A Man's Guide to Shoe Care

You’ve found the perfect business shoe to suit your style and parted with a small fortune for the pleasure of adding it to your existing shoe collection – now what? Well, firstly, hats off to you - a great pair of business shoes is something no man should be without but let’s face it, it’s no inexpensive item. A pair of quality leather dress shoes can cost anywhere from $100 to $500+ so if you’re going to spend your hard-earned cash on a pair of shoes, you’ll want to protect your investment. And with proper care and love, those leather shoes will last you for years to come. 

How to: care for suede shoes

We’ve all heard it before – don’t you step on my blue suede shoes. Other than telling people to lay off them, there are ways to keep your suede shoes in good condition, believe it or not.

Sibling to the much-loved leather, suede has become a prominent fixture amongst the sartorial footwear scene. Its versatility, colour and comfort offerings mean it’s not only a common material for desert boots but now casual and dress loafers also feature suede. It’s even making an appearance in lace-up styles like Brogues, Derbies and Oxfords bringing a more casual edge to these dress styles.

The process of cleaning suede is simpler than leather but requires a little more frequency and effort, simply because of the delicate nature of the material and its temperament to certain weather conditions. Nobody wants a good outfit ruined by an unkempt pair of shoes so keep your suede in top-notch shape by taking close note to the following guide.

A Guide to Belts: To Match or Not to Match?

The belt, a member of the accessory family, is often only an after-thought if considered at all.  The true definition of the ‘accessory’ seems to have been somewhat lost on the man’s belt. As much as the belt is functional, it is ultimately an article that complements an outfit and adds further appeal. 

Contrary to common belief, one shouldn’t wear a belt out of necessity. Put simply, the role of a belt should NOT be to keep one’s suit pant from falling but rather, should be worn because it finishes off your look.  

Now that we’ve managed to get that out of the way, let’s address the question – should you match your belt to your shoes? Well, it’s slightly more complicated than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer so let us elaborate.  

How To: Wear Desert Boots

The humble desert boot is a common item on the streets these days but it’s a little known fact that this comfortable boot has been around for over six decades.

Nathan Clark of the Clarks family originally designed it after returning from Burma where he was posted with the West African Brigade. The desert boot then journeyed through the next few decades stretching through Beatnik culture, popping up in the Mod Revival era and finally settling as the true Retro Mod Classic it is today. 

The desert boot has a classic design, a beautiful shape and is extremely comfortable. Most importantly, the desert boot is practical and the fact that it can be worn with almost any outfit through all seasons cements it as an all-purpose wardrobe staple. 

Aquila 4-Day Sale at Westfield

You lucky Melbourne and Sydney shoppers have another event in your area!

Westfield’s Little Black Book event is back so make your way to Westfield Doncaster (VIC) or Westfield Bondi Junction and Sydney (NSW) for a special 4-day sale. As part of Westfield’s promotion, we’re offering a cool 20% discount off all full-priced items*.

Men's Shoe Essentials: Top 5 Must-Have Staples for your Shoe Collection

The number of shoes a man should have is based on personal preference and the Casual vs. Business vs. Dress ratio is highly dependent on his lifestyle. You may be a shoe connoisseur or a practical bloke who can only be coerced into purchasing a pair of shoes once the predecessor has collapsed into disrepair. Either way, these are the top five shoe essentials that should live in every man’s shoe collection - well shined and ready for any occasion.

Aquila VIP Events: March Coverage

There was a great turn out at our VIP events in Melbourne and Sydney last week. Our staff were kept busy juggling boxes of dress, business and casual men’s shoes with a steady flow of customers the whole night. 

Thank you to the Victorians who made it out to join Nathan and his team at Aquila Chadstone for a night of shopping. We hope you enjoyed the event and the Brown Brothers sparkling wine from the stands located throughout the centre – judging by the number of happy and loud shoppers spotted around the stores, we have a feeling you did!

20% One Day Sale at Chatswood Chase

Attention Sydney-Siders! Tomorrow’s your day so get on down to Aquila Chatswood Chase on Thursday 15 March 2012 from 9.30am-9pm to get the latest styles at a special price.

