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There is something interesting about the way menswear is viewed during events like the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival. The conversation is usually dominated by tailoring, jewellery watches and which celebrity has paired off with which designer. Looks are dissected, commented on, used as inspiration, or in many cases a reason for people to rage online. All of these opinions fly around, while one of the most important details often gets ignored entirely, and completely cropped out of the glossy images posted across social media. The shoes.
Footwear says a lot about a person and it’s not just the different styles that are chosen. You can tell when someone has put thought into what they are wearing by looking at the foundation. A great pair of shoes adds confidence and intention to an outfit in an understated way that few other pieces can. Even the most perfectly tailored suit can feel unfinished with the wrong style footwear or a low calibre product.
That does not mean everything has to be formal. Menswear today is far more relaxed than it once was, and there is room for sneakers, soft loafers and more casual styles. The difference is quality. Good footwear should feel lived in, personal and built to last, whether it is a polished Oxford or a simple suede loafer.
That is where John Lobb continues to stand apart. Founded in 1866, the shoemaker has built its reputation on craftsmanship that feels timeless without becoming stuck in the past. Alongside classic dress shoes, the brand now offers more relaxed silhouettes, lightweight constructions and modern casual styles that still carry the same level of detail and care. Its ready-to-wear shoes are still produced in Northampton using a complex 190-step process, while its Paris atelier continues its bespoke tradition.
Part of what makes the brand appealing is the level of individuality available through its By Request and Bespoke services. Customers can choose from more than 100 designs, from loafers and derbies to boots and buckle shoes, while customising elements such as leather, colour, soles and finishing details. The process feels world apart from your average shopping experience. It’s more akin to a renovation where you are creating something that reflects your own habits and personality detail by detail.
The brand’s newer collections also show how traditional shoemaking can evolve naturally. The Spring/Summer 2026 collection introduced updated versions of house classics alongside newer designs like the Smith Single Buckle and Salford loafer, styles that bring a slightly sharper, more relaxed attitude to formal footwear.
In a moment where fashion moves faster than ever, good shoes still reward patience. They age with the wearer, soften over time and develop character through use. And while they may not always make it into the photograph, they are often the detail that if examined speaks the loudest.
