Good "value" dress shoe?

[destroyalldreamers]

Originally Posted by tgt465

A similar thread about cheap dress shoes here: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=237816

You're not going to get much praise here for the black suit. There are lots of reasons why your first suit should be dark gray or navy instead (for example, a black can be too formal for some occasions). This has been covered quite a lot on the forum, you can use the search function to see all the many threads on this topic.

Your picture links aren't showing up.

Well, I needed a formalish suit and it'll work for prom and for any funerals/weddings/etc. I already have a blue blazer that I can use for more casual events.

Fixed the picture links.

 

[Knucklehead]

Originally Posted by phelan77

The recent 2 shoe for $200 promotion by shoebank allen edmonds was a good value deal

HOW THE **** DID I MISS THAT?

 

[Knucklehead]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

I have a pair of Mercanti Fiorentini shoes that I got at discounted at like 70 bucks at DSW that have treated me well.

They aren't great, but they're double soled and welted with reasonable leather.

I see those at DSW sometimes but never wanted to take the risk. I'll give em a shot next time I see a worthwhile pair well under 100 bucks

 

[tgt465]

Those shoes look awful. Are the pictures bad or does that shoe really have a square grid surface texture? If you got a pair of Rockports instead, at least you could wear them to job interviews or something.

I won't add more about the black suit, you can find all the argument you want using the forum search.

If your budget is really tight, skip Brooks Brothers and go to your local outlet or discount store for the tie. You can probably find something for under $20 instead of $80.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by Knucklehead

HOW THE **** DID I MISS THAT?

It was only some ugly styles. I don't think you missed anything groundbreaking.

 

[Mountains]

Florsheim runs in the $100 range. I'd look there.

 

[Stylego]

Originally Posted by phxlawstudent

It was only some ugly styles. I don't think you missed anything groundbreaking.

There were only five or so in my size. I was tempted by a pair of Soho's, but I had a sneaking suspicion that there was something a little out of whack with them proportionally.

 

[bwp]

Definitely get some AEs off of ebay, the Clifton model is a good basic cap toe. You can also try checking Nordstrom Rack or if you have a Last Chance in your area you can pick them up for $40. I would also get a brown pair before black, much more versatile and look great with jeans.

 

[thexfactor]

Something like this? http://cgi.ebay.com/BEAUTIFUL-Allen-...item19c4951708 Can you recondition the leather to near new condition?

 

[NORE]

I haven't read all the replies but the fact is there aren't any 'good value' shoes in the $100 range (used shoes aside, which is another topic altogether). Consider spending a bit more and saving in the long run (unless you have freakish feets).

 

[phxlawstudent]

Originally Posted by bwp

Definitely get some AEs off of ebay, the Clifton model is a good basic cap toe. You can also try checking Nordstrom Rack or if you have a Last Chance in your area you can pick them up for $40. I would also get a brown pair before black, much more versatile and look great with jeans.

Only one is in Phoenix.

 

[Quadcammer]

I'm sorry, but the chances you find the cliftons or other attractive AEs for $40 in a size that is even remotely reasonable is nearly zero.

 

[lemmywinks]

http://www.zappos.com/florsheim-edgar-black-leather THIS is the answer. I'm a teenager and I have this pair. There is nothing outstanding about it but this looks a lot better than a lot of junk you will find out there.

 

[dasai]

Originally Posted by lemmywinks

http://www.zappos.com/florsheim-edgar-black-leather THIS is the answer. I'm a teenager and I have this pair. There is nothing outstanding about it but this looks a lot better than a lot of junk you will find out there.
Hey, not bad. I'd use that as a rainy-day shoe, even. They'd probably last long enough for the OP to start collecting paychecks and get better shoes, anyway. I think you win the thread.

 

[Patek14]

Originally Posted by Quadcammer

I don't agree at all.

A pair of cole haans is not going to look unwearable after 6 months. Its not gonna start deteriorating after 1 month.

Thats just BS. Sure it won't last as long as a welted AE, but to imply that all corrected grain, non-welted shoes are going to fall apart in 6 months is just bs.

I own and wear several pairs of AE and Cole Haan shoes. While the 6 month "fall apart" is a stretch, they will deteriorate quickly. Now, I don't mean they'll fall apart and break but the correct grain plasticy coated crappy leather will scuff and look awful very quickly. They'll also fold and wrinkle a lot worse.

I've had pairs of CH shoes with CG leather i've worn for about 1.5 years. I'd say after 1 to 1.2 years, the sole edges started to crack which probably should have been my trigger to toss 'em.

My AEs with non-CG leather still look great, don't scuff up nearly as bad and are easier to polish out scuffs.