So take a look at our selection of celebrity mens shoes, and see if you can guess whose shoes they are.

(Hover your cursor over the images to reveal answers)

Smart oxfords

Heart throb alert!
Source: Posh 24

Could be anyone couldn’t it? A smart pair of Oxfords is the choice of shoe for all seasons. You can be sure that the guy who owns these is a consummate professional.

He’s slick, chic and his good looks cause many a female heart flutter. An ‘A list’ actor with a conscience, he cares deeply about human rights and is prepared to put his put his money where his mouth is. Last year, the actor was arrested for civil disobedience while protesting outside the Sudanese Embassy in Washington DC.

Still not sure who it is? Well should a perfect storm leave you battered and bruised, this guy is the one to patch you up.

Brown brogues

A little dose of scruffy works well
Source: Zimbio

Slightly scruffy brown brogues are a stylish choice but it’s hard to imagine that this British actor’s alter ego would be seen dead in a pair – way too informal.

But if he did, you can be sure he’d shine them until you could see your face in them. The owner of these shoes is known as much for his killer good looks as his acting ability.

In taking on his career defining role, this man provoked controversy by not seeming to be either tall enough, nor dark enough. In fact he’s blonde.

Quirky chukkas

This guy could make anything look cool
Source: In case you didn’t know

One of the biggest hollywood stars ever. This man who hails from Springfield, Missouri has been a heartthrob since his first big film part in 1991.

Since then he has gone on to wow cinema audiences across the globe with wide ranging roles that have seen him age backwards, get shot in the back and catch trout (but not at the same time). Now he’s a dedicated family man with a whole brood of children.

Still not sure who this sex symbol in chukka boots is? Ask Thelma, or Louise.

Low-key sneakers

Sneakers and a suit? Why not!
Source: Zimbio

Pushing sixty but looking good on it, no wonder the guy can still look good in a pair of sneakers. The African American actor is the son of a beauty parlour owner and a Pentecostal preacher.

His illustrious career has seen him play civil rights activist, Malcom X, South African anti apartheid legend, Steve Biko and the boxer, Rubin ‘Hurricane’ Carter. During the 1990s, the actor took roles in a string of highly successful thrillers, gaining a reputation as a ‘titan’ of the silver screen.

Need another clue? If the aircraft on which you were travelling were to come down – you’d want this guy at the controls.

Trendy two tone

The quirkier the better where this guy is concerned
Source: Ayyy

Somewhat eccentric, as indeed his choice of two tone ‘spectator’ wingtip mens brogues demonstrates, the wearer is well known for playing ‘iconic loners’ – roles that very much suit his character.

The actor has collaborated with filmmaker Tim Burton on several occasions – at least two centering around food – both sweet and savoury. Something of a buccaneer, he has stolen many a woman’s heart.

Definitely a ‘cut’ above, should your hair or beard need a bit of a trim – don’t go anywhere near him.

All star converse

The quirkier the better where this guy is concerned
Source: Blogspot

A pair of Converse All Stars for and all round star. This man can do anything.

From rapping, to comedy and serious character roles, there is no acting challenge he won’t take on.

Even President Obama has suggested that if a film were made about him, he’d want this man to take the part of President, “because of the ears”. If that doesn’t give the game away, how about the thing he has in common with Johnny Cash?

We humans have worn the stuff since we wielded clubs and lived in caves.  But just like many other natural favourites, first there is the real thing, then someone fakes it.

Faux leather lovers argue that fake is better for the environment, kinder to animals and easier on your pocket – but we believe the original is still the best. Here’s why.

The First Fake

And so fake leather was born…
Source: Atlantic Cable

Looks like leather, smells like leather – it must be leather.  Right?  Wrong.  The first fake leathers were designed as cheap alternatives to the real thing.

A woven calico background was coated with layers of linseed oil and powdered leather – sweepings from the cutting room floor.  Sometimes a tough natural latex called Gutta-percha was used as the binder and end result was made into desk surfaces, the soles of shoes and telegraph cables.

Other types of leather cloth found a use as oilskins and chair coverings.  But the material wasn’t supple enough to replace leather in the manufacture of leather shoes and boot uppers.

