nordicstyle
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- Dec 25, 2008
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I'm looking into improving my style a bit by dumping the trusty old Asics Gel-Nebraskas I usually wear to work, and replace them with a small selection of leather shoes (two or three pairs, for now). I want something that will go well with jeans, but ideally also can be worn with a suit.
I'm thinking it's best to start off with the basics, so I'm planning to get a pair of classic style oxfords or derby's in black and brown (i.e. no pointy or square-toed designs). I'm also considering getting a pair of more "rugged" boots.
The brands I have been able to find in retail stores so far are Aldo Brue, Paul Smith, Lotusse, Lloyd, Gant, Sand, Ricco Vero and Di Stillo. I don't really have any experience with either of these brands, but I assume they are somewhat high-end, as all their shoes are in the price range $200-$600. Some actually also said "hand made in Italy".
So now I'm wondering, does anyone here have any experience with either of these labels? I'm also wondering if I should start off by buying high-end shoes immediatly or rather pick up some cheaper knock-offs until I know what I would be comfortable with? I already own some odd brand dress shoes ($60 or so), and the reason I don't wear the much is because they a) look a bit tacky and "cheap" and b) are not very comfortable to wear.
I'm also wondering, how does $500 leather shoes compare with city walkers for comfort? One of the reasons why I wear Asics gel shoes in the first place is because I do a lot of walking. Can I expect to continue walking with leather shoes, or should I expect having to start taking the bus to work and do the walking/jogging in the gym instead?
When I wear normal city walkers/sneakers I have to replace them every year or so, because I simply wear them out. Normally what happens is that I wear out the "padding" inside the shoes (especially on the inside of the heel) and the inner soles. How will leather shoes be able to hold up with this? I know the shoes will last longer if I rotate them (i.e. wear a different pair every day), but I can't really afford to buy six pairs of $500 shoes right now...
Please, also, if anyone have links/pictures to what type of shoes would be best for "starting out" that would be much apreciated (i.e. some examples of basic designs suited for my needs).
I'm thinking it's best to start off with the basics, so I'm planning to get a pair of classic style oxfords or derby's in black and brown (i.e. no pointy or square-toed designs). I'm also considering getting a pair of more "rugged" boots.
The brands I have been able to find in retail stores so far are Aldo Brue, Paul Smith, Lotusse, Lloyd, Gant, Sand, Ricco Vero and Di Stillo. I don't really have any experience with either of these brands, but I assume they are somewhat high-end, as all their shoes are in the price range $200-$600. Some actually also said "hand made in Italy".
So now I'm wondering, does anyone here have any experience with either of these labels? I'm also wondering if I should start off by buying high-end shoes immediatly or rather pick up some cheaper knock-offs until I know what I would be comfortable with? I already own some odd brand dress shoes ($60 or so), and the reason I don't wear the much is because they a) look a bit tacky and "cheap" and b) are not very comfortable to wear.
I'm also wondering, how does $500 leather shoes compare with city walkers for comfort? One of the reasons why I wear Asics gel shoes in the first place is because I do a lot of walking. Can I expect to continue walking with leather shoes, or should I expect having to start taking the bus to work and do the walking/jogging in the gym instead?
When I wear normal city walkers/sneakers I have to replace them every year or so, because I simply wear them out. Normally what happens is that I wear out the "padding" inside the shoes (especially on the inside of the heel) and the inner soles. How will leather shoes be able to hold up with this? I know the shoes will last longer if I rotate them (i.e. wear a different pair every day), but I can't really afford to buy six pairs of $500 shoes right now...
Please, also, if anyone have links/pictures to what type of shoes would be best for "starting out" that would be much apreciated (i.e. some examples of basic designs suited for my needs).