As part of Chatswood’s Very Stylish Shopping Event, you’ll enjoy 20% off all full priced merchandise in-store at Aquila.

Not only will you start winter off on your best foot but you’ll also be able to take advantage of Chatswood’s various festivities on the day. To learn more about the events around the shopping mall, check their events page.

20% One Day Sale at Aquila Chadstone

As we bid farewell to summer, it’s nice to have something to look forward to so join Aquila at our Chadstone store for a night of shopping and fashion on Wednesday March 14, 2012.

We’re offering a stylish 20% off all full-priced merchandise on the day* including new arrivals.

There will be Autumn/Winter runway shows at 6.30pm and 8.30pm featuring Australian and international designers. Plus you’ll enjoy a complimentary glass of Brown Brothers Prosecco NV or Sparking Moscato from 5pm, courtesy of Chadstone.** There will even be a free Fashion Shuttle running hourly from the city. For more information, go to the Chadstone events page.

Men's Shoe Sale Online and In-Store Now

The sun is shining, party season is in full swing and our summer / festive / we're simply feeling generous Sale is now on, so there's never been a better time to freshen up your wardrobe.

There are savings across our entire Aquila range, the only question is, which shoes to choose … whether you're looking for business shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes or something in-between, our fantastic discounts will have your feet thanking you all summer.

Everyone likes to step out in a great new pair of shoes, and if you're thinking of picking up a pair of shoes as a gift, buying online couldn't be simpler. Not sure of the right size? With free shipping and returns, why not buy a couple of different sizes and return the pair you don't want? Even Santa doesn't offer service like that.

The Aquila Men's Shoe Sale is now on In-Store and Online – check out aquila.com.au for the huge range of styles on offer.

H by Hudson: Home Is Where My Shoes Are

We love H by Hudson shoes hence why we’ve partnered up with them. Launched in 2004, H by Hudson is the errant younger brother of the established Hudson brand. H offers innovative footwear with an emphasis on quality and design, an ethos Aquila Shoes admires. Since birth the H by Hudson line has gone from strength to strength with the range now offering an eclectic product mix from sleek formals to contemporary casuals.

The Results: Spring Fashion Stakes

The results are in for our Spring Fashion Stakes! 58061 finished sixth only a length behind Fulvio Brown, Harcourt Black peaked early but wavered around the last bend to finish forth. A photo-finish saw Belleville Black take third and Egon over the line for second only by a nose, but the outright winner of the Aquila Spring Fashion Stakes by a length and a half is, Hynes Tan!

Aquila Shoe vs Shoe: Miner vs Marshall

This week Shoe vs Shoe rivals two popular boots, the Miner and Marshall. It's casual Friday, which would you wear?
Tell us on our facebook page which shoe you think will win!

Win an Aquila Fashion Pack worth over $1000

Who will win the Aquila Spring Fashion Stakes? Tell us which shoes you'd put your money on and you could win 3 pairs of our shoes along with a new Antler Liquis Case! Enter now on Facebook

Aquila Shoe vs Shoe: Hawke vs Hamond

This week Shoes vs Shoe weighs up Hawke, the popular shark black lace-up, against Hamond, the distinctive smooth leather shoe. There's a black tie event on tonight, which one comes out on top?

Tell us on our facebook page which shoe you think will win!

Walking in My Shoes: Matthew Garrett

The measurement of a man - A new shoe sizing chat. It’s funny how shoes have found their way into our rhetoric of daily life. I was on the train this morning and noticed what I usually do... many lowered heads. Common place on the commute that it is. Avoiding eye-contact with others by imaginary texting, game playing or app fiddling could almost be a public transport sport. However, today I joined them and dipped my head low...

Aquila Shoe vs Shoe: Taz vs Chester

This week Shoe vs Shoe by Aquila pits Taz against Chester. Boat shoe or espadrille? Both are casual and comfortable but which one is better for a day at the beach?

Tell us on our facebook page which shoe you think will win!

Mens Wedding Shoes: The Bridal Basics

Your new suit looks sharp, you’re kicking goals in the hair department and you’ve booked the honeymoon. What about the shoes? Please, somebody think of the shoes!