Need recommendation for a good economical winter blucher in black

[ozshadow]

I need a recommendation for a good winter blucher in black to go with business attire.

I have Park Avenues but they do not last the winters where I live due to snow and rock salt. They cost too much to replace annually. Rubber covers are just not convenient or really useable.

I need a professional looking, comfortable black blucher style shoe. The sole should be rubber. The cost should be somewhat low with the understanding that the shoes will likely only last one winter. Melting snow and rock salt destroys the leather, even with regular cleaning/conditioning/polishing as it is unavoidable here.

 

[Buster Brown]

Hmm ... Allen Edmonds is sort of the entry level to anything worth wearing. I'm sure you can find Johnston & Murphy (or worse) for less but they're likely to look like crap with the beating you're describing.

I'm curious as to how/why the PAs are getting destroyed in a single season. Are you rotating multiple pairs? Wiping the salt off with a damp rag, letting them rest overnight, and treating with conditioner as needed should keep them in service for at least several years. The shoe care thread may be a good resource to check out:

http://www.styleforum.net/t/228153/the-official-shoe-care-thread-tutorials-photos-etc

Otherwise, perhaps something in chromexcel?

 

[starro]

Have you considered shell? The cost probably won't be low, but well taken care of shell cordovan should last you many winters.

If you insist on low-cost and 1-winter durability, then I think any of the disposable dress brands that SFers like to turn their nose up at will do. Your Aldos, Cole Haans, Johnson & Murphys... Just find a style you like (and thankfully they sell more bluchers than oxfords), and throw away in April!

 

[comrade]

I have Park Avenues but they do not last the winters where I live due to snow and rock salt. They cost too much to replace annually. Rubber covers are just not convenient or really useable.


Park Avenues are Oxfords, not Bluchers.

 

[Peter1]

I dunno, rubber covers don't seem like a terrible alternative.

Swims are unobtrusive, and if you wear them with confidence I think it communicates that you care for your possessions. Just carry around a small compressible waterproof sack, like for a compact sleeping bag, and chuck them in. I can't fathom that spending $70 or so isn't a better alternative than even $150 on the cheapest acceptable dress shoes that, as someone else pointed out, won't stand up to salt/grime either.

 

[ozshadow]

I found a nice compromise. I picked up the Allen Edmonds Badlands for $199 this past week. Rubber soles, a little bit of tread, and quite comfortable.

Leather soles just disintegrate on salt water sidewalks and wick the salt water to the shoe leather as well. I hope these new rubber soles will help, cleaned and polished often.