Five Smokin' Hot Guys Who Happen to Design Shoes

Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.

It's already established that many ladies are obsessed with shoes. But we're sometimes so distracted by our footwear obsession that we don't recognize the talent and straight up hotness behind the actual shoe design. Let us clarify: By "hotness," we mean we're-feeling-faint, put-him-in-a-calendar, can-we-take-him-home-with-us hot. Kudos to the following (mostly New York-based and male) shoe designers for not just resting on their good looks, but also making our outfits look better. Readers, you can thank us later.

1) Matt Bernson

We know that Matt Bernson's luxe and comfy sandals are sought after by the downtown ladies-who-lunch types, but now we're thinking that Matt Bernson himself is probably sought after by ladies of all types. Just check out that playful glint in his eye and the flirty smile. Did we also mention that the Tribeca-based shoe designer started out as a construction worker? Just let the shirtless and hard-hat/tool belt scenarios run wild, folks.

2 & 3) Shane & Shawn Ward of Shane & Shawn

Holy hunks of hotness—first there's a construction worker and how we have twins. The brothers pride themselves on creating a line that's both sexy and comfortable. See, they know exactly what a woman wants! Plus, not only are Shane and Shawn a delicious double dose of brawniness, they're brainy, too. Now based in NYC, the brothers both graduated with engineering degrees from the University of Michigan. And it gets better. Shane and Shawn are also philanthropists who care about women. They have teamed up with Eve Ensler (yes, that Eve Ensler, author of The Vagina Monologues) to create a limited edition series that benefits her V Day foundation, which works toward ending violence against women and girls. Swoon.

4) Blake Mycoskie, founder of TOMS

We were last charmed by Blake Mycoskie, looking boyishly handsome in a Band of Outsiders suit, at the FN Achievement Awards. It didn't hurt his credibility with the ladies to have Jessica Alba on his arm waxing lyrical about his achievements, too (it's OK, hubby Cash was with them). Blake's charitable company, TOMS, matches every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. He's smart, he's a humanitarian, and he loves kids! How can you resist?

5) Brian Atwood

Those famous Maniac platforms ooze gobs of sex appeal, just like the charming and handsome designer himself. Look at Brian Atwood's smoldering gaze, devastating smile and lustrous head of hair. He even brings his mom to awards shows sometimes! OK, he may be off limits to the ladies, but perhaps we can live vicariously through Nate Berkus.

We'd love to hear if readers have any more suggestions. Eight more and we'll have a calendar. (We're thinking Shane & Shawn would be a one-month package deal.)

· Matt Bernson [Official Site]
· Shane & Shawn [Official Site]
· TOMS [Official Site]
· Brian Atwood [Official Site]