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Shoes for first job out of college

post #1 of 16
5/26/12 at 8:41pm
Thread Starter 

I just got a job as a teacher and the school requires shirt and tie. I am looking for a pair of black and brown shoes to go with my dark brown, black, white, and charcoal pants.  I want shoes that I will be comfortable walking and standing in for 6-8 hours a day.  My budget is around $200-250 per pair.  

 

I was thinking of going with a pair of brown oxfords and black oxfords to start out and eventually adding more. From what I've seen while searching the site it seems people highly recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Would those be a good pair to start out with? Any other recommendations?

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post #2 of 16
5/27/12 at 12:34am
I would suggest the benchgrade Chenaey for a start up shoes, a bit more sneak than AE.
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post #3 of 16
5/28/12 at 7:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

I just got a job as a teacher and the school requires shirt and tie. I am looking for a pair of black and brown shoes to go with my dark brown, black, white, and charcoal pants.  I want shoes that I will be comfortable walking and standing in for 6-8 hours a day.  My budget is around $200-250 per pair.  

 

I was thinking of going with a pair of brown oxfords and black oxfords to start out and eventually adding more. From what I've seen while searching the site it seems people highly recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Would those be a good pair to start out with? Any other recommendations?

Nope. It wouldn't look good on a scoolteacher either and besides these shoes are over $300. If you really want an AE then something like the Kenilworth in brown or walnut is better for a teacher. Or even the Sutter. I'd stay away from high lacing shoes with 6-7 holes. And be sure to get measured and fitted by an expert then you will have no problem and be comfortable all day.

Mephisto are good and also Cole Haan  for comfort.

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post #4 of 16
5/28/12 at 8:24pm
Park Avenues are often recommended because they look good with a grey or black or black suit, and they're inconspicuous enough and respectful for an interview or a funeral or most formal occasions. I'm a teacher, I have a pair, and I'm glad I have them - even though I seldom wear them.

Snedley is kinda right that it's not the ideal teacher shoe, but why not? It's no crime. The Kenilworth is a good recommendation, too. You might also like a pair of wingtip shoes, or loafers. You're not aiming for bland formal shoes like many men in business must do (which is great for them, but is a little bit "off" on a teacher). It depends on you and your school, of course.
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post #5 of 16
5/28/12 at 8:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

I just got a job as a teacher and the school requires shirt and tie. I am looking for a pair of black and brown shoes to go with my dark brown, black, white, and charcoal pants.  I want shoes that I will be comfortable walking and standing in for 6-8 hours a day.  My budget is around $200-250 per pair.  

 

I was thinking of going with a pair of brown oxfords and black oxfords to start out and eventually adding more. From what I've seen while searching the site it seems people highly recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Would those be a good pair to start out with? Any other recommendations?


Park Avenue is a fantastic choice. Very classical, very popular and usually very well made.

 

Colors? as a first shoe I always recommend first buying a burgundy because of the versatility of that color to match a broad range of fabric colors. As a second shoe I would go for a mid brown, like a walnut MacAllister, which can be antiqued at the toe to help match darker clothes.

 

As a third shoe I would select a black shoe which is a little more formal, but far less color versatile.

 

Most people do this exactly in reverse of my recommendations and i guess it is just a matter of choice.

 

Take a look at which AE shoes are USA manufactured and try to limit your purchases the USA Union made shoes because these are usually superior quality and better value for money.

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post #6 of 16
5/28/12 at 8:47pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for all the advice. I live about an hour from a Allen Edmonds outlet and will probably stop by sometime this week to try on the Kenilworth's.  I also was at the mall today and came across these Cole Haan's in the British Tan Leather on sale for $110.  I decided to pull the trigger and buy them.  

 

I will definitely also look for a nice pair of wingtips considering I got the Cole Haan's for much cheaper than I expected to buy a pair of shoes. Thanks again for all the advice, this is my first time venturing outside the shelves of Macy's for a pair of dress shoes. If you guys have any other recommendations or tips I appreciate it.

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post #7 of 16
5/28/12 at 9:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

Thanks for all the advice. I live about an hour from a Allen Edmonds outlet and will probably stop by sometime this week to try on the Kenilworth's.  I also was at the mall today and came across these Cole Haan's in the British Tan Leather on sale for $110.  I decided to pull the trigger and buy them.  

