STEP UP YOUR SHOE GAME (In 5 Easy Steps)

[@v_r_]

What are some easy ways for someone to step their shoe game up? Sound off

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Moving up a “tier” in shoe brand, as long as one gets the fit right.

[@rabihalihassan3919]

Hey Vladimir!! Hope your fine & safe, great episode very productive and contains so many important information, i like when your showing your outfit and telling in details on the brands your wearing... keep it up bro!! Awaiting your next episode

[@mateotrono]

Play with color. Once you have a decent amount of brown and black in different styles, and have a few pairs of suede shoes start playing with different colors: burgundy, green, navy, many different patinas, etc

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

I just keep chasing the shine. I am moving on from Allen Edmonds to TLB.

[@astepabovestyle1266]

A proper shoe shine. Top tier shoes don’t look their best if they aren’t properly maintained and shined. Not only doesn’t it make the shoe look better, you’re actually protecting your investment at the same time.

[@cliftonsledge962]

Using shoe shine, I’ll say that’s the most important on the list. It shows you take care of your shoes and the shoes will last longer. Great list Vladimir 👍🏾

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

2:08 “...some lasts are just not meant for your feet.” Truer words have never been spoken.

[@v_r_]

I had to find out the hard way. Such is life.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@v_r_ Same here. Heck I just got back from picking up a pair of split-toe derbies that were getting stretched by my cobbler.

[@nick177th]

I listen to Miles Davis and John Coltrane when I'm shining shoes.

[@logicalchristian12]

I listen to Marcus Miller

[@v_r_]

Jazz always works, bro!

[@willisix2554]

I like your style

[@ORIGINALDaveB]

Nice! No Coleman Hawkins??

[@nick177th]

@@ORIGINALDaveB I only have one cut with Coleman Hawkins. It's Coleman Hawkins and Duke Ellington. It's definitely in my rotation.

[@robertarevalo5306]

Vlad my brother, I’m 52 years old. I remember wearing suede shoes in my early 20’s. I’ve love the suede shoe look. People would glance at my feet. My coworkers would comment on my suede shoes. I wore brown shoes with blue snd grey suits. Love that look. I didn’t wear black shoes with most outfits like men did back in the late 80’s early 90’s. I like to stand out from the crowd. Great video. Keep up the good work. AND yes...show us the outfit your wearing on your videos.

[@v_r_]

What’s up, Robert? Suede shoes are special indeed. Thanks for your kind words also, I appreciate it.

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

Glad to see you back making videos more regularly

[@liamreal1]

Vladimir Riche, you have one of the most thoughtful style channels out there. I love this post. Your game is strong. Love the nod to suede. It’s my secret weapon. Most guys don’t go there. I do. Most versatile shoes in my wardrobe are suede.

[@GentStyle]

I’m gonna have to get some shade monks now!

[@v_r_]

Do it, fam!

[@abelngqunge6295]

Shout out Vlad... Hands down my fav channel at the moment ... Great content bro👊... Friend from South Africa 🇿🇦...

[@v_r_]

I appreciate it, Abel! And shoutout to South Africa.

[@leonaboson3070]

30 seconds into the video I subscribed! Awesome content!

[@v_r_]

Thanks for coming aboard, Leona! 🙏🏾

[@arthurcatalanotto1151]

Thank you Vlad! Great content and delivery as always. Killer outfits man! You are killing it!!!

[@v_r_]

You’re far too kind, Arthur! Thank you

[@juanreyes7992]

Always a pleasure Mr. Riché! Thank you for mentioning it!

[@lullemans72]

yo vlad, just a suggestion for when you show what you're wearing at the end of the video: try to get close ups from certain areas, like the shoes, the upper torso area, or any other part that you would like to accentuate. i feel like it's going to give the breakdown more life. alternatively, you could do a slow close-up top to bottom/bottom to top transition.

[@v_r_]

Makes sense, thanks! I’ll work on it.

[@corisco93]

It would make it more dynamic and attractive, i agree.

[@MrGeekyapple]

Vlad, flat laces are really killing it. Since I've seen yours, most of my round laces was replaced.

[@v_r_]

A minor change that pays big dividends IMO, Ivan!

[@igbokwenu4934]

Hey Vlad, this might seem simple to you but having turn ups on trousers and wearing braces solely with suits has been a game changer for me from how my trousers drape over my shoes and highlight my shoes even more! I learned that from you and I remember you mentioned it makes your trousers feel naked without turn ups! I now feel the same! Bless up!