Corfam

The swinging 60s introduced Corfam as a leather alternative
Source: The Drill Master

Among the first shoes to be made with polyurethane were Corfam ‘poromeric’ shoes.  The material was introduced during the early 1960s by the Dupont chemical company and manufactured at their plant in Tennessee.

The company spent many millions of dollars marketing the product to shoemakers, but the supposedly breathable leather substitute flopped. In 1971, Du Point sold the rights to a firm in Poland.

Corfam looks like patent leather and is still popular with the armed forces in America and elsewhere.  We think leather boots, spit and polish work best. Anything else is cheating!

Pleather

Cat Woman, single-handedly keeping pleather in demand since the 70s
Source: Fan Pop

Plastic material that resembles leather – there are many forms of pleather, some porous, some not – like PVC.  Yuk – incredibly sweaty.  Apparently some people like that sort of thing – catwoman for one.

As production processes have improved, fake leather has become common place and so much like the real thing in appearance that it’s often hard to tell the difference at a glance.  Some of the stuff is even perfumed so it smells like actual leather.  The muscle bike manufacturer, Harley Davidson are reported as having stocked a faux leather biker’s jacket.  But frankly we could see no evidence of it on their website.

We don’t believe Harley riders – hairy chaps of the Hells Angels ilk would thunder down the highway in anything less than cowhide.

Leatherette

Akin to sitting on superglue!
Source:AROnline

If you are old enough to have been a child during the 1960s or 70s, you may remember burning your bare legs on the leatherette seats of the family saloon car.  Sunny weather would toast the imitation leather to temperatures not seen outside of nuclear fission, producing a smell that could induce instant car sickness.

The foul stuff was less prone to drying and cracking than traditional leather but revolting to sit on for more than a few minutes at a time. Would you believe it, they also make shoes out of the stuff?

Naugahyde

America’s take on Leatherette
Source: Disguised Cyclone

The American version of leatherette – this fabric backed, Vinyl coated, skin effect cloth is used across a wide range of applications.  You will stick to the stuff on chairs in hospitals, office atria, bus seats and many other places – squirming in the residues of sweat left by other people and adding your own for the next unhappy passerby.

The stuff is used to make vegan shoes too – ensuring the health and vitality of fungal infections everywhere.  The company that make Naugahyde market it through a stuffed animal made of the stuff – the Nauga – which they say is ugly – but its vinyl hide is beautiful.  I guess that depends on your taste.

Leather

Ah, that’s more like it!
Source: Samuel Windsor

No matter what the naysayers’ objections, leather shoes are the best shoes.  When it comes to the environment, the longevity of a product is key to assessing its environmental impact.  Simply put, a good pair of leather shoes lasts a great deal longer than its plastic, petrochemical rivals.

Well made shoes with welted soles can be repaired again and again – lasting for years and still looking great.  And vegetarians aside, leather is a byproduct of the meat industry.  Using the skins reduces waste and therefore must surely be the choice of meat eaters everywhere.

They say we much prefer loafing around in slippers at home, to a hard day in the office. But while, their book, ‘Britannia Unchained’, bemoans the attitude of the UK’s workforce, we argue for a more relaxed approach to life.

Let’s let lazy loafers lead the way as we examine the case for idleness.

Don’t try harder?

Grabbing 40 winks at work
Source: Gerry Spahn

The old adage, ‘if you don’t succeed, try, try again,’ is central to our Protestant work ethic. But what if you can have it all by working less?

The 18th century essayist Samuel Johnson, was an avid supporter of the concept of letting things come to you. Writing in his wildly successful column ‘The Idler’, published weekly in the Universal Chronicle, he puts it this way:

‘The Idler, who habituates himself to be satisfied with what he can most easily obtain, not only escapes labours which are often fruitless, but sometimes succeeds better than those who despise all that is within their reach, and think every thing more valuable as it is harder to be acquired’

Play

Play is work
Source: Jason Michael

In today’s fast paced, world, it can be tempting to think that we have no choice but to put up with the stress that results from working ever harder.

But there are those who continue to bravely bear the torch for sloth. Tom Hodgkinson is the founder and editor of the Idler magazine – a publication dedicated to the idea that play is work:

‘Characteristic of the idler’s work is that it looks suspiciously like play. This, again, makes the non-idler feel uncomfortable.

Victims of the Protestant work ethic would like all work to be unpleasant. They feel that work is a curse, that we must suffer on this earth to earn our place in the next.