 

I will definitely also look for a nice pair of wingtips considering I got the Cole Haan's for much cheaper than I expected to buy a pair of shoes. Thanks again for all the advice, this is my first time venturing outside the shelves of Macy's for a pair of dress shoes. If you guys have any other recommendations or tips I appreciate it.


Meh......n ot sure I would have bought those Haans. Not keen on split hides, which I suspect is what they use on these shoes. You will probably find that they will not last too long, is my suspicion.

 

I would have saved my money and waited for one of the many Allen Edmonds sales which are frequent this year due to their anniversary.

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post #8 of 16
5/28/12 at 9:11pm
Thread Starter 

Ya I wasn't sure if those shoes were great, figured I might as well get them since they were 40% off for Memorial Day and I could always return them later on.  I will definitely be stopping by the Allen Edmonds outlet this week to try out different shoes and see which ones fit and look best in person. 

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post #9 of 16
5/28/12 at 9:18pm
Nah, they're not bad! Nice choice picking up a pair of less-formal, easier-to-lace bluchers..

On the same note as LeJouvre, a nice third pair would be those black wIngtips by AE. I think they're the same price as Park Avenues and try occasionally are on sale for around $300.
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post #10 of 16
5/28/12 at 9:42pm
Thread Starter 

I've spent the past hour or so looking around the Allen Edmonds website and other sites.  I think I've decided to take your guys' advice and go with 3 pairs.  I was thinking of getting a pair of the black Kenilworth's, exchanging the Cole Haan's for a darker pair, and going with the AE Finch in Tan. Do you guys think that would be a solid three pairs to start out? 

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post #11 of 16
5/28/12 at 9:57pm

facepalm.gif What people can be talked into on this forum...

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post #12 of 16
5/28/12 at 10:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

Thanks for all the advice. I live about an hour from a Allen Edmonds outlet and will probably stop by sometime this week to try on the Kenilworth's.  I also was at the mall today and came across these Cole Haan's in the British Tan Leather on sale for $110.  I decided to pull the trigger and buy them.  

 

I will definitely also look for a nice pair of wingtips considering I got the Cole Haan's for much cheaper than I expected to buy a pair of shoes. Thanks again for all the advice, this is my first time venturing outside the shelves of Macy's for a pair of dress shoes. If you guys have any other recommendations or tips I appreciate it.

That's an excellent choice and you should have got one in black as well. Remember that the fit is the most important thing. You're just beginning and there's no reason to go crazy about what you wear. Over time you'll be buying new things and making money.

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post #13 of 16
5/28/12 at 10:28pm
Cole Haan's are serviceable. Darker brown would probably be more versatile. I think for your position, a nice shoe that could go with anything would be either the AE 5th ave in dark brown (can be had for $200 on sale) or the BB Peal dark brown brogue captoe (on the higher end of your budget on sale).
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post #14 of 16
5/29/12 at 9:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

I've spent the past hour or so looking around the Allen Edmonds website and other sites.  I think I've decided to take your guys' advice and go with 3 pairs.  I was thinking of getting a pair of the black Kenilworth's, exchanging the Cole Haan's for a darker pair, and going with the AE Finch in Tan. Do you guys think that would be a solid three pairs to start out? 

It's not bad. Personally, I would forgo either one of the Cole Haan or Keniworths for a wingtip or captoe as, even though one is a blucher an the other is an oxford, they're both plain toes; so, I'd want something with a little more variety. Also, I'm not a big fan of the Finch's; but they could work for you. Honestly, though, I wouldn't recommend buying three shoes right off the bat. I'd buy one, take a look around, and add things as you get a better idea of what you like and want.
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post #15 of 16
5/29/12 at 11:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by keosu11 View Post

I just got a job as a teacher and the school requires shirt and tie. I am looking for a pair of black and brown shoes to go with my dark brown, black, white, and charcoal pants.  I want shoes that I will be comfortable walking and standing in for 6-8 hours a day.  My budget is around $200-250 per pair.  

I was thinking of going with a pair of brown oxfords and black oxfords to start out and eventually adding more. From what I've seen while searching the site it seems people highly recommend the Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Would those be a good pair to start out with? Any other recommendations?

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