kippy
Senior Member
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2011
- Messages
- 337
- Reaction score
- 27
The appropriateness of the last is dependent on your own body shape and how dressy one wants to be. The Barrie last is a classic American last and looks great with both suits and jeans. I have tried other lasts and they usually don't fit my wide feed and wide frame. I would gather that is true for a large chunk of this forum and is the reason Barrie seems to be a common denominator.
Namor, if you prefer another last, good for you please continue posting how you enjoy them. Let's leave the Barrie issue at different strokes for different folks. If you enjoy the "sleek" look I can think of at least 3 or 4 other shoe companies that cater to that type of look. Complaining about the Alden Barrie looking "clunky" is like complaining about Harley's having that charismatic and particular sound from it's motor. It's part of the package.
First lets define versatile. To me, versatile means sleek enough to be worn with a slim gray or navy suit and also casual enough to be worn with some jeans or chinos. Automatically I eliminate Barrie last and a 360 degree welt. Style wise, I think a captoe is very versatile and the grant last is both casual and dressy. I prefer boots so I my choice would be the black sheel or #8 captoe boot on the grant last. http://www.theshoemart.com/alden-me...s-4065_ald_m_cap_toe_boot_shell_cordovan.html
The most important consideration, imo is the last and welt. Stay away from Barrie and 360 degree and youll more than likely find what you are looking for.
The appropriateness of the last is dependent on your own body shape and how dressy one wants to be. The Barrie last is a classic American last and looks great with both suits and jeans. I have tried other lasts and they usually don't fit my wide feed and wide frame. I would gather that is true for a large chunk of this forum and is the reason Barrie seems to be a common denominator.
Namor, if you prefer another last, good for you please continue posting how you enjoy them. Let's leave the Barrie issue at different strokes for different folks. If you enjoy the "sleek" look I can think of at least 3 or 4 other shoe companies that cater to that type of look. Complaining about the Alden Barrie looking "clunky" is like complaining about Harley's having that charismatic and particular sound from it's motor. It's part of the package.