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Allen Edmonds Delray - Appropriate for a suit?

SFA

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So I just purchased my first pair of Allen Edmonds locally here from Harry Rosen. I know I must have way overpaid for the shoes, but the prices up north is significantly higher than down in the U.S. And it took me about trying on 4 different sizes of the Allen Edmond Delrays (between size 8 to size 9.5, in E and triple E) to finally find the perfect fit.

Just looking at them right now though, I am wondering whether they were the right choice for a pair of shoes which I can combine with a suit? They are the black delrays, and I am thinking perhaps they are too clunky for a suit?

Any opinions on the Delray and whether it's appropriate for wearing with a suit? The important thing is I like them I guess, but for some reason they look off with a suit I tried on.
 

SkinnyGoomba

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I actually have the same shoes, I wear them with a suit.
 

JLibourel

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Purists will tell you that a split-toe blucher like the DelRay is inappropriate for a suit.

The rest of the world--the overwhelming majority of civilized humanity of both sexes--will think it looks fine. FWIW President Obama wore similar shoes at his inauguration.

I suppose this is Cruiser-ism on my part. Oh well!
 

Slopho

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I'd like to get some opinions on the AE Leeds, I'm looking to purchase a pair.
 

Macallan

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Originally Posted by JLibourel
Purists will tell you that a split-toe blucher like the DelRay is inappropriate for a suit.
The rest of the world--the overwhelming majority of civilized humanity of both sexes--will think it looks fine.

As above, although I would agree with the purists.

Originally Posted by JLibourel
FWIW President Obama wore similar shoes at his inauguration.
That means a 'no' to the OP's question then
 

Macallan

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Originally Posted by Slopho
I'd like to get some opinions on the AE Leeds, I'm looking to purchase a pair.

I would say the Leeds is more acceptable with a suit then the Delray
 

JLibourel

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Originally Posted by Macallan
I would say the Leeds is more acceptable with a suit then the Delray

Why? They're both bluchers, and what little the Leeds gains on the formality continuum by being a plain toe, it loses by being double-soled and hence heavier and clunkier.

Someone in one of the fora once characterized the Leeds as "bus driver shoes." Cruel but accurate, I thought. The Leeds rather reminds me of the ill-fitting shoes I was issued as an ROTC cadet. (I was a 13C at the time, they issued me a 12 1/2E.)
 

phillyesq

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SF: Not appropriate.
Rest of the world: Just fine.

If you're going to go with AE, I'd recommend the Park Avenue with a suit, rather than the Delray. But the Delray will be fine.
 

Macallan

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Originally Posted by JLibourel
Why? They're both bluchers, and what little the Leeds gains on the formality continuum by being a plain toe, it loses by being double-soled and hence heavier and clunkier.

Some people prefer double soled shoes but if we leave that discussion aside for the moment.

If I was given a choice between a split-toe shoe or a non-split-toe double soled shoe, to wear with a suit, I would choice the latter. Double soled shoes are heavier but not that heavy that is not suitable for suits, and they look a better then square-toed shoes and loafers with fancy designs.
 

Slopho

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I need a new plain toe shoe, I'm currently wearing TBNY's Dominic and I love it. Very light weight and overall a shoe I've very comfortable with any suggestions?
 

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