The idler, on the other hand, sees no reason not to use his brain to organise a life for himself where his play is his work, and so attempt to create his own little paradise in the here and now’

Literary Loafers

Some literary loafers lived a life of leisure
Source: Library of Congress

William Henry Davies was a loafer without equal. Before he penned the immortal lines of his best known poem, ‘Leisure,’ he was a tramp, hobo and railroad rider.

He only settled to a lifestyle befitting a literary genius after he lost a leg jumping a rail wagon in America. After that point he stood and stared on one leg:

Leisure

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad day light,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

Walk, don’t run

Take it easy
Source: Vimeo

World Sauntering Day is celebrated every year on 19th June.

The brainchild of Michigan hotelier, W.T.Rabe, the idea was to counter the 1970s jogging craze by offering something a little more sedate.

To saunter is both a noun and a verb, so either reduce your general walking pace to a slow, languorous shuffle – or take the opportunity for a saunter – a casual stroll.

Whichever you choose, you’ll feel more relaxed – ultimately a more productive frame of mind.

Slow down

Taking it easy
Source: How it Works

When in 1986, McDonald’s attempted to open a restaurant in Piazza di Spagna, Rome, food journalist Carlo Petrini began a protest that became the ‘Slow food’ movement.

Slow food has morphed into all areas of life – from ‘slow travel’ to ‘slow sex’, and even slow art.

The growing popularity of the slow movement reflects the growing popularity of a slower pace of life that’s not only simpler, but more profound too.

Well they’ve long been associated with the film ‘Pretty Woman’, where Julia Roberts character never seemed to take her pair off. But actually, the sexy design was around yonks’ before then, though the Hollywood blockbuster no doubt propelled their status!

Throughout the ages, the tall leather boot has graced the foot of many iconic women. First described as go-go boots, they attracted the fashion savvy crowd en masse, everyone wanted to draw attention to their pins and create a sexy silhouette.

So, we’ve decided it’s only fair to celebrate leather boots and the iconic women that wore them throughout the ages. Enjoy…

1960‘s Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot
Source: Appreciation of booted news women Blog

With her permanent pout and universal sex appeal, there’s no denying Brigitte Bardot was the ultimate 60s icon.

She sang, danced and modeled her way through the 50s and 60s, often in a pair of tremendously high leather boots. They, along with her 24/7 pout and blonde locks, became her trademark look.

1970’s Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda
Source: Fashion Indie

Despite their birth in the 1960’s by fashion designer André Courrege, go-go boots properly took off in the 1970s, largely thanks to Jane Fonda’s sexy character Barbarella in the modern space age film ‘Barbarella’.

The intergalactic heroine accessorised her space age outfits with vinyl and plastic boots, managing to combine looking out of this world whilst saving the universe from complete destruction – quite an accolade!

Other ‘70s go-go boots icons include Wonder Woman and the female members of the classic pop group ABBA.

1980’s Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry
Source: Boot Lovers

Debbie Harry, lead singer of punk rock band Blondie, was an icon of the glam-punk era. Her key fashion items included berets, ripped slogan t-shirts, clashing prints, and of course – over the knee boots.

Coupled with her trademark tousled blonde hair, this gave her the edgy signature look that continues to inspire designers and fashionistas today.

1990’s Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell
Source: Boot Lovers

Naomi Campbell was declared one of six named “Supermodels” of her generation and was the first black woman to appear on the cover of Vogue Magazine.

Those boots were made for walking, and Campbell would know, as she has walked the runway for a wealth of popular designers including Versace and Mizrahi. It’s easy to see how Campbell became one of the top three most recognisable models in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

2000’s Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue
Source: Shoeper Woman

Kylie Minogue has been an inspiration to women for nearly four decades. With her girl-next-door persona and her rather illustrious backside, she has won the hearts of fans worldwide.

Kylie started a style revolution, and is singlehandedly to blame for thick black scrunchies and gold hot pants becoming a standard Saturday night ensemble for a while. Her thigh high Louboutins above, accentuate her sexy petite figure. Go-go Kylie!

But how many pairs of mens shoes should the self respecting gent own?

Dress shoes

Black Oxford Shoes
Source: Samuel Windsor

When it comes to formal wear, there’s only one type of shoe that truly fits the bill.

