What non-boot footwear to use with workwear-inspired outfits

[ZZ99]

I like wearing workwear inspired outfits. Think denim, workwear chinos, fatigues, t-shirts, flannels (on the fall), chambray shirts, western shirts, trucker jackets, chore coats, my barbour jacket (is that workwear too? i digress....)

However when it comes to footwear, using work boots feels a little bit "too much" considering my outings are to the supermarket down the street, the local park, or a quick walk in the neighborhood. I use birkenstock arizona on the house, but weather is not always right to take them out. In fact, I live in Mexico city where the weather is often slightly too warm for boots, and the rainy summer evenings rule out my birk sandals.


What kind of footwear should I get that goes with my outfits and introduces a bit more diversity? I am currently looking at chunky black loafers, such as these ones.


P.S. i've been using the birkenstock stalon chelsea boots which, even though they're not work boots, still feel a bit too "heavy" or warm sometimes.

 

[paxonus]

Heavy soled longwing bluchers. Allen Edmonds, Grant Stone, Alden, etc.

 

[TheIronDandy]

Suede chukkas? Still boots, but not as heavy as work boots. Some Saphir invuln spray and they'll stand up to the rain no problem.

 

[ZZ99]

Suede chukkas? Still boots, but not as heavy as work boots. Some Saphir invuln spray and they'll stand up to the rain no problem.

I like this idea! Like desert boots, or were you thinking something more structured?

 

[bentheredonethat]

Doc Marten's 1461s immediately come to mind. Especially once they get put through the ringer a little bit. Also, Cons, vans, and the loafers you mentioned would work as well.

 

[TheIronDandy]

I like this idea! Like desert boots, or were you thinking something more structured?

Something like this (I have a pair) is probably what comes to my mind. Quite soft even though they are lined, has held up well to both heat and rain.

 

[ppk]

Something like this (I have a pair) is probably what comes to my mind. Quite soft even though they are lined, has held up well to both heat and rain.

I wear my Astorflex Greenflex a lot with workwear, but they have a few other models that work too.

Also, Tyrolean shoes work as well (e.g. Paraboot Michaels).

 

[ZZ99]

I wear my Astorflex Greenflex a lot with workwear, but they have a few other models that work too.

Also, Tyrolean shoes work as well (e.g. Paraboot Michaels).

I see. A well-regarded local shoe maker makes these moc-toe ones in green suede. Maybe that will work well. Does the color limit its versatility?

I'm considering what shoe would be more useful: Those ones, or the chunky loafer I posted at the start of the thread.

 

[ppk]

I see. A well-regarded local shoe maker makes these moc-toe ones in green suede. Maybe that will work well. Does the color limit its versatility?

I'm considering what shoe would be more useful: Those ones, or the chunky loafer I posted at the start of the thread.

I think browns are more versatile - whiskey or dark brown. On the loafer vs. Tyrolean, loafers are more convenient and look a bit more formal than Tyroleans, but it's your preference.

 

[LeeR]

I'd just go with a 1000 mile boot. They're not heavy, have a single sole and look great with any work wear. I wear mine a lot.

 

[barutanseijin]

I think the closest approximation to the boot look without being boots would be something like Red Wing Shop Moc Oxfords, which are basically the shoe version of their work boots. Alden has something similar, called Indy Shoes.

Barring that, plain toe bluchers. Or ranger mocs for a more east coast/ivy/outdoor look. Loafers would work for me.

 

[ZZ99]

I think the closest approximation to the boot look without being boots would be something like Red Wing Shop Moc Oxfords, which are basically the shoe version of their work boots. Alden has something similar, called Indy Shoes.

Barring that, plain toe bluchers. Or ranger mocs for a more east coast/ivy/outdoor look. Loafers would work for me.

I love those ranger mocs! I'll plan on ordering when I'm in the US.

For now I might get the loafers but I'm thinking of getting these slightly more formal ones from the same manufacturer to be able to dress them up a bit when needed. Do those work too?

I'm also now considering Birkenstock bostons. They are controversial, but I think they work with workwear outfits that are relaxed enough, would you agre?

 

[barutanseijin]

I love those ranger mocs! I'll plan on ordering when I'm in the US.

For now I might get the loafers but I'm thinking of getting these slightly more formal ones from the same manufacturer to be able to dress them up a bit when needed.

I'm also now considering Birkenstock bostons. They are controversial, but I think they work with workwear outfits that are relaxed enough, would you agre?

Sure, the Birkenstock Bostons will work. I see many people wearing them around NYC. Some actually work in them, so there you go: contemporary work wear.

 

[ZZ99]

Sure, the Birkenstock Bostons will work. I see many people wearing them around NYC. Some actually work in them, so there you go: contemporary work wear.

Exactly what I'm going for! Needless to say my work is pretty stationary haha.

But here's where I get confused... Do you think that there are certain outfits that can work with both Bostons (super casual) and the suede loafers in my previous message (much more formal)?

 

[barutanseijin]

What with the suede and those chunky soles, the loafers still look pretty casual to me. Assuming the Birkenstocks are a similar color and material, i imagine there would be some overlap. Of course, in the end, it will come down what you’re comfortable with when you look in the mirror.