Happy Hours

Most mornings, we don’t think much about it; but the reality is that choosing which shoes to wear can be one of the most important decisions of the day. The wrong pair is a one-way ride to an unpleasant workday. And while the right shoe won’t make quitting time come any faster, it can help make the hours until then a whole lot more enjoyable. To help address the winter shoe woes of Columbia’s professionals, we partnered with one of the city’s oldest, locally owned businesses, Dryer Shoes, to find some shoe solutions that deliver the whole package: comfort, style and practicality.
For men, a waterproof loafer or boot can look sharp whether it’s a jeans day or an important meeting with new clients. Look for a thick, polyurethane sole; they offer protection against salt and wet conditions without foregoing professional good looks.
Warding off salt stains is a constant battle, says store manager Becky Rudd, and it depends on which type of leather you’re wearing. For smooth leather, the best defense is mink oil, which contains natural sealants like silicone and lanolin. Start before the first wear and continue the ritual throughout the season. Suedes are kept clean by spraying a man-made sealant, followed by regular brushings to remove salt and dirt.
For good winter traction, Rudd is an advocate for Yaktrax. A simple invention, Yaktrax are a pair of lightweight slip-on rubber and steel coils that fit onto the bottom of almost any shoe for added grip. Once inside, the YakTrax are easily removed until it’s time to venture outside once again.
Despite all of winter’s trouble and inconvenience, there is at least one reason fashion-conscious females find to celebrate: the return of the boot. Not only do they look smart; they are smart. And with the recent return of the ankle boot, women in the workplace have more choices than ever.
Choosing stylish, functional boots is all about common sense, says Rudd. Look for a pair that is waterproof or, at very least, water-resistant. Lower heels offer a greater sense of balance. Rubber soles provide a better grip than smooth leather. And, of course, the higher the boot, the more protection there is against the weather.
And while heels and winter weather are notorious enemies; the two are forced to coexist from time to time. When the occasion calls for a dressier look, Rudd recommends a low, chunky heel—preferably with a textured rubber sole, which are much safer than the traditional slick leather bottoms. And if waterproof shoes aren’t available, take the time to treat the leather with a protective sealant. When you make it inside your destination with dry feet, you’ll be glad you did.