I never thought of myself as a fashion connoisseur — probably for good reason — but I have come to realize that I do have particular tastes with respect to what I like and don’t like for my own style. This “picky-ness” is particularly noticeable when it comes time to get new shoes. I need to feel like a pair of shoes is exactly right before I am willing to buy them. This includes fit, shape, color, durability, material, and probably other subconscious factors that I consider without realizing. One company that I find myself coming back to time and time again for shoes is Aldo. Something about their style resonates very deeply with me. In most shoe stores I walk in, browse for a few moments, and then leave before I can even say, “No thanks, I’m just looking” to the attendant. In Aldo stores however, I find myself excited about almost every pair in the store.
Aldo Eliass Dress Boot
Maybe it is the modernist, simple yet professional vibe of both the brand and the products, or maybe it is the subtle (yet certainly present) accents on most of the shoes. Something about Aldo shoes just click with the rest of my clothing, and they continue to do so every time I get a new pair. From dress shoes to boots to sneakers, they get it right every time.
The way that Aldo has captured me as a repeat customer is an ideal example of how a company can and should build brand loyalty. No gimmicks, no frills, no promotions. Simply designing consistent, high-quality products that totally own their niche in the shoes space. As I learn more about fashion through my projects (and as I move out into the world where fashion may matter more), Aldo will serve as a model for my own work in the area and a comparison for other brands that I come across.
