How many of you are into shoes... (Dress Shoes)?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dddrees

All I know is I feel better when trying to making any decision if I do a bit of research myself. My likes and my situation just may not fit your needs and desires as good as it fits me. Th conclusions I draw may not be the same that you draw on your own.

Will do

[SearChart]

After some reading I've discovered that Allen Edmonds are pretty much unavailable here.
We have something similar, British shoemaker Loake, who's 1880 line should be pretty decent from what I've read and they're exactly in my price range.
Their boutique is a 2min walk from the Rolex AD where I work, so I'll take have a look soon.

I'll just avoid the EG retailer here for now, as I'll now how that's going to end...

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'll just avoid the EG retailer here for now

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

[.brian.]

Originally Posted by SearChart

We have something similar, British shoemaker Loake, who's 1880 line should be pretty decent from what I've read and they're exactly in my price range.

I have a pair of Loake Kempton's (their suede chukka). I like them. As you mentioned, similar to AE (which is pretty much primarily what I wear because I can't afford the shoes that most of the guys are posting in here).

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by Syed117

Yeah, I mean it's pretty obscure in terms of a brand the average person knows.

I think that makes it cooler. Like they went out of their way to find great English shoes instead of just giving him some designer brand.

He wears Tom Ford suits but definitely low key on the shoes.

Daniel Craig originally had John Lobb shoes with Brioni suits. When he switched to Tom Ford the shoes became C&J and Church's.

[droptopman]

Cannot get that beautiful Country Tan in my size so still shopping. What do you guys think of these? Looking for something a little lighter in tone and I am not a suede guy.

Alden 32.jpg

or

C&J 1.jpg

[Rusty888]

From these pictures and posts I was thinking of stepping up to Loake 1880s but might miss that and go straight to c&j


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[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I'll just avoid the EG retailer here for now, as I'll now how that's going to end...

Wrong approach Bas.

You need the experience. Take notes. Document how all the lasts fit. Build a spreadsheet to analyze the best fit. Then add a layer for style and color.

About the time you get all this where you feel you have it nailed, you’ll either have the money for the shoes you want, or will have decided these shoes aren’t for you.

Get started this weekend after your run. Let us know what you find out.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Cannot get that beautiful Country Tan in my size so still shopping. What do you guys think of these? Looking for something a little lighter in tone and I am not a suede guy.

Attachment 913569

or

Attachment 913570

That second boot sings to me, but the first is sharp too.

Do you have space in the closet for both?

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

That second boot sings to me, but the first is sharp too.



Do you have space in the closet for both?

Lol, I do but too close in color. I like the C&J # 2 as well but like the shorter size of the Alden’s. Bummed about the country tan Alden’s. Just love the color and texture. They were a one off for Carmel and Brick and Mortar.
This is their largest last so tempted to try half size smaller in this one.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Cannot get that beautiful Country Tan in my size so still shopping. What do you guys think of these? Looking for something a little lighter in tone and I am not a suede guy.

[ATTACH]913569[/ATTAC]

or

[ATTACH]913570[/ATTAC]

Go with the Conistons. Great boots!

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Go with the Conistons. Great boots!

X2.

I think they will be more versatile than the Aldens.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Wrong approach Bas.

You need the experience. Take notes. Document how all the lasts fit. Build a spreadsheet to analyze the best fit. Then add a layer for style and color.

About the time you get all this where you feel you have it nailed, you’ll either have the money for the shoes you want, or will have decided these shoes aren’t for you.

Get started this weekend after your run. Let us know what you find out.

I second this recommendation. Besides don’t skip anything, check as much of it out as possible. See it, touch it, try it on. Even if you decide hot to go there you should take a good look and determine what the differences are for yourself. What exactly are the differences, whether or not it would be worth it to you, and would it even work for you.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

After some reading I've discovered that Allen Edmonds are pretty much unavailable here.
We have something similar, British shoemaker Loake, who's 1880 line should be pretty decent from what I've read and they're exactly in my price range.
Their boutique is a 2min walk from the Rolex AD where I work, so I'll take have a look soon.

I'll just avoid the EG retailer here for now, as I'll now how that's going to end...

My last understanding is that the Loake 1880 line is their only line of shoes that would be worth anything. They where the only line being made in the UK where the other lines are being made in third world locations such as India. Not well made at all.

Just a recommendation besides looking for a good fit, start looking at the finer details such as style (Last shape), design, attention to detail, quality of leather, and finishing. The more you pay the more you should notice these things however the sooner you start paying attention the more you’ll appreciate the reasons for paying more.

You may or may not know this but by the way when buying dress shoes you should look for and hope for a much better fit than what you got with your Redwings.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

X2.

I think they will be more versatile than the Aldens.

Agreed, and C&J frankly just makes a better boot.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Rusty888

From these pictures and posts I was thinking of stepping up to Loake 1880s but might miss that and go straight to c&j


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If I had only taken that approach saved some money, but then again I do have some valuable experience and I know exactly why I like what I like vs the Allen Edmonds I initially purchased.

[SearChart]

I very much understand that this is mostly a 'you get what you pay for' thing. Finding the right last and buying a high-end well made product is obviously what we all seek.
But I'm just not ready to drop that dough for dress shoes.

