Putting together a shoe wardrobe.

[bafield]

Originally Posted by kev777

Although theres no denying thats a wonderful shoe, everytime i see that pic i just cant help but thinking at least one village still has its idiot.................

I disagree with your conclusion. On many occasions I've regretted not buying more than one of something; usually once it's too late. You never know when a certain product is going to be discontinued so if you find something that you love...stock up!

 

[kev777]

Originally Posted by bafield

I disagree with your conclusion. On many occasions I've regretted not buying more than one of something; usually once it's too late. You never know when a certain product is going to be discontinued so if you find something that you love...stock up!

Hey thats a sentiment i can get but 5 pairs !!!!!! ???????? Come on theres regret and theres ........ well you know ............

 

[Brothersport]

Don't think Foo regrets it for a second. Also strange that all of your punctuation keys seem to be stuck.

 

[kev777]

Originally Posted by Brothersport

Don't think Foo regrets it for a second. Also strange that all of your punctuation keys seem to be stuck.

Oh dear

 

[Big A]

Originally Posted by Brothersport

Don't think Foo regrets it for a second. Also strange that all of your punctuation keys seem to be stuck.

Foo does not suffer from a lack of confidence, at least where clothing is concerned

 

[BareSolid]

I'd like all pairs to ideally fall below £150. Their use shall be in smart casual and informal (in the traditional sense) clothing. I already have shoes for formal occasions, I also have a pair of trainers which I got from Nike that serve their purpose adequetely.

Herring's web site might be a good one to look for specific shoes that you'd recommend, Shipton and Heneage (whom I have used before and whose customer service is exemplary) is another. I have looked on Pediwear and correct me if I am wrong but their stuff seems to be more expensive than my budget allows.

What brands are recommended?

 

[Bartolo]

Originally Posted by kev777

Although theres no denying thats a wonderful shoe, everytime i see that pic i just cant help but thinking at least one village still has its idiot.................

I think about the poor butt-less horses . . .

 

[odrs]

My pre-SF shoe wardrobe had a lot of black, rubber soled, square toed grossness. I've kept one pair for tradeshows, and started buying better shoes...

I started with AE Evanstons in black for $250CAD locally (a bit less than half price)
I then bought a no-name pair of "Italian" in dark brown, super soft leather with some interesting broguing on the toe for $150 locally (half price).
I just bought a pair of AE Manhattan's in Cognac from AE on ebay for $150USD.

Next purchase, monks or split toes (Or maybe a monk with a split toe!) in some sort brown.

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by BareSolid

I'd like all pairs to ideally fall below £150. Their use shall be in smart casual and informal (in the traditional sense) clothing. I already have shoes for formal occasions, I also have a pair of trainers which I got from Nike that serve their purpose adequetely.

Herring's web site might be a good one to look for specific shoes that you'd recommend, Shipton and Heneage (whom I have used before and whose customer service is exemplary) is another. I have looked on Pediwear and correct me if I am wrong but their stuff seems to be more expensive than my budget allows.

What brands are recommended?

Baresolid,
I Would recommend for this price range that you choose Alfred Sargent. It is very good quality. If you have formal black shoes, I would suggest a brown suede and another dark brown in calf, depending on your foot size. Pediwear is just excellent.

 

[BareSolid]

mimile, if you by 'formal black shoes' you mean black oxford shoes, no I do not. However if you mean what I mean, black patent pumps, yes. As for the others, thanks for the suggestion of Sargents. Any particular styles recommended?

 

[BareSolid]

I also have reason to believe that Sargent makes shoes for S&H, albeit rebranded, and cheaper than they are on Pediwear too. I shall email S&H to see if this is the case.

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by BareSolid

mimile, if you by 'formal black shoes' you mean black oxford shoes, no I do not. However if you mean what I mean, black patent pumps, yes. As for the others, thanks for the suggestion of Sargents. Any particular styles recommended?

If you do not have a plain toe black oxford, it would be good to have one. This should be your first choice. In the UK, it is a must. The second should be a brown suede, oxford shoes also with or without brogueing. This really goes well with everything: grey, blue, navy and tan suits, also corduroy and even jeans... I have the Cranford from Alfred Sargent. I am so fond of it.
Now depending on your size and the width of your feet (F or G), you can make your choice. Take a look at Pediwear, Alfred Sargent, and browse a bit.
I would be very interested in knowing what you finally went for.

 

[BareSolid]

Originally Posted by mimile

If you do not have a plain toe black oxford, it would be good to have one. This should be your first choice. In the UK, it is a must. The second should be a brown suede, oxford shoes also with or without brogueing. This really goes well with everything: grey, blue, navy and tan suits, also corduroy and even jeans... I have the Cranford from Alfred Sargent. I am so fond of it.
Now depending on your size and the width of your feet (F or G), you can make your choice. Take a look at Pediwear, Alfred Sargent, and browse a bit.
I would be very interested in knowing what you finally went for.

Thank you. Their shoes look lovely and I might start checking them out.

 

[Mild Mannered]

Originally Posted by mafoofan

I can't live in defiance of the popular will.

I love this pic too. Are there other angles available?
Well done Mr Foo.

 

[Champagnelifestylenomoney]

Originally Posted by BareSolid

Thanks all for the advice.

A few things
- I'm in a cold and wet climate but I still prefer not to wear rubber soles unless I am wearing plimsols at the gym.
- I like the idea of getting a pair of brown monk shoes and brogues, perhaps the latter darker than the former (tan monks and dark brown brogues, perhaps?).
- I have been curious at all these mentions of wearing black Oxfords to formal occasions, on the few times that I have worn white tie I have worn my beloved court shoes (opera pumps). They are also useful for black tie.
- I might get some loafers but I'm still undecided, and it must be stated that nobody wears cordovan in England.

Er, nearly nobody wears cordovan in England. ..I love the texture of cordovan & the way they age particularly the dull sheen- my three pairs are by Church - burgundy/black Strattons go with jeans +grey and blue suits & get most use, but mid-brown Graftons (with khakis) and MTO black Shannons (with suits) also get used. True that cordovan/krupp is much more popular in Germany than in UK.

Opera shoes look really good on Black Rod and members of the House of Lords (White wigs, knee length socks & Red or Black capes etc.) during opening of English parliament & plain odd on anyone else (even at the opera, IMHO). For formal (black tie) evening events I'd go for plain black patent laced shoes if you are feeling like a dandy or plain black calf for a more understated look.

In addition to other contributors' comments, as a staple for any wardrobe I'd suggest full (wingtip) brogues in black calf.