Monkstrap Alternative to AE?

[MayIlookgood]

Hi,
I am a relative newbie to shoe fashion, and only have real experience with Allen Edmonds (which I bought on advice from some people).

However, now I am looking to expand my wardrobe and do not like the monkstrap shoe models offered by Allen Edmonds. I really liked the ones offered by Magnani, very sleek and stylish. However, I do not want to compromise on quality and was looking for some advice on some good looking, long-lasting, stylish monk straps.

The Magannis in question are the Magnanni Marco and Efren.
Also please try to recommend something <$500.

Thanks

 

[P12OFIT]

Carmina? http://us.skoaktiebolaget.se/collections/carmina/products/carmina-brown-double-monk

 

[MayIlookgood]

They look gorgeous..how is the quality and longevity compared to AE?

BTW which other brands do you think are comparable to AE? I am also trying to learn a bit more about shoes.

 

[Seamless]

Loake 1880

 

[MayIlookgood]

I am specifically looking for monk straps

 

[P12OFIT]

They look gorgeous..how is the quality and longevity compared to AE?

BTW which other brands do you think are comparable to AE? I am also trying to learn a bit more about shoes.

Most would say that the quality of Carmina is slightly higher than that of AE. I have never owned Carmina shoes myself.

 

[MayIlookgood]

How are Samtoni's.

I was wondering if I would be better served waiting for sales? I know Nordstrom has good sales on AE but not sure if others go on sale.

Thanks

 

[Seamless]

Most lower end santoni are not great. Mine didn't last a year.

 

[Fred G. Unn]

Crockett & Jones Lowndes (I actually own these):
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/crockett/products/2279.php

Alfred Sargent Ramsey:
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/alfred-sargent/products/5270.php

Carmina at a slightly lower price than the above link if you luck out on sizing:
http://www.pediwear.co.uk/carmina/products/8200.php

All three brands are significant upgrades to AE in my opinion.

 

[MayIlookgood]

So if we stretch the budget a little bit and go to Santoni Upton then how's that?

Also, what about Alden?

In that price point of around $500, which one offers best value? Unfortunately, where I live, there arent that many good shoe stores so I cant just go an see some for myself and therefore have to ask these questions.

 

[Seamless]

Alden would be good. Good Santoni shies will run well over 500.

 

[MayIlookgood]

Any sales I should look out for?

I know AE Nordstrom Sales are famous so I looked out for it when i was buying my 2nd AE. Anything like that for Alden, Santoni, Carmina etc?

 

[JubeiSpiegel]

As far as wanting to upgrade and having no local options, I can relate. Take my advice and make sure whomever you decide to order from has a rock solid return policy. Then dedicate a few days of indoor break in to decide if the fit is well enough. You will save yourself a lot of money in the process...

 

[MayIlookgood]

Ok. Thanks for the advice.

How would you rate the below? In terms of quality and price

Church's, Loake, Alfred Sargent, Santoni, Moreschi, Alden, Carmina, Meermen

Really like these though: http://www.pediwear.co.uk/alfred-sargent/products/5270.php

 

[JubeiSpiegel]



Ok. Thanks for the advice.

How would you rate the below? In terms of quality and price

[COLOR=444444]Church's, Loake, Alfred Sargent, Santoni, Moreschi, Alden, Carmina, Meermen[/COLOR]

[COLOR=444444]Really like these though: [/COLOR]http://www.pediwear.co.uk/alfred-sargent/products/5270.php

Things get very subjective when people start talking about shoe quality and price, or even comparing which is "better". You set yourself up to receive relative answer, based on each individual's education or experience on the subject. That is why i would encourage you to educate yourself on the shoe threads of substance on this forum. Then apply that knowledge by taking every opportunity going forward to check any shoe brand/type of interest, so you can build experience.

The prudent question right now is how interested are you to learn? If you don't feel you can put in the work, you will be left to rely on subjective advice. Which is ok, a lot of people on here do. Just realize that there is no clear answer, unless you seek out those answers for yourself...