Shoes to buy for work trip to Singapore
October 4, 2024 9:05 AM Subscribe
Have to travel on a work trip to Singapore (software sector; I am male US size 7 in shoes; 4-day trip). I know that Singapore is rainy, hot, and humid, but also professionals dress more formally than Seattle where I am from (perhaps including software workers?). I don't think any of my current shoes will work there; which shoes should I buy for my trip?
My current shoe inventory is:
* Sneakers (a little dirty, and loudly colorful)
* Waterproof hiking boots (which are uncomfortably warm in Seattle fall weather let alone tropical weather)
* Light blue Crocs
* Flip flops
I have accepted the fact that I will probably have to buy at least one pair of shoes for the trip, maybe more. Questions:
* What kind of shoes are all of: office-appropriate, cool, and quick-drying?
* Is it OK to wear light blue Crocs for sightseeing and casual dining? If not, should I buy open-toe leather sandals, or something else?
* Any other footwear tips?
My current shoe inventory is:
* Sneakers (a little dirty, and loudly colorful)
* Waterproof hiking boots (which are uncomfortably warm in Seattle fall weather let alone tropical weather)
* Light blue Crocs
* Flip flops
I have accepted the fact that I will probably have to buy at least one pair of shoes for the trip, maybe more. Questions:
* What kind of shoes are all of: office-appropriate, cool, and quick-drying?
* Is it OK to wear light blue Crocs for sightseeing and casual dining? If not, should I buy open-toe leather sandals, or something else?
* Any other footwear tips?
One of my closely held beliefs is that every person should own a chelsea boot in a style that suits them. Suitable gendy nooch footwear for many occasions and fits.
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on October 4
posted by phunniemee at 9:21 AM on October 4
Response by poster: A couple requests:
1. If you are familiar with Singapore, please mention it in your replies.
2. If you recommend a style of shoe, please mention if it is cool/breathable and/or quick-drying.
Thank you!
posted by splitpeasoup at 9:37 AM on October 4
1. If you are familiar with Singapore, please mention it in your replies.
2. If you recommend a style of shoe, please mention if it is cool/breathable and/or quick-drying.
Thank you!
posted by splitpeasoup at 9:37 AM on October 4
Best answer: I used to live and work in Singapore a while ago, and I've kept in touch with friends since and visited recently.
1. Many of my friends who work in IT say sneakers are perfectly okay to wear to the office. My friends who work in banking say formal shoes only. Women who work in banking change into pumps at the office and keep sneakers or sporty loafers as walking shoes for before/after work.
2. Crocs are absolutely okay for sightseeing and everything else. Singaopore street style is EXTREMELY casual, most people wear tshirts and, like, running shorts everywhere with thong slippers i.e. flip flops. The only time you might think of changing into more formal footwear is if you're going out in the evening, e.g. if you're going clubbing or to a nice restaurant. But if you're in Singapore it's such a waste to go to nice restaurants! Go to Lau Pa Sat in your grungiest most casual street wear and eat at some michelin star hawker stall, lol.
3. You will be doing lots and lots and lots of walking. This is a walking-and-public-transport kind of country. So whatever you do, wear *comfortable* shoes. You're going to be getting well over 10K steps every day, if you're doing a "normal" amount of walking. And you didn't ask about clothing but it's best to dress with a very light base layer and carry a blazer for indoors when the air conditioning will get pretty cold sometimes. Outdoors is hot af.
posted by MiraK at 9:56 AM on October 4 [5 favorites]
1. Many of my friends who work in IT say sneakers are perfectly okay to wear to the office. My friends who work in banking say formal shoes only. Women who work in banking change into pumps at the office and keep sneakers or sporty loafers as walking shoes for before/after work.
2. Crocs are absolutely okay for sightseeing and everything else. Singaopore street style is EXTREMELY casual, most people wear tshirts and, like, running shorts everywhere with thong slippers i.e. flip flops. The only time you might think of changing into more formal footwear is if you're going out in the evening, e.g. if you're going clubbing or to a nice restaurant. But if you're in Singapore it's such a waste to go to nice restaurants! Go to Lau Pa Sat in your grungiest most casual street wear and eat at some michelin star hawker stall, lol.
3. You will be doing lots and lots and lots of walking. This is a walking-and-public-transport kind of country. So whatever you do, wear *comfortable* shoes. You're going to be getting well over 10K steps every day, if you're doing a "normal" amount of walking. And you didn't ask about clothing but it's best to dress with a very light base layer and carry a blazer for indoors when the air conditioning will get pretty cold sometimes. Outdoors is hot af.
posted by MiraK at 9:56 AM on October 4 [5 favorites]
What will you be wearing these shoes with? Jeans, chinos, suit? What is your price range? I am interested in this question - have only passed through Singapore but have lots of experience of dressy men's shoes in very hot weather.
posted by Frowner at 9:56 AM on October 4
posted by Frowner at 9:56 AM on October 4
Best answer: I work in Singapore a few times a year, in financial-adjacent software. I don't think anyone here is going to be able to answer your first question - it's so office dependent. The answers above about public spaces are all good, as well as the advice to bring a jacket for inside where the AC is blasting.
Are you ever on videoconferences with tech people in your company in Singapore? Off the top of my head, if they're wearing T-shirts you're fine to wear sneakers of almost any kind. If they're wearing polo shirts you might want to wear nicer "sneakers" - for a short trip I would go with these, in whatever color is most complimentary to your wardrobe. They aren't the best, but they are cheap, extremely light and reasonably acceptable for business casual workplaces.
If they're wearing dress shirts with no jacket / no tie it's a grey area. You can either do the more casual look (shoes above, chinos / jeans / polo shirt) or go for dress shirts and slacks and nicer shoes. Unless you really need to impress someone, I'd go with whatever makes you feel more comfortable of the two.
If they're wearing suits then it's more of a whole-wardrobe discussion, beyond the scope of just shoes.
posted by true at 11:58 AM on October 4 [2 favorites]
Are you ever on videoconferences with tech people in your company in Singapore? Off the top of my head, if they're wearing T-shirts you're fine to wear sneakers of almost any kind. If they're wearing polo shirts you might want to wear nicer "sneakers" - for a short trip I would go with these, in whatever color is most complimentary to your wardrobe. They aren't the best, but they are cheap, extremely light and reasonably acceptable for business casual workplaces.
If they're wearing dress shirts with no jacket / no tie it's a grey area. You can either do the more casual look (shoes above, chinos / jeans / polo shirt) or go for dress shirts and slacks and nicer shoes. Unless you really need to impress someone, I'd go with whatever makes you feel more comfortable of the two.
If they're wearing suits then it's more of a whole-wardrobe discussion, beyond the scope of just shoes.
posted by true at 11:58 AM on October 4 [2 favorites]
Best answer: i work in IT and visit KL and singapore regularly. I agree with mirak. sneakers in an office are perfectly fine, it's what i do. super casual otherwise, so enjoy sandals, sliders or flip-flops or whatever you prefer. definitely go to lau pa sat!
posted by alchemist at 12:31 PM on October 4 [1 favorite]
posted by alchemist at 12:31 PM on October 4 [1 favorite]
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