Putting together a shoe wardrobe. - Page 3

I disagree with your conclusion. On many occasions I've regretted not buying more than one of something; usually once it's too late. You never know when a certain product is going to be discontinued so if you find something that you love...stock up!

Hey thats a sentiment i can get but 5 pairs !!!!!! ???????? Come on theres regret and theres ........ well you know ............

Don't think Foo regrets it for a second. Also strange that all of your punctuation keys seem to be stuck.

Oh dear

Foo does not suffer from a lack of confidence, at least where clothing is concerned

I think about the poor butt-less horses . . .

My pre-SF shoe wardrobe had a lot of black, rubber soled, square toed grossness. I've kept one pair for tradeshows, and started buying better shoes...

I started with AE Evanstons in black for $250CAD locally (a bit less than half price)
I then bought a no-name pair of "Italian" in dark brown, super soft leather with some interesting broguing on the toe for $150 locally (half price).
I just bought a pair of AE Manhattan's in Cognac from AE on ebay for $150USD.

Next purchase, monks or split toes (Or maybe a monk with a split toe!) in some sort brown.

Baresolid,
I Would recommend for this price range that you choose Alfred Sargent. It is very good quality. If you have formal black shoes, I would suggest a brown suede and another dark brown in calf, depending on your foot size. Pediwear is just excellent.

If you do not have a plain toe black oxford, it would be good to have one. This should be your first choice. In the UK, it is a must. The second should be a brown suede, oxford shoes also with or without brogueing. This really goes well with everything: grey, blue, navy and tan suits, also corduroy and even jeans... I have the Cranford from Alfred Sargent. I am so fond of it.
Now depending on your size and the width of your feet (F or G), you can make your choice. Take a look at Pediwear, Alfred Sargent, and browse a bit.
I would be very interested in knowing what you finally went for.

I love this pic too. Are there other angles available?
Well done Mr Foo.

Er, nearly nobody wears cordovan in England. ..I love the texture of cordovan & the way they age particularly the dull sheen- my three pairs are by Church - burgundy/black Strattons go with jeans +grey and blue suits & get most use, but mid-brown Graftons (with khakis) and MTO black Shannons (with suits) also get used. True that cordovan/krupp is much more popular in Germany than in UK.

Opera shoes look really good on Black Rod and members of the House of Lords (White wigs, knee length socks & Red or Black capes etc.) during opening of English parliament & plain odd on anyone else (even at the opera, IMHO). For formal (black tie) evening events I'd go for plain black patent laced shoes if you are feeling like a dandy or plain black calf for a more understated look.

In addition to other contributors' comments, as a staple for any wardrobe I'd suggest full (wingtip) brogues in black calf.