What Goes Into Your Decision For Dress Shoes?

[Jerry52]

I'm still trying to weigh the options for a nice pair of leather lace-up dress shoes somewhere around $400. There are lots of brands, for sure.

Just curious what is on your agenda as you choose?

And I'm speaking about choosing a pair of shoes that you really intend to wear at least once a week. I know there are a few "collectors" who buy to fill the closet but I'm more interested in the checklist for shoes for actual intended use.

Is it brand loyalty- "buying by the label?"

Is it very calculating and scientific- trying for the exact last to match your foot and judging durable construction at the best price?

Is it more from a whim- a pretty shoe almost turning your head like a pretty girl and then a good sale sealing the deal?

Do you insist on only buying shoes where you can touch them and try them on in the store or are you comfortable in buying by mail order only based on your foot size and comments you read on forums like this?

Do you have a preference for a shoe that can readily be repaired by a cobbler or are you happy enough to buy a disposable shoe?

Does foot support enter into the equation?

Maybe there are factors I'm missing. I'd like to have a better chance of success especially since I'll probably have to buy by mail order so I'm here to pick your brains...

but I promise to put them back where I found them!

Jerry

 

[Will]

Only buy classic welted shoes that will last for decades. Settle on one or two makers and learn how they fit.

By sticking to your sources the majority of the time, you'll know what you're going to get even though you may have never seen the model before. You can place an order by email and the shoes fit when they arrive.

Think about how many wears you are likely to get from a particular type before you buy them. And buy the shoes you'll wear every week before the great looking specialty pair that you'll wear six times a year.

 

[grimslade]

Is it me, or did Jerry basically just ask for a summary of half of what's on this forum?


For me, it starts with a look or style that either 1.) one needs for a purpose or 2.) catches one's eye. from there, you verify fit, etc. If construction doesn't meet certain standards, you don't consider, which basically means you're down to a handful or so of cordwainers anyway.

 

[hossoso]

Women. After that is comfort, style, construction, price, blah blah blah

 

[hossoso]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Is it me, or did Jerry basically just ask for a summary of half of what's on this forum?

Yes, and given the wide scope of the question and the disparity between the myriad of passionately held opinions on this forum it will probably lead him further away from a definitive answer on how to find dress shoes rather than closer to the ideal formula. I've read different members quote either value, style, comfort or durability as the most important quality in a shoe.

OP: maybe a poll would be the best way to get your answer?

 

[Jerry52]

More than half the fun of buying something is in the chase. And nearly ALL of the insanity!

 

[studio253]

I spend a lot of hours on my feet. Rubber soles are a must. I once had to push my boss, in his wheelchair, up an airport jetway barefoot because my $500 Bally soles couldn't get any traction after US Airways had broken his power wheelchair. After that happened I went exclusively to rubber soles.
I absolutely love my Allen Edmonds. I like the fact that I can send them back to be recrafted when I need to.

 

[Jerry52]

Originally Posted by grimslade

For me, it starts with a look or style that either 1.) one needs for a purpose or 2.) catches one's eye. from there, you verify fit, etc. If construction doesn't meet certain standards, you don't consider, which basically means you're down to a handful or so of cordwainers anyway.

That's true enough, but I suppose that since I'm not located near enough one of the really big cities like NYC or Chicago or LA, I'm afraid to select something because I figure I'll overlook some brand.

 

[Get Smart]

I get hit with the notion that *something* is missing from my shoe wardrobe....then I obsess over it until it's fulfilled. I have a good amount of brand loyalty to Paul Smith so that's the first place I look, if it's not there then I expand my sites to more traditional brands/makers. My foot is easily fitted into any last so that's not an issue, but I have last styles I prefer.

right now I'm thinking that I need these Brooks Bro's Peal loafers (probably made by A Sargent)

 

[pkincy]

I suppose that if I was starting out I would look at both Alden and AE and decide what style I liked and pick a mfg and than go to one of their stores and buy something.

Perry

 

[jml90]

Quality, what I can afford, and style (in that order)

 

[kitonbrioni]

Both style and quality.

 

[Jared]

I set out planning to fill my wardrobe needs with AEs because I could try them on, but since then I've come across deals online that are good enough to risk buying them after some research here about fit and quality.

One principle I'm obsessed with is set covering: what is the smallest number of shoes that will cover all social situations? For example: black balmorals in plain-toe can go from interviews to black-tie but are perhaps too stark, compared to cap-toes, for everyday work wear. Another example: merlot shoes go with black pants and are more fun than black shoes with every other colour. Ankle boots and monkstraps seem to cover particularly large amounts of the set...

 

[sho'nuff]

i have gotten a bit haughty in my pursuit of shoes.

i only have interest in shoes that are rich and decadent in leathers, luxurious and beautiful, eye candy level , substantial thick soled works of art that can be seen as jewels.

 

[designprofessor]

First, I bought to get the basics.
Then, I got the basics and I found different styles and makers.
Then, I got into this damn forum and started all over on a more expensive learning curve.

Like most addictive behavior, it starts innocently enough.
Just for kicks...yeah right.