[@v_r_]

Bro that’s another cheat code. I’m glad that little change makes such a big difference for you. Keep it up!

[@amizakk]

it's hard to go back once you started to add turn ups indeed. And it also sets you apart from pretty much everyone around you.

[@ORIGINALDaveB]

Your stand up demonstration is fine Bro. It is what it is when you're showing the whole outfit. I've done stand up selfies to show my family and hated every one of them.

[@phillipj.moodie3077]

Listening to this video set me off scurrying around the back of my wardrobe to find what used to be called "Dancing Pumps" for wearing to a Ball with a Dinner Suit. Mine have pointed toes and very flexible leather soles designed for dancing. They would not not look anywhere near as classy with flat laces. Yes it's an exception, but you did ask the question and the answer was in my wardrobe. But in my wardrobe it's the exception. Phil.

[@v_r_]

Haha...dancing shoes are interesting. Can one still wear them even if you don’t dance? 🤔🤔

[@phillipj.moodie3077]

@ Vladmir Riche. There was a saying in the "Sixties", that was not consider Racisist in that era, that claimed "White men can't dance". Popular film stars like John Travolta were consider an exception. My stepfather was a superp dancer in the Fred Astaire style and while in the Royal Australian Navy was regularly recruited to entertain the "Troops". So when I started to get invited to Debutante Balls in the 1950"s, by young ladies who could not convince their boyfriends to hire a Dinner Suit, wirh a dress shirt and properly tied bow tie, I was regularly asked. It was my Step Father who taught me, that to Waltz correctly then I needed to do as he did and buy "Dance Pumps. So if you watch an old Fred Astaire routine on KZbin, you will notice that he is not wearing the very thick soled "Clod Hoppers", made in the USA, that Florshiem used to sell in their chain of stores in Australia at the time when they still manufactured top quality shoes in Melbourne. So as you qualifier by the Seventies "standards" as someone who should be able to dance, perhaps its time that you remembered the old saying from the Fifties movies "Put on your dancing shoes", which meant dig out the dancing pumps from your wardrobe. LOL.!!! Phil.

[@curtisoular]

EXCELLENT sidebar! Full length description!!! Nice

[@v_r_]

Thanks, Curtis!

[@jahlonreid2789]

7:59 “This guy is not new to this, he’s show to this”. Lol classic. 👌🏾

[@markallenwilliams]

Fly as always !!! Keep bringing that smoke 💨

[@_artofstyle]

Shining shoes can be really hypnotic, could spend hours on perfecting a mirror shine ahah

[@wishoeguy]

Excellent video Vlad!! I may want to borrow your list for a video of my own if you’re willing.

[@charlyfeliz7318]

Great top coat and super overall look.

[@v_r_]

Thank you, Charly!

[@FaronPharo]

Thanks for letting us see you standing up. My only advice with shoes is to be real with yourself and also how others see you. What looks best on you, not what looks best in pics of the shoes alone with no context. I have great shoes that are either too much or get lost on my feet. Foot presence is real.

[@v_r_]

Fam that’s 💯. A lot of guys buy shoes just from seeing them in pics without an outfit to match then they get the shoes home only to see how hard that particular style or color is to pair with an outfit. That is so true, thanks for saying that.

[@EdfromVirginia757]

NGL you made me take more of an interest in my footwear more than my garments. Clothes are easy but when I watched your early vids you always elude to how detailed the footwear was and I thought I just don’t see it. But through IG and simply finding my style I’m like yeah “It’s levels to this ish”. Dope content as always and thanks fam for opening my eyes to menswear kicks.

[@v_r_]

What’s up, Christopher? It’s cool to hear about your new found appreciation for shoes and I’m glad that I played a minor part in it. I’ve had guys tell me that no one can see their feet anyway so shoes aren’t that important 😂.

[@antoniohopson5287]

Thank You For The Game... Those Joe Works Are Still Top Five!

[@Ikari777]

I'm big fan of flat Leather laces with most boots!

[@olaroti1211]

Thanks for this, I need to explore flat laces. I have been a round lace guy all my life.

[@Bporte]

Always on point as usual Vlad. 👍🏾

[@v_r_]

Appreciate you, fam!

