shoes with open lacing. They are less formal than oxfords. Can be worn with informal clothing.
- Monkeys. 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 shoes with perforation. The shape of the toe is different, including elongated, pointed. Brogues do not require 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 elastic inserts on the sides. They have a small square heel and a sharp elongated toe. They are everyday shoes.
And for women
In fact, the wardrobe of a modern woman is full of clothes and shoes that 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.
- Stilettos. These are female pointed-toe stilettos. Suitable for evening outings. Do not tolerate in the neighborhood of elements and accessories in a sporty style.
- The boats. An elegant classic model can have both a small rounded and a long elongated toe. Pointed-toe 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 a closed pointed toe. Perfect with pleated skirts and dresses just below the knees and wide palazzo pants.
- Boots. Demi-season and winter shoes with high tops. The shape of the toe is different, but more often has a sharp elongated toe. Boots can be worn with dresses, as well as with tight trousers and skinny jeans.
- Treads. Another type of shoe for the autumn-winter period. The nose of such high boots can also be any, including a sharp one. It goes well with dresses, skirts, knee-length cardigans. To avoid a defiant look, do not wear over the knee boots with short skirts and shorts.
- Ankle boots. Shortened boots, more often with heels and a pointed toe. Ankle boots are insidious in that they can visually shorten their legs. To avoid this effect, try to keep the shoes and leggings or tights the same color.
Next are the familiar models borrowed from a strong half of humanity:
- Oxfords.
- Brogues.
- Loafers.
- Monkeys.
- Chelsea
Advantages of a sharp toe
Pointed-toe shoes (the models in the photo confirm this) visually lengthen the legs, making them more elegant and slimmer. The ankle becomes visually narrower, and the step is shorter, which has a positive effect on gait and posture. Pointed-toe shoes look very neat and feminine. Such shoes rarely have a platform in the toe cap, which means that their owner will not look vulgar and defiant.
As for men's shoes, pointed men's shoes always look solemn and elegant. There is no better addition to an evening jacket or tuxedo than oxfords with a pointed toe. Beautiful, elegant, correctly selected shoes on the occasion speaks about the delicate taste and personal style of its owner.
Sharp pointed toe shortcomings
The disadvantages include the fact that the elongated toe visually stretches the foot, so if you do not want your foot to look bigger, choose a model with a wider and shorter toe.
The elongated forefoot due to the fact that the edge extends beyond the foot, quickly fails, erases or gets lost. Be careful when climbing the stairs, as there is a risk of not only ruining the shoes, but also tripping.
How to choose?
Pointed-toe shoes, like many others, require a careful approach when buying. In the era of online stores, many of us have already forgotten when the last time we tried on shoes before buying. As a result, if the shoes "sat down" imperfectly, it either comes back or is worn like that. In fact, poorly selected shoes harm the health of not only the legs, but also the spine. One conclusion can be made - shoes need to be measured. They should not be too loose or too tight. A narrowed toe can put pressure on the little finger. If you feel this while trying on, choose a different model, with a wider toe, as it will only get worse in the future. Do not expect the shoes to carry.
If you often wear pointed shoes (female) in combination with high heels, then this can lead to hallux valgus deformity of the foot, in vernacular - a bump in the thumb. No matter how you like these shoes, take breaks and alternate them with shoes on low stable heels with more spacious toes.
Where could I 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 in any shoe store. Here are a few well-known brands that have already released pointed shoes on the podium.
- Giuseppe Zanotti.
- Donna Karan.
- Valentino.
- Karen Walker.
- Giambattista Valli.
- Emilio Pucci.
- Bershka.
- H&M.
Now there are a great many Chinese shops where you can buy clothes and shoes at attractive prices. Chinese pointed-toed men's shoes are very popular. They have a bright, unusual design, suitable for young people who like to attract attention. When buying them on the Internet, carefully read customer reviews or ask questions to the seller about the quality and size.
What to wear with men?
Classic pointed men's shoes are designed only for business or official style. Wear them with straight trousers and a jacket or tuxedo. A black trench coat or cashmere coat will suit your outfit.
Cossacks with buckles and a chain through the heel require stylistic reinforcement. To avoid being too extravagant, wear them with dark straight jeans, a T-shirt, and a leather jacket and leather jacket.
For an autumn outing, take a look at black or brown chelsea boots. Combined with straight jeans and a volume knit cardigan, the look will be elegant and relaxed at the same time.
What to wear for women?
Fashionable pointy mule shoes this season, designers abundantly adorn with real fur. You can wear them with cropped skinny jeans, loose trousers in pajama style or culottes.
Classic pumps are best worn with a floor-length evening dress or a midi-length cocktail dress. They also emphasize a strict trouser suit or evening jumpsuit.
Sharp-nosed women's 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?
Care 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. Lacquered shoes are less afraid of moisture, but are more susceptible to mechanical damage, for them there are certain means. To care for suede shoes, professionals are advised to purchase a special brush with a rubber pile.
To prevent sharp noses from getting stuck or scratched, lubricate the nose part with a protective cream before going out - this will save the life of your beloved couple.