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Black cap toe bals

Scope

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Ive done a pretty extensive search for a pair of obligatory black cap toe bals, but have yet to find the right pair. I really like EG Chelseas on the 202 last, but they are more than I can justify spending right now on a pair of shoes that wont see much wear. If I could find them on sale I could probably justify the purchase by telling myself they would be the last black shoe I would ever really need to buy, though.

So Im thinking about the AE Park Avenue, since it seem to be a pretty safe choice and can be found on sale with some regularity.

But before I make a decision Id like to see if there are any options that Ive overlooked, so Im looking for suggestions.

FWIW, I dont really like chisled toes, and these will be worn with slim cut Thick as Thieves (or similar) suits, which dont seem to be the norm in MC.
 

Patek14

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You might want to take a look at some of alden's offerings.

For the records, while I may dream about a EG on the 202 (gotta go w/ that rounded toe!) I went with a black AE Park Ave. I am quite happy with my purchase.
 

Raoul Duke

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Would you consider used? From time to time I see the exact shoe you are looking for on ebay for reasonable prices. I own both the AE PA and the EG 202. Out of the 2, I strongly prefer the EG 202. I use the PA for winter beaters.
 

AlanC

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Something like a Brooks Brothers Peal offering, particularly on sale, could be a great value compromise choice.
 

Bic Pentameter

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You don't say how much the Chelsea is over your budget.

I have the C&J Belgrave in antique calf. Although I have several other pairs of of black cap toes, I think a black Belgrave would be a good choice.

Bic
 

Scope

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Originally Posted by Patek14
You might want to take a look at some of alden's offerings. For the records, while I may dream about a EG on the 202 (gotta go w/ that rounded toe!) I went with a black AE Park Ave. I am quite happy with my purchase.
The Alden straight tip bal could be a contender.
Originally Posted by Raoul Duke
Would you consider used? From time to time I see the exact shoe you are looking for on ebay for reasonable prices. I own both the AE PA and the EG 202. Out of the 2, I strongly prefer the EG 202. I use the PA for winter beaters.
I would definitely consider a lightly used pair of Chelseas. Ive been searching for them on ebay for the past few weeks with no luck. Another problem is that I am unsure of what size I would be in EG, so the ebay route would be risky.
Originally Posted by AlanC
Something like a Brooks Brothers Peal offering, particularly on sale, could be a great value compromise choice.
Their site shows a perforated cap toe bal, but Im looking for non-perforated. For now anyway. Im also unsure how I feel about the toe shape.
Originally Posted by Bic Pentameter
You don't say how much the Chelsea is over your budget. I have the C&J Belgrave in antique calf. Although I have several other pairs of of black cap toes, I think a black Belgrave would be a good choice. Bic
I dont really have a budget. I just cant justify spending $1000 on a pair of shoes that will not get much wear for the foreseeable future. This will change when/if I get a job that calls for informal attire. CJ Belgraves are just a tad too square in the toe for me.
 

Wes Bourne

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Originally Posted by Patek14
You might want to take a look at some of alden's offerings.

+1

Or how about Church's Balmoral on their classic 73 last?

1425-678-photo3.jpg
 

Wes Bourne

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Originally Posted by Scope
I like these. Are they Church Consuls, or are just they called "Balmoral"?

I'm not really familiar with Church's, but from what I understand, the Consuls are (now) made on the 173 last, an offshoot(?) of the original 73 last. The 'classic' Consul might have been made on the 73 last.
 

Scope

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Originally Posted by Wes Bourne
I'm not really familiar with Church's, but from what I understand, the Consuls are (now) made on the 173 last, an offshoot(?) of the original 73 last. The 'classic' Consul might have been made on the 73 last.

Ok, I think I like the Balmorals you posted better. The consuls look too bloated, at least in the picture on Herring's site.
 

DandySF

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I've been quite happy with the AE Park Avenue. Were I to get another cap toe, I'd opt for the AE Fifth Avenue, which has a more interesting perforation on the toe:

shoehx.jpg
 

Scope

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I might just end up going with the Park Avenues since they can be found for cheap on ebay, but I tried on a pair at Nordstrom today and didnt like 'em. They felt cheap, and the insole felt like a hockey puck. Ive never seen a shoe with a hard black insole before. Is that normal?
 

gtnc

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The PA is a classic. Nordstroms usually runs them for around $200 during one of their big sales if you can't find them on ebay.
 

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