Streamlined Shoe Wardrobe

[wurger]



This has been discussed on the Aussie Thread but a Jo Average with a mortgage, two kids, missus and a car loan could get by with:

(1) A black cap oxford

 
(2) A dark brown brogue (any combo)

The brogues can come out on weekends for wear with a blazer/odd jacket.


Throw in a chelsea or chukka for the pub and rugby matches and you're done. 

You need 2 pairs of black cap oxfords for rotating, a pair needs a day to rest, but then, of a lot of my workmates just wear the same pair 5 days a week.

 

[Oli2012]

I would alternate the black caps and dark brown brogues thoughout the work week, to be clear. There'd be few places these days where dark brown can't go (maybe if you're an undertaker).

Surely one of the pairs would be able to handle a few days of consecutive use whilst the other gets topy-ed once every few years.

 

[wurger]

Well, the rationale of rotating shoes is to keep shoes looking good and not wet, as our feet all sweat, and it takes some time for a pair to dry completely.

Having two pairs of black will means they will look better until you have to get rid of them.

it also depends on what type of shoe you are wearing and how much care you take, if the shoe are mass produced with glued soles, or due to lack of care, the uppers wore out with cracks, there isn't much point in rotating.

if you apply topy, condition and polish the shoes, then the internal leather lining may slowly worn out, from your sweat and wear. In this case, rotating with shoe trees gives your shoes the opportunity to fully dry out before worn again. So two pairs of black shoes may well last more than twice as long as one pair of shoes, a long term saving for you, even though a higher capital outlay at the start, and it's more interesting and better looking to have a variety of shoes.

So yeah, don't let your marriage life hold you back, this is all justified economically, which was your original point of only having 2 pairs.

Though your missus may take some convincing

 

[jrd617]

Here's my six

I'm a bit of a C&J whore.

Not a monk fan (don't like the look) or boot/chukka fan (don't like the feel)

A big fan of loafers (business casual)

From 9'oclock position, clockwise

1). C&J Bedford in black calf
2). C&J Radstock in brown calf
3). C&J Draycott in chestnut calf
4). C&J for RL Marlow wingtip in cigar shell (in dire need of some Mac Method'ing)
5). C&J for RL Marlow loafer in cigar shell
6). Alden flexwelt loafer in tan calf (also have one in brown suede) --- threw this one in for the sake of color

 

[jrd617]

bump

 

[MyOtherLife]

Atta boy JRD. Looking great. Nice spread.

 

[Balfour]

Here's my six

I'm a bit of a C&J whore.

Not a monk fan (don't like the look) or boot/chukka fan (don't like the feel)

A big fan of loafers (business casual)

From 9'oclock position, clockwise

1). C&J Bedford in black calf
2). C&J Radstock in brown calf
3). C&J Draycott in chestnut calf
4). C&J for RL Marlow wingtip in cigar shell (in dire need of some Mac Method'ing)
5). C&J for RL Marlow loafer in cigar shell
6). Alden flexwelt loafer in tan calf (also have one in brown suede) --- threw this one in for the sake of color

+1.

Very nice.

 

[jssdc]

I sometimes think I coud get by with just black oxfords and color #8 shell long wings. The former are necessary, the latter versatile. Doesn't do much for the shoe rotation side of things, I suppose, but this would definitely streamline things.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

^you can

 

[brax]



Inspired by NOBD. The list: 1) Black stitch caps. For funerals, job interviews, Important Meetings, and whenever you must be the ne plus ultra of conservative business dress 2) Brown punch caps. The ultimate suit shoe, gorgeous and goes with virtually everything; could sub this one for a brown half or full brogue 3) A thick-soled blucher or longwing in brown textured calf or burg shell. Think the foo shoe, ed's Dinelackers, JL Russell, or one of those Vass $hitkickers. Perfect for any fall/winter odd jacket and good with most fall/winter suits 4) Tan monks. Good for summer suits or odd jackets, wearable the rest of the year While I doubt that Manton had any of these in mind these three combined may fit the contemplated niche. or or 5) #8 shell or mink suede loafers. Dark enough for a blazer, grays and a white shirt but also colorful enough for day; better than lace-ups for most no-tie outfits 6) Tobacco suede oxford: goes with all suits from Labor Day to Memorial Day; wear it with odd jackets as long as I don't see you

 

[jb_1977]

If I were to start over, recognizing that winters get harsh, I'd go:

1. Alden Longwing Blucher on Barrie Last (unless Foo can spare a Plaza) in #8 Shell

2. Alden LHS in Whiskey Shell with natural sole edge

Credit to CTYGGG for pic and Uncle Mac for his

3. Loake Aldwych Stitch-cap Balmoral in Black Calf

4. AE Fifth Street Semi-brogue Balmoral Boot in Burnished Brown Calf with Topys or Vibram Sole Protectors

5. AE Long Branch Wingtip Derby Boot in Brown (Tan) Waxy Leather

6. CJ Lowndes Double Monk in Dark Brown Burnished Calf

7. Clark's Desert Boots/Chukkas in Sand Suede

 

[DeSense]

Where do you gents source replacement shoe laces in high = similar to original quality? I just can't find any here locally (Indonesia), or online. The ones I got are aftermarket, and look/feel like it. Help appreciated.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

The Hanger Project has some nice flat wound laces.

 

[DeSense]

The Hanger Project has some nice flat wound laces.

Thanks PB! For some reason, as soon as I read this it clicked in my head and I had a 'Duh!' moment. Should have thought of them! Even subscribed to their NL.

 

[patrickBOOTH]

I should get commission.