Why your resolutions this January should start with your feet .

It’s January, a month when self-improvement and reinvention reach their zenith. Perhaps you’ve resolved that 2017 is the year you’ll finally pop the question, get a promotion or lose five kilos. At MR PORTER, we are firm believers that everything starts from the ground up – with your feet. So, as we enter 2017, and those life-changing decisions take effect, it’s time to throw out those battered brogues and haggard high-tops and take a look at our roundup of the best footwear upgrades, from pearly white sneakers to shiny black loafers.

The Orlebar Brown swim shorts you got in the MR PORTER sale have arrived and you’re weighing up the opening parties in Ibiza versus sailing in Sardinia. That leaves six months to shed those few extra pounds hanging off your midriff. A pair of Nike Air Zoom Pegasus sneakers will set you on your way. Truly versatile shoes, hewn from breathable lightweight mesh with a flexible forefoot, they provide good enough cushioning for a half marathon or a Barry’s Bootcamp class. But we all know it’s not cardio alone that will get you into mint condition. The dual-density midsole gives a firm and flat heel for steady lifting. If the shoe fits…

Weekends away involve lots of stomping around, so you’ll want to stick to comfortable footwear that will save you the emergency plaster run. A pair of pristine white low-top Achilles sneakers by Common Projects are just the ticket – they’ve gained cult status thanks to their minimalist design and superior construction. In milder climes – think Naples and New Orleans – you can wear them sockless with tapered tailored trousers in the evening or with rolled-up denim during the day.

If you’re in the running for a promotion, then your boss is likely to scrutinise your every last move, from your work ethic to your use of semicolons, and yes, your attire, too. A smart pair of shoes could be the factor that determines whether you or that guy toting an MBA gets the nod. With a pair of John Lobb monk straps in hand-stitched dark brown leather, you’ll already be one step ahead. They go well with everything from sharp tailoring to turned-up denim, demanding just enough attention.

After you’ve bagged that promotion, you’ll undoubtedly be invited to more dinner parties, social engagements and perhaps, if it’s your line, the odd award ceremony. Slipping on a pair of loafers, such as this pair from Paul Smith, is a surefire way to make an impression – you’ll be the loaf and sole. They’ve been crafted in Italy from black polished-leather and adorned with tassels that lend them a faintly roguish air. Fun but formal, they’ll mark you out as a man with impeccable taste. Let’s just hope your conversation matches up.

The list of essentials that constitute the contemporary wardrobe of a man of style is not particularly exhaustive. Chelsea boots are right up there for their day-to-night versatility. As well as being trans-seasonal, they look just as smart dressed up with a slim-fitting suit as they do with a pair of drainpipe selvedge jeans. Made in Italy from black suede, this pair by Saint Laurent oozes breezy rock ’n’ roll style. Don’t forget to pick up Jason Markk’s Suede Cleaning Kit to maintain a pristine finish. These boots are made for walking.

**Shop all shoes here **