Imelda Marcos is a Man

What is it with men and footwear?
Since times gone by shoes have been a status symbol. Is this still true today? In roman times, for example the patricians wore red sandals as a symbol of their cast. Today a man will be perfectly comfortable in rags, as long as he has great shoes. Regardless of cast. He will unabashidly glance at his feet, admiring his purchase, congratulating himself on his taste. Even the least coquette man will take time to choose the perfect pair, the one that represents his personality. Once this perfect pair is found, it may be bought by the dozen- perhaps quantity reinforces character.
Men will also sneak a peak at other men's feet. Appreciating (or not) their style. Fathoming the wearer's social level or taste. This is permitted, as opposed to belts for example. Never have I noticed a man checking out another's belt. This would be totally inappropriate. So what is it with this particular accessory?
After asking a few of my friends to explain this conundrum, their immediate justification is "craftsmenship". Followed closely by "but, don't they look great?!". So why use technicity as an excuse? Why not just say : "I saw them, I loved them, I had to have them".
Could it be that shoes bring out the vulnerable side of the male gender? The irrational part of themselves? That checking out another guys feet means reassuring oneself that other men are vulnerable too? That this whole status symbol business is just a ploy to hide a deeper illogical desire? Sounds like there is more yin in the yang than they will admit.
On a more serious note, the 90's trend in casualization of the male wardrobe and it's effect in the workplace resulted in the complete reviewal of male behaviour towards "la mode". Whereas before "the great shoe" was exclusively purchased at bootmakers (quality and "savoir faire") today style is also taken into account. This has prompted luxury fashion brands to offer a wider selection of men's footwear collections, adapting their creations to todays many social situations. Driving shoes, weekend loafers, sporty lace ups. To every situation it's shoe. Even though clothes may not be of a particular brand, men will pay a good penny for a well-shod foot.
Guys just admit it : you feel pretty in those pumps.