I want sleek looking shoes under $500 new

[bluemax]

Currently the "nicest" shoes I own are a pair of AEs on the 0 last. They're nice... but not great. What brands are the next step up from AE in terms of quality? What I want in particular is a sleek, modern-looking shoe -- think EG 888 last in terms of sleekness. I'm always checking out the Shoe Appreciation thread and drooling over the $1000 shoes, but I can't spend that much right now on shoes. The most I'm willing to spend is 500. What brands are are of decent quality and have sleek looking shoes in that price range?

 

[HRoi]

i like Romano Martegani at that price point.

if you must go English, then C&J

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by HRoi

i like Romano Martegani at that price point.

+1

http://www.francos.com/items/index.a...0&venID=513036

 

[Jrslm_Stylin]

You have excellent options with a $500 ceiling. I'd first offer that some of mid-range shoes are very well put together and sleek but well under $500 (pretty much any Steve Madden and most Mezlans and Edward Greens, and the top-line Mezlans and EGs can be found under $500 here, eBay, etc.). For that matter you could probably pick up a pair of genuine Zegnas for around $500 at some of the wholesalers around. For that much money, I'd look first for some Ferragmos, which are as classy as anything out there IMO, and also look at Bruno Magli and Prada, though your Mezlans and EGs are probably more durable. Look fwd to seeing your selectees on the Shoe Appreciation page!

 

[Cary Grant]

^^^ Did you really just put Mezlans in the same category as EG?

 

[Jrslm_Stylin]

In terms of quality of construction and durability, EGs are some of the very best. I rate them much lower for comfort, and if the measure is "sleek" and "modern-looking" (the OP's stated desired characteristics), they're lacking compared to Ferragmos, and yes, I'd say compared to Mezlan's top end. Fantastic shoes to wear to the law firm. But not the best option, imo, for going out or most other environs, and for the price there are much interesting shoes. Not that I don't still drool over picts of them!

 

[Lord Gladstone]

Perhaps Santoni? There are numerous shops offering pairs under 500,-

 

[jon5986]

You could try Alden? I think that is in your price range.

 

[mkarim]

Originally Posted by Jrslm_Stylin

In terms of quality of construction and durability, EGs are some of the very best. I rate them much lower for comfort, and if the measure is "sleek" and "modern-looking" (the OP's stated desired characteristics), they're lacking compared to Ferragmos, and yes, I'd say compared to Mezlan's top end. Fantastic shoes to wear to the law firm. But not the best option, imo, for going out or most other environs, and for the price there are much interesting shoes. Not that I don't still drool over picts of them!

What's a good place to (potentially) buy Ferragmos?

 

[sartort]

C&J on the 348 last from plal or pediwear.

 

[bluemax]

Thanks for the suggestions. I always thought Mezlan were thought of as crap around here, but I guess not? Also, I didn't realize C&J prices were that low, but maybe I had them mixed up with another brand in my head.

And speaking of Martegani, I was in Nordstrom a couple weeks ago and, upon entering the shoe department, spotted some *really* beautiful shoes right in the middle of the room. They were so nice they just drew my eyes right to them. I couldn't remember the brand name though after I left the store, but now Martegani rings a bell. They make some excellent looking shoes, and the only reason I didn't buy them that day was because I was unsure of the brand quality.

I don't work in a law firm and generally have no need for high-end shoes, but I'm a firm believer in "the shoes make the outfit." I think the right shoes can bring an average fit up to a whole other level.

 

[nate10184]

Benchgrade (and maybe handgrade) C+J is definitely sub-500 on plal. There are a few ebay sellers like elite forum that have good prices as well.

 

[Pengranger]

Originally Posted by sartort

C&J on the 348 last from plal or pediwear.

+1. Any idea what style and colour shoe you are looking for?

 

[bluemax]

I'm specifically looking for balmoral captoes in both brown and black. I only have bluchers and I think the balmorals will complete my basic shoe collection.

 

[scnupe7]

Originally Posted by Jrslm_Stylin

You have excellent options with a $500 ceiling. I'd first offer that some of mid-range shoes are very well put together and sleek but well under $500 (pretty much any Steve Madden and most Mezlans and Edward Greens, and the top-line Mezlans and EGs can be found under $500 here, eBay, etc.). For that matter you could probably pick up a pair of genuine Zegnas for around $500 at some of the wholesalers around. For that much money, I'd look first for some Ferragmos, which are as classy as anything out there IMO, and also look at Bruno Magli and Prada, though your Mezlans and EGs are probably more durable. Look fwd to seeing your selectees on the Shoe Appreciation page!