First Pair of Brown Shoes... What Should I Get?

[thekosmicdesign]

I'm restarting my wardrobe. In a few weeks time I'll have a charcoal MTM suit delivered to me, and in a couple weeks I will be purchasing some black AE Park Avenue's at the Nordstrom sale. In 4-6 months' time, I plan on picking up a navy suit.

What are your recommendations for a first good pair of brown shoes considering the above? The walnut Strand goes on sale as well in a couple of weeks but I'm inclined to think that this pair is too light a shade of brown to match with multiple outfits. Should I go for a pair of burnished brown 5th Ave's?

Any advice will be appreciated. I only talked about AE's above but other brands are welcome in the same ballpark budget.

 

[msulinski]

I'm restarting my wardrobe. In a few weeks time I'll have a charcoal MTM suit delivered to me, and in a couple weeks I will be purchasing some black AE Park Avenue's at the Nordstrom sale. In 4-6 months' time, I plan on picking up a navy suit.

What are your recommendations for a first good pair of brown shoes considering the above? The walnut Strand goes on sale as well in a couple of weeks but I'm inclined to think that this pair is too light a shade of brown to match with multiple outfits. Should I go for a pair of burnished brown 5th Ave's?

Any advice will be appreciated. I only talked about AE's above but other brands are welcome in the same ballpark budget.

I think that, for your first pair of brown shoes, you need something darker than AE Walnut. Anything dark/burnished brown should do, like the Fifth Avenues you are considering. I would also suggest a balmoral, as it goes better with suits, and to me, is more versatile. The only other decent shoe in your price range is going to be Alden, though they typically run $100 more per pair.

 

[Willin]

Yea - absolutely do not start out with Walnut AE's. Though they are nice you should wear them more sparingly. A burnished brown shoe will be far more versatile. Get a matching belt but not the Allen Edmonds burnished brown one because it has the logo printed on the clasp. Get a more elegant offering from Brooks Brothers.