Hi all,
I am a professional working in London in a more conservative sector, so almost exclusively black leather lace ups. My usual size is typically a UK 11 G fit, although I have tried on a Crockett & Jones 341 last G fit oxford in 10.5 and it was the best fitting shoe I have ever had on. I have wide flat feet so it's G fit or bust.
I have a strong dislike for leather soles. I think they're beautiful, but I hate wearing them. Especially in carpeted offices (I am going to slip and fall) and cobblestone streets in a country that rains a lot (I am going to slip and fall again). I therefore buy rubber sole shoes. I know there's a fair bit of distaste for them, but so be it. The issue I am finding is that most of the rubber sole shoes use those clunky Dainite soles that feel like golf cleats on pavement for the first 6 months of regular wear. My first "proper" shoes I purchased nearly 3-4 years ago are Loakes (the "made in England" line that is no longer made in England). A plain oxford toe cap and a wingtip, both with the original Dainite soles. These are on their way out finally and need replacing. I have a Cheaney oxford toe cap with a Dainite, and to try something new I bought a leather sole Cheaney semi brogue and had the half rubber sole added post-purchase. That was a mistake and I am not happy with the result.
QUERY: I am looking for a black, g fitting shoe I can wear for work with those diamond cut, thin rubber soles. Crockett & Jones has the "city sole" and it would be perfect except the only way I can get the 341 last shoes that I want in a G fit with the city sole is with a MTO purchase which is WAY out of my price range. It was closer to £700 last time I asked. So far, in my size, I have only found 4 options from Church's: a plain cap toe oxford, a wingtip, a loafer, and monk strap. I may be able to get away with the monk strap at work but likely not the loafer. They are all priced around £410-450 which is probably the upper limit of my price range for the foreseeable future. I was considering checking to see if I could find them cheaper at their factory store. Cheaney has another 3 options for me but again, all Dainite. I like the quality of the Cheaney uppers that I have so hoping for something comparable.
What other options do I have within a budget of up to approximately £450?? I would even consider a more formal derby (split toe, plain cap toe, semi-brogue even). Hoping style forum can recommend a few brands to check out.
I am a professional working in London in a more conservative sector, so almost exclusively black leather lace ups. My usual size is typically a UK 11 G fit, although I have tried on a Crockett & Jones 341 last G fit oxford in 10.5 and it was the best fitting shoe I have ever had on. I have wide flat feet so it's G fit or bust.
I have a strong dislike for leather soles. I think they're beautiful, but I hate wearing them. Especially in carpeted offices (I am going to slip and fall) and cobblestone streets in a country that rains a lot (I am going to slip and fall again). I therefore buy rubber sole shoes. I know there's a fair bit of distaste for them, but so be it. The issue I am finding is that most of the rubber sole shoes use those clunky Dainite soles that feel like golf cleats on pavement for the first 6 months of regular wear. My first "proper" shoes I purchased nearly 3-4 years ago are Loakes (the "made in England" line that is no longer made in England). A plain oxford toe cap and a wingtip, both with the original Dainite soles. These are on their way out finally and need replacing. I have a Cheaney oxford toe cap with a Dainite, and to try something new I bought a leather sole Cheaney semi brogue and had the half rubber sole added post-purchase. That was a mistake and I am not happy with the result.
QUERY: I am looking for a black, g fitting shoe I can wear for work with those diamond cut, thin rubber soles. Crockett & Jones has the "city sole" and it would be perfect except the only way I can get the 341 last shoes that I want in a G fit with the city sole is with a MTO purchase which is WAY out of my price range. It was closer to £700 last time I asked. So far, in my size, I have only found 4 options from Church's: a plain cap toe oxford, a wingtip, a loafer, and monk strap. I may be able to get away with the monk strap at work but likely not the loafer. They are all priced around £410-450 which is probably the upper limit of my price range for the foreseeable future. I was considering checking to see if I could find them cheaper at their factory store. Cheaney has another 3 options for me but again, all Dainite. I like the quality of the Cheaney uppers that I have so hoping for something comparable.
What other options do I have within a budget of up to approximately £450?? I would even consider a more formal derby (split toe, plain cap toe, semi-brogue even). Hoping style forum can recommend a few brands to check out.