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Most comfortable dress shoes?

post #1 of 16
10/30/11 at 4:39am
Thread Starter 
Beginner here.

I've decided finally that I am going to invest in a nice pair of brown dress shoes to go with my outfit.

Ideally I'm after a make / brand which is well known for being comfortable as my feet are a little wide and become sore rather quickly.

I'd be happy if I could wear them out polished for special events and un-polished for just casual use - is this acceptable?

Also, if you've got some sexy brown dress shoes, post them! Along with brand / make.
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post #2 of 16
10/30/11 at 5:07am
Just some thoughts...

- Fit is paramount, so is quality
- Buy in person, not online (Depending on where you live, this may or may not be easily accomplished.)
- Look for brands that offer wide width
- If your feet get sore easily, you many want to see an orthopedic specialist first

Good luck.
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post #3 of 16
10/30/11 at 5:14am
I am probably more of a beginner than you but aren't Allen Edmonds known for comfort (also I think they have many wide widths)?

I will hopefully know how comfortable they are soon, as my fifth avenue's from ebay should be arriving this week icon_gu_b_slayer[1].gif
/rookie advice

350
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post #4 of 16
10/30/11 at 6:19am
While my true size is about 8.5 G (wide), I have several shoes that are 9 F (regular width) that I wear with removable insoles - the shoes are wide enough but just a bit too loose fitting so I added the insoles which make them fit great and make them more comfortable to walk in. So you could consider that too.

It's about the right fit and the right last to fit your feet. You won't find out what works until you try a few brands. Barkers G-fit fits my feet nicely whereas I had to get a pair of Loakes in same size but F-width widened. Now they too fit fine.

Go to a store that offers some well known brands and try them, just don't expect the right size shoes to be totally comfortable the moment you put them on. Leather needs some time to become flexible and adjust to your feet.

As for polished vs unpolished, you should polish them but you don't have to polish them to a mirror shine. Anything but black high shine shoes will look just fine even with very casual clothes.
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post #5 of 16
10/30/11 at 9:33am
If you're in the US:
  1. Find the next Allen Edmonds store.
  2. Get measured:
    • Stand upright during the measurement.
    • Ask the sales assistent to measure foot length, only.
  3. Try different brown shoes in that size, or half a size down.
  4. Vary the width if necessary.

That's the only way to find a last that comes close to your foot shape.

Good luck! smile.gif
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post #6 of 16
10/30/11 at 11:23am
Shoe comfort depends on two things: (1) whether the shoe fits your foot and (2) whether the shoe gives adequate support in the needed areas. Because every foot is different, no shoe brand is objectively "more comfortable" than any other.

That said, stick with English-made shoes.
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post #7 of 16
10/30/11 at 3:17pm

I also find my AE's to be quite comfortable.  Cole Haan, though not SF approved, are also quite comfortable for those on a budget (not accounting for better made shoes lasting much longer).  

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post #8 of 16
10/30/11 at 11:26pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by bellyhungry View Post

Just some thoughts...
- Fit is paramount, so is quality
- Buy in person, not online (Depending on where you live, this may or may not be easily accomplished.)
- Look for brands that offer wide width
- If your feet get sore easily, you many want to see an orthopedic specialist first
Good luck.

Thank you. I live in Australia, so shoe shopping in person is just depressing.


Quote:
Originally Posted by kasakka View Post

While my true size is about 8.5 G (wide), I have several shoes that are 9 F (regular width) that I wear with removable insoles - the shoes are wide enough but just a bit too loose fitting so I added the insoles which make them fit great and make them more comfortable to walk in. So you could consider that too.
It's about the right fit and the right last to fit your feet. You won't find out what works until you try a few brands. Barkers G-fit fits my feet nicely whereas I had to get a pair of Loakes in same size but F-width widened. Now they too fit fine.
Go to a store that offers some well known brands and try them, just don't expect the right size shoes to be totally comfortable the moment you put them on. Leather needs some time to become flexible and adjust to your feet.
As for polished vs unpolished, you should polish them but you don't have to polish them to a mirror shine. Anything but black high shine shoes will look just fine even with very casual clothes.

Great advice, thanks.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Claus View Post

If you're in the US:
  1. Find the next Allen Edmonds store.
  2. Get measured:
    • Stand upright during the measurement.
    • Ask the sales assistent to measure foot length, only.
  3. Try different brown shoes in that size, or half a size down.
  4. Vary the width if necessary.
That's the only way to find a last that comes close to your foot shape.
Good luck! smile.gif

This sounds like a dream. Unfortunately I don't know of a single supplier of those brands over here.
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post #9 of 16
10/30/11 at 11:32pm
I like Cheaney, they use a soft leather insole and cork filler. Makes for a firm but soft footbed.
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post #10 of 16
10/30/11 at 11:43pm
There must be shoe shops in Australia with a Brannock measuring device, or with staff who will be willing to help you determine your shoe size. Once you have that down, it might be easier to find shoes online.
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post #11 of 16
10/30/11 at 11:59pm
Why would you not shine your good dress shoes?
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post #12 of 16
10/31/11 at 1:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by humanix View Post

Beginner here.
I've decided finally that I am going to invest in a nice pair of brown dress shoes to go with my outfit.
Ideally I'm after a make / brand which is well known for being comfortable as my feet are a little wide and become sore rather quickly.
I'd be happy if I could wear them out polished for special events and un-polished for just casual use - is this acceptable?
Also, if you've got some sexy brown dress shoes, post them! Along with brand / make.