[@brianminor6069]

Thanks for the reply! A good video idea is your philosophy on pants length/ taper based on shoe type. Boots, loafers, derby’s, etc.

[@v_r_]

That’s a great idea, Brian! I put it on the list.

[@melvinmckinney9120]

Nice video V. I shine my own shoes, but sometimes I do get them shined. I have at least one type of every shoe and boot style you mentioned. Nice outfit my friend. Keep up the good work.

[@v_r_]

What’s good, Melvin? Thanks for the love, bro

[@vasunadella2076]

Everything we saw are very nice. The best of all is long business coat. Like it very much. Have a good day brov.

[@johnnysilvercloud4470]

No lie on the flat laces. I noticed this myself.

[@v_r_]

They always look better on shoes to my eyes.

[@Christbearer100]

Another Banger Vlad! 💪🏾🔥

[@v_r_]

Thanks, fam! 🙏🏾

[@horacecoleman7676]

Well done on the mark👍

[@v_r_]

Thanks, Horace!

[@AnandPatel-py6vq]

Great content as ever bro. The tie is sick! You mentioned everything but where is that scarf from?? I live in London so a scarf is a must and that scarf is sick! Was it from Drake’s?

[@xzygy]

Highly recommend using Saphir creams and polish. I spent years using Kiwi in the military trying to get good shine on bad product. 10% of the time spent using Saphir results in a way better shine. If you're using leather bottom shoes and it rains, make sure you have a second pair to give them a day off to rest.

[@glenparksbonanzahs6376]

What is your advice when selecting a pair of loafers? I like tassel loafers because i think they would look a bit dressier if I decide to wear them with a suit. I look forward to your response...thank you.

[@steveamara]

Suede shoes all the way, bro! 👌🏾✨

[@v_r_]

💯💯

[@Moham153]

Steel toe taps are a must for me

[@caseyjonesbklyn5796]

Best place for flat laces (or any shoe laces) is Kirby Allison’s site. I like round laces too, but waxed.

[@logicalchristian12]

Shinning my shoes is how I always step up my shoe game.

[@v_r_]

I love it. Very satisfying feeling.

[@markallenwilliams]

Supa fly as always!!! Keep bringing that smoke! 💨

[@lullemans72]

i'm going to echo vladimir on the suede shoes. i got myself a pair of dark brown suede shoes a few years ago, and i love wearing them. i'll usually wear them with some of my suits, or just with dark wash jeans or chinos. they look and feel great, but like vladimir pointed out, they also don't need the same amount of care as regular leather shoes would.

[@carlosmaldonado6200]

You are definitely schooling me when it comes to all these different shoe styles. I feel like I need to throw my Johnston & Murphy’s in the trash.

[@davidedmonds6427]

Killer Look Vladimir, and I'm doing just what you recommend buying different styles of shoes, and I have me a pair of dark brown cap-toe oxfords ( Brown Suede Lover)

[@v_r_]

That’s the way to do it 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@Imhotep0013]

Nice fit!

[@anthonydaniels5910]

When ever I’m just sitting still I’ll break out the horse hair brush and work on a pair that has been shined already but I never what to miss a chance to perfect the shine

[@v_r_]

What’s good, AD? The more you do it, the better you get at it like everything else.

[@lavoisier2815]

I agree with you about the suede shoes. I don't care for shiny shoes. I like shoes with very low shine and somewhat distressed. If everyone followed the same rules it would be boring and not personal and creative .I like your channel. What to do and not to do when it comes to dressing well is subjective. I like attending fashion shows that's where you see the most creative Fashion. Not the Models but just the people in attendance. Keep up the good work Vladimir.

[@v_r_]

Thanks, bro! I appreciate your kind words.

[@westfieldartworks8188]

Raphael up at the Gentlemen's Gazette really pushes the flat lace idea as well. But his company produces and sells them, so....I was a bit suspicious, even though I like and buy Gentlemen's Gazette gear. The video kind of confirms it for me, that well made flat laces might be worth the investment. Thank you, Vladimir...

[@v_r_]

You’re welcome, Anthony! Definitely a legit choice.

[@mahmoudabdulraheem9298]

Another Classic

[@Fnous]

I dig your channel. Great content! A question for you: I am 31 yoa, live in Switzerland and start my own business soon. However, wearing suits is not really common here in my work but I would like to step up my style. Where would you start, without going all the way to suits?

