The word “shoes” has long been part of a woman’s vocabulary. For as long as I can remember, shoes have been an important (if not THE most important) item when I get dressed, and I’m sure many of you girls can relate to that. While it’s true that we women have had an addictive relationship with shoes since an early age, I’ve come to realize that we are not alone. Some men share this addiction and, in some cases, take it to a much higher level.
The truth is, when it comes to shoes, guys (especially Haitian guys) are equally or even more obsessed with shoes than girls. Don’t believe me? Girls, take a look in your man’s closet and see how many pairs he owns. Between loafers, sneakers, casual shoes … I wouldn’t be surprised to see the number pass 30. Guys tend to spend more money on different pairs of sneakers. Adidas, Aldo, Converse, New Balance, Nike, Toms, Vans … admit it guys you have quite a few of these styles. With December around the corner, while we girls will concentrate on looking for dresses, I am more than sure that you guys will be adding funky pairs to your “December wish list”.
Guys’ shoe obsession is proudly exhibited in a song by the Haitian rap/Hip-Hop group, Team Lobey : Tennis in which they proclaim, “You can hit on my wife, but don’t step on my tennis shoes”. The music video displays a wide variety of sneakers in brands and styles while reflecting guys’ obsession with and importance they give sneakers.
Picture Source: Team Lobey video Tennis Youtube: teamlobey1
So, are shoes merely a woman’s addiction? I think not. Whether it’s to follow trends and styles or for their own personal vanity, shoes are a guy’s final touch that complements their outfits. Usually, guys who choose to wear long sleeve shirts with jeans tend to wear loafers. If they opt for v-neck or graphic tee, they will most like wear sneakers.
In Haiti, men are particularly shoe conscious as they have shoes for different occasions. And since social classes in Haiti are so tightly knit, Haitians have to be on point when it comes to shopping in order for them not to wear the same thing as others. For example, these days more and more guys are wearing loafers and although all loafers might look pretty much the same, the difference between a brown and a bright blue is noticeable. The same goes for brands. All converses have the same concept but selecting the right one for any particular outfit or occasion says volumes about one’s style.
These days, men are becoming more and more conscious of how they look. As such, they have to pay more attention and give more value to what they wear. Shoes have become the target for this new mentality. The abundance and diversity of shoes not only gives men options, but also speaks to their fashion sense and ultimately their mindset: why have only one, when you can have more?
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