Comfortable Shoes for jeans/work?

[sium09]

Hello Everyone. I have read the other shoe threads related to jeans but didn't really find the answer I was looking for.

I work in a casual office, I wear jeans/khakis with polo or button down shirts. I already have a pair of black lace-up shoes from Rockport that work well with my dark jeans and khakis but I am in the need of some DARK BROWN shoes and need some advice...

What I'd like is Dark Brown shoes, maybe laceups or slipons? I have looked at some loafers but all have really soft leather I am afraid I will rip up really fast. I am looking for a shoe I can wear to the office and then out at night with a dark pair of jeans....

I'd like to stay under $200 if possible and do not want anything to shiney... Oh and something I can go try on at a store somewhere (Chicago) would be great but not necessary.

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!

 

[foodguy]

i wear jeans and a jacket to work and i love eccos. i started with rockports, too, but eccos seem to be much better made.

 

[theyare]

longwings

 

[agavilanes]

Go for dark chocolate suede. Maybe some chukkas.

 

[sium09]

can anyone supply some example links/brands? I'm good with suits, etc but not shoes.

 

[agavilanes]

something like these
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/grenson/products/2795.php
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/grenson/products/1982.php

Or, if you want to go big time, like these
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/crockett/products/562.php
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/crockett/products/251.php
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/crockett/products/2290.php

You can search on ebay and maybe get'em for less. PM if you want some ebay stores links.

For brands:
Grenson
Alfred Sargent
Crockett & Jones

 

[thechambray]

I'd say Clarks desert boot in dark brown. They are classic, very comfortable and just the right amount of casual. (FYI This picture makes them look bulkier than they do when you wear them) http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/42711686/c/231.html

 

[Douglas]

I agree with the chukka/desert boot recommendation. Versatile, classic, nice. You should be able to find a reasonable chukka on the B&S forum here for $200.

 

[danielvh]

Brown deck shoes are an option. Have a look at sebago or timberland.

 

[wetnose]

Originally Posted by sium09

Hello Everyone. I have read the other shoe threads related to jeans but didn't really find the answer I was looking for. I work in a casual office, I wear jeans/khakis with polo or button down shirts. I already have a pair of black lace-up shoes from Rockport that work well with my dark jeans and khakis but I am in the need of some DARK BROWN shoes and need some advice... What I'd like is Dark Brown shoes, maybe laceups or slipons? I have looked at some loafers but all have really soft leather I am afraid I will rip up really fast. I am looking for a shoe I can wear to the office and then out at night with a dark pair of jeans.... I'd like to stay under $200 if possible and do not want anything to shiney... Oh and something I can go try on at a store somewhere (Chicago) would be great but not necessary. Any suggestions/advice is appreciated!
The chelsea boots from Banana Republic are an excellent deal: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse...scid=514550012 They look goodyear welted, which means that you can replace the sole when it wears out. Wait for a sale and they might even go lower.

 

[stant62]

I just bought a pair of PRL Kenleys with a danite sole... pretty comfortable.

 

[wmjarrell]

Originally Posted by agavilanes

Go for dark chocolate suede. Maybe some chukkas.

+1 re the chocolate suede. try a loafer (please, no tassels) or cap toe.

 

[wmjarrell]

sorry for the double post. should have kept reading before getting excited about the suede. doh.

the referenced chelseas would be a nice change of pace. Actually, it's probably the other way around... The chelseas would be a good standard (although less interesting, very versatile) and the suede would make a nice change of pace. the moral of this story is don't come to the SF with shoe questions unless you're cool with spending double what you had planned when it's all said and done. (I speak from experience...)

 

[fashionxisxbreathing]

Comfortable casual look - Tod's Gommini Buckle Loafer - (color) brown
A bit of interest - Mark Nason Downing Loafer - (color) i think this only comes in brown
A bit of the distressed look - John Varvatos Harrison Oxford - (color) Dark Ghurka
More of a "sporty look" - CO-OP Barneys New York Two-Tone Chukka - (color) both colors have brown in them

 

[BB1]

Take a look at the Quoddy bluchers. They are available in a rich dark brown color that looks good with dark jeans.

The Clarks boots that others have recommended might be an ok option too.

I'm not so keen on all the recommendations for loafers and oxfords. When worn with jeans these styles of shoes have a tendency to look like something an old man might wear. I've seen posters on styleforum rocking this look and pulling it off fine, but I've seen a far larger number in my workplace whom fail dismally with this look.

Jeans are inherently casual wear, so best to pair them with shoes that are casual such as sneakers. Shoes like the Quoddy and Clarks are a good choices because they're like the next step up from a pair of simple sneakers. It is hard to go wrong when pairing such shoes with jeans.

Whatever you do, don't buy another pair of Rockports. While they are very comfortable shoes that hold up well to abuse, they are quite ugly and clunky. Definitely not stylish.