Shoe Recommendations for a Beginner

[jayce030]

Hi All,

well to say it quickly... I'm tired of wearing Kenneth Cole's! I am a recent grad and have a nice job now and would like to stop looking like everyone wearing BR, GAP etc. Seeing all the shoe threads, with names i didnt even know existed, its become difficult for me to figure my next "real" shoe. Right now, I wear mostly brown shoes because of it casuality. The dress atmosphere at work is professional, but not to the point that suits need to be worn - usually a button up and khaki's or slacks - we also get a casual Friday.

So my question is what brands should i be looking at... i'm not used to this, but I am willing to spend 300-350, but i want a multi purpose shoe that can be worn with nice pair of slim jeans for the afterhours as well as look good with slacks/khaki's for work or special events. (if there is such a shoe) I plan on buying both a black and brown pair for variation and need.

I love the brogue's as well as cap toes, not too much into wearing suede. Also like the look of a narrow toe box, not too round.

Thanks in advance and look foward to hearing from you guys!

 

[phooi]

You should also cross post this question on Men's Clothing but check out the following:

- Allen Edmonds. You can usually find them on sale from a number of outlets. I usually go to Nordstrom's Rack for mine. I can say from experience that their shoes are very nice -- very high quality leathers (lots of non-seude options).

- RM Williams. The popular shoe is the chelsea boot. I don't have a pair yet but is a shoe I'm looking into.

Both options are within your budget and fit your criteria of being multi-functional. Of course there are plenty of other brands out there that this group can recommend but these are solid options to start with.

Have fun learning and welcome!

 

[WayneGibbous]

No need to spend that much. Just go simple with something like Tigers, Purcells, PF Flyers and build from there. It depends a lot on the look you're aiming for. It's always nice to have brown and black boots as well but you want to start simple and buy something that goes with several outfits.

 

[jayce030]

Thanks for the replies... I was looking to purchase classy shoes with wood soles.

 

[progressiveminded]

I was able to snag a Brooks Brothers of some sort at a used clothing store a while back, and I couldn't be happier. It's a slim, medium brown balmoral that has outclassed every other shoe that I've seen in person.

 

[StevenRocks]

Originally Posted by jayce030

Thanks for the replies... I was looking to purchase classy shoes with wood soles.
I think you mean leather soles.

 

[SoCal2NYC]

Well as a beginner with shoes, maybe you can get a pair of slip ons or with velcro instead of laces until you become more advanced with shoes?

 

[RustyRyan]

Alden

 

[Bergdorf Goodwill]

Originally Posted by SoCal2NYC

Well as a beginner with shoes, maybe you can get a pair of slip ons or with velcro instead of laces until you become more advanced with shoes?

Also recommend 'L' and 'R' insoles to minimize confusion.

 

[DGP]

I just bought this pair:

http://www.barneyscoop.com/b/c/brows...&categoryId=38

I've found a boot gives the ultimate flexibility, as not all dress shoes will work for casual wear. I, for one, can't stand AE, they look much too stodgy for my liking. These are hardly the worlds best shoes, but they look very nice on, are pretty sleek, and can easily be dressed up or down.

 

[Synrax]

Any recommendation for a black pair of shoes? Something dressier than a sneaker but more casual than dress casual. I like the design of the black low-top Achilles from Common Projects but I can't find it being sold and I only saw it on their flash intro website.

 

[jayce030]

THanks for the replies, except for the sarcasm from Socal - for a quick second i forgot why i left socal.

 

[bsyde82]

i like varvatos shoes....

they have a number of ankle boots, oxfords, brogues that can all be worn, IMO, w/ some work casual clothing, as well as denim b/c of their slightly vintage look...very versatile i think

zappos carries a bunch, as well as most of the high end dept stores...

 

[BrettChaotix]

Forum member DistinctiveFootwear is an excellent shoe reseller and has great brands at great prices!

I've bought 3 pairs of AE from him at prices I'm very very happy with. Just send him you shoe size and see what he has.