THE JOURNAL
How To Find The Perfect Shoe, According To The Legendary Designer Manolo Blahnik

From left: Paul Mescal at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards, 5 February 2023. Photograph by Dave J Hogan/Getty Images. Colman Domingo at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, 14 February 2025. Photograph by JB Lacroix/WireImage via Getty Images. Leonardo DiCaprio at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, 9 January 2024. Photograph by Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images. Theo James on Late Night with Seth Myers in New York City, 10 June 2024. Photograph by Lloyd Bishop/NBC via Gtty Images
It would be quicker to name those who haven’t worn Manolo Blahnik shoes on the red carpet. From The Journal cover stars Theo James, Paul Mescal and Chiwetel Ejiofor to Leonardo DiCaprio and Colman Domingo, as well as rising stars such as Archie Madekwe and Omari Douglas – the list goes on. The reason? The word “icon” is thrown around a lot in the fashion industry, but the octogenarian designer is a true sartorial icon. From his own signature dapper suits to his beautifully crafted shoes, which he has been meticulously perfecting for over five decades.
Mr Blahnik, as he’s known in the industry, has a knack for creating shoes that have artistic flair in spades, and yet are utterly timeless – striking that elusive balance between comfort and aesthetics. With a number of exclusive styles launching on MR PORTER this summer, we sat down with the legendary designer in his Mayfair atelier to get his (very reliable) tips to finding the perfect shoe…
What are your top tips for men who want to find the perfect shoe?
“First and foremost, invest in craftsmanship. A truly well-made shoe transcends trends and it becomes a companion for life. Craftsmanship is, to me, the soul of any beautiful shoe. It’s what elevates a simple design into an object of quiet artistry. Comfort is paramount. A shoe that causes discomfort alters the way you walk, the way you stand, even the way you carry yourself. Style means nothing without ease.
“And, finally, never shy away from a touch of creative flair. A bold buckle, an unexpected hue, a rich texture these are the little whispers of individuality that make an outfit. I’ve always adored independence and a bit of eccentricity. If something catches your eye and stirs your spirit, don’t hesitate to buy it. Fashion should bring joy.”
Many of Hollywood’s biggest stars have worn your shoes on the red carpet. What should men look for in an evening shoe?

“When it comes to evening shoes, fit is everything. They must embrace the foot with precision and be snug, but never constricting. Comfort is paramount. I simply cannot abide heaviness in a shoe. One should feel as if they’re gliding, not stomping. A proper evening shoe lends poise, grace, and quiet confidence.
“I adore a brightly coloured sock. Paul Smith remains a personal favourite. A flash of unexpected colour is just marvellous. But, above all, the shoe must match the occasion. For black tie, a classic Oxford like our Snowdon offers timeless sophistication. For smart casual evenings, I love the relaxed refinement of a Derby or a sleek boot, such as the Sapele or Borneo. And for summer suiting, nothing speaks quite like a loafer. The Truro or Perry are divine – light, elegant, and beautifully relaxed.”
How many shoes should a man pack for a holiday and what should they be?
“For sun-drenched days, the Chiltern sandal is ideal – minimal, elegant, and unpretentious. The leather softens beautifully with wear, becoming uniquely yours.
“For evenings, a raffia loafer like the Padstow brings effortless polish. It’s light, smart and elevates any linen look or unstructured suit.
“And no holiday is complete without an espadrille. The Nerano is my go-to – easy to wear, breathable and imbued with understated elegance. These are shoes for walking along coastal paths or sipping an aperitivo at sunset.”
Are espadrilles a style you wore a lot growing up in the Canary Islands, and does the Nerano hold special meaning for you?
“Espadrilles are part of the soul of the Mediterranean. Growing up in the Canary Islands, they were everywhere, on the feet of fishermen, farmers and elegant ladies alike. The men wore a simple, beautiful version with such quiet dignity. The women often wore Catalonian styles with laces winding around the ankles. Those were the very first shoes I remember falling in love with.
“The Nerano is deeply personal. It evokes the lightness and leisure of endless summers, the kind of elegance that requires no effort. As I mentioned, it’s also one of the few styles we make outside Italy – they’re made in Spain, of course, where the espadrille tradition was born. Designing [an exclusive] piece for MR PORTER felt like coming full circle: a chance to honour my roots, reimagine a classic and bring the past gently into the present through craftsmanship and care.”
Will you go back to the Canary Islands this summer?
“Are you kidding? I can’t wait!”
The people featured in this story are not associated with and do not endorse MR PORTER or the products shown