Frankly, you will work as much as "un-polish" your shoes that you will to polish them! Any good brand will be comfortable if you get them fit (which is not always a straight forward process). See the 1829 and Jermyn street lines form Trickers - my most comfortable ones, having a larger foot - and if you want to have a "unique" shoe get them a patina! Also quite forward are Stefano Bi (the guys that used to produce Berlutti) and they have some nice patinas out of the box!
The question is - what is the rest of your outfit - if it is business dress or just a more casual outfit - then you have the option of suede (which is not polished).
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post #13 of 16
10/31/11 at 1:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by humanix View Post

This sounds like a dream. Unfortunately I don't know of a single supplier of those brands over here.

The general principle is the same everywhere.

The No. 1 mistake in shoe selection is that many men find "their" shoes size by trial and error. But the fit of shoes in a particular size varies greatly due to the shoe last being used for making them. Therefore, trial and error can be misleading if one has a foot shape that differs from the average of the population, or if your sample is not random.

For instance, if you got used to the wrong shoe size, your impression of having slightly wide feet might also be wrong. Maybe, you've just got used to a too small size? You wouldn't be the first or the only one.

Measurement is thus paramount.

And it's really easy. You can even do this at home…

Once, you determined your correct size, you can test different shoes in any shop close to you and rely on your feeling. Shoes are supposed to feel like a proper handshake from heel to the ball, while giving you sufficient freedom in the front, so can move your toes.

Then, you just got to avoid the no. 2 mistake in shoe selection: Up- or down-sizing. If a pair of shoes does not feel good in your correct size, neither will improve the overall fit. Down-sizing may make shoes feel tighter but it will also shorten them, and jeopardize your toes. Up-sizing may make shoes feel wider, but also lengthen them, and jeopardize your ankles, knees, and possibly your back.

Hope this helps.
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post #14 of 16
10/31/11 at 2:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by nihraguk View Post

There must be shoe shops in Australia with a Brannock measuring device, or with staff who will be willing to help you determine your shoe size. Once you have that down, it might be easier to find shoes online.

I'm sure there are, however sizing between US / UK / AUS differs so purchasing from overseas is still difficult.

Quote:
Originally Posted by koolhistorian View Post

Frankly, you will work as much as "un-polish" your shoes that you will to polish them! Any good brand will be comfortable if you get them fit (which is not always a straight forward process). See the 1829 and Jermyn street lines form Trickers - my most comfortable ones, having a larger foot - and if you want to have a "unique" shoe get them a patina! Also quite forward are Stefano Bi (the guys that used to produce Berlutti) and they have some nice patinas out of the box!
The question is - what is the rest of your outfit - if it is business dress or just a more casual outfit - then you have the option of suede (which is not polished).

These are beautiful, thanks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Claus View Post

The general principle is the same everywhere.
The No. 1 mistake in shoe selection is that many men find "their" shoes size by trial and error. But the fit of shoes in a particular size varies greatly due to the shoe last being used for making them. Therefore, trial and error can be misleading if one has a foot shape that differs from the average of the population, or if your sample is not random.
For instance, if you got used to the wrong shoe size, your impression of having slightly wide feet might also be wrong. Maybe, you've just got used to a too small size? You wouldn't be the first or the only one.
Measurement is thus paramount.
And it's really easy. You can even do this at home…
Once, you determined your correct size, you can test different shoes in any shop close to you and rely on your feeling. Shoes are supposed to feel like a proper handshake from heel to the ball, while giving you sufficient freedom in the front, so can move your toes.
Then, you just got to avoid the no. 2 mistake in shoe selection: Up- or down-sizing. If a pair of shoes does not feel good in your correct size, neither will improve the overall fit. Down-sizing may make shoes feel tighter but it will also shorten them, and jeopardize your toes. Up-sizing may make shoes feel wider, but also lengthen them, and jeopardize your ankles, knees, and possibly your back.
Hope this helps.

Good point.

I own lots of shoes already and know what my Australian size is. Every time I purchase I'm forced to have my shoes either stretched a little or to find a make that offers a little extra width.

I will still make plants to get the proper measurements taken though.
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post #15 of 16
10/31/11 at 3:07am
That's the point; there's no "knowing what your AUS/US/UK size is".
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