Allen Edmonds dress shoe recommendations for work

[hopfin]

I currently own a pair of black AE Park Avenue dress shoes for job interviews, important client meetings, etc.

I need two additional pairs of dress shoes for the office. I will alternate between them every day.

My office is business casual. I normally wear charcoal and navy dress trousers. Sometimes I wear a charcoal/navy suit for client meetings. I need two versatile dress shoes that will work under these circumstances.

If one or both can be worn with dark denim or khaki chinos all the better.

To date, I was considering the AE Strand in Walnut and AE McAllister in Chili. I understand Merlot is versatile but it looked too purplish on the AE website.

Can you provide two model suggestions? And what colors do you suggest in those styles?

Thank you.

 

[JLibourel]

My first recommendation would be to save yourself some money and get the Kenilworth in brown. It is currently on closeout at $197. It is a plain-toe blucher. It is versatile enough to be worn with a suit, yet could be worn with khakis or jeans. (Purists might disapprove of wearing such a shoe with suit, but unless you are dealing with men who hang out menswear fora, nobody else will mind.) If your PA's are a good fit, you will be pleased to know that it is on the same (#5) last as the PA. It is also available in black although there are those purists will tell you black shoes should only be worn with a suit. I am not among them.

The McAllister and Strand are really more "suit" shoes with their closed lacings. The broguing makes them less formal. Some might say they would be okay with jeans and khakis, but I am not among them. In any event, walnut or chili would be toxic with charcoal, somewhat jaunty with navy.

Full price shoes you might consider would the Delray, the LaSalle and the Flatiron if the lasts are compatible with your foot.

Another interesting possibility would the Fifth Avenue (also on the #5 last) in chocolate suede, if the tap sole isn't a turn-off or deal-breaker.

 

[hopfin]

Thank you for the advice. Maybe I am trying to put a square peg into a round hole. Let's forget about wearing them with dark denim or khaki chinos. I was planning on picking up black loafers for that anyways.

Let's stick solely to two business dress shoes that I can wear with suits, wool trousers, or dark colored business chinos (e.g. BB Milano). I would alternate between them every other day. What is your recommendation in (1) model and (2) color for

1. Charcoal pants/suit
2. Navy pants/suit

I choose the Strand and Mcallisters because they are upper mid level on the formality scale. And since I don't want to buy two McAllisters or two Strands, I thought I would get one of each.

My initial thoughts were also based on this chart...

 

[JLibourel]

Charcoal pants/suit: black, dark brown, merlot/burgundy

Navy: Same as the above, with the addition of lighter shades of brown and tan like walnut and chili although with these you are ratcheting down the formality of your look.