Interview shoe = AE Park Avenue? Any alternatives?

[atct86]

I am in this same situation, looking for a pair of Black Oxford Shoes.

I sadly only have one other pair of Dressy shoes, the Alden 900 in Hampton last as pictured below in a 10 B/D.

My options are

1) get the same Alden in Black
2) Look at the AE park Avenue or Fifth Avenue
3) Maybe the Crockett and Jones Belgrave?

Would this shoe be too ornate for a 22 year old in the Finance world.

Can anyone offer any advice?

 

[Lawman]

I am agonizing over the same thing, albeit for a different reason. I love the Belgrave. I am also looking at the Whitehall.

I don't know if the medallion is too ornate for finance, but if it passes muster, they are advertised over on AAAC for $199.

 

[Grayland]

Originally Posted by alflauren

The equivalent from Alden is a little more expensive, the straight tip bal, but it's worth a look to see if anyone is selling a pair.

Re: Allen Edmonds, I don't think they make the Byron anymore. But I have a pair and wouldn't think twice about wearing them on an interview.

The Byron is my go-to black shoe. I think its very nice looking and I find it very comfortable. I also have it in Chili. As you mention, it's been discontinued. The OP might consider looking at the AE 5th Avenue if the PA doesn't work fit-wise. The 5th Avenue looks identical to the Byron, but is on a different last.

 

[davidsj]

Originally Posted by holymadness

Alternatives: having an impressive CV and a 4.0 GPA, interviewing well.

But go with your strengths -- nice shoes.

+1. Med students IMHO are some of the worst dressed students of all, possibly worse than engineering students. The nicest pair of shoes my brother owns (a resident) are Kenneth Coles I believe, and he buys all his dress shirts at Express or Banana Republic.

Originally Posted by atct86

I am in this same situation, looking for a pair of Black Oxford Shoes.

Would this shoe be too ornate for a 22 year old in the Finance world.

Can anyone offer any advice?

Yes. Way too ornate.

 

[Master-Classter]

Originally Posted by davidsj

Yes. Way too ornate.

+1, I think that you should stick with either a plain captoe, but adding a little brogueing in too is ok like the Alden posted above. When you start adding a medallion or full brogue, then it's noticeable.
That being said, I bought a pair of Evanstan's in black (semi-brogue) and was surprised to find that it's really not that noticeable when all in black. Brogueing really shows up more on lighter colors.

I also second the Soho as an alternative, better for a wider foot.

 

[atct86]

Thanks. That helps alot.

Now other than price, what are the differences between Black Allen Edmond's Fifth Avenue and the Black Alden Perf Captoes.