$150 - $250 mostly leather shoe/brand suggestions?

[jgrandits7]

In need of new pair of black shoes for upcoming wedding, looking in the aforementioned price range. I've worn mostly Cole H and K Cole in the past, some of the K. Cole were very comfortable and lasted several years of consistent use. Prefer mostly leather sole, if not entirely. Wouldn't mine stepping it up a bit, but would like to keep it < $300. Thanks!

 

[Claghorn]

Meermin is going to be your best bet. Maybe some Allen Edmonds on sale. Both will be significant steps up from Kenneth Cole or Cole Haan.

 

[Shawl Lapel]

The Andrew Lock benchgrades with the SF discount come in at 225 shipped if you're in the US. Or email the AE shoebank for a list of seconds.

 

[bobbers]

I would recommend buying in person, since you want be to sure you have the correct size & width for a particular brand and last. You probably don't have the time to order, return, and re-order if an online purchase doesn't fit.

Try Nordstrom Rack for Allen Edmonds; typically these will run $200-$225 but they only have a handful of models available. The ones near me I've seen black Madison Ave and black Clifton which would be nice enough for 98% of the population but SF would probably frown on them for a being bluchers; balmorals would be preferred for a more formal event like a wedding. Earlier this week I saw a black Hastings wholecut balmoral for $129 at a Rack near me; you might luck out and find something on clearance as well.

However, Nordstrom Rack doesn't have models in all size and all widths. Go to a regular Nordstrom, but Allen Edmonds there will be > $300. You could try on a bunch to figure out your size in a particular last, then order from AE Shoe Bank or online, but I myself would feel uncomfortable trying a bunch of stuff on with little intention of buying.

 

[jgrandits7]

'The Andrew Lock benchgrades with the SF discount come in at 225 shipped if you're in the US.'

What site(s) offers this discount, and is there a specific code can be entered upon checkout? thanks

 

[Shawl Lapel]

I believe it's still SF10 but check the affiliate thread

http://www.styleforum.net/t/304451/...g-term-member-official-affiliate-thread/0_100

 

[patrickBOOTH]



Meermin is going to be your best bet. Maybe some Allen Edmonds on sale. Both will be significant steps up from Kenneth Cole or Cole Haan.

This is going to sound blasphemous to Style Forum, but most of the new Cole-Haan shoes I have handled that friends own I would put eons above Allen Edmonds.

 

[jgrandits7]

Thanks for the suggestion. How do the Andrew Lock's run? I'm between 8 and 9 American size, usually 42/42.5 euro size dress shoe.

 

[Shawl Lapel]

I'm a 10.5 US and wear a 9 in the dub monks and 9.5 in the derbies.

 

[Jmm722]

Alken edmonds Vernon are on sale for 190 on Anazon with a show coupon (free when you sign up)

 

[Claghorn]

This is going to sound blasphemous to Style Forum, but most of the new Cole-Haan shoes I have handled that friends own I would put eons above Allen Edmonds.

Interesting. Has AE gone downhill the last couple of years or Cole Haan moved up?

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Has Allen Edmonds ever been on the top of a hill?

 

[Jmm722]

For the non-contrarians on here, AE are regarded as a nice shoe. At least an entry level quality shoe. Cold Haan used to be very good, then became crap, I have no idea of the current models as I haven't bought any since my last 2 fell apart.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I think almost everything about new cole haans are superior to AE's. AE's just aren't a great shoe or option at their price point, IMO.