For functions as diverse as weddings, funerals, work and that all important job interview – you need one pair of black Oxfords.

They are the quintessential business shoe. A well polished pair will take you a long way, while those without a pair will see opportunities walk on by. An essential addition to your wardrobe.

Casual shoes

Casual shoes – explore the variety
Source: Samuel Windsor

There’s more scope for variety here and no reason why you shouldn’t own several pairs of casual shoes to suit a variety of occasions.

As a rule of thumb, you need a minimum of two pairs – one black, one brown.

You could simply wear your work shoes out and about – but wouldn’t you rather leave all thoughts of the office behind?

Here are some suggestions:

Derbys

Brown Derby Shoes
Source: Samuel Windsor

Suitable for all but the most formal occasions – many people do indeed wear Derbys with a suit and tie, but we think they’re best for smart-casual use.

Think chinos, a crisply ironed shirt and brown Derbys. It’s a look that has withstood the test of time; elegant, understated and smart.

Brogues

Brogues – for any occasion
Source: Samuel Windsor

For casual wear, brogues are a great choice. Go for black or brown, it really doesn’t matter. Both are smart enough to be worn for almost all occasions and look great with jeans too.

With a pair of brogues in your wardrobe, you’ll never be stuck for choice – a versatile addition to your footwear collection.

Penny Loafers

Brown Suede Loafers
Source: Samuel Windsor

Originating in Norway, the loafer became popular in the United States in the 1950s.

The ‘penny’ refers to the practice among students of inserting a coin into the traditional diamond cut in the strip of leather running across the saddle of the shoe.

These shoes never took off in quite the same way in the UK as they did in the States, but now they’re well and truly in vogue.

A preppy look for the discerning man about town.

Deck Shoes

Deck Shoes – all aboard
Source: Samuel Windsor

Men’s shoes with a definite purpose, these moccasin style favourites are a classic style statement.

Definitely for summer use, they should be worn with trainer socks or no socks. They look great at barbecues, trips to the beach, picnic lunches or balmy evenings out.

And of course if you happen to own or crew a yacht, they’re essential non-slip footwear for mariners.

Work boots

Work boots – strong and sturdy
Source: Samuel Windsor

Heavy work in the garden or DIY in the house means protecting your toes and support your ankles. Toe cap work boots are the only way to go.

Go for a pair with thick rubber soles with a decent grip. If you want to go for a rugged look, start from the soles up with a sturdy pair of work boots.

So how many pairs of shoes is that?

By our reckoning, a gent needs a minimum of five pairs of shoes, not counting sports and hiking gear. Many of us have more.

They are after all rather nice and somewhat addictive…as Imelda knows.

Here’s our guide to classic shoes – the mark of a true gentleman.

Chukka boots

Perfect for Polo – Chukka Boots
Source: Eye Contact

It’s not surprising given the cost of running a string of polo ponies that Polo is a game for the super wealthy. The gentlemen who play probably wear handmade leather riding boots by English bootmaker Horace Batten. But don’t worry if you haven’t got access to old money or a banker’s bonus.

Chukka boots are named after the periods of polo play of the same name. Between chukkas, tired ponies are exchanged for fresh ones. Off the field, you’ll wear your chukkas for recreation.

Stylish, understated and elegant, they’ve been on trend since the second world war, when a crepe soled version of the Chukka was used in desert combat.

Boat shoes

Sail Away – Boat Shoes
Source: Charter Sailing Yacht

Yachting is widely known as a gentleman’s occupation, but even if you live in the West Midlands town of Meriden – the English town furthest from the sea – you can still wear boating shoes. Traditionally worn without socks, these moccasin style shoes were invented by Paul Sperry in 1935 as a non-slip shoe for leisure sailors.

They have been popular ever since – a truly classic men’s shoe. Ideal for those summer barbecues where you want to appear relaxed by don’t want to let your standards slip.

Chelsea Boots

The Beatles in their Chelsea Boots
Source: Tumblr

For something a little bit more formal, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Chelsea Boots. Made famous by the Beatles, Chelsea boots have been around since the Victorian era. Back then they were simply called paddock boots or jodhpur boots and were mostly used for riding.

With their stretchy elasticated gusset, they’re easy to put on and take off, so perfect for visiting friends’ houses – especially those with a no shoes rule.

