Shoes with khakis, chinos

[Stu]

Now that tropical summer is here, my business wardrobe consists primarily of a short sleeve sport shirt worn untucked, and khakis/chinos. This is all about function and little about form. I have a devil of a time, though, finding the right shoes to wear with khakis. I hate loafers with khakis. What I have is: rust colored Moreschi suede lace-ups with crepe sole, brown Camper sneakers for casual Fridays, burgundy Monk straps from Ferragamo, mahogany monks from Gucci and that's about it. I bought a pair of Espadrilles, but those are not for work, they won't hold up, although a pair of espadrilles, lightweight khakis and a sport shirt is a great way to deal with a nasty hot Sunday afternoon.

Anyway, any ideas for shoes to wear with khakis, other than loafers?

 

[grimslade]

Mid-brown bluchers? Dirty bucks?

 

[TheHoff]

Yup suede bucks are a good choice.. Grapevinehill has white or tan for $69 on now. http://stores.channeladvisor.com/gra...ford&scat=1006

 

[JBZ]

I often wear something similar to this from AE with my khakis:

The picture is of the Wilbert model. The one I own is basically an older version with a different model name that I can't remember.

Also, you might want to look into the LL Bean blucher mocs or ranger mocs, both of which I think look good with khakis. You could try boat shoes, but they may not be your thing. Finally, I love the look of a camp moc, but that may be too much like a loafer for you.

 

[Stu]

Yeah I have some boat shoes, from Ferragamo, and love them. But they are not really my thing for daily business wear. I can wear a double breasted suit or a polo and khakis, basically whatever the hell I want. Now that it is hot I dress down. Although the boat shoes I try to save for Fridays.

The Wilbert looks like an excellent choice for an in between shoe.

 

[DocHolliday]

Desert boots, chukkas, the right monk, brown captoe bluchers, dirty bucks

AE really shines with khakis, I think. The clunkiness looks at home.

 

[grimslade]

I need to get me some of C&J's unlined desert boots.

The Wilbert's a nice shoe, but it is _very_ casual, owing to the thick rubber sole. I use them as foul-weather shoes in the winter.

 

[JBZ]

Here's a link to a page with some Alden casual models that might also suit you. There are some loafers, and some of the lace ups are a bit "old mannish", but I particularly like the look of the handsewn chukka. The moc toe blucher is similar to the AE Wilbert.

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawShoes.asp?ParentID=4

 

[Stu]

I like those handsewn chukas as well as several other Alden models. Once I posted this model as an alternative in a similar thread and J threatened to ban me:

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=72

 

[JBZ]

Originally Posted by Stu

I like those handsewn chukas as well as several other Alden models. Once I posted this model as an alternative in a similar thread and J threatened to ban me:

http://www.aldenshop.com/DrawOneShoe.asp?CategoryID=72

I love Alden generally, but those aren't my cup of tea. I'm not sure why, as I like the Bean blucher moc, which is similar.

I wouldn't ban you, though.

 

[kitonbrioni]

Some examples are Doc Martens, chukka boots, chelsea boots, monk straps, ankle boots, etc.

 

[Cantabrigian]

Anything in pebble / scotch grain.

 

[Leslierc]

My choices would be penny-style loafers (which you say you don't like), suede bucks, or saddle-style shoes. By the way, Polo has a very nice buck and leather saddle shoe this year.

 

[acidboy]

These days, I find myself wearing the Sutor bluchers in caramel, that coincidentally I bought from VCH, with my chinos.

 

[SantaCruzGuy]

Here's my .02 cents worth:

For god sakes no boat shoes!
Just my personal opinion but I think it's a dreadful look to wear boat shoes in any working environment unless you're on a boat or you work at Club Med for a dive operator, esp. the pale blue ones which are far too casual & clumsy looking.

+1 for desert boots like Clarks.
+1 for dirty bucks.
+1 for saddle shoes of some sort.
The reason I think these are great choices is they have a rugged masculine element to them, which coexist very nicely with the rugged nature/heritage of khaki trousers. It's a good fit.
Think Indiana Jones

The Alden Indy boot would also look pretty sharp, thus in essence I think you've got some pretty good choices to choose from.

I think something with a lace will be your best bet.
I also think you asked a really good question.

I'd steer away from anything too dressy such as a shoe with a captoe.