Shoe Comparison w/ Poll -- Action Shots!

[stephen]

I have a tough time picking out shoes. Everyone says that "shoes are the most important part of an outfit" and that "you can tell how stylish someone is by their shoes". Yet, it seems to me that 95% of men's shoes follow a few basic patterns. I've taken some photos of the 6 pairs of black shoes that I own. (Semi-dressy.)

I know that they could all use a good polishing, and that there are different types of outfits each would go with... But what's your overall opinion? Which ones should I push to the back of my closet? Which ones are stylish? Do I need to go buy a new pair? Thanks for the suggestions!

Pair A:

Pair B:

Pair C:

Pair D:

Pair E:

Pair F:

 

[tiger02]

Throw B, C, D, and either E or F away. If you can find a reason to wear black loafers casually, then save the other of E or F. Otherwise throw that one away too. I kind of like A, but you'll want to think about upgrading really soon if you spend much time on the site.


Sorry to be harsh...welcome to the board!

 

[skalogre]

Tentatively A as far as the options you have there. But I would say it is time to upgrade a little

If nothing else, get some AE Park Avenues. Yes, they are not the most stylish things around but they can be found for very little and are well made.

 

[skalogre]

Originally Posted by skalogre

Tentatively A as far as the options you have there. But I would say it is time to upgrade a little

If nothing else, get some AE Park Avenues. Yes, they are not the most stylish things around but they can be found for very little and are well made.


Edit:
For the record, I was typing up that response while tiger02 was posting it. Plagiarist

 

[odoreater]

The only one of those that is not a complete monstrosity is pair A.

 

[Omegablogger]

With the exception of A, I would burn them and then find the factory that made them and burn that too.

With A, I would just burn them.

If it makes you feel any better I have some awful black shoes too, I'll maybe take some pics so we can be united in our shame and sorrow.

 

[texas_jack]

Worst poll ever.

 

[dkzzzz]

I don't like any of them, but I think E has a right to exist as it is albeit not stylish but a shoe of traditional (moccasin) appearance.

 

[stephen]

Thanks for the responses so far! Very enlightening.

Like I said, I have difficulty choosing shoes. I've been wearing "A" for the past year or so. The rest came from the depths of my closet. However, I just purchased "D" for $160 from The Walking Store (on sale down from $300). Very comfortable, but I wasn't sure how I felt about the style. Here are the brands: A: Two Boot New York (from DSW) B: J. Ferrar (some department store) C: Bostonian Non-Stop D: Mephisto Cador E: Bostonian 2Pod F: J-Crew Any other thoughts? Suggestions? I'm just not sure what you can do with shoes... walking into a place like "Aldo" for trendy, budge shoes just has all these long, pointy toes. Is that fashionable? I can't afford anything ridiculous.

 

[watchingdetails2002]

I think you could wear all of these with casual clothes but I would look for some t things that are more traditional. Look for leather sole and vamps. I like tassel loafers or captoes or modern wingtips. Good luck in your quest. Robert

 

[fritzl]

Keep E and F for casual clothing. Probably D is good for garden work, garage sales or so. Drop the rest. Btw A and B are no Oxfords

 

[whnay.]

Lack of imagination.

 

[teddieriley]

Can we have Aportnoy do a similar poll? Granted we'll be asked to choose between A - ZZZZ, but I'm okay with that. Start the action shots AP!

 

[zjpj83]

I'd say A

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

A is the best of the lot, although a black derby is a combination of formal and casual that doesn't quite work, in my opinion.

I have a pair of Bruno Magli loafers similar to F that I wear a fair amount on weekend nights, when I don't want to expose my nice shoes to stray drinks and other hazards.