Shoe experts Steven Rogers, founding director of multi-label shoe store The Blind Cobbler; shoemaker Edwin Neo; Jonathan Chiang, owner of men's store Leong T; and Vivek Tiwari, director of Spanish label Carmina, share shoe shopping and maintenance tips.
BUY SHOES AT NIGHT
Mr Steven Rogers says: "Your feet will be more true to their size at night, as they are their largest then. If you're buying shoes overseas, it is important to remember that the heat in Singapore will increase swelling."
WALK AND WALK AGAIN
Mr Rogers says: "Walk around the shop to make sure they fit and feel right. After you've bought them, wear them at home before going out in them to confirm that the fit is good. If they don't fit right, you should take them back to the shop before wearing them out."
KEEP THE FIRST PAIR SIMPLE
Mr Edwin Neo says: "For dress shoes, the simpler the design, the more formal it is. For someone buying his first pair, I would usually recommend a clean design, such as our City Hall, which is a simple five-eyelet Oxford with a captoe. This design is suitable for more formal occasions that require dress shoes, but is also versatile and can be paired with jeans for a dressed-down look."
Mr Jonathan Chiang adds: " A dark, rich brown is perfect. It's not boring and not too loud; it's perfect for a young executive on his first day at work and also for nights out."
TAKE CARE OF THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF YOUR SHOES
Mr Rogers says: "The foot produces about half a pint of perspiration daily. You should wear a different pair of shoes every day to give your shoes a chance to dry out.
Insert wood shoe trees, rather than plastic ones, into your shoes when you're not wearing them, as they help to absorb moisture. You can also insert crumpled newspaper into them. Cedar wood shoe trees are a good option as they help make your shoes smell nice.
Also, try and put foot powder in your shoes before wearing them to ward off sweat and odour."
Mr Vivek Tiwari says: "Invest in shoe trees as they help to maintain the original shape and polish your shoes at least twice a week if you wear them often. Most quality shoe brands make their own shoe trees."
A pair of Carmina shoe trees, which are made of beech wood, costs $120, while a pair of shoe trees made of cedar wood at The Blind Cobbler costs $75.
AVOID GETTING YOUR SHOES WET THE FIRST FEW TIMES YOU WEAR THEM
Mr Rogers says: "In the event that they do become very wet, ensure that they are allowed to dry out slowly and naturally. Hairdryers, heaters or tumble-dryers will ruin your shoes.
Once dry, perform normal shoe care maintenance using shoe care creams and polishes."