What do his shoes say about him?

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We were at a house party, which had a fairly casual code, when I let my then boyfriend meet my friends for the first time. Everything seemed to be going fine until my best mate interrogated him over his shoes, 'You've got holes in your shoes! How will you provide for her in the future?' She was joking at the time, but did she have a point?

So, in true Carrie Bradshaw style, why do men's shoes say as much about you as they do about him …?

Body language, characteristics and style say a lot about a person and shoes tend to give away a lot more than we think. It's unfortunate for men that they don't have the same wide range of shoe choice as women, but regardless of that, shoe material, condition and maintenance can show his true colours.

In the same way you wouldn’t go for an interview looking unimpressive, you wouldn't go on a date looking unkempt. It's often the shoes that give it away. Are those shabby shoes providing a sneaky peak into the real person behind the suit or smart exterior?

Women often choose shoes based on their mood, but men frequently choose shoes for practical reasons and the activities they will use them for. And of course different shoe styles say different things about people.

Designer shoes for men
Male grooming is huge and there has been a huge influx of men's grooming products into the skincare market. And we've seen the rise of the 'metro-sexual' manbags and meggings – yes, that's right, some men do wear leggings! The designer shoe lover may be a 'collector' – a magpie drawn in by the sleek smoothness of fine Italian leather and edgy rock appeal of a pair of Prada boots. But if his material possessions are collectables, are people too? Are you the latest accessory on his designer tick list?

Funky trainers
Trainers often present a casual attitude. A person who wears trainers may be drawn to a brand – or just want comfort. For many men, as long as the shoe fits and looks all right, the job is a good one. Trainers of course may be a little worn and faded. But if the once funky trainer is not so funky anymore – and barely resembles a shoe - this man may not care about his appearance or other parts of his life. Can he be bothered to improve his look?

Sandals
Men's sandals should only be worn in the summer or on holiday, never with socks and really not at work. A word of advice, if you see a man wearing socks and sandals – at work and in winter – run now.