I gave up trying to teach my friends, but it's so hard sometimes...

Your lack of a response was very classy.

did he get them at like less than 50 dollars each? then that would be fine. im fearing he did not though

i know someone that ALWAYS wears these square toed KCs i don't feel close enough to him to say anything but i feel enough affection that i feel i should help the poor guy i have dropped hints to people that know and love him hoping that he will get the message but i fear my approach may be too oblique to be effective

Does it matter?

Unless he's rubbing it in your face and debasing your John Lobbs, its sort of none of your business. Believe me, I hate square toed shoes as much as anyone else but unless they make it my business (coming to me for help, attacking my own shoes, etc) it's not and I have no right or place to try and "lecture" people because it just comes off as snobbish, elitist, and pretentious.

but don't you just feel bad for your afflicted friends?

Better to keep your mouth shut and your friendship alive unless it really impacts you negatively in some part of your life. (Other than "I have to see it.")

Ignorance is bliss. I was much happier before stumbling upon SF. I can say the same for my wallet.

I don't ever make comments about other people's shoes unless they come and ask for advise.I got a few pairs of shoes to two co-workers recently and gave them some tips,they are liking the shoes and seem to be happy.Hopefully they won't be buying Cole Haans and CKs anymore.

+1,this is so fucking true.

I think KC shoes were on sale online for like 20-30 bucks each recently. Hard to argue with that price point if you don't know any better.

True enough!

But here's a 'borderline' moral dilemma ... you and Mr. KCshoes are sitting around at a party with a few other mutual friends ... he mentions his great shopping 'success' ... and then the other people start complimenting him for his stylishness ... and start chastising you for wearing 'those silly round-toe English shoes' ...

I know a very nice guy who has the tag on his coat (outerwear, not suit jacket) sleeve.

I'm not sure if I should

a. leave it alone
b. tell him that the tag is meant to be removed
c. snip it off secretly

even if you say something, they won't understand. They have to actually want to better themselves in order for them to understand and change. I guess it's better to just leave em be unless they ask you for help. they might have other values, or needs that are more important to them atm. or maybe his job entails dirty work. ie you would clean toilets with crappy kc shoes, but not santonis. or he might have kids at home he wants to be able to clothe feed and put thru college than to be nicely dressed. I know some people that should be poorly dressed but can actually pay their rent than to be a nicely dressed hobo.