A-list of expert shoes could begin with the steel-toed boots construction workers routinely lace-up. Clogs or Crocs(TM) are the footwear of choice for both restaurant brigades and hospital staff. Grand Canyon river guides sport fellow guide Mark Thatcher’s “invention” – the Teva? sandal. Ballerinas wear toe-shoes and firemen, boots.

All summer season long, inside the corridors of power where we’d expect to see brogues or loafers on smartly suited men and tidy pumps worn with skirts, there was a strange phenomenon afoot – pardon the pun. I call it, Invasion of the Beachcombers.

Flip-flops had become the shoes of choice for a diverse group of women and men. Field reports confirmed that contrary to my initial assumption, these flip-floppers were not recovering from foot surgery, but exercising a misplaced fashion sense. Professional people attended conferences and boardroom meetings – even met clients – conspicuously under-dressed. In my books, the beachcombers showed up for work with “naked” feet. And believe me, I heard about these offences; the flip-flop police kept me informed.

Cooler climate signifies flip-flops have been tossed to the rear of the closet but now I’m on full athletic shoe alert. Known as trainers in the united kingdom, running shoes in Canada and sneakers in the usa, sports shoes have no place in the nation’s boardrooms. Yes, the foot is fully clothed but Brian Atwood, Bally Shoes hip new creative director, says it furthermore: “Put on a set of bad shoes and no matter how nice your suit is.”

Words your own thought on office improper. Have you crossed the line in relation to flip-flops and sneakers, or are you simply not certain how to “smarten-up” a footwear offender? We’re always interested in your ideas, suggestions or comments and invite you to give us your feedback.

Join us for my FREE, 55 minute pre-training class: Style for girls Virtual 4-part course where I will share easy methods to create your own look of success! Register Now & Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter. Diane Craig – Image and Etiquette Expert: Diane Craig, President of Corporate Class Inc., is a leading image and etiquette consultant. For over 20 years she has provided corporate consultations, helping hundreds of people realize their professional and personal goals. She is a sought after speaker at national business meetings, regularly gives comprehensive workshops to corporate groups, and offers private consultations on business etiquette, dress and dining.