Help me pick my next 2 pairs of shoes (pictures of current shoes included)

[zerostyle]

Here's my goal:

To own as few shoes as possible with the most versatility.

About me: prefer non-flashy shoes, but with some design

Here's what I have right now:

Work - I am rotating between 2 pair, a cheap pair of black captoes that are falling apart, and a dark cherry pair of quarter brogues.

Casual - AE strands in dark/medium brown for more dressy settings, Clark DB's for more casual settings.



What should I purchase next? Here's what I'm thinking:

Work - Will be ditching the cheap black captoes.
Option 1: I was thinking that I'd replace them with a dark brown Park Avenue, but is it silly to have 2 dark brown, fairly simple shoes? (Would be close to the J&M Aldrich II but with less of a red shade). My workplace is very simple, so I don't want anything too showy.
Option 2: No idea? Maybe a ligher, tan colored shoe?

Casual - I love the strands, but they feel too fancy to me for some occasions. The Clark DB's are nice, but too casual. I'm trying to find something in between these two.

Option 1: I'm thinking maybe a medium/lighter brown longwing like the MacNeil? Again, I don't want to end up with 2 shades of brown that are too similar if people can barely tell them apart.

Option 2: Some kind of boot, completely undecided

Option 3: I'd really like to add a dark brown suede chukka in the mix, but this also feels quite casual, comparable to the clark DB

Would love your ideas!

I'm still a bit hesitant to purchase walnut color shoes in general, just because. Also, it's worth noting that I'm in the NorthEast, so snow is always around and I'll probably need some kind of non-leather soled option. (could be in addition to the shoes in this rotation).

 

[Dewey]

what do you wear at work

how much are you out of doors during the day

what sort of weather do you experience where you live

 

[Gerry Nelson]

Firstly, let me say you have a nice collection of shoes there that can cover a variety of situations. Keep in mind that this is my personal taste:

Work - I'd get a pair of black cap toe oxfords
Casual - A pair of brown Chelsea boots.

 

[RZach]

IMO, I don't see any reason you couldn't add the Strands to your work rotation as well. Assuming you're in a business casual environment I think they're totally appropriate, and it helps accomplish your goal of having a few, versatile shoes.

Beyond that, some may disagree, but I think having one pair of conservative black shoes your'e happy with is a really safe way to go. If your'e going to ditch the ones you have, I think you probably need to buy new ones.

I bought a pair of Swims to wear in inclement weather, at least for work purposes where I can easily take them off once i'm in the office.

 

[reidrothchild]

For work, if you're looking for a lighter, tan shoe, without being too showy, the Macneils in walnut are a good change of pace, though they're fairly casual. I have it, and I think the pebble grain makes them look a little darker and lessy showy than other walnut models. With your limited shoe collection, I wouldn't get the 5th Ave in the same color as you already have the Strand. If you want something a bit more formal, just get the Macneil in burgundy. If you really need to replace your black captoe, why not just get the 5th Ave in black?

As far as casual shoes, I have the Malvern. It has a rubber sole and looks ok with a tweed blazer. Though a bit more casual even than the Malvern, I also think these look nice and would still be an upgrade over your Clarks:


Kiowa
http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonlin...atalogEntryId&langId=-1&catalogId=40000000001

Big Sur

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF1891_1_40000000001_-1

San Marco

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF5722C_1_40000000001_-1

Allen Edmonds is about the only maker I have any knowledge of, so someone else will have to weigh in and recommend other brands.

 

[zerostyle]



what do you wear at work
how much are you out of doors during the day
what sort of weather do you experience where you live

Work wear is pretty much always just a dress shirt + slacks (suit and tie maybe 2-3 times a year).

Outdoors/weather is a significant issue. I have about a 15minute walk to and from work every day in the DC area. We can have snow on the ground for as long as 4 months during the winter. Rain is obviously also an issue, and currently the dress shoes I'm looking at all have leather soles.

I have no idea how people can afford a mix of shoes that cover casual, dress, and multiple weather conditions.

 

[TheWraith]



Work - I'd get a pair of black cap toe oxfords
Casual - A pair of brown Chelsea boots.

+1

 

[zerostyle]



Firstly, let me say you have a nice collection of shoes there that can cover a variety of situations. Keep in mind that this is my personal taste:

Work - I'd get a pair of black cap toe oxfords
Casual - A pair of brown Chelsea boots.

Funny, with all the hatred of black around here. It certainly can't hurt to have a nice pair of black Park Avenue's though, especially at only $200 or so.

Any recommendations for chelsea boots? I was originally leaning towards the MacNeil's for wear with jeans, but it might be smart to have a less fancy shoe.

When the Aldrich II's finally get worn down I'll just replace them with a brown 5th avenue. They were only $90 or so, so no big deal.

 

[cwh812]

How about a monk strap? The AE Mora might do well in your rotation - can be both casual and dress.

 

[zerostyle]



How about a monk strap? The AE Mora might do well in your rotation - can be both casual and dress.

Honestly, it spans both nicely, but I don't feel that I can "pull off" monk straps. They just seem a little too different to me. I'm just starting to dress better, and I think I'd feel uncomfortable with them. The Aldrich II's I'm comfy in because they have minimal broguing. The Strands, while crazier, have a dark brown color that make the detail a bit more subtle.

 

[sns23]

My goal is to have as many shoes as possible. AE Fifth Avenue might be good for both casual and dress

 

[zerostyle]



My goal is to have as many shoes as possible. AE Fifth Avenue might be good for both casual and dress

Except that the Aldrich II's I have above are basically just a cheaper version of the Fifth Avenue from J&M, so for now that option is out. ( The J&M's will be replaced by Fifth Avenues when they are worn out).

 

[Gerry Nelson]

Funny, with all the hatred of black around here. It certainly can't hurt to have a nice pair of black Park Avenue's though, especially at only $200 or so.
Any recommendations for chelsea boots? I was originally leaning towards the MacNeil's for wear with jeans, but it might be smart to have a less fancy shoe.
When the Aldrich II's finally get worn down I'll just replace them with a brown 5th avenue. They were only $90 or so, so no big deal.

I have a couple of pairs of RM Williams chelseas. Baxter boots are also very good. It all depends on your budget. There are a few at Pediwear at a number of price points but I don't have personal experience with any of them: http://www.pediwear.co.uk/shoetype/chelsea+boot.php