No shoes, not much money - what to do?

[Borky]

Well as the title implies, I really don't have any shoes besides sneakers and this pair of suede CT Chelsea boots I just bought. The options are overwhelming, but I think I need to buy a pair pronto as I have no way to dress up. I've looked at my options and I don't have enough money to get any of the high end stuff you guys like here so I've narrowed it down to either AE or Loake. I like Loakes more for their styling, but I could use some help deciding on a type/model. I don't plan on wearing them with suits, just jeans or casual cotton pants (wool in the fall perhaps).

Here we go:
The Chepstow http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/_shop/484/452/photo3.jpg
The Chester http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/_shop/1030/593/photo3.jpg
The Buckland http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/_shop/459/429/photo3.jpg
The Dorchester http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/_shop/960/545/photo3.jpg
or the Hilton http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/_shop/455/425/photo3.jpg

They all look good, and in fact, I can barely tell the difference between the first 3. Can someone lend me a hand in picking a good shoe? I think AE might be out of the question now, since the more I look at them, the worse they look. I want something more youthful and sleek.

 

[StockwellDay]

I think the Hiton is cool, but likely not a good option for a 1st "dressy" shoe. I would go w/ the Buckland, nice color - less dressy blutcher to wear with jeans or slacks.

 

[DocHolliday]

The Chester and the Buckland don't strike me as sleek at all. Very rounded, with thick double soles. They're country shoes. The Dorchester, on the other hand, is pretty dressy. I wouldn't wear them with khakis or odd trousers. That leaves the Hilton or the Chepstow. I agree with Stockwell about the monks -- they're fun shoes, but not a wardrobe basic. I'd go that route only if there's no chance they'll be needed for weddings/funerals/interviews/etc.

What about the Ritz? That one looks pretty sleek.

 

[Borky]

I think I've narrowed it down to the Chepstow and the Ritz. Now will these last a bit of time or will I end up replacing them in a year? I realize Loake isn't the best.. but it must be better than all that department store crap. Are there any other options at my price point?

 

[rnoldh]

Originally Posted by Borky

I think I've narrowed it down to the Chepstow and the Ritz. Now will these last a bit of time or will I end up replacing them in a year? I realize Loake isn't the best.. but it must be better than all that department store crap. Are there any other options at my price point?

Good choices!

As to how long the shoes will last.

If you use trees, don't wear them on consecutive days, and care for them (conditioner, polish, etc.), they will last for a long time. Much longer than a year.

 

[dr.no]

If you're not in the UK, Plal.com sells Loake's for ~$225.

 

[Tomasso]

Originally Posted by Borky

I need to buy a pair pronto as I have no way to dress up....... I don't plan on wearing them with suits, just jeans or casual cotton pants.

It's interesting how dressing up means different things to different people.

 

[Borky]

Originally Posted by Tomasso

It's interesting how dressing up means different things to different people.

Well I'm in college. I overdress by just putting anything besides a t shirt on on the top and nice jeans and shoes (not flip flops) on the bottom.


Anyway, I will order from plal, but I see they have some good prices on C&Js, would regular line C&Js be worth about $100 extra?

 

[Hand Tailored]

Originally Posted by Borky

Well I'm in college. I overdress by just putting anything besides a t shirt on on the top and nice jeans and shoes (not flip flops) on the bottom.

It is sad what some of them fellas wear, isn't it?

 

[Pennglock]

Originally Posted by Borky

Anyway, I will order from plal, but I see they have some good prices on C&Js, would regular line C&Js be worth about $100 extra?

Definitely. They're twice the shoe the Loakes are. Plal's C&J is one of the best deals going on the Internet.