[@hanwenyap]

I absolutely agree with the flat laces! Round laces are too generic, flat's for the pros! What brand do you recommend, Vladimir? I don't have much access to flat laces here in Malaysia, only some Saphir (expensive) and generic ones that cost around US$0.75 but only come in brown and black. I wanna get something more colorful. I'm currently focusing my collection on the basics first then diversifying to other styles and materials. I've bought too many meh shoes (Allen Edmonds), and am wanting to upgrade them soon. Not that it's a bad shoe, but it rather doesn't fit my style as its a chunky shoe and looks too bulbous with a slim fit suit

[@gregg.9420]

Hope you are well Sir. Looking forward to seeing a new video soon.

[@biscuitnoir1]

I hear you my friend and I should follow some of your advice. My shoe rotation is not diverse enough. Believe it or not I don't have any monk straps. I need a pair of those. And some balmoral boots. Only issue is my girlfriend would kill me if I got more shoes haha! And finally get some flat laces. But those are not easy to find in Canada. Oh and advice #6 would be diversifying your shoe colors. Keep the videos coming 😁

[@v_r_]

Don’t get killed, bruh! I hear it’s not fun 😂😂. But yes, shoe colors is a big one. I gave something coming soon on that.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Alright you’ve convinced me to take the jump to suede. I *do* have a pair of oxfords with suede details but need to go full suede.

[@phillipj.moodie3077]

@ Eye Heart Sushi. Mid last Century, when "The Man in a Grey Flannel Suit" was as fashionable in a Business environment as the "IBM Salesman" in a Navy Blue Suit, in England medium brown colour suede shoes were accepted as being acceptable in the Banking, Finance and Advertising sectors where I worked. While not too my taste, what I remember from that time was that the leading brands of suede shoes were very expensive because dtess shoe quality suede leather was expensive. I remember the cost because I bought a pair when Blue Suede Shoes was near the top of the local Hit Parade, and I was the only youth at the Saturday night Town Hall dance who could afford a pair. The song line "Don't Step on my Blue Suede Shoes" was written by someone who had paid their own hard earned money to achieve the peak style of the late 1950's. So if you are going to buy a pair, and are fussy about their appearance, the top quality used to come from English Companies like Churches. From memory, Prince Charles favours that style. Phil.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

@@phillipj.moodie3077 I appreciate the interesting backstory on suede shoes, Phil.

[@phillipj.moodie3077]

@ Eye Heart Sushi. Thanks for the note. It got me using Google to brush up some old memories and to check my spelling. Short story is that the history of Church's shoes is well coverd by a Wikipedia listing along with a Corporate page and related industry comments. Why I decided to add to my original comment was that a blog titled "The Shoe Snob Blog" is very critical of the quality of the manufacturing of the shoes since the Company was bought by Prada and people with no appreciation of its heritage started to turn it into a Fashion Item. In Melbourne Australia, the best dressed men in the City of Melbourne were always the Lawyers wearing custom tailored suits and highly polished Church's black shoes. Mine received compliments from the Leading Criminal Lawyers, whose very high fees allowed them to dress in a manner that made their notorious clients proud to be associated with the peacocks of the Courts. But it appears that there are now better manufacturers of premium quality shoes, including suede. Phil

[@brianminor6069]

What’s up Vlad, I have a question. I’ve noticed a number of reviews on Spier & Mackey suits/pants and they seem to have been a lot wider than yours. Do you get your trousers/suit pants from them tapered? Thanks

[@v_r_]

What’s up, Brian? That’s odd because for the most part, I’ve heard a lot of guys mentioned that they wish the pants were bigger although I personally never had an issue. Mine are tapered very slightly as the leg openings are 8” and I think they come at 8.75”. So it’s a very gradual taper as my tailor knows that I don’t like them too slim.

[@Geecapetown]

Hey Vlad, do you go with waxed or unwaxed flat shoelaces? I want to replace all my laces.

[@adolfoloeri9372]

How do you gauge what width of flat laces to where with your shoes?

[@paulcollins9910]

What color shoes go with dark brown suits?

[@nikosioannou7100]

I believe suede shoes are a great match to trousers with texture. That is, if you want to wear them with suits (except from jeans or chinos) flannel is the perfect fabric for it. They do not match, of course with very dressy shining (above 140's wool) suits.

[@nick177th]

Getting ready to watch but, I had to comment on that 'Life After Death'. B.I.G.!

