Shoes - some simple questions

[gregory]

Hi friends, I hope none is dissapointed with the low level of questions I am asking, but shoes is a topic with which I have little familiarity.

(1) Leather sole vs rubber sole. I understand that leather soled shoes are the most appropraite for business, but would rubber sole shoes be acceptable with shirt and slacks? Are leather soled shoes significantly more slippery than ruber soled ones and, if so, how do people manage to stay alive, say, taking  the Manhattan subway in the winter with all the black ice? (2) Expensive vs cheap shoes. How does one tell -- by looking -- whether a shoe is of high quality or not? I have worn a pair of $40 shoes from Payless for two years and while I can't judge its relative comfort (since I've not tried Lobbs, Ferragamos), the pair has held up fairly well. I need to find a reason to hate my shoes so that I can convince myself that I need better ones. For one, my Payless shoes do not shine well even after polishing--is this indicative of poor quality? (3) Are these shoes acceptable for business (http://www.bananarepublic.com/browse....=901001) - I'm thinking about dark brown? And are they sufficiently high quality that they will not embarass a person of average means? Banana Republic - Polished Square Toe Oxford - Brown - $128 - Made in Italy Thanks, gentlemen.

 

[Yosarian77]

I guess it depends on what the dress is like in your office. Those shoes are just fine, but are a bit casual to wear in a formal business environment. But if it's a business casual environment, I'd say they are perfectly acceptable.

 

[dah328]

After several years of purchasing work shoes with some good, some mediocre, and some bad experiences, I've resolved to go to the extra trouble and expense of only purchasing quality shoes. I find they last longer, look better, are more comfortable, and in the long run, cost less than the alternative.

That said, at or near your price point for the BR shoes, you can find Allen Edmonds on ebay. Also, Century 21 in lower Manhattan has a selection of shoes near that price including Allen Edmonds and some other reasonable brands. I would suggest you try one of those avenues.

Regards,

dan