It’s whatever night it is and you’re getting dressed to impress. Whether you’re dating or single, you plan that outfit down to the very last detail because, well, basically you are woman and someone needs to recognize this fact. Slinky dress, fitted jeans, the top that cuts down to “there” – all the details are solidified. Now it’s onto the most important part of the icing on this proverbial date-slaying cake: what shoes should you wear? You’ve heard for years that red pumps get a man’s attention and that stilettos send the heart into overdrive, but then you’re whipsawed when your man complains you have too many shoes. Do men really pay attention to footwear? I decided to launch a little investigation and find out.

In order to observe the beast in his natural territory, I put on my own over-the-knee boots and walked on down to The Vig Bar, an establishment in Manhattan’s Nolita neighborhood that is rife with cute guys pretty much any night of the week.  Not only were there plenty of subjects to question but also the bartenders at this bar are sage with advice. Not only are they men, but they’re privy to watching tons of guys and their mating behavior seven nights a week.  I curled up with Billy, the owner and his right-hand man, bartender Elliott, to get the scoop: does footwear really matter to a guy?

“Absolutely!” Billy exclaimed without hesitation. Why? “Because there’s nothing less attractive to a man than a woman who has no fashion sense. If you’re working a particular look and you have style, we’re drawn to that.  We’re visual creatures and we check out everything down to the shoes on your feet.”

He went on to explain. “A woman who doesn’t know how to dress is like a tiger that doesn’t know how to hunt.  Use all those weapons at your disposal and work it. We love high heels, we love boots, we love sandals – we just want you to feel sexy and feel good about what’s on your feet.” Any particular type of shoe in particular? “Almost all of them. It’s the attitude of the woman wearing them that matters to me.”

Bartender Elliott completely agreed with that statement, adding, “I love when girls know how to dress and are working a look. Heels, flat, Converse sneakers – it doesn’t matter but a sense of style is really important.”

Adam, a patron at the bar said, “I love women in high heels, but you have to be able to walk in them. It’s not sexy if you fall or you’re crying because they hurt your feet. Blisters are not sexy.” Three other gentlemen chimed in and the decision was unanimous: they love women and they love you in your shoes…and out of them. Heels, flat, doesn’t matter – just work your look with confidence and they’ll fall out of their chairs.

The gray area? Uggs. The casual boot drew an almost hateful reaction from half the room, while other men said they didn’t like them at all.  However, they all did agree on one thing: fine for running errands but if you’re going out or trying to look sexy, leave the cozy imports at home.

Oh, and ladies? When it comes to wearing your shoes to bed, the consensus was very interesting: at the beginning of the relationship, it can be really spicy so consider a lingerie look with a fabulous pump one night as a surprise. However, after a while, the sexiest thing about your shoes is evidently getting you out of them so plan that pedicure accordingly.

As for me? I got a couple of phone numbers that night…but I kept my shoes on.