Oxfords or Derbys more versatile?

[jpo]

I am currently looking for a pair of Black shoes to wear with: trousers, jeans, and the occasional suit. So far I have been thinking cap-toe oxfords as a good foundation of a shoe wardrobe. Now, the rub is, that I want to be able to wear them, even look good, with jeans (dark wash, nice jeans) as well as my work wardrobe of decent trousers, dress kahki's, and a suit every so often. So, i have heard some say that Bluchers are better, while I have picked out some nice sleek looking Oxfords, that I wonder how well they would work with jeans. I do have a narrow foot, so prefer a longer, sleeker last(looks as well). Oxfords or Derbys? Suggestions? Oxfords I have my eye on thus far: -C&J Hallam http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/Re...item1-102.jpeg -AE Soho: http://www.allenedmonds.com/wcsstore...abase/1650.jpg this is my starting point. Would love to hear everyone's ideas or recommendations. Thanks!

 

[dopey]

I think you are making a mistake trying to get a black shoe that will look good with jeans and other more casual clothes. If you insist on a black shoe for that purpose, a double soled split toe blucher might be the best option. But that won't look that good with a suit.

My suggestion is decide what you really need and will use the most and spend most of your budget on that and get a cheap version for the other use.

My guess is that you want a casual shoe and there are a million options - maybe a mid-brown blucher with a separate apron, or a loafer like the Alden 986. Then get a cheap pair of Florsheim or Johnston & Murphy captoes until you can afford to replace them.

 

[Kuro]

something like this may suit your purposes http://www.styleforum.net/showpost.p...48&postcount=1

 

[Avebury]

I'd probably go for something like the C + J "Grasmere". Brogues and oxfords look great but they are really statement shoes, if you know what I mean: catch the eye, smart, formal. What you want is something discrete and understated. A plain shoe goes with anything.

 

[whiteslashasian]

Originally Posted by dopey

I think you are making a mistake trying to get a black shoe that will look good with jeans and other more casual clothes. If you insist on a black shoe for that purpose, a double soled split toe blucher might be the best option. But that won't look that good with a suit. My suggestion is decide what you really need and will use the most and spend most of your budget on that and get a cheap version for the other use. My guess is that you want a casual shoe and there are a million options - maybe a mid-brown blucher with a separate apron, or a loafer like the Alden 986. Then get a cheap pair of Florsheim or Johnston & Murphy captoes until you can afford to replace them.
+1 I would spend the most on what you would get the most use from. Then perhaps I would trawl B&S and eBay for the other. I spent a good chunk on my more formal Black oxfords for wearing with suits. Being patient allowed me to snag an amazing condition (worn maybe 4-5 times) Allen Edmond Sanford in Walnut Calf in my size for only $40. These are now my favorite go-to casual shoe. 2nd in line is a pair of Crown Aristocraft Burgundy wingtips I got on eBay for $60. Good luck

 

[Mark Anthony]

Based on the needs you describe then a derby would work better as the balmorals you are looking at don't work that well with jeans.

You may want to consider a monk strap if you are looking for only one shoe.

Otherwise get the C&J Hallam for suits and find a derby or monk for jeans that can also go with suits when you want to change things up.

 

[Douglas]

A pair of sleek black chelseas might fit the bill.

 

[Mark Anthony]

Originally Posted by Douglas

A pair of sleek black chelseas might fit the bill.

+1 Great idea, probably the most versatile option you can go with.

 

[awxg]

Nothing beats chelseas for both office and casual wear.

 

[JLibourel]

I think bals look more out of place with jeans and other casual attire than derbies/bluchers (at least the dressier varieties) do with a suit.

Just my $.02.

 

[Lagavulin16]

Originally Posted by dopey

I think you are making a mistake trying to get a black shoe that will look good with jeans and other more casual clothes. If you insist on a black shoe for that purpose, a double soled split toe blucher might be the best option. But that won't look that good with a suit.

My suggestion is decide what you really need and will use the most and spend most of your budget on that and get a cheap version for the other use.

My guess is that you want a casual shoe and there are a million options - maybe a mid-brown blucher with a separate apron, or a loafer like the Alden 986. Then get a cheap pair of Florsheim or Johnston & Murphy captoes until you can afford to replace them.


Completely agree. I use the EG Dover in Dark Oak on a 606 last on jeans, cords, khaki's, flannels, moleskin, etc... Basically everything other than a suit. it is by far the most versatile shoe that I have. My suggestion would be to get a similar style shoe and a cheaper captoe or oxford for suits. I guarantee that you will be much happier.

 

[Tarmac]

These days the distinction is less relevant, especially for non SF members. Most young men today don't even own an oxford, even if they wear business suits every day.

You might think this would make oxfords even more conservative, but I think the opposite is true. Most people don't even understand the difference, they all look like regular shoes to them.

I would concentrate less on the lacing methodology and more on shape, color, and details.

 

[thinman]

Captoe or punched captoe monkstrap.

 

[jmix1]

Originally Posted by thinman

Captoe or punched captoe monkstrap.

Agreed. Monks might fit the bill if you're looking for that much versatility from a single pair of black shoes. Chelseas might work too, but once they take on some creasing they may not look as good with a suit.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by JLibourel

I think bals look more out of place with jeans and other casual attire than derbies/bluchers (at least the dressier varieties) do with a suit.

Just my $.02.
I feel the same way, and as a result have far fewer oxfords compared to bluchers.