Shoe Suggestions

[qdogg29]

Hey,

First off, I'll admit I lack the fine discernment for expensive shoes and I cannot justify forking down 500 dollars on a pair of well made Italian leather shoes. Nevertheless, my shoe collection is scant. I have one, rubber-soled pair of Bostonian Oxfords that I bought for 60 dollars. That is essentially the only pair of shoes I can wear with my black and gray flat-front pants. I'm looking to spend 100-200, something in that price range that has been marked down would be a plus. I'd be willing to exceed 200 if you really advise it. Hugo Boss seldom is recommended on this forum, but please use the following image merely as a template with which to render like shoe suggestions:

http://homepage.mac.com/caephoto/fil...w07%20copy.jpg

The Top Two images and bottom Left appeal to me.

I am leaning towards boots or cap-toes. My main criterion is something that is versatile and could be worn with jeans but also formal wear. Perhaps, the dark blue Armani suit I may buy for 65% would be too dressy with anything other than Oxfords, but something dark to wear with my black and gray Express and INC flat-front pants would be ideal. A few questions:


1) Are the designer brand shoes really of better quality than their less expensive counterparts?

2) I watched a shoe polishing video, and the demonstrator was using a pair of leather shoes he had for 25 years, which he has worn half the time. I would probably wear this pair of shoes nearly everyday and at times walk reasonable distances in them. What would you predict the life expectancy of cheap and expensive shoes under such circumstances?

3)Where is a good place to buy shoes for value? And are there any upcoming sales?

I don't expect anyone to answer all my questions, any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'd prefer something fashionable; the pointy toe look has always appealed to me. My line of employment does not require I wear a suit. And if I were to be reprimanded for my dress, I could always slip on my 60 dollar Bostonians and be spared the reproof.

Thanks!

Dan


I seem to need something in black or very dark brown.

 

[Gherkins]

The pictured Boss shoes look quite fashion forward, with a pointed tip.
I am not convinced that they would work well with a suit. They probably wouldn't. But maybe you could make them work, it depends on your age and overall looks.

I'd consider a black wingtip more versatile. If you are searching for a last with a modern approach, such as Crockett & Jones Drummond, you'd get quite close to the looks of the Boss shoes you've mentioned.

Regarding brands I think you should go for Allen Edmonds or Crockett & Jones which might be a tad over your price bracket, but are worth it, especially if you plan to wear these shoes over a long time. If you keep your eyes open, you might find shoes as these in SF's Buying & Selling forum, which might be your best opportunity. Otherwise you could try Bodileys (www.shoesnorthampton.co.uk) for inspiration.

Good luck!

 

[qdogg29]

Thanks Gherkins!

The Allen Edmonds and Crocket & Jones are in the running. One quick ques.: are shoes without rubber soles as comfortable to walk in, I know it depends on a lot of factors, but in general

 

[Gherkins]

That's a matter of taste, if you ask me. I hate walking with leather soles on gravel, but otherwise I don't feel that rubber soles are more comfortable. Leather soles are harder wearing in any case.

 

[bdbb]

Originally Posted by qdogg29

1) Are the designer brand shoes really of better quality than their less expensive counterparts?

No. Hugo Boss is generally what I would consider a "fashion" label, which means you're going to pay more for less quality. Generally I try to avoid clothes that feature marketing materials where the males are virtually indistinguishable from the females.

Once you get into real shoemakers, paying more does get you more up to a point. Alden, Allen Edmonds, Crockett & Jones would all probably be better than anything you could get for less. Beyond those, it hits a point of severe diminishing returns where the price goes up a lot just to get marginally better shoes.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by qdogg29

Hey,

First off, I'll admit I lack the fine discernment for expensive shoes and I cannot justify forking down 500 dollars on a pair of well made Italian leather shoes. Nevertheless, my shoe collection is scant. I have one, rubber-soled pair of Bostonian Oxfords that I bought for 60 dollars. That is essentially the only pair of shoes I can wear with my black and gray flat-front pants. I'm looking to spend 100-200, something in that price range that has been marked down would be a plus. I'd be willing to exceed 200 if you really advise it. Hugo Boss seldom is recommended on this forum, but please use the following image merely as a template with which to render like shoe suggestions:

http://homepage.mac.com/caephoto/fil...w07%20copy.jpg

The Top Two images and bottom Left appeal to me.

I am leaning towards boots or cap-toes. My main criterion is something that is versatile and could be worn with jeans but also formal wear. Perhaps, the dark blue Armani suit I may buy for 65% would be too dressy with anything other than Oxfords, but something dark to wear with my black and gray Express and INC flat-front pants would be ideal. A few questions:


1) Are the designer brand shoes really of better quality than their less expensive counterparts?

2) I watched a shoe polishing video, and the demonstrator was using a pair of leather shoes he had for 25 years, which he has worn half the time. I would probably wear this pair of shoes nearly everyday and at times walk reasonable distances in them. What would you predict the life expectancy of cheap and expensive shoes under such circumstances?

3)Where is a good place to buy shoes for value? And are there any upcoming sales?

I don't expect anyone to answer all my questions, any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I'd prefer something fashionable; the pointy toe look has always appealed to me. My line of employment does not require I wear a suit. And if I were to be reprimanded for my dress, I could always slip on my 60 dollar Bostonians and be spared the reproof.

Thanks!

Dan


I seem to need something in black or very dark brown.


http://www.amazon.com/Romano-Martega...873065&sr=8-14

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Edmonds-...4873215&sr=8-2

 

[Jonners]

C&J Lowndes available in black or dark brown perhaps? http://www.crockettandjones.co.uk/monkshoes-lownde.html

 

[qdogg29]

Those Allen Edmonds and Crockett and Jones Oxfords are awfully nice - unfortunately, it is hard to my size in the former on sale: 10.5 D...I wonder if I could slip into a 11 C and nearly shave off 200 dollars?

 

[runner-guy]

I'm not huge on spending tons of money on shoes either. I really try to keep my dress shoe purchases under $100. To be honest, I have a pair of black Rockports that I purchased from DSW and they are awesome. Super comfortable and hold up well. I know Rockport isn't considered a high end designer brand, but I think they make really nice shoes.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by runner-guy

I'm not huge on spending tons of money on shoes either. I really try to keep my dress shoe purchases under $100. To be honest, I have a pair of black Rockports that I purchased from DSW and they are awesome. Super comfortable and hold up well. I know Rockport isn't considered a high end designer brand, but I think they make really nice shoes.

Oh no you di'nt.

 

[qdogg29]

Thanks guys,

I really like the Oxfords, but I wish for something a little different - trendier, less business-like. The aforementioned shoes appeal to me, but what are the other comparable high quality ankle boot makers? And do the aforementioned shoes go on sale or should I fork down 300, since my size is not terribly rare. My foot was measured..it's actually 10 EEE I think...I have a high in-step