Which shoe is less ugly?

So, I don't have unlimited funds, and need a brown oxford lace-up this week. I'm probably going to order from Zappos.

Originally, I was going to get this shoe from J Crew, but it won't ship until 5/28:

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product...atId=cat180084

I love the shine and the dark brown color. So, which of the following are adequate substitutes?
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7323951/c/537.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/118124/c/216.html

Rockports are generally ugly, but this one doesn't seem too bad. I don't like the squared-off toe, but it's not too extreme. It doesn't have the lustre of the Bostonion or the J Crew, though. The Bostonion doesn't look as comfortable, and looks slightly more dressy.

I thought I might be able to find something from AE's in this classic style and color, but was disappointed by their selections and styles. Actually, I've had a very difficult time finding any shoes that approximate my original choice. If anyone has some suggestions I'd love to hear.

I will be wearing them with chinos as well as wool slacks, in a business casual environment.

J Crew's brown suede bucks are in stock. I wonder if I should go for these, since it's almost summer. Can they work with business casual?

The bostonian are the less ugly of the list

Brown bucks can work with most business casual ... I'd get those over any of the other three.

Originally Posted by dapperdude

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brown oxford lace-up

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product...atId=cat180084

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7323951/c/537.html
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/118124/c/216.html

Those shoes are not oxfords, they are derbys/bluchers.
The last one is IMO the least ugly.

The Bostonian is the nicest and sleekest.

Originally Posted by Silk

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The Bostonian is the nicest and sleekest.

Still they're not worth the price IMO. If you look around, especially on eBay, Bostonian shoes go for much, much less.

If I were the OP and need something quick, I'd follow Doc's suggestion and get the J.Crew brown suede bucks.

"Those shoes are not oxfords, they are derbys/bluchers.
The last one is IMO the least ugly."

mumbojumbo: I understand these are not in the same style as the plain-toe oxfords. For some reason, I couldn't find many plain-toe oxfords in dark brown. It's not as popular as cap toe, perhaps? My primary concern is that it's an oxford in brown.

It can take time to find something decent on EBay. I have looked, and will probably continue to look. I think I'll go with the suede bucks from J Crew, and for now, make do with what I currently have in brown (a burgundy or chili split-toe Florsheim lace-up, which doesn't look all that great with chinos, but it could be worse).

I'd say try the bucks - at least when you do find a good quality brown dress shoe similar to the other ones, you won't be doubling up and have a totally redundant and extraneous shoe that you spent $100 on.

Originally Posted by dapperdude

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It can take time to find something decent on EBay. I have looked, and will probably continue to look. I think I'll go with the suede bucks from J Crew, and for now, make do with what I currently have in brown (a burgundy or chili split-toe Florsheim lace-up, which doesn't look all that great with chinos, but it could be worse).

Good choice.

Also, IIRC chorse has a Grenson Masterpiece/Paul Stuart pair in your size up over in the B&S forum a few days ago. A little bit more pricey, but much better quality it seems. Might be worth it to shoot him a PM.

Originally Posted by dapperdude

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http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product...atId=cat180084

I love the shine and the dark brown color.

My guess is that shine is either enhanced for display on the webpage, or it's one of those artificial coatings they put on corrected grain leather shoes.

How about these Allen Edmonds from STP?

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,...e-For-Men.html

If you can find a 30% coupon, they are in the same price range as the J. Crew. They would go well with chinos or dress pants.

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

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Brown bucks can work with most business casual ... I'd get those over any of the other three.

I second this recommendation. I didn't like any of the alternatives, but then I wasn't crazy about the original J Crew shoes. Go with the bucks from J Crew:

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product...atId=cat180084

Or what about these:

http://www.jcrew.com/catalog/product...atId=cat180084

Hard to pick as they are all ugly...