Let’s talk about shoes.
Now I know, you may not expect businessmen and professionals to talk about shoes. Surely, they have more important things to think about. Nevertheless, the shoes you wear contribute to an important aspect of any business: your professionalism.
I believe very firmly that what you wear affects how you act. Therefore, if you’re interacting with someone as a businessperson, you want to be able to look and act the part. This is why I dress the way I do when I get ready for work in the morning: a blue Oxford, khakis and a belt, and nice shoes. Then, regardless of where I go or what exactly it is I’m doing during the day, I can look and feel the part of a business professional.
“But Dustin, I thought you were going to talk about shoes!” Right you are. Of course, the shoes you choose will be determined to an extent by your geography. My brother, who has done appraising in Hawaii, wore flip-flops because people look at you funny if you wear anything else down there. In Idaho, where I live, however, flip-flops don’t quite cut it. Instead, I wear Keens.
These shoes were suggested to me by a colleague of mine a while back. I didn’t think much of it, but one day I was out looking for a pair of boots and saw that the store I was at had Keens on clearance. I looked at them and was intrigued, so I bought a pair. I was captivated! These shoes look professional, and are so comfortable to wear – almost like the perfect cross between your favorite pair of sneakers and a dress shoe. They have a nice thick sole to protect your feet from whatever you may step on, and are super easy to take on and off. I find that, for me, they’re the perfect balance of professionalism, comfort, and ease of use.
So, for the men out there, next time you’re looking for a new pair of shoes for work, consider getting a pair of Keens. They might just be the last shoe you’ll ever need.
For more information on this subject, please listen to The Appraiser Coach Podcast Episode:
