$500 bucks - suggest a versatile shoe

[nmprisons]

I have plenty of balmoral lace-ups, but it turns out I will be wearing shirt and tie sans suit more than I thought. Unfortunately, I generally dislike the look of blutchers and don't even own a pair. Any thoughts on a balmoral that won't look too dressy without a suit or a blutcher that doesn't look so clunky? I don't want to spend more than $500 if I don't have to.

Thanks

 

[fox in sox]

What about monk straps? Something like the C&J Savile ordered from Plal would definitely be within your budget.

 

[Aluan]

Brown suede balmorals, maybe?

 

[ChicagoRon]

The Ferragamo Tramezza blucher is not clunky. It is burgundy, I don't know if that's an issue for you.

There is also a very nice burgundy Weston bal that is pretty casual looking.

Unfortunately, retail prices for both of those are over $500, but maybe on sale.....

I agree with the C&J monkstrap suggestion, or also a nice pair of loafers. I have EG Sloanes that you can get from SkyValet for about $600 and I love them.

 

[Mr T]

Originally Posted by Aluan

Brown suede balmorals, maybe?

Good call. Look at AE's suede balmoral wingtip Mcclain on discount. I just picked up a pair from STP and find them perfect for biz casual.

 

[distinctive]

http://www.menshoenet-alden-shoes.co...al_Saddle.html

I think these would fit the bill, however you would probably find a blucher more comfortable.

 

[grimslade]

How about a sleek plain toe two-eyelet blucher in brown?

 

[moonman]

+1 on the monkstraps. Kind of finds the sweet spot between formal and casual. Catches peoples eye. I receive more compliments on my C&J Saviles than any of my other shoes.

Also +1 on the suede bals. I have a pair of the suede C&J Belgraves and love 'em.

Plal.com is your friend. Highly recommended.

 

[rjmaiorano]

I like monks for a more casual look. Certainly can't go wrong with suede either.

But to be honest, the sleek two-eyelet blucher suggested by grimslade is a style I love and is probably the most versatile of the three styles.

 

[Gus]

I would suggest double monks in a nice brown. Double monks have a certain flair about them that gives them flexibility. You can wear them with a suit or out to a club with jeans.

In a whole different direction, how about a brown suede cap-toe oxford. They are far more versatile than most people think. They look great with navy, gray & khaki.

 

[crazyquik]

tassel loafer

 

[grimslade]

I only own one pair of monks, and I haven't had them long, so maybe I'm just not feeling the love. But I think of monks as less versatile because they stand out more, with all that flashy metal, etc.

 

[Fade to Black]

Alden plain toe cordovan bluchers...and i think they're exactly $500 at retail. Most versatile dress shoe ever.

 

[nmprisons]

Thanks for the suggestions. No offense, but I can't imagine ever wearing a loafer. I will look into the monkstrap idea.

Are brown calfskin wingtips balmorals fine with a shirt and tie or are they still considered too dressy?

 

[Manton]

Originally Posted by grimslade

I only own one pair of monks, and I haven't had them long, so maybe I'm just not feeling the love. But I think of monks as less versatile because they stand out more, with all that flashy metal, etc.

It's one little buckle.

OP: monk is the answer.