Brogues

Brogues – Made for all seasons
Source: Hypebeast

The shoes with the holes, brogues occupy a unique place in the pantheon of classic British shoes. They’re formal enough for almost every occasion but worn in brown are also a great shoe to relax in.

Not all brogues are equal however. Quarter brogues are holed just on the toe cap, half brogues have holes on the toe caps and heels. The full brogue, or wingtip, has a pointed toe cap with wings extending down both sides.

For the ultimate style statement though – you’ll need a pair of spectator brogues. Constructed from two contrasting materials, no gentleman would be seen without them during the roaring 1920’s

Derbys

Made to Last – Goodyear Welted Soles
Source: Style Salvage

For a formal but relaxed look, the derby shoe is the right choice for the aspiring gentleman. A classic lace up, the derby is also known as a Blucher – but not if you’re English.

For longevity, go for a pair of shoes with a Goodyear welted construction. This allows them to be re-soled, so you won’t need to throw them out just as they’ve moulded to the shape of your feet.

Oxfords

Dress to impress – Formal shoes for job interviews
Source: Ddanzi

For all formal situations from funerals to weddings and job interviews, the Oxford, is uniformly accepted to be the most appropriate footwear. True conservatives will go for a simple parallel stitched toecap – but brogued is fine too.

And the good news is – these classic men’s shoes look just as good with jeans as they do with a formal business suit.

Here’s our guide to some thoroughly British clothing conceptions, and the foreign imposters.

Chelsea boots

Chelsea Boots – Made in Britain
Source: Samuel Windsor

It was the vulcanisation of rubber that enabled the creation of the footwear we know today as Chelsea Boots.

Charles Goodyear invented the process of rendering naturally soft, sticky rubber into the tough, stretchy, hard wearing substance we know today. The elasticated gusset that sets Chelsea boots apart from other types of shoe was a revolution in Victorian footwear.

The ease with which the boots could be put on and off wasn’t lost on Queen Victoria herself, who is reported to have worn them regularly. As to why they’re named after the London borough of Chelsea – they weren’t.

Chelsea boots were originally called paddock boots or jodhpur boots and only got their current name as a result of a 1960s relaunch.

Oxford shirt

Not just for boffins – Oxford shirts
Source: 4.bp

An Oxford shirt is a classic garment made from cloth of the same name. The fabric has a basket weave that produces a soft, breathable material that holds it’s shape well and requires only light ironing.

Often two different coloured filaments are woven together to create a dappled effect. The yarn used to weave Oxford cloth tends to be heavier than that used to make poplin shirts, so it’s hard wearing too. The good news for the majority of us is that you don’t have to be a genius to wear it.

Paisley

From Persia to Paisley
Source: Wikipedia

Paisley cloth is named after the Scottish town in which it was produced during the height of the Victorian era. Used to make ties, bandanas, pajamas and many other clothing items and accessories, the fabric comes originally from India, Persia and Mesopotamia – modern day Iran and Iraq.

The highly colourful patterned swirls are thought to represent the date palm – or the ‘tree of life’ and began to be exported to Britain by the East India Company in the 17th century.

The cost of the cloth was greatly reduced by the replacement of imported woven fabric with mass produced printed imitations from Scotland, making Paisley affordable to the masses.

Harris Tweed

From the Highlands – Harris Tweed
Source: The Vintage Showroom

For a miracle of preservation of an ancient way of life in our mass produced, mechanised world, look no further than Harris Tweed. Every inch of the world famous cloth is woven by hand by crofters working from home.

They use only yarn dyed and spun from virgin sheep’s wool processed in the Outer Hebrides. And what a product. Only the best cloth gets the unique orb trademark. And just in case you’re still not sure, it’s tested to 50,000 rubs to make sure that a Harris Tweed garment will literally last you a lifetime.

Jersey Sweater

Fishing Jerseys
Source: Stitched and Stitched

Jersey is a name given to almost any type of knitted pullover, but the original garment does in fact get its name from the channel island of the same name. Jersey and Guernsey have been famous kitting centres since at the middle ages and a proper Jersey jumper is a pullover with a difference.

The wool yarn used to make a Jersey is tightly spun and dyed using a technique that doesn’t strip the wool of its natural oils. This gives the pullover the remarkable water resistance necessary for its original role as a fisherman’s sweater.

