10 Shoes to last a lifetime

[James Bluesky]

I have many pair of shoes, a lot of them from designers like Gucci, Sergio Rossi, Russell and Bromley, Oliver Sweeney, Patrick Cox, Harrys of London, Kurt Geiger.

I'm now looking to invest in shoes that are serious classics and will last a lifetime. Hopefully with this thread I can put together a benchmark for the shoes a stylish gent should own.

I've been looking at brands like; Crockett & Jones, John Lobb, Grenson, Church's, Tricker's, Alfred Sargent, Edward Green, New & Lingwood, RM Williams.

I tend to prefer shades of brown and tan shoes as I prefer the pattena and antiquing you get over time.

My current list is:

1. John Lobb or Edward Green Brown calf Oxfords
2. Whole Cut Oxford, John Lobb or Crockett and Jones
3. Chestnut wingtip brogues perhaps Crockett and Jones, Trickers?
4. Chelsea boots, Chestnut Crockett and Jones or New and Lingwood?
5. Gucci brown suede loafer with horsebit.
6. Tod's brown calf leather driving shoes.
7. Timberland deck shoe's.
8. Country boots, for walking etc. Perhaps Trickers or C&J laced ankle boots
9. Oxford suede brogue
10. Hunter Wellington boots in Navy.

I look forward to your suggestions.

 

[Shoe-nut]

Looks to me that you already have a handle on it. I don't see how you can go wrong with the choices you have listed. Buying quality is never a bad decision.

 

[well-kept]

Good list. I'd add a pair or two of shell cordovans, either from Alden or Polo (C&J). They can literally and not just stylistically last a lifetime.

 

[Faded501s]

Looks like a great list but it seems Timberland is known more for their boots (which don't even compare to Redwings or Chippewa BTW). As far as decks, Sebago is accepted as a premier shoe by boaters and they come in a lot of great styles, (Sperry seems a little too trad, "preppy" or something). I've also had experience with and like the quality and styling (little more modern) of Tommy Bahamas, although a little more expensive (nothing compared to Lbbs, etc though)

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by well-kept

Good list. I'd add a pair or two of shell cordovans, either from Alden or Polo (C&J). They can literally and not just stylistically last a lifetime.

No AE? I understand the preference for C&J in general, but the plaintoe cordovans from AE, Alden and C&J strike me as pretty similar.

 

[well-kept]

My oversight. Yes, AE Leeds, Bradleys or McNeils.

 

[James Bluesky]

 

[James Bluesky]

C&J Balmuir

 

[James Bluesky]

Thanks, I like the Sebago docksiders, I might buy these instead. http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k5...docksiders.jpg I thought the Sperry boat shoes where also very nice

 

[tbabes]

Nice list, but the Tod's will be lucky to last a season or two (if you mean the ones with the little knobs on the sole) let alone a lifetime!

 

[Don Goldstein]

Let me warn you about two things that I have experienced:
1) You might at some point not like any longer some of the shoes.
2) Your size might increase.

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by Don Goldstein

Let me warn you about two things that I have experienced:
1) You might at some point not like any longer some of the shoes.
2) Your size might increase.

number two isn't a big deal if we're only talking about 10 shoes.....

number one is the risk we all take with buying something. most of the stuff he picked are pretty mainstream.

 

[James Bluesky]

I'm open to suggestions. If you can name a better classic top 10 i'd like to hear it.

 

[DocHolliday]

No bluchers or monks?

 

[NoVaguy]

Originally Posted by James Bluesky

I'm open to suggestions. If you can name a better classic top 10 i'd like to hear it.

well, i wouldn't bother with the wellington, the timberland deck shoes or the gucci shoes (although, i do have timberland deck shoes and i have an AE welted shoe similar in look to the gucci).

but seriously, any group of 10 such as your 10 is fine. i got a lot more than that, so whatever rocks your boat works.