do I really need these black shoes???

[Gordon Freeman]

Good Evening,
I don't have any formal events in my life and own one pair of black slacks but no black shoes.
But consider bidding on these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...7183&rd=1&rd=1

Or these:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...1095&rd=1&rd=1


I'm also eyeing these but they are a C and damaged. would they fit a D and can be fixed?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...4072&rd=1&rd=1

Cheers, G.

 

[j]

I actually like the first ones. They look a lot better in their pics than on the AE site. The second, no. And the third, they can't be fixed, the heel counter reinforcement has been broken.

 

[Sator]

I agree with J. The first pair of black AE wholecuts are the most basic and verstatile.

I do appreciate that people these days regard anything other than sneakers and flip flops to be the equivalent of court shoes in "formality". However none of these are true "formal" shoes.

The black wholecuts could be called dress shoes as you could get away with wearing them with evening semi-formal (ie a dinner jacket) or daytime informal (ie a suit), semi-formal or formal dress.

Formal shoes proper are opera pumps or patent leather plain toe Oxfords.

 

[j]

If I got those black wholecuts, I'd bevel the waist. I think that's all they're missing. Does anyone have other pics of the Westgates after some wear?

 

[wgiceman]

I have the Westgate in black and brandy. It will make a very nice dress shoe due to an understated elegance. However, I would not call it a 'formal' shoe. I think 'formal' lends more toward patent leather.

I also have the Fairfax in the merlot. it is a nice dress shoe as well, although a bit less dressy than the Westgate. It is a good change of pace from the traditional black.

I would pass on the third option.

 

[Nantucket Red]

I love the Westgate and would definitely say yes. In fact, it's my size!

I have the Fairfax in black, chestnut, and merlot. I wear the merlot ones the least.

 

[SartorialSheepdog]

So is the westgate on the same last as the park ave?

 

[wgiceman]

Originally Posted by SartorialSheepdog

So is the westgate on the same last as the park ave?

No. The Westgate is on the #8 last, while the Park Ave is on the #5 last.

 

[SartorialSheepdog]

Thanks!

 

[Jared]

Originally Posted by Sator

The black wholecuts could be called dress shoes as you could get away with wearing them with evening semi-formal (ie a dinner jacket) or daytime informal (ie a suit), semi-formal or formal dress. Formal shoes proper are opera pumps or patent leather plain toe Oxfords.
+1 I think black plaintoe balmorals are the perfect first shoe. After that, acquire 10 brown/burgundy shoes before you need to worry that they're not proper enough for black-tie.

 

[Jovan]

Black shoes (especially Oxford) are always good to have depending on the job interview, formality of an event, etc. I'd personally wear good calf leather shoes over patent leather with a dinner suit.

As for black pants... try to find grey wool ones if possible. A lot more versatile.

 

[Gordon Freeman]

Thanks for all the information !
I've never been to a wedding, funeral, dinner party or court, I guess I need a social life, too ;-)
What does "bevel the waist" mean?
What else can you wear with black shoes? Navy blazer? Dark brown pants?

Has anyone seen these below full retail somewhere else?

 

[j]

Beveling the waist would mean to trim away and round some of the sharp edges of the sole between the heel and the ball of the foot (this section is called the waist of the shoe). It just contributes to a more elegant, trimmer appearance for a shoe like that IMO. I wouldn't do it on a heavier looking shoe or one with an extended welt or double sole, for example.

BTW, this is just me being weird, because I don't expect most people would try going after their new shoes with a carving knife. But it's pretty easy if you have experience carving wood.

Here's a good explanation (in German, but the pictures show what I mean)
http://www.dailyshoes.de/forum/masss...led-waist.html

 

[grimslade]

Anyone care to compare the Westgate and the C&J Weymouth? (Aside from the medallion on the latter...)

Is the Weymouth worth 50% more (assuming plal prices vs. retail on the AE) than the Westgate? Does the comparison even really bear thinking about?

I was in the C&J store today and tried them on. The Weymouths looked great, which is why I'm wondering whether settling for the Westgate would leave me feeling disappointed.

 

[VMan]

The Westgate is a very attractive looking shoe. Plus, with AE, you know you are getting a quality pair of shoes that are very comfortable to wear.