Need Some Shoe Help

[e2b1m]

I am looking for a pair of black cap-toe oxford shoes under $400. I own a pair of AE Park Avenue Shoes which are nice but are a bit "clunky" in my opinion. I keep seeing guys with cap-toe shoes that appear to be a sleeker with longer, narrower toes.

I am a short and skinny guy and I feel that the AE shoes almost make my feet look smaller than pairs (albeit of lesser quality) that I have owned in the past.

Any recommendations for something along the lines of what I am looking for would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mktitsworth]

While I do not own any, my understanding is that Meermin is within this range and well regarded by the forum.

 

[Testudo_Aubreii]

The sleekness or clunkiness of a shoe is relative, and it depends on a number of factors. The Park Avenue is on AE's 105 last, which, relative to many lasts that are well regarded on this forum, is a narrow and long last with a toe somewhere in between what top British makers like G&G call "a traditional round toe" and "a smart round toe."

If you look at the toe of the Park Avenue, you will see that it is a bit more pointed than G&G's Tradtional Round toe, though not as pointed as their Smart Round. Alden's Hampton last occupies the same space in last shapes, though its toe--seen here on Alde 9071-- is just a tad less pointed than the 105's, and I think the last is just a bit shorter than the 105. The 105 definitely has a longer vamp.

Still, the 9071 looks sleeker than the PA. I think this is due to a number of factors. The welt is clipped closer on the Alden. The Alden's toe cap cuts straight across the shoe, sweeps back a bit where the upper meets the welt, and has tighter stitching; while on the PA, the cap angles a bit forward on the right side, doesn't sweep back at the welt, and the stitching is more spaced apart. The long throat and low instep of the PA appear to give it less shape than the Alden. Finally, there is something hard to describe about how the pattern of the shoe looks more fitted to the last on the Alden than it does on the PA.

Anyway, if you wanted a Smart Round lasted shoe for under $400, there's AE's 108 last, which works pretty well on their plain-toed Carlyle:

It avoids the PA's toe cap problem.

I'd agree with mktitsworth that Meermin's Linea Maestro is a good option. For 300 USD, you get a handwelted chisel toe stitch cap.

There are quality control problems, and sizing isn't as easy as AE or Alden is for those in the States. But it's a great option for the price.

 

[e2b1m]

Thanks all for the replies. The Meermins look like they are right up my ally. Is there anywhere in NYC where I can buy them locally or am I stuck ordering direct? I wear a size 7 (can't recall if its a D or E width) in my AE Park Avenue's. Any recommendations on size?

 

[WillisAU]

Thanks all for the replies. The Meermins look like they are right up my ally. Is there anywhere in NYC where I can buy them locally or am I stuck ordering direct? I wear a size 7 (can't recall if its a D or E width) in my AE Park Avenue's. Any recommendations on size?

They only sell online unfortunately (well, also in the Madrid store in Spain). Check out the Meermin thread to get an idea of how many sizes down other guys have gone when going from AE 105 to Meermin. Usually its 0.5 to 1 size down (depending heavily upon the different lasts). You can also email Meermin who will send you shoe measurements along with the intended foot size for the size.