Bad Shoe Trend: Ostrich and Faux Ostrich Shoes

I love texture, and I so want men to have more exciting choices when it comes to shoes. I can handle platforms a la Travolta of '77; and I adore designers who take chances, but for some reason, the ostrich thing just isn't working for me. For starters, whether the shoes are made of real ostrich or fake ostrich, it looks as if they've been infected with some sort of pox.

But, it's way the disease has represented itself that bugs me most. Had the trend toward the ostrich shown up on casual shoes, I might not have dismissed it so readily. Disturbingly though, it's men's dress shoes that are being overtaken by this fad.

While a good men's dress shoe quietly blends with and tastefully complements his wardrobe, the bumpy surface of ostrich skin draws the eyes to it like a magnet, stealing the focus from whatever outfit is worn with the shoes.

Worst still, in many cases the ostrich is actually mixed with another texture (faux or otherwise), creating a patchwork of skins that confuses the eye, and sends a message to the brain that something is indeed wrong with the picture.

I know there are many fashion-forward guys who will disagree with me on this one, and despite my disdain for this trend, I admire those who'll give it a whirl. When it comes to Men's Dress Shoes, I definitely prefer a sleeker look, but I have the utmost respect for a guy who'll throw caution to the wind when it comes to footwear and fashion.

Pictured: Giorgio Brutini "15611"
Image provided by ShoeBuy.com
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