Denim

Le Denim
Source: Little Scandinavian

Famous the world over as the fabric used to make American blue jeans – we couldn’t resist including it in this line up. But denim doesn’t get its name from the USA or from Great Britain.

In fact we have to look to France for the origin of this hard wearing, practical cloth. Denim is the abbreviation of ‘serge de Nîmes,’ a town in Southern France.

Well the precise origin of the word has been lost, but it’s thought that it may come from old Irish.

A Bróg was a workmanlike shoe – and an Irish brogue refers to the accent of the people who wore the shoe.

This being the case, we thought we’d take a wander around Britain to discover more of our regional brogues – accents we wear on our feet.

Brogue

Top o’ the morning: Brogues
Source: Kitmeout

The Irish and Scots Highlanders were a hardy breed, eaking out a meagre living in the waterlogged peat landscape of their respective stomping grounds.

Waterproofing was primitive and so these hardy Celts responded in logical fashion to the challenges of their terrain and weather.

Why fight the inevitable leaks? Better surely to punch your shoes full of holes to let the water out and aid drying. That’s why brogues have holes.

Lancashire

Traditional Lancashire clogs
Source: Academic

Heading over to the mill towns of Northern England, and until the 1920s, the wearing of clogs was widespread among the working classes. Tough, hardwearing and cheap, they afforded proper protection to the wearer’s feet particularly in wet weather.

So good were Northern clogs that the Dutch imported them, finding them better than their own version – how’s that for ‘Northern Sole’.

The clogs were also used as a means of settling disputes. Known as ‘purring’ – two men would strip naked but for their clogs, hop into a large open ended barrel and kick each other in the shins until one gave in.

Chelsea Boots

60s icons – The Chelsea Boot
Source: Last FM

Developed during the Victorian era – Chelsea boots are reputed to have been worn by the dowager Queen herself. They were originally known as jodhpur boots or sometimes paddock boots – and their main use was as footwear for horsemen and women.

The connection with Chelsea is tenuous to say the least. When the boots were reintroduced in the 1960s they were given the name Chelsea – but they could equally have been Kensington or Peckham – OK maybe not Peckham.

Oxfords

The Oxford – Made for Business
Source: Samuel Windsor

The Oxford shoe is the business footwear of choice for millions of white collar workers the world over. They usually have a plain toe cap edged with parallel rows stitching, but they can be brogued too. The shoe’s original form was as side lacing half boots worn by Oxford university students.

Known as Oxonians, they were an early 19th century student rebellion against high knee boots and gradually came to resemble the shoe we so love today. In Scotland and Ireland, these shoes are sometimes known as Balmorals after the Royal castle.

Derbys

A suede Derby shoe
Source: Samuel Windsor Derby shoes

A Derby shoe differs from an Oxford in that the laces are open. To tell the difference, take the laces out of a shoe and try running your finger down the tongue. If your pinkie is prevented from exiting onto the top of the shoe because the sides are stitched together at the bottom – thats an Oxford.

If you can run your digit right between the laces – it’s a Derby. Derbys were originally boots worn chiefly for hunting on horseback. They’re also known as Bluchers after a Prussian General and are more of a casual shoe than an Oxford.

But just in case the discourse should turn to heels, toes and the bits in between, here we’ve lined up some interesting little factoids to amuse and entertain.

The largest mens shoes and the feet that fill them.

Biggest shoes

Robert Wadlow’s size 37 shoe
Photo: Wikimedia

The biggest feet ever belonged to Robert Wadlow from Alton Illinois. His plates of meat were an astonishing 47cm or 1ft 5ins in length – not surprising perhaps when you consider that Robert was also the tallest man ever recorded.

At a whopping 8ft 11.1ins his shoes were of similarly gargantuan proportions – size 37. Wadlow’s exaggerated growth pattern and continued growth into adulthood was caused by a disease of his pituitary gland. Although he enjoyed robust health during his boyhood, his extreme size took its toll on his body.

When he died aged just 22, all the businesses in his hometown closed as a mark of respect for a man who dealt with his disability with humor and dignity.

Flippers

Ian Thorpe – fine feet for swimming
Photo: Guys Big Feet

Legendary Australian swimmer, Ian Thorpe, also known as the Thorpedo and Flipper, won five olympic gold medals and 11 world titles in his swimming career.

