Shoes for tuxedo

[johnnynorman3]

I figured I'd get some new black shoes for my black tie event. I only have two pairs of black shoes, and neither are really appropriate for black tie wear. But I thought I'd get something that would be suitable for both work wear, formal wear, and for night's out (so I want something sort of stylish if that is possible). I was thinking these might be good. A little high in price, but at what price point would this be a good deal? Any idea how these shoes fit? I was also considering maybe a plain toe bal in black shell cordovan. Would that be a better choice? Worse choice? I don't want patent leather, BTW.

 

[zjpj83]

Sorry, but the only shoes appropriate for semi-formal wear are patent lace-ups or leather opera pumps.

Those wholecuts are very nice. But, they are not correct. And you will, unfortunately, look like many do: like you don't own appropriate footwear for the occasion.

Edit: these would be a better choice than black shell cordovan.

 

[johnnynorman3]

I really dislike patent leather shoes. I do not like the look, even with a tux. I agree that it is the safer choice, but to hell with that, I say.

That said, if I could find a good bargain on patent leather shoes, I would take it. But I don't want to shell out $250 at Brooks Brothers for something I'll only wear twice a year at most.

 

[Horace]

I really dislike patent leather shoes.  I do not like the look, even with a tux.  I agree that it is the safer choice, but to hell with that, I say.  

That said, if I could find a good bargain on patent leather shoes, I would take it.  But I don't want to shell out $250 at Brooks Brothers for something I'll only wear twice a year at most.

There've been a few discussions about this, either here or AskAndy but how about calf opera pumps? Just highly polish them. I saw some of the Grenson ones that weren't patent leather. Dunno if they're still available, but they were only $100, which is a hell of a deal, really.

 

[johnnynorman3]

I would prefer a lace-up. Nothing in my size from Grenson anyways. What are the good sources for patent leather shoes, BTW?

 

[zjpj83]

These Florsheims are nice and cheap. Or how about a patent leather wholecut - never seen that before; now that would be a cool twist too.

 

[johnnynorman3]

How about these? Z, what is considered more formal -- a lace up or a slip on like this? Also, why do you not think shell cordovan is a better choice than regular calf?

 

[Manton]

Z, what is considered more formal -- a lace up or a slip on like this?

If you're going to get a slip-on, I would stick with the traditional pump. That looks like a loafer trying (and failing) to dress itself for the evening. Just a jumble. For the record, the evening pump is slightly more formal than the lace-up.

Also, why do you not think shell cordovan is a better choice than regular calf?

Speaking only for myself: cordovan is heavier and more utilitarian and less "delicate" and therefore less formal. Like tweed or cotton Oxford cloth, I don't think it has a place in formal wear.

 

[SylvesterPennoyer]

Is the Allen-Edmonds Park Avenue appropriate for tuxedo wear?

 

[marc37]

Rubbish Manton. The picture above is a perfect example of a good formal dress shoe.

 

[Manton]

Rubbish Manton. The picture above is a perfect example of a good formal dress shoe.

I disagree. It is the perfect example of a fashion designer's attempt to "update" the dress shoe. There are two issues here: is it correct, and do you like it? It is most certainly not correct. Whether one likes it or not is a matter of personal preference. I don't; others might.

 

[cuffthis]

If you are against patent leather, why not consider a velvet shoe? You don't need the monograms as Flusser does, but these are great formal wear shoes. And you will not just be more of the same. My favorite dress shoes.

 

[marc37]

Common Manton: it's a patent leather loafer/pump. Of course it's o.k for formal wear.

 

[Manton]

Common Manton: it's a patent leather loafer/pump. Of course it's o.k for formal wear.

It's not a pump. It's a loafer, which is why, strictly speaking, it is incorrect. The true pump has lower quarters, a shorter vamp, and a grosgrain bow.

 

[marc37]

If you are against patent leather, why not consider a velvet shoe? You don't need the monograms as Flusser does, but these are great formal wear shoes. And you will not just be more of the same. My favorite dress shoes.

They are not shoes, they are slippers. Stop joking around, it could lead us astray.