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You know the famous line from the movie Forrest Gump about chocolate? Well there’s another one I always remember - the one about shoes.
“Momma always says there’s an awful lot you could tell about a person by their shoes. Where they're going. Where they’ve been.”
A veteran recently shared with me that you can actually spot another vet by the shoes they wear. Apparently, they’ll wear boots anywhere. Wedding? Boots. Beach? Boots. Dinner? Still boots.
To be fair, veteran or not, many of us don’t realize how much our shoes say about us. Especially now, as we return to offices and real-world meetings, we’re all relearning what it means to put our best foot forward.
The right pair of shoes for your work wardrobe doesn’t just look good. It sets the foundation for your physical and professional presence: supporting your posture, affecting your balance, and subtly changing how you walk, stand, and even feel. There’s actual psychology behind it, something called enclothed cognition. It means what you wear influences how you think and behave.
I have a pair of heels I call my “power shoes.” I wear them for big meetings, even when no one else can see them. The moment I slip them on, my brain shifts gears - my posture straightens, my focus sharpens, and my energy rises. Slippers or old flats? They don’t have that same effect.
So how do you make sure your shoes are working for you, not against you? Here are three things to keep in mind when you’re building your wardrobe.
First, choose shoes with intention. Don’t buy them just because they’re trendy or on sale, or grab any old pair out of your closet. Select shoes that make you feel steady, confident and capable, the kind that can take you in the direction you want to go. The right pair should support both your feet and your sense of self.
Second, find, what I like to call, your “power pair”. The ones that instantly make you stand taller and feel sharper. Keep them ready for the moments that matter most. Even if no one else can see them, you can feel them. And that changes your energy, your posture, and your performance.
Lastly, take good care of your shoes. A little polish, a proper resole when needed, and attention to how you store them - it all goes a long way. A good pair of shoes can last many years if you treat them well.
Shoes may seem like a minor detail when it comes to getting dressed, but they’re a big part of the first impression you make - and the lasting one you leave. They tell the world a bit about who you are even before you speak, and they remind you to step into each moment with purpose and confidence.
