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What to look for in shoes

hi123

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I will buy my first pair of high end shoes so I am a newbie with shoes.

I want to get a pair of cap-toe oxfords (black). Trying to get good quality but also spend as little as possible.

I got some good advice in the past that I should go for calf-leather.

What are some other things I should look for in a shoe besides it being calf-leather and is calf-leather the only way to go?

Thank you so much for your advice!
 

Oshare

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It's hard to go wrong with a good pair of black calf leather cap-toe oxfords -- so good choice there.

There are other shoe leathers, but calf leather is definitely a good starting point until you start to understand what you like and are getting yourself into.

Other things to look for would be leather soled, goodyear welted shoes. Blake stitched or blake rapid are also not bad, but goodyear welted are more easily resoled if you intend to wear these shoes for many years to come. Avoid cemented sole shoes (most mass produced stuff) unless you just want a pair of disposable shoes that you can wear for maybe a couple years before tossing into the bin.

If you start with those basics from a good reputable brand, then going up the price scale generally means you are paying for better leather quality and attention to detail. For example, I have black oxfords from Ed Et Al (Singapore brand made in Vietnam), Church's, and John Lobbs. Construction on all of them are not bad, but in terms of the suppleness of the leather -- and especially the way they crease as time goes on -- in the end the John Lobbs are definitely the finest leather (even though the Church's give me the best fit).

Also consider a second pair of quality shoes or maybe even more, so you are not wearing the same pair of shoes day after day. Having a bit of a rotation will greatly extend the useful life of your shoes and give more variety to your outfit.

Shoe trees, a shoe brush, and a shoe polishing kit are also a must to take care of your shoes.

Welcome to the world of quality shoes!
 

4skin

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Good advice given.
Buy two or three pairs to rotate daily and let rest with shoe trees.
Trust your eyes and fingers to choose the best leather.
Have a look at eBay, you'll find great second hand shoes from high end brands at amazing prices... Church, Loake, Barker, Crockett & Jones, Oliver Sweeney are sure bets. Some cheap brands sometimes put out quality items at great prices (I have a pair of Clarke's that can be mistaken for Church's, incredible quality leather). M&S also have a "luxury" collection. Good and bad surprises.
Always go for leather soles and have a Topy put on them.
 

GBR

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"first pair of high end shoes ... but also spend as little as possible" err, yes.

The most important thing is that they fit and are comfortable. There are literally tens of suppliers who make what can be passed off as decent shoes so you must take the trouble to visit some bricks and mortar shops to establish what is best for YOU.
 

mr monty

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Good advice given.
Buy two or three pairs to rotate daily and let rest with shoe trees.
Trust your eyes and fingers to choose the best leather.
Have a look at eBay, you'll find great second hand shoes from high end brands at amazing prices... Church, Loake, Barker, Crockett & Jones, Oliver Sweeney are sure bets. Some cheap brands sometimes put out quality items at great prices (I have a pair of Clarke's that can be mistaken for Church's, incredible quality leather). M&S also have a "luxury" collection. Good and bad surprises.
Always go for leather soles and have a Topy put on them.

Ebay is also a good source for new high end footwear. Many with saving of 50-75%
 

hi123

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Thank you all very much for your answers :)
 

Andy57

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What to look for? A green box that says "Edward Green" on it. You'll probably end up there, even if you start out by trying to spend as little as possible.
 

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