Decent Quality Dress Shoes

[wannabe]

Troll evilBay for Allen Edmonds in your size.

Lots of lightly used/brand new AEs pop up for anywhere from $70-$150.

 

[Hayward]

E may be a better suggestion so long as you try some on in the store first. Assuming your budget is $500 on 2 pairs of shoes it may be a matter of buying your first pair for $350 and then the second from eBay for $150 if you look and are patient (sellers on short auction, posted during business hours, etc).

Frankly, when I was your age and had a similar job I wore Dr Martens Greasy Gibsons. They worked fine and did not stand out in front offices. However it appears DM is crap now, so they're no longer an option.

 

[cdaniel993]

I have read on here most people don't like the cole haan shoes. Is it true that there soles fall apart quickly and are they resolable?

 

[CousinDonuts]



I have read on here most people don't like the cole haan shoes. Is it true that there soles fall apart quickly and are they resolable? 

I am wearing a pair of CH's right now. Bought these about a year ago and they've held up fine. The wear looks the same as a pair of AE Strands that I bought about the same time. (I rotate them with 3 other pairs regularly and 2 others occasionally.).

I'll 2nd the J&M idea. Go to one of their stores, don't bother with the selection you find at a place like Macys (which usually carry the "plasticy" ones). I bought a pair of standard black split-toe J&Ms my senior year of college. I added 2 other pairs when I started my first job but they still they got heavy usage. I resoled them once and upgraded around the 4-5yr mark. No problems with the leather beyond normal wear and tear.

if you're using these for an internship and then interviewing later, what will be most important is keeping them shined. You never know who will notice, so better to look the part than show up with some beaters.

 

[NORE]



Hey guys i have been reading on here for quite a while and keep reading the same response, and im hoping for something different. 
Anyways, Im 19 and have the need to start wearing dress shoes to work. I need some recommendations on some dress shoes for the following circumstances:

1. Im 19
2. I walk a lot at my job, outside and inside
3. My shoes will get scuffed a little more due to the environment of my job.
4. I dont want to spend more than 250 on each pair of shoes
5. Id like to get atleast get five years of wear out of the shoes 


This may also sound ignorant but is the loud clicking sound common when a man walks in dress shoes, like the sound a womens heel makes?

Thank you for the help!

At this point I don't think you should worry too much about the shoes lasting 5 years as most likely your taste may change. Focus on getting something comfortable since you'll be spending a lot of time on your feet and since you're used to wearing Eccos. Going to leather bottoms can wreak havoc on your feet especially if you throw on a new pair the first day and spend 13 hours in them.

That said, check out A Fine Pair of Shoes and Ron Rider's Deals & Steals section for some good quality shoes at blowout prices.

 

[rabiesinfrance]

http://www.pediwear.co.uk/loake/products/221.php

You could try these. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (checked them out in the new Loake shop in London).

1. waxed leather upper - will take scuffs, rough use.

2. rubber sole unit - no need to resole any time soon.

3. probably could wear them a few day's running without need for rotation.

Buy shoe trees though.

 

[cdaniel993]

I am wearing a pair of CH's right now. Bought these about a year ago and they've held up fine. The wear looks the same as a pair of AE Strands that I bought about the same time. (I rotate them with 3 other pairs regularly and 2 others occasionally.).
I'll 2nd the J&M idea. Go to one of their stores, don't bother with the selection you find at a place like Macys (which usually carry the "plasticy" ones). I bought a pair of standard black split-toe J&Ms my senior year of college. I added 2 other pairs when I started my first job but they still they got heavy usage. I resoled them once and upgraded around the 4-5yr mark. No problems with the leather beyond normal wear and tear.
if you're using these for an internship and then interviewing later, what will be most important is keeping them shined. You never know who will notice, so better to look the part than show up with some beaters.

Thank you, i will definitely go to a jm store.

At this point I don't think you should worry too much about the shoes lasting 5 years as most likely your taste may change. Focus on getting something comfortable since you'll be spending a lot of time on your feet and since you're used to wearing Eccos. Going to leather bottoms can wreak havoc on your feet especially if you throw on a new pair the first day and spend 13 hours in them.
That said, check out A Fine Pair of Shoes and Ron Rider's Deals & Steals section for some good quality shoes at blowout prices.

Thanks for the suggestions.

http://www.pediwear.co.uk/loake/products/221.php
You could try these. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality (checked them out in the new Loake shop in London).
1. waxed leather upper - will take scuffs, rough use.
2. rubber sole unit - no need to resole any time soon.
3. probably could wear them a few day's running without need for rotation.
Buy shoe trees though.

Thanks for the suggestion, but i don't like the look of the "commando style" looking sole.

 

[cdaniel993]

I am wearing a pair of CH's right now. Bought these about a year ago and they've held up fine. The wear looks the same as a pair of AE Strands that I bought about the same time. (I rotate them with 3 other pairs regularly and 2 others occasionally.).
I'll 2nd the J&M idea. Go to one of their stores, don't bother with the selection you find at a place like Macys (which usually carry the "plasticy" ones). I bought a pair of standard black split-toe J&Ms my senior year of college. I added 2 other pairs when I started my first job but they still they got heavy usage. I resoled them once and upgraded around the 4-5yr mark. No problems with the leather beyond normal wear and tear.
if you're using these for an internship and then interviewing later, what will be most important is keeping them shined. You never know who will notice, so better to look the part than show up with some beaters.

Thanks i will definitely go to a jm store that is near.. What kind of cole haans did you buy and how do you like them?

 

[Hayward]

I'm gonna second getting rubber sole oxfords, if for no other reason than the varying floor and ground you're walking on in your job as well as the pace of change. AE, JM, Alden all make such patterns. If money somehow suddenly became no object I'd strongly suggest Paraboot shoes.

 

[bsj11]

Just two weeks ago I was attending the play "Wicked" in Austin, and I chose to wear a pair of Cole Haan shoes that were about 3 years old. I had not worn them in about a year, but experienced no problem the last time I wore them. When intermission came, I walked out into the lobby and I noticed that my shoes "felt funny." When I returned to my seat in the auditorium I looked at the bottom of my shoes and they were "falling apart," literally. I could not believe what I was seeing. Unfortunately, I had not choice but to wear them out of the venue, to my total embarrassment. As I walked pieces of the soles were being left behind as I walked. To those in my party, we had a good laugh; however, it was shocking, to say the least. I am still quite upset about the whole thing. So, in response to your question, yes, the soles of Cole Haan shoes do fall apart. Sad, especially since they are quite expensive shoes.

 

[renman23]

My suggestions.

Troll E-bay for good manufacturers
Dont have one pair... have a few.... theyll last longer.
Care. Care CARE!!!

Well made shoes that are well loved will reward you!