His feet are a whopping size 17 – natural swim fins that gave him a distinct advantage over his competitors.

Michael Phelps – the world’s most successful swimmer ever, takes a smaller shoe size – a mere 14. But he happens to have double jointed ankles that allow him to whip his feet in a way that other swimmers can’t.

British Bigfoot

Bigfoot on tour in Britain?
Photo: Inquisitr

Could Britain have its own giant hairy ape? Most of us have probably heard of the Yeti; a semi mythical creature believed by some to prowl the frozen north of the USA and Canada. But now it seems bigfoot has come to Blighty.

A sighting of an ape like creature has been reported in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. A man was apparently confronted by a hairy creature with burning red eyes, eight feet tall and covered in dark hair. The man was on his way home at the time and crossing the town’s 200 acre common.

He said the animal roared at him, and he didn’t hang around to see what it would do next. The sighting occurred in the same spot as a similar incident 70 years before. He didn’t comment on the size of the monster’s feet but it’s safe to assume it would need a heft pair of men’s shoes.

Unhappy feet

The unhappy feet of Xiao Meng
Photo: Vyperlook

The world’s most unhappy feet must surely belong to poor Xiao Meng, a 14 year old Chinese boy. He suffers from congenital neurofibromatosis, a problem which caused his feet to deform and grow to an abnormally large size.

He can’t wear shoes and has to go barefoot even in the harsh Chinese winter. His family are very poor and could not afford treatment for his condition. Now thanks to a school teacher who posted news of the boy’s plight on the Internet, a Shanghai children’s hospital has stepped in to help.

A four hour corrective operation was a success and it’s hoped that the boy will soon be up and about. Doctors say he should regain around 70% of movement and will be able to wear shoes for the first time.

Junk food feet

The average shoe size is growing due to poor diet
Photo: Sharon Lili

The average British shoe size is climbing rapidly. For men’s shoes, it’s now a size 9 – up a size in five years and women’s feet are growing too – the average is now a size 6.

Experts put the increase down to our love of junk food. When children consume a large amount of ‘high density’ foods during adolescence, the pituitary gland is stimulated to produce more growth hormone.

Pizza, sugar laden fizzy drinks, cookies and cakes are expanding our waistlines and changing our body shapes for good.

The ultimate frontman with bags of energy, not only does he sing amazing songs, Jagger knows how to dress too.

So if you’re looking for some inspiration and want to impress with a new look, here’s the head to toe guide of getting dressed up — Jagger style.

Toes

Chelsea boots rock

Chelsea boots rock, and if they’re good enough for Jagger to wear as he struts around on stage like a Little Red Rooster, then say no more.

Legs

Mick Jagger likes his trousers tight and black
Source: I Love Jeans

Mick hasn’t exactly got the legs of an Olympic sprinter, but that hasn’t stopped him wearing tight trousers — usually black jeans.

Yes a humble pair of black jeans is all you’ll need, but if you’ve only got a blue pair, paint them, black. Oh yes.

Hips

Mick Jagger’s snake hips and matching belt
Source: En Linea Directa

Unless you’ve been hidden in a bomb shelter for 50 years, you’ll be aware that Jagger knows how to shake it. And those gyrating snake hips have sent some female fans into a frenzy.

Mick embraces his best features of course and attracts lots of attention to his super hips by decorating with funky rockstar belts.

Torso

Mick Jagger looking a million dollars
Source: Spoop’s World

Jagger’s weapon of choice is usually an eye-catching jacket (sometimes smart, sometimes flamboyant), but always proper stylish.

Naturally worn with confidence and attitude. Hot Stuff.

Face

The perfect pout
Source: Style Frizz

Before Mick Jagger came along, we’re fairly sure that the word, pout wasn’t used that much. In fact his pout is almost as famous as his music, sending his sex appeal off the scale.

Of course having big lips helps with a pout, and a bit of lipstick seals the look.

Head

Mick’s magic mop
Source: Paper Castle Press

Scruffy, boyish and straight from the just got out of bed category, Jagger’s thick barnet encaptures the roguish nature of the man.

Once the face of terror for the establishment, Jagger wears it the way he wants to and not even wild horses can stop him.