Shoe Choice-advice Needed

[englanderjk]

Here's my situation. I have several black shoes,...split toe blucher (Alden cordovan), cap-toe semi-brogue (AE), wingtip monkstrap (Magli) and a pair of Loake wingtips. I don't own a pair of basic black cap-toes and probably need some. The question I have relates to balancing traditional or fundamental needs with stylistic preferences and versatility.

The C&J Hallam is my first choice for a dress, cap-toe (style, quality and good value) but I prefer the look and versatility of the Westbourne. I can't do both right now and would get more use out of the more casual Westbourne. I'm trying to find the best balance between dress and casual applications (would you wear the Hallam's with jeans?...would or should you wear the Westbournes with a suit in a semi-formal setting?).

I'm also throwing the AE Mora into the mix.

To simplify things, if you didn't own a pair of dress, black, cap-toe, bals and you were required to pick between the Hallam, Westbourne or Mora, (and you were not to acquire another pair for 6 months) which one would you select and why?

I realize my dilemma is contrived and quite boring,...but I still need you're advice. Thanks in advance.

England

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[kryn13]

The Hallams. Nice take on the traditional captoe. And I think it's good to have the 'proper' shoe for formal occasions. That being said, if you would regret not getting the Westbournes and they make you happy, there's your answer.

I wouldn't wear either with jeans. But that's just me.

If you like the C&J's, I doubt you'll find the AE's even close to acceptable. I've spent the last couple of months hunting through captoes and haven't found an AE model I can stand to look at, let alone wear. Finally found my shoe in a Martegani.

 

[Tarmac]

U Gotz enuff blakk shoes foo

 

[englanderjk]

Originally Posted by Tarmac

U Gotz enuff blakk shoes foo

Brown is beautiful too, yes?

 

[englanderjk]

Originally Posted by kryn13

The Hallams. Nice take on the traditional captoe. And I think it's good to have the 'proper' shoe for formal occasions. That being said, if you would regret not getting the Westbournes and they make you happy, there's your answer.

I wouldn't wear either with jeans. But that's just me.

If you like the C&J's, I doubt you'll find the AE's even close to acceptable. I've spent the last couple of months hunting through captoes and haven't found an AE model I can stand to look at, let alone wear. Finally found my shoe in a Martegani.

Park Avenue and Mora obviously didn't work for you. I don't own either one and agree that C&J presents the best option and value. However, most of the advice on the Forum related to basic dress shoe needs include several references to both.

Thanks.

 

[sfo423]

Westbourne...all the way.

 

[quevola]

Get the Mora - America needs your support.

 

[DocHolliday]

As much as I like the Mora, I would axe it from contention if only for formality reasons. Eventually you'll need a plain black captoe bal, and the Mora would make a poor substitute.

 

[jhcam8]

Englander -- Hallam's w/jeans? Why not? I'd say that for all intents and purposes, the Westbourne and the Hallam are interchangable. After all, you have a large selection of black shoes already and can up the formality when required.

What's wrong w/ the C&J Lowndes rather than the A&E Mora if you want the double monk? I found the Mora less appealing when I tried it than when I saw only the picture.

I confess that I have a hard time finding any black shoes that I like and currently only have one pr - a Polo calf brogue by C&J. The Alden split toes are on my short list - how do you like yours?

 

[englanderjk]

Originally Posted by jhcam8

Englander -- Hallam's w/jeans? Why not? I'd say that for all intents and purposes, the Westbourne and the Hallam are interchangable. After all, you have a large selection of black shoes already and can up the formality when required.

What's wrong w/ the C&J Lowndes rather than the A&E Mora if you want the double monk? I found the Mora less appealing when I tried it than when I saw only the picture.

I confess that I have a hard time finding any black shoes that I like and currently only have one pr - a Polo calf brogue by C&J. The Alden split toes are on my short list - how do you like yours?

JH,

Appreciate the points. Regarding "upping the formality", my next choice, either Hallam or Westbourne, would be my most formal option - hence the dilemma (albeit petty).

The Mora is out - Doc knows shoes and they never were a front runner anyway.

The Alden split toes (Norwegian bluchers in cordovan) are my favorite, black casual and dress shoes. They go well with jeans and black leather jacket and/or suit equally well. A bit clunky maybe but the toe is distinct and the cordovan completes them. Although "suitable" (pun intended) they don't match as well with slimmer suits or more formal occasions (IMHO), hence my original post.

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by englanderjk

JH,

Appreciate the points. Regarding "upping the formality", my next choice, either Hallam or Westbourne, would be my most formal option - hence the dilemma (albeit petty).

The Mora is out - Doc knows shoes and they never were a front runner anyway.

The Alden split toes (Norwegian bluchers in cordovan) are my favorite, black casual and dress shoes. They go well with jeans and black leather jacket and/or suit equally well. A bit clunky maybe but the toe is distinct and the cordovan completes them. Although "suitable" (pun intended) they don't match as well with slimmer suits or more formal occasions (IMHO), hence my original post.

Englander - thanks for your thoughts. I must say that your 'dilemma' is far from petty to me (and probably to few on the SF). I've been thrashing about in indecision for a while and admire your ability to narrow down your choices to two; in fact, I've added the Westbourne and the Hallam to my list. Thanks - just what I needed!

 

[jhcam8]

Originally Posted by englanderjk

JH,

Appreciate the points. Regarding "upping the formality", my next choice, either Hallam or Westbourne, would be my most formal option - hence the dilemma (albeit petty).

So, Englander - what did you decide?