Size 6-7 non AE dress shoes under 300

[dunelly]

I've always thought AEs were a little clunky, is there any sleeker UK brands for under $300.

I'm a 6.5 D so buying used is literally impossible. It'd be my first dress shoe, so I guess or burgundy/dark brown would be nice. I know black is standard but I doubt most interviewers will notice + I prefer brown shoes for going out. Thanks.

 

[Bentley]

Loakes are nice although I don't know if they are that much sleeker that AE's.

 

[phxlawstudent]

Don't know of any you could acquire in your size for that price. But I'm subscribed.

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

Originally Posted by Bentley

Loakes are nice although I don't know if they are that much sleeker that AE's.

I guess it depends on the style you are looking for. For example, I think the Loake 1880 Savoy is sleeker than a comparable AE model (0 last?) IMO...

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/produc...electedFitID=0

 

[Northampton Novice]

Originally Posted by Thanks SF (a new me)

I guess it depends on the style you are looking for. For example, I think the Loake 1880 Savoy is sleeker than a comparable AE model (0 last?) IMO...

http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/produc...electedFitID=0

+1

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

Originally Posted by dunelly

I've always thought AEs were a little clunky, is there any sleeker UK brands for under $300.
I'm a 6.5 D so buying used is literally impossible. It'd be my first dress shoe, so I guess or burgundy/dark brown would be nice. I know black is standard but I doubt most interviewers will notice + I prefer brown shoes for going out. Thanks.

I feel you OP with 6.5D .

I am 5-6 and normally wear 6.5 or 7 US, depending on the style/last..IMO, having a sleeker than normal shoe profile makes me shorter (or Elf like

) Have you tried the Strand in drk brown or Walnut? Is this for business/suiting or casual wear?

 

[ktrp]

Lower end of UK shoes would be in reach.

I would guess you'll never be entirely satisfied by the sleekness of your shoes in a size 6.5. AE (proudly) use a 365 welt, which means the area around the heel is a little more substantial then on shoes where the welt is only around the front 2/3 of the shoe. As for the lasts, some of them are 'chunkier' then others. I have one pair of AE's, and another difference I'd note from a pair of Loakes and Barkers that I own is that the toe cap seems shorter on the AE, which I think makes them look a little 'stubbier'. Note however that I wear a US 11 to 11.5, so the proportions and look may be different for you.

If you _really_ want something more 'sleek', you might want to look for something not goodyear welted at all. I don't have any experience with blake rapid construction, but it might look more 'sleek'. The 'forum special' on the R.M. Williams boot thread, while a chelsea boot, is 'sleeker' then any shoe I've ever worn.

While I enjoy my tan shoes more then my black ones, to me, not having a black dress shoe in your wardrobe is a serious issue. Wearing an ugly ill fitting suit will indeed slip by most interviewers, but there are still people in north america who look down on non-black shoes with suits. (In the U.K., it would be far stricter even).

Unless you are interviewing for positions as a farmer.

 

[fss]

How's the quality of Herring's own shoes? This one is fairly sleek IMO. Or perhaps this captoe?

 

[dunelly]

I'll be wearing it with a navy suit for entry teaching positions. I guess I need a black pair . Everyone here wears square toes + I just know that I'll wear the dark brown much more afterwards. I like those Loakes posted in mahogany.

How is the quality of loakes? Would these in black be formal enough for interviews? Would raising the limit to $500 make a difference in shoe quality? Thanks guys.

 

[NotoriousMarquis]

I really liked Loakes and they way the looked ONLINE, and when I went to london and saw a bunch in person, they looked clunkier and not that sexy. Of course there is the possibility that it was just what I saw, but I also saw a good number of them.
I think some of the AE shoes in walnut calf are really great looking, and sleek.