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My First Pair of Shoes- How'd I do?

post #1 of 12
3/15/13 at 7:01pm
Thread Starter 

Hello everyone,

 

I'm new to the forum, and to wearing anything other than $30 glue-and-mesh sneakers. I'm turning 23 in a couple of weeks, and figured I should start dressing like a man. After hours of forum-searching/ researching affordable quality leather shoes I found a pair or Gravati that I fell in love with on ebay. I talked the seller down to $275 (the retail was a little over 600, and he listed them for 360). What are your thoughts? Any tips on caring for them? Also, my wardrobe consists of jeans and t-shirts... any help on what I should buy that would look good with the loafers? 

 

Thanks for the help

 

 

"Calzatura Artigiana Double Monk"

 

700700

 

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post #2 of 12
3/15/13 at 8:15pm
Welcome to Styleforum Walrus.
The leathers on thse appear on the thin side, so be certain to moisturize these as neded but don't overdo it or saturate the leathers with conditioner. Once per month or two should be enough.
After a days wearing, shoe trees inserted, take a damp (not wet) cloth to them to wipe off the dust of the day., let dry 20 min, Then brush lightly and buff with a clean flannel rag. As these are plain toes, be aware of your wearing habits. For example, avoid uneccesary bending of the shoes as wrinkles show more on a plain toe than a cap toe. Use cedar shoe trees when they are not in use to help maintain their shape. They look fine. I am unfamiliar with this manufacturer so cannot comment on the quality or price. You may find they don't need a lot of polish (if any at all) for a long time to come. You'll know when. Use sparingly, creme polish on these for now. Congratulations on your purchase and enjoy in good health.
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post #3 of 12
3/16/13 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks a lot. I'll be sure to buy some shoe trees and cream polish before they arrive.

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post #4 of 12
3/16/13 at 2:38pm
Since they have not arrived yet, update on how they fit...
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post #5 of 12
3/16/13 at 5:49pm
Walrus - do not ever ever wear these with t-shirts. For your own sake.

Wear them with your jeans and some plain collared shirts from J. Crew (cheap) or Brooks Brothers (extra slim fit - slightly pricier). A nice dark brown belt, too.

Once you have some collared shirts, buy some chinos and grey wool trousers.
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post #6 of 12
3/16/13 at 6:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by eluther View Post

Walrus - do not ever ever wear these with t-shirts. For your own sake.

Wear them with your jeans and some plain collared shirts from J. Crew (cheap) or Brooks Brothers (extra slim fit - slightly pricier). A nice dark brown belt, too.

Once you have some collared shirts, buy some chinos and grey wool trousers.

 

Seconded I just got my first pair of good shoes this year too and I think polo shirt is just as good as a shirt on most casual day outs and just as comfortable as a t-shirt. Especially white and black they go with most combinations of trousers. :)

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post #7 of 12
3/16/13 at 10:13pm

Wear them with collared shirts (preferably a dress shirt), slacks, and a belt at minimum. Look around on this site for affordable suit options as well, there are quite a few. Get a good polish kit and be sure to take care of those shoes.

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post #8 of 12
3/17/13 at 11:25am

I'm not familiar with that brand. They look like decent shoes, but I don't think that I'd suggest brown double monks for your first "grown up" shoes. Considering that you probably have abolutely no clue about how they should fit, I certainly don't think that I'd suggest spending $275 on the internet for your first pair of "grown up shoes."

 

On another note, I think that you should take your time and not rush into buying things because you think that you need to dress like a grown up. You could end up wasting a lot of money.

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post #9 of 12
3/17/13 at 3:46pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by VinnyMac View Post

I'm not familiar with that brand. They look like decent shoes, but I don't think that I'd suggest brown double monks for your first "grown up" shoes. Considering that you probably have abolutely no clue about how they should fit, I certainly don't think that I'd suggest spending $275 on the internet for your first pair of "grown up shoes."

 

On another note, I think that you should take your time and not rush into buying things because you think that you need to dress like a grown up. You could end up wasting a lot of money.

It was less of a 'let's dress like daddy' and more of a desire to get a decently made and stylish wardrobe. I was getting real fed up with shoes only lasting me for a few months, and I started researching better quality shoes. Through my research I acquired a deep respect for cobblers and artisan shoe makers. I couldn't find a pair worth buying for any less than $250 because they were all corrected grain leather. I also chose an Italian make due to my heritage. I'd agree spending a large sum of money on internet shoes was a gamble, but considering the town I'm currently living in, I didn't have much of a choice. 

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post #10 of 12
3/18/13 at 6:08pm
When you chew through your sole try replacing it with dainite soles they will last for about 1~2 years
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post #11 of 12
3/26/13 at 8:51am
Thread Starter 

The new shoes came and are beautiful. It took me quite a while to get the hang of polishing; I actually found that I enjoy spending time polishing the shoe... it's relaxing. Unfortunately even though they were listed as an 'M', there is no way these are anything but a narrow. It fit pretty great except the pain it cause on the roof of my foot. I took them to the local cobbler to get stretched professionally. Here's to waiting another week confused.gif 

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post #12 of 12
3/27/13 at 8:02pm

You know I found out through a rather expensive mistake that most of us think our feet are wider and longer than they actually are. Mainly because we don't really know our actual size when we buy our first pair of good shoes. A bit of pain should be ok at first regarding narrowness. It should conform unless its ridiculously out of fit.The length is a different issue though I think its best if you pop into a reputable shoes shop and ask them to measure your size. I think you will find that they are about a size smaller than the ones you usually take.

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