7 shoes men often find attractive and 7 that turn them off

Men might have different tastes, but most claim that some shoes can make an outfit look great almost instantly, while others can destroy a look in seconds flat.

7 shoes men find attractive – Classic pumps

Women's white high heel shoes fashion
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The sleek pointed-toe heel is your quintessential power shoe. Most men love them because they lengthen the leg and put an immediate dose of polish and confidence on any outfit.

They say it’s “traditionally elegant” and signals a woman who is comfortable with her strength and knows how to own a room.

Minimal sneakers

White women's sneakers with coral inserts on pink background
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White leather sneakers give off vibes that the woman wearing them is easy-going, active, and carefree. Many men love this look because it shows that a woman can be both down to earth and ready for an impromptu stroll while still looking stylish.

Many also feel these shoes make a woman look cool and capable.

Ankle boots

Stylish purple ankle boots, pink purse, sunglasses and printed scarf
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From tough block heels to flat soles, ankle boots provide the ultimate juxtaposition of cool girl and city sensible.

Men love that this look is stylish, city-practical, and down-to-earth and sends the message that you’re ready for whatever life throws your way while still staying stylish. Many say they just look “effortlessly stylish.”

Strappy sandals

Female shoes on an old wooden table (sandals)
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Thin straps that allow for your foot to be seen are said to be the sexiest and most feminine shoes to wear on date nights.

Men find this shoe attractive because it feels bare and summer-ready. You expose your ankles and it looks dainty and expensive. Men also say they make your feet look delicate and pretty.

Tall boots

Women's boots on a white background
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Men are attracted to tall, over-the-knees boots worn with a simple or minimal dress because they form a long, sleek line that looks very put-together and fashionable.

They say it makes you look sexy but classy, like you know what you’re doing and you aren’t afraid to grab some attention.

Loafers

Pink sweatshirt and beige suede loafers on beige background. Overhead view of women's casual day outfit. Trendy women clothes.
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Simple loafers send a message of intelligence and sophistication. The old money vibe given by a pair of leather loafers is super classy and sexy.

It’s a shoe that says smart instead of trendy and flashy. Many men commented that women in loafers just look put together and capable. It’s perfect for that killer lunch date or daytime walk.

Ballerina flats

Ballet pointe shoes with satin ribbons lying on wooden floor represent the dedication and grace of classical dance
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Ballerina flats are easy ballet flats that send off soft, vintage vibes similar to those feminine actresses we saw in the 1950s movies.

Men love the elegant look these flats provide. It represents a type of classic beauty and comfort that doesn’t rely on height. Many guys describe the look as timeless.

7 shoes that turn them off immediately – Platform wedges

Wedge-heeled woman shoe isolated on the white background
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If the sole is too thick and chunky looking, most guys find the shoe heavy and clunky, detracting from the rest of your outfit.

They believe they are bottom-heavy and can make your gait appear awkward or stiff from such a large block of material. Most don’t think that these shoes make a woman taller; instead, many feel that they lack grace and style.

Plastic sliders

White buckle slide sandal slippers
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Rubber/plastic slides work great in the pool. Wearing them outside of the pool as casual footwear, though, can feel excessively lazy.

Guys tend to really get turned off/confused by the social context because they look lazy and apathetic. Some men say that it reminds them of “someone not changing out of their shower shoes.”

Distressed shoes

New and old white sneaker chucks shoes. Fashion Shoes Background. Old dirty sneakers vs new white sneakers on green grass background. Trendy footwear, closeup
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Pre-dirtied shoes or shoes that appear artificially beat up are bizarre to many people who pride themselves on looking clean and crisp.

Most men cannot understand why anybody would willingly spend money on shoes that look like they were dug out of someone’s trash after ten years. They comment that it looks scruffy and takes away from your overall look.

Furry slides

Pair of soft slippers on pink faux fur, flat lay. Space for text
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Shoes with faux-fur accents or fluff on the outside tend to look more like house shoes or slippers than shoes you’d wear outside.

They instantly give off a vibe that many men consider messy and impractical. You don’t want to send that vibe if you want to look classy and mature.

Square toes

Milan, Italy - September 22, 2017:Model wearing a pair of white boots with square tip during the Armani parade, photographed on the street
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Although fashionable and trendy, extremely square-toed boots often look somewhat boxy and clunky to the typical person who enjoys a natural shape to feet.

Guys often describe the pointed flat edges as being slightly harsh or distracting, and they will make your feet look bigger/wider than they are. Many describe the aesthetic as robotic or odd.

Gladiator sandals

Young woman with long brown hair sitting on a rock in a canyon,
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Should the straps go up to the knee, they can begin to look like a costume or just too contrived for casual wear. Men usually find the strappy look too much work, visually speaking.

They take attention away from the woman and onto the sandals. They also say they look fussy and can chop off the line of the leg unflatteringly.

Neon

Woman fashion pink shoes on trendy neon pink and yellow colors background with copy space. Top view. Flat lay. Fitness, sport concept. Nude female sneakers.
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Chunky, dad-style neon sneakers are usually just too bright and bulky for most people’s frames. Most guys find them distracting and obnoxious.

They say the bright colors tend to stick out too much next to the rest of a curated wardrobe. Many describe the overall look as immature.

Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.