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Looking for < $200 shoes to match a custom tuxedo (wedding)

phatonycmu

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Folks,
Longtime lurker, looking for some advice on tux shoes... I'm planning on using the fantastic combo of Carl and Vahram (have been going to them for years) to handle the tux and shirt for my wedding later this summer. I know I can rely on their expert guidance to not lead me astray there. The one piece I'm confused on is shoes. I by no means claim to be an expert on formalwear, but am learning quickly. Given budget constraints I'm trying to avoid spending $400 on shoes to match.

Does anyone have any recommendations for < $200 pairs that would do the trick? I'm sure there are purists out there that would disagree with cutting the shoes tighten cost, but I just don't see the same value in tux shoes that I do I my cap toe Alden's that I wear weekly.

If it factors in at all, I live in NYC. Much appreciated for your advice as always!
 
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phatonycmu

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Hm... That is a very good point. I wasn't sure what the cutoff bar was for office wear vs eveningwear. Following the plain-toe bal line of thought... The Aldens I mentioned above are cap toe bals similar to the ones below (in black leather, not cordovan). Would they be able to function as a tux shoe or does the cap toe start to look a bit funny?

http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-me..._ald_m_cap_toe_bal_oxford_shell_cordovan.html
 

CousinDonuts

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You're getting a custom tux, which you'll wear 1-3 times a year, and want to skimp on the shoes, which you'll possibly wear 1-3 times a week? Interesting.

Anywho, a good idea may be a sleek looking cap toe. Though I don't like this particular leather, this is $198.
 

phatonycmu

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Originally I was assuming patent leather style shoes which would see very little time on my feet outside of paired with the tux. From the responses so far it appears my assumption was incorrect and my options are quite a bit broader.

As I mentioned up front, I'm learning as I go here and I appreciate the advice!
 

MyOtherLife

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phatonycmu, welcome to Styleforum.
A few questions if I may before I officially ring in...
-Your location (example- Seattle)
-Absolute maximum you are willing to spend
-Do you work in an office (yes-no)
 

phatonycmu

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phatonycmu, welcome to Styleforum.
A few questions if I may before I officially ring in...
-Your location (example- Seattle)
-Absolute maximum you are willing to spend
-Do you work in an office (yes-no)

Location - NYC
Price ceiling - for "tux-only" shoes (i.e. patent leather), $200. If they can be dual-purposed as suggested above, $400.
Office - Yes, IT sales for large enterprises. Half the time suits, half the time slacks / shirt.

Re: other shoes I have as it may help...

Alden perf. cap toe black calf
Alden black calf loafer Plaza Last
AE burgundy blucher all-weather rubber sole
 
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MyOtherLife

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Thank you.
Were I you, I would shoot for Allen Edmonds Park Avenue. Check also the Allen Edmonds Shoe Bank for possible factory seconds at reduced pricing.




Here is a pair of Park Avenues after wax polishing.....



(photo courtesy of Sonny58 via this thread: http://www.styleforum.net/t/168002/shoe-damage-report-shoe-Appreciation-central-part-ii/6495)

Not only will these shoes serve you in wonderful comfort at your wedding, they can be enjoyed at the office or outings later on.
In my opinion they are worth retail for the versatility alone. They are also recraftable.
 
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TheDroog

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I wouldn't go with a captoe either -- your tuxedo shoes should eschew any decoration. As others have said, a plain toe calfskin will look fine if you polish it to a high gloss. I actually like the patent leather look, and it's not too difficult to find patent leather shoes under $200 in NYC. For something you're going to wear once a year (or less), I think $200 or less is an okay price point. If you're not picky about brands, you can find something like that at Johnston & Murphy. Places like Century 21 might carry them for a song. The Allen Edmonds Mayfair and Brooks Brothers' patent leathers shoes is above your price point, but could fit the bill if you want something better.
 

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