Thoughts on shoe I'm about to purchase.

[emperus]

I am about to purchase this shoe in black. Any opinions on looks esp the dotted line in the front? I want an oxford, but I find most of them bulky esp since I wear a lot of slim fit suits. http://www.dsw.com/shoe/mercanti+fio...-_-main-_-main

 

[Klobber]

Not a fan, but whatever rocks your boat

 

[emperus]

Originally Posted by Klobber

Not a fan, but whatever rocks your boat
So, what you suggest?

 

[Liquidus]

The minimum level of quality this forum recommends is Allen Edmonds Classic Collection. The Fifth Avenue looks like what you want. You can get them cheaper than retail here: http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...=allen+edmonds

 

[Achilles_]

What color are your suits? What's your budget?

Edit: Also, get brown instead.

 

[Navi]

I have that shoe in black and it worked fine until I got my pair of AE Byron's. Still wear my Mercanti's every once in a while, I enjoy the style and they've held up pretty decently so far. I wouldn't buy them unless at a MASSIVE discount though, im talking 75%+. Grab a pair of Park Ave's or Fifth Ave from here instead.

 

[chet31]

I like it, am a fan of minimalist brogueing. I like the AE Fifth Avenue, but also check out the AE Vernon.

 

[emperus]

More information. I don't usually wear oxfords. I tend to buy slip ons. Though for whatever reason, I own a couple of brown oxfords. One being an Allen Edmonds with full brogueing. I don't wear it much, I find it still bulky. So, I'm a groomsman in a wedding. We've purchased suits and the groom gave us a picture of the type of shoe he wants us to wear (cap-toe oxford). I don't own a black cap-toe oxford and was going to say screw-it and wear one of my dressy slip ons. But I relented. But since I'm not going to wear it often but may wear it again, I wanted something reasonable. I did not see the AE's with the minimalist brogueing mentioned here. So I will check them out. There was a black Bruno Magli in Bloomingdales that I really liked as well. I'll re-consider that, as well.

Thanks.

 

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by emperus

. One being an Allen Edmonds with full brogueing. I don't wear it much, I find it still bulky. There was a black Bruno Magli in Bloomingdales that I really liked as well. I'll re-consider that, as well.

Thanks.

AEs are good shoes and well respected here but if you are not a die hard traditionalist you will find all of them bulky. Sleek and trim looking is just not what they are about. I personally tried to find an AE style i like but failed.

The ones you posted look nice, and contemporary. Although the quality is unknown if you don't use too often don't worry too much about that.

If you are looking for a good quality modern sleek looking captoe you will likely need to spend upwards of $600 and likely much more if in a hurry. Look at B&S and if lucky enough I think you will like the Vass U last, G&G in TG73 last, JLP in the 8000 last as well as several C&J lasts.

 

[ktrp]

I don't know if the lower end U.K. shoes would be sleek enough for OP, but he could consider the Herring Kensington II (Loake) or Belgravia (Barker).

 

[Achilles_]

Originally Posted by emperus

More information. I don't usually wear oxfords. I tend to buy slip ons. Though for whatever reason, I own a couple of brown oxfords. One being an Allen Edmonds with full brogueing. I don't wear it much, I find it still bulky. So, I'm a groomsman in a wedding. We've purchased suits and the groom gave us a picture of the type of shoe he wants us to wear (cap-toe oxford). I don't own a black cap-toe oxford and was going to say screw-it and wear one of my dressy slip ons. But I relented. But since I'm not going to wear it often but may wear it again, I wanted something reasonable. I did not see the AE's with the minimalist brogueing mentioned here. So I will check them out. There was a black Bruno Magli in Bloomingdales that I really liked as well. I'll re-consider that, as well.

Thanks.

If its a one time use shoe purchase I say buy whatever is cheap! I have some black cap toes that I have never worn, but keep in case of a funeral/ultra conservative meeting. To be honest for your use I would think black AE PA's would be more than adequate, maybe even overkill for the amount of use they will get. As to sleekness, they will be more sleek than 99% of the shoes there.

 

[GBer]

Minimalist? Get a wholecut. What are you planning to wear this for? Work? Lounge wear? Personally, I think it's

 

[LanceW]

Pony up for the Edward Green Chelsea and sleep well knowing you will have every funeral, interview, wedding and formal night covered for the rest of your life.

 

[emperus]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Some of the shoes in the post really got me excited. I'm tired of looking for shoes at the momet, so I think I may keep them for now esp since I found them at $90 in the B&M. But, I will keep a lookout for another dressy oxford.

 

[emperus]

I actually think my next pair will be bespoke. I think I owe my feet after years of abuse (old football etc. injuries). Off topic, but where should I be looking?