Tuxedo Shoes Advice: Which Pair Should I Get?

[blackbowtie]

I've been holding off buying patent leather shoes for a long time, but have decided to grow up and get a pair. I thought I should start small, and I found these on e-bay:

Ralph Lauren pumps: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=390051836057

Ferragamo lace-ups: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=380125074187

I'm aware that there are better quality and (higher priced) options out there, but I'm thinking of starting with options in this range.

I've been indoctrinated from a young age that a man's shoes should have laces, but the RL pumps also look ultra comfortable, especially when factoring in dancing into the wee hours of the morning in a ballroom.

Any thoughts and comments would be most appreciated.

 

[Sander]

I don't like the last shape of the Ferragamos; the RLs look great.
But I don't really understand how you can be torn between these two; they are two totally different beasts.

 

[blackbowtie]

Originally Posted by Sander

But I don't really understand how you can be torn between these two; they are two totally different beasts.

The ideal thing for me would be to get both kinds, but I think that would be silly to do in one go. Thanks for the input.

 

[dv3]

I think the RLs look very feminine.

 

[Sanguis Mortuum]

Originally Posted by Sander

I don't like the last shape of the Ferragamos.
Agreed, they look overly pointy to me.

Originally Posted by dv3

I think the RLs look very feminine.
That's what opera pumps look like...

 

[dv3]

Originally Posted by Sanguis Mortuum

That's what opera pumps look like...
I know that...doesn't change my opinion though...

I agree with the Ferragamos being pointy as well I feel very negative on this thread

 

[Ozelot]

Hi!
I would take the first pair. I generally like opera pumps

and so you even have adequate shoes for a tailcoat.

 

[yoshii]

Another vote for the RL pumps, in saying that they do come across as slightly feminine but still look nicer than the Ferragamo's you posted.

 

[zjpj83]

Best value and best style I've found: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...lt_color=Black

 

[dv3]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Best value and best style I've found: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...lt_color=Black

+1

 

[Grayland]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Best value and best style I've found: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...lt_color=Black

Those are great. I have to be honest with myself and say that I just couldn't wear opera pumps.

 

[Ozelot]

btw: IMO these are also nice and at a lower price then the RL pumps: http://www.shipton-usa.com/patent-le...mp-1751-0.html

 

[davidrichards]

Just a thought - laced shoes will provide better fit and support - important for long nights and dancing.

 

[phillyesq]

Originally Posted by zjpj83

Best value and best style I've found: http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...lt_color=Black

I like that much better than the other two options. I'm just not a fan of opera pumps generally, and I don't care for the shape of the Ferragamos.

 

[voxsartoria]

There is no more elegant RTW shoe for dinner clothes than that Edward Green for RLPL calf pump.

If that is an option, to choose another is unfortunate. Make sure it fits, though...you should try on any RTW shoe first, but particularly low vamp shoes with no lacing.

As for a pump looking "feminine," that's ridiculous. You're not wearing it alone nude. It is a single part of what is basically the most severe ensemble that most men get to wear these days, one piece of a whole that should be working together in harmony.

Most importantly: if anyone doubts your masculinity because you are wearing the most traditional shoes for dinner clothes, you might need to work on persona more than your shoes.


- B