How did you develop your taste for shoes?

[Panama]

Instead of University, I went to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and served in the British Army. Whilst in nearby Camberley, I found a shoe store called Chapman's that sold Goodyear welted shoes. I actually went with K Shoes Oxford's, rather than other well known entry level GYW shoe brands. I have been enthusiastic Oxford shoe owner ever since with Loakes, Barkers and Cheaney's.

I bought K Shoes and John Spencer of Northampton shoes for most of the late 80's and 90's. Then what Gordon Scott had on sale in the noughties.

 

[ValidusLA]

Growing up and throughout HS and college I always had a pair of black cap toes to wear w/ suits or to functions. These were never anything very good (usually like Cole Haan - which was never amazing but wasn't as bad as it is now).

In college i started wearing non-CM boots - Frye's and Luchesses mostly. Was never one for sneakers.

As I started working, I was never in an environment that demanded very strict dress codes; however as my general interest in CM grew I started looking for shoes that were better suited. I found Allen Edmonds and acquired a number of shoes through them.

After AE went through their corporate changeover, box changes, ditching then bringing back felt bags, and went to a constant sale format, I started really questioning them as a quality product. On a business trip to New York I went into Crockett and Jones, bought some Conistons, and never looked back. Then I found out about direct mail order.... and really never looked back.

Now I can't really imagine being happy with the silhouette of most American shoes. I mostly buy C+J and Vass these days, and am quietly circling the idea of bespoke. I have not yet taken the leap because I worry I will never be able to return.