[@v_r_]

Gone way too soon, bro

[@nick177th]

@@v_r_ BIG was the illest.

[@v_r_]

Facts!

[@ardentdfender4116]

I’m not a hater, so I decided to subscribe. But that was after 👀 watching half a dozen videos. I like good classic men’s style, business wear and got good casual style. Ever refining the style so much to keep learning. I also think, show more vs just tell. Show me the shoes or style vs just tell me. I will give suede a try also. But I did learn a bit over the half dozen vids I watched, even in perspective. There is a bit of education in style and dressing well. You seem good for it, so I’ll stay a while.

[@markallenwilliams]

What it do Fam! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Moham153]

Flat laces 100%!

[@elichiz4228]

Is that a 31/2 inch tie?

[@Bonejone213]

Come back bro we need u!

[@davidtornberg8413]

Go Biggie!!! Mo money mo shoes!

[@v_r_]

Haha...facts

[@MirkotheGreat]

LOVE IT BRO! Sorry I had to roast you like that.

[@tariqabdul-aziz555]

Nice music bro

[@BigzBird90]

I subscribed even though I don’t care if anyone thinks I’m a hater.

[@v_r_]

Haha, I really LOL’d. Welcome aboard!

[@gnoter2]

Flat laces!???...yeah. Cool!...thanks!

[@v_r_]

No doubt! 🙌🏾

[@wiktorf4444]

Some suede shoes look really great. The fact that they don't require shine is a big downside for me, there's nothing better than shining a new pair of quality leather shoes :D

[@tonydeltablues]

Like Vlad said 'all lasts are not created equal' You can buy what you like, not try na take your free will Shine, creme, buff is showing some pride 'sted of walking the street with something to hide What's Beef? Well I don't need two gats to go to sleep I give thanks 'cause I've was given a chance to stand on my feet Now my feet are shod in Oxford, Derby leather and suede I'm careful how I buy and I'm raising my shoe game x Tony

[@v_r_]

Your best one yet. Like you incorporated the “What’s Beef?” in there. Brilliant! 🎤🔥

[@tonydeltablues]

@@v_r_ I'm not that familiar with Biggie Smalls (I'm a skinny white kid ...ehem, not so skinny, from the UK). But I'm always open to poetry, rhyme and clever lyric. Best and x Tony

[@benjaminkhosravi4063]

Let's be real, how many of us are first-time buyers from Spier & Mackay?

[@ro5omax]

Vlad, where are you, man? We miss your videos!

[@v_r_]

What’s up, fam? I’ll be back soon. Turn your notifications on 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Larry-qz3es]

"Wanna know how well a guy is dressed? Look down." George Frazier-stylist from Esquire Magazine.

[@whipsor]

Get some Chelsea boots.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

First

[@v_r_]

🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@stephaneducroquet2617]

Hey Vladimir, just my "not too formal" shoes : instagram.com/p/CL4e68shU1I/ (meaning black oxford, one cut are not there) ;)

[@donovankirrane3058]

"Don't wear beanies with suits man, people don't like it" *edit* This was a joke about the last guys, which's why it's in quotes. That being said, it's nice to see that Followers are defending Vladimir after he said he'd stop replying to comments like this one. Did not mean to offend and I love his style. . On to the video, I need to add some suede to my collection as in living in a Calf oxford world right now.

[@SirMopy]

There are always things people don‘t like. People don‘t like suits, for example. Or they dislike green. Or your attitude, because he can wear what he wants and feels comfortable in it.

[@donovankirrane3058]

@@SirMopy its a joke from a previous video where some guy tried to rip him apart for wearing a beanie. I like Vlads style sooooo

[@v_r_]

Haha...it drives some people crazy, bro! It's funny you remember that one 😂

[@v_r_]

@@SirMopy What up, B M? Donovan is my guy, he was quoting some other schmuck 😂

[@v_r_]

@@donovankirrane3058 We're good, fam!

[@jerrymouchian5926]

Vladimir!! You worry too much about what you wore before on your broadcasts!! Let the ladies worry about stuff like that. You do what is right. If the same tie is worn, who cares? You like that tie? Wear it again!! Just sayin'!

[@v_r_]

Worry? Nah, I think you probably misunderstood the intro. I was saying that I said that I don’t remember wearing the tie on my channel when I actually wore it 3 times before. Nothing more, nothing less.