Men's Business Shoes

• When in doubt, opt for good quality black cap-toed shoes.Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
  
  Men's shoes, writes Neal Santelmann in an article for Forbes.com, "can influence how others view us more than any other article of clothing." Well-made lace-up (five holes) black leather shoes are universally acceptable for business dress, provided they are worn with complementary colored socks and suit trousers. Dark brown lace-ups may be paired with navy or brown-toned suits. Shoes of both colors should always be shined and in good condition.
  
  

Women's Business Shoes

• Businesswomen should save fun style shoes for nonwork hours.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  There is a little more latitude in acceptable colors for women wearing traditional business attire. Black, brown, navy or burgundy low-heeled pumps all may be worn if they blend with the color of the suit and accessories. Avoid shoes that have stiletto heels, open toes or are white. Some guides, such as "Proper Business Attire and Etiquette," approve of open-heeled shoes. Others advise against sling-backs. As with men's footwear, women's shoes should be well shined and made of leather.
  
  

Price and Quality

• Men's leather shoes with welted soles range in price from well over $1,000 to under $100. A good pair of custom-fit cap-toed shoes for business runs about $325. Leather shoes for women are priced anywhere from $800 for a Lanvin loafer to about $60 for a basic comfort pump. Expect to spend about $300 for a good classic shoe suitable for traditional business wear. Both women and men should keep in mind that a pair of well-cared-for, good quality shoes will outlast a few pairs of cheaper shoes.
  
  

Trends

• A recent article in "The New York Times" notes that some designer shoemakers are coming out with limited lines of brightly colored dress shoes for men. Although fashion expert Eric Jennings claims that these shoes are being bought by professionals young and old, he warns that they are "too casual" to be worn with wool suits. Traditionally dressed businessmen and businesswomen should err on the side of caution and select their shoes from the basic approved colors and styles.