Best men's dress shoes under $200...?



kulata said:

Look no further
http://www.bexley.com/Bexley/shoe-RICHSCUIRN-EN.htm

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Yeah, what is the deal with these? They look nice enough and I would think the price would be reasonable (even if the quality is so-so) if they would be willing to subtract out VAT--even more so if you order 2 or more.



otc said:

Yeah, what is the deal with these? They look nice enough and I would think the price would be reasonable (even if the quality is so-so) if they would be willing to subtract out VAT--even more so if you order 2 or more.

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I'm intrigued by the suede double monks!

Can you post a few pictures from Google images of the shoe style you're looking for?

If we're talking sub-$200 brands (of which, AE is not), my vote goes to Johnston & Murphy. (J&M)
Most normal non-SF men who consider themselves "shoe guys" love this brand,
and it's even considered a "status" brand outside of an obsessive fetishistic forum.

I have a old pre-SF 2006 NST rubber soled pair I use as a beater pair when it rains.
Great shoe, and probably the most comfortable in my collection.
It's a great value, since the shoes will last a decade with zero maintenance.



Quadcammer said:

you can use the ask andy discount code to get free trees at herring: HSAB

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Only for full price shoes.

OP, I realize you want something more fashion forward, but I would still second the Allen Edmonds suggestion. I don't own Park Avenues, but do own Fifth Avenues in black, and it's a good-looking, fairly sleek shoe. Good quality but not ostentatious. Generally when you are wearing black shoes, you are not inviting a lot of attention to your shoes anyway. When you want a "fun" shoe, AE can get a little boring, I agree, but "first pair of black business shoes," AE is tough to beat.



Plestor said:

Only for full price shoes.

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ok, there are plenty of well priced shoes on there as it is.



Quadcammer said:

ok, there are plenty of well priced shoes on there as it is.

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i'm a fan of herring shoes as well
i ordered a pair of suede captoes (forgot to use the code for the free shoe trees!)
great shoes for the price
especially since i've bought more expensive shoes that were not as nearly as nice

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/brands.php?brandid=6

I don't think you'll be getting a better deal than this

link

UK shoemakers raised their prices significantly, which basically means any decent shoe will turn out around +$300 incl shipping.

This is the one.


Alfred Sargent's Wells black plain-toe firsts in size 10 UK, which ought to work for your brother's 10.5-11. It's £100.00 including VAT. If you're not in UK or euroland deduct the VAT, add the shipping, and you're at approx. £110.00, which is comfortably below your $200. I recommend you select the shipping by Royal Mail to avoid the brokerage fees if they get caught up in customs. (Note: I believe there may be a further 10% discount available if you can find the code that's been posted on SF. Hmm... what shall you do w/ all this unspent cash lying around? Post it to me! Happy Christmas.)

If I were your brother I'd want these. Or these. More options w/ 'em.



entrero said:

I don't think you'll be getting a better deal than this
link
UK shoemakers raised their prices significantly, which basically means any decent shoe will turn out around +$300 incl shipping.

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disagree.

Herrings own brand, which are made by loake, to what I find to be 1880 quality, can be had for $230 delivered, included free trees, tin of polish, bags, polishing cloth and horn.

Obviously they aren't lobbs, but they have the combination heel unlike the full rubber top lift, and some of the designs are better in my opinion.

I love allen edmonds, but there are some good choices in the $200-$240 range.

E is my recommendation for the money, but big sis already noted that she thinks AE is too conservative and not her cup of tea. I agree that Herrings or A fine Pair of Shoes offer great alternatives. But imo, OP needs a little more flexibility on her budget. I have never owned Bexley, but a good friend has one and it looks good quality and last shape...good luck



Quadcammer said:

disagree.
Herrings own brand, which are made by loake, to what I find to be 1880 quality, can be had for $230 delivered, included free trees, tin of polish, bags, polishing cloth and horn.
Obviously they aren't lobbs, but they have the combination heel unlike the full rubber top lift, and some of the designs are better in my opinion.
I love allen edmonds, but there are some good choices in the $200-$240 range.

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You seem to be familiar with Loakes. Is there a Loakes last similar in shape to Crocket &Jones 337 last?



Coburn said:

You seem to be familiar with Loakes. Is there a Loakes last similar in shape to Crocket &Jones 337 last?

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the loake "swing" last may be fairly close.

The others you can look at are the capital last, and the slightly more pointed mayfair last.

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-list.php?brandid=7&catid=20

gives you some good shape comparisons and pictures.

ehh... depending on the style you're looking for I can find you a great pair of AE's for under 200 dollars... they are typically $259 - $335. looks good and they're super comfy

What about Meermin? I don't own any of their shoes but just checked out their thread here and their website, and it looks like a pretty good pair of shoes (full grain calf, GY welted) for 160 euros, which comes out to a little over $200. The last also looks more sleek than that of AE. Although shipping could add another $40.