Choosing first pair of "good" brogues

[mikeman]

I'm looking to buy my first pair of nice shoes. I have pretty much decided that I want to get a pair of brogues. I would like to be able to dress them up if need-be, but will probably be work mostly in a more casual manor. Looking for something that is good quality as well. I also, prefer a natural color sole.

Please let me know what you think or what you would suggest.

Here are a couple pairs I like:

Grenson Sid


Trickers bourton

 

[I am DIL]

The broguing on both of those is really aggressive. Is that what you're after?

Also, how much is your limit?

 

[mikeman]

Well, I'm not after that, I guess. If you have any other suggestions I'd love to see them.
As far as my limit... Id like to spend less than 400. I found the Sid for 260.

 

[I am DIL]

Well, I really like Herring's Carnaby. It's very inexpensive when you look at the price minus VAT.

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/produ...&shoeid=4889&selectedSizeid=0&selectedFitid=0

Similarly, Sanders do some good brogues. I'm not sure if they do longwings, though.

There are plenty of offerings everywhere online -- do a forum search as well.

Otherwise, You can get a pair of C&J's from PLAL for about 400 or so. I'd be more inclined to invest in those if I had that kind of cashiola.

 

[malat]

RL Darlton wingtip.

 

[mikeman]

Thanks for the suggestions. Those Herrings are nice, but maybe a bit too "dressy" for me, of that makes sense. I also would like to try an order within the states as sizing may give me some issues.

 

[I am DIL]

Good point. In that case, AE might have something a little less dressy. I'm not from the US, so that's all I can do.

Good luck on your quest.

 

[mikeman]

Also, does anyone know where I can get the Grenson Sid in the color pictured above within the US?

 

[ncdobson]

Quote:

Also, does anyone know where I can get the Grenson Sid in the color pictured above within the US?

http://www.mrporter.com/Shop/Designers/Grenson?resType=designer&keywords=grenson ships to the US.

Have you considered the AE McTavish? I don't own them, but they look pretty good & can be bought on sale in the $200s.

Nick D.

 

[Fred G. Unn]

Just a couple of other suggestions to consider as well:
Alden 966
http://www.theshoemart.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=ALD_m_WING_TIP_BLUCHER_CALFSKIN
AE McAllister
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF6215_1_40000000001_-1
Fred

 

[tobiasj]

Tan brogue derbies with a round nose--that puts those Grensons/Trickers VERY FIRMLY in the casual category. That's fine, but you mentioned wanting to be able to dress them up, and I'm not sure you'll be able to do that. In fact, I'm sure that you won't be able to.

...Which is fine. Part of the MC/SF fun is buying/owning multiple pairs of shoes, so providing you have the money, one pair doesn't need to be suitable for all occasions. If you don't have the money, then there are shoes which are more versatile, but the ones you have suggested ain't them.

 

[Zeppelin]

+1

Especially the Trickers look VERY country-ish. Style-wise I love the current range of Grenson, but if you do a search here in the forum you will find a couple of threads which discuss the declining quality of Grenson. Personally I'd still buy them I guess...

For a more versatile pair of brogues I'd recommend something like these Church's:



...or even in dark brown if you want to wear them in more formal occasions:

 

[alexSF]

C&J Pembroke or Cardiff
Herring Grassmere by Cheaney
Church's Grafton

 

[Ich_Dien]

Similar to what others have said but:

Get darker brown brogues as your first shoe. Much more versatile and show wear and tear less, which is important as I imagine it will be a steep learning curve looking after a good pair of shoes if you've never done it before. Make sure you get shoe trees with them. I would also advise getting them with a dainite sole so you can wear them whether it is raining or sunny however that is not very important.

If you can afford them, get the C&J. Either those or Cheaney. Loake would also be a very good option.

Personally I'd go with the C&J Pembroke. Size down a bit in size as they are on a country last - tbh though if you know nothing of the brands and their sizing you're going to have a real problem buying online.

I'd advise you in this situation to go into a store and get your size. Yes, you may have to buy a lesser shoe for your budget, but getting an idea of what fits is very very important for your first proper pair.

Send me a PM if you need any more help.

 

[jmcg]

I rather like the models you have picked out and that either would serve you very well for your stated purpose.

One other option for saving a few bucks on some quality English brogues, you may want to check out http://www.shipton-usa.com/. I was able to figure out which size of C&J's to order and saved quite a bit. The only American-made options that are in the same league with these are the Alden LWBs, and with the internet it isn't necessarily harder to find the model you want on either side of the pond. Best of luck.