It's just part of the equation. In Gladwell's book "Blink" he talks about processing millions of data points at a time. Business shoe quality and condition is one. But I'm in the investment industry and worked in Boston for a few years so that's the way I am programmed. When we interview someone we want to come to the conclusion they are sharp before we hire them. Shoes are just an early potential sign of yea or nay. Not a deal breaker/maker but an early indicator. You gave the kid a chance to discuss and he got defensive. Maybe he wad told you were looking gor a feisty kid. Who knows.