Originally Posted by
Putonghua73 
That is a really nice shoe at the price range - especially in burgundy and walnut.
I never considered AE shoes before, and have a pair of burgundy Aldos (yes, I need to wash my mouth out - however, soft leather and extremely comfortable) and a pair of black Loake 1880s Aldwych. I'm not keen on the style (capital last) on the Loake Aldwych - too wide (chunky) and too conservative. Also, the sole is quite hard. That said, for my first adult pair of shoes, good construction and I like the smell of the leather. Pity I missed the boat in terms of the Norwich, Truro and Wells.
I have a pair of black Meermin wholecuts and black Meermin single monk shoes on the way. Too much black. Unfortunately, unless I MTO, neither available in any other colour. Besides, those will be for play.
£135 for the AE Clifton Oxfords? I think these could work both for business use and casual. I really like the style and the choice in colours. I'll make a mental note to consider these AEs for my work 'go to' shoes, because I cannot get on with the styling for Loakes 1880.
If it wasn't for the fact that I need other wardrobe pieces, and I have a very expensive trip to Japan in Autumn, I'd buy the AE.
Goddamn! This forum is bad for the wallet.