Dante's Models
STYLE · Editorial

Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs

By Dante T9 · Jul 02, 2026 · 6 min read

Your shoes are part of the first impression. For editorial and commercial work, the right pair shows your range and your taste. These are the five we would own first.

Want to shoot at any of these with Dante's Models? Book a session or apply to be represented.

The Classic Nude Pump, Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs
© Nadir Valiyev
№ 01

The Classic Nude Pump

Makes your legs look longer
Studio · Commercial · Casting
Sleek Professional

A pointed-toe nude pump, ideally close to your skin tone, disappears on camera. The clothes and you stay the focus, and your legs look longer. It works on any body type.

Best time
Anytime · anywhere
Outfit
Anything from jeans to cocktail dresses
Pro tip

Spend the money on a comfortable pair. You will wear them for hours on set and at castings.

The Sleek White Sneaker, Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs
© Original Mind
№ 02

The Sleek White Sneaker

Casual and current
Lifestyle · Street · Athletic
Clean Modern

A crisp, minimal white leather pair, like Stan Smiths or Common Projects. They read as fresh and relatable, which suits lifestyle shots and shows you can work outside high fashion.

Best time
Summer · casual shoots
Outfit
Tailored trousers, denim, casual dresses
Pro tip

Keep them clean. Scuffed white sneakers look bad on camera.

The Architectural Black Boot, Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs
© Alina Rossoshanska
№ 03

The Architectural Black Boot

Edge, with polish
Editorial · High Fashion · Fall/Winter
Chic Bold

An ankle boot with a sharp heel or a knee-high with an unusual shape, either one adds edge. Reach for it on editorial work that needs a stronger look.

Best time
Year-round for fashion, colder seasons for warmth
Outfit
Leather skirts, skinny jeans, avant-garde dresses
Pro tip

Look for an interesting texture or heel shape so yours stands out without chasing a trend.

The Strappy Black Sandal, Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs
© Nadir Valiyev
№ 04

The Strappy Black Sandal

Light and minimal
Evening · Resort · Glamour
Delicate Elegant

A minimal black strappy heel is for the 'legs for days' shots. Think of it as the little black dress of footwear: it suits summer skin and formalwear.

Best time
Summer · evening shoots
Outfit
Cocktail dresses, formal gowns, tailored shorts
Pro tip

Get a pedicure before these come out. The camera sees your toes.

The Flat with Personality, Five Shoes Every Model Book Needs
© Mizuno K
№ 05

The Flat with Personality

Comfort with character
Lifestyle · Quirky · Personality
Charming Comfortable

Heels look powerful, but a flat with character shows you are relaxed and still stylish. Think of a chic loafer, a ballet flat with an interesting detail or a sleek mule. On one summer shoot, a model's vintage-inspired velvet mules helped win a bohemian campaign.

Best time
Daytime · casual shoots
Outfit
Flowy dresses, cropped pants, tailored shorts
Pro tip

Pick a pair that matches your own style.

That's the inside look. Save this one for your next shoot.
And when you're ready to create something real in NYC, you know where to find us.

Dante's Models · New York City

Building a lookbook or campaign?

Fashion and editorial photography for brands, designers, and models in NYC.

NYC Fashion & Editorial Photographer
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