I was looking into the Loake 1880 line and this style speaks to me most https://loake.nl/nl/products/taunton...brown/?lang=nl

When looking at similar C&J offerings we're talking twice the price, then even twice that if you take EG into consideration.

Same goes for watches.

[Wesley Crusher]

My suggestion is to do as much research as possible. Look at different shoemakers, find out who makes styles that you like, lasts that fit you, etc... and go from there. If you decide that you really like shoes/boots from a maker that is out of your price range, do not settle for something less. Save until you can afford those shoes/boots. Remember, a quality pair of shoes/boots will last you many years so think of it as a long term investment. You don't have to buy a pair of really expensive shoes, but at least do some research and look at the shoes in person to determine what you really like.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I very much understand that this is mostly a 'you get what you pay for' thing. Finding the right last and buying a high-end well made product is obviously what we all seek.
But I'm just not ready to drop that dough for dress shoes.

I was looking into the Loake 1880 line and this style speaks to me most https://loake.nl/nl/products/taunton...brown/?lang=nl

When looking at similar C&J offerings we're talking twice the price, then even twice that if you take EG into consideration.

Same goes for watches.

Buying is not required when shopping. You can look for free. Do a lot of looking and not much buying. Learn to appreciate what is really worth the money. And remember, a cheaper shoe that needs to be replaced in a year doesn’t save any money.

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

My suggestion is to do as much research as possible. Look at different shoemakers, find out who makes styles that you like, lasts that fit you, etc... and go from there. If you decide that you really like shoes/boots from a maker that is out of your price range, do not settle for something less. Save until you can afford those shoes/boots. Remember, a quality pair of shoes/boots will last you many years so think of it as a long term investment. You don't have to buy a pair of really expensive shoes, but at least do some research and look at the shoes in person to determine what you really like.

Good advice.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Buying is not required when shopping. You can look for free. Do a lot of looking and not much buying. Learn to appreciate what is really worth the money. And remember, a cheaper shoe that needs to be replaced in a year doesn’t save any money.

That I will do. Then buy C&J as soon as I'm done with school.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by SearChart

That I will do. Then buy C&J as soon as I'm done with school.

That’s the ticket and you just might find after a bit of research you’ll make a different choice. So although I found a lot to luv with C&J boots, when it came to dress shoes I came to a different conclusion.

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I very much understand that this is mostly a 'you get what you pay for' thing. Finding the right last and buying a high-end well made product is obviously what we all seek.
But I'm just not ready to drop that dough for dress shoes.

I was looking into the Loake 1880 line and this style speaks to me most https://loake.nl/nl/products/taunton...brown/?lang=nl

When looking at similar C&J offerings we're talking twice the price, then even twice that if you take EG into consideration.

Same goes for watches.

I quite like Loake, the 1880 line is very good, they also do a bit of a step up in quality called "Export Grade." Still not up to C&J price but really nice, I had a good look at them at their shop in Leeds.

https://www.loakenordic.com/collecti...e-export-grade

[Rusty888]

Soo many choices. Where does everyone buy from. If going to a store is not available. Pediwear??


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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Rusty888

Soo many choices. Where does everyone buy from. If going to a store is not available. Pediwear??


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Let me see, where would I even begin?? Oh, and yes I purchased one or two from Pediwear, but no Pediwear is far from being my one or only resource.

Ralph Lauren
Alden
Shoemart
Brooks Bros
John Lobb
Barney’s
Leather Soul
Skoaktiebolaget
Allen Edmonds
Nordstroms
Axels
Leffot
Rancourt
Quoddy
Oak Street Bootmakers
Redwing
JCrew
Viberg
Ascot_Shoes
Pediwear

By the way there are others just can’t think of them off the top of my head. However if you check out Style Forum you’ll find them. The Internet can be a wonderful thing. However there is a certain degree of risk in shopping for high end footwear this way, but i’ve by establishing my. Size in a couple of well known Lasts in person, conducting research, working with knowledgeable high end retailers, having an average width foot, and a certain degree of luck.

[Rusty888]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Let me see, where would I even begin?? Oh, and yes I purchased one or two from Pediwear, but no Pediwear is far from being my one or only resource.

Ralph Lauren
Brooks Bros
John Lobb
Barney’s
Leather Soul
Skoaktiebolaget
Allen Edmonds
Nordstroms
Axels
Leffot
Rancourt
Quoddy
Oak Street Bootmakers
Redwing
JCrew

By the way there are others just can’t think of them off the top of my head. However if you check out Style Forum you’ll find them. The Internet can be a wonderful thing. However there is a certain degree of risk in shopping for high end footwear this way, but i’ve by establishing my. Size in a couple of well known Lasts in person, conducting research, working with knowledgeable high end retailers, having an average width foot, and a certain degree of luck.

Sorry I missed mentioning c&j. My previous post said I would skip the Loake 1880 level and go to c&j.

In Perth Australia there is basically no where that offers any variety. At best one store may have 3 pairs of Loakes. The rest of Australia a few cities like Melbourne or Sydney offer a little more selection but for me it’s a 3-4 day drive or 4 hour plane trip.

That’s where I was getting at with buying online. Living in the most isolated capital city in the world has major benefits but also has one major drawback being shopping variety.


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[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Rusty888

Sorry I missed mentioning c&j. My previous post said I would skip the Loake 1880 level and go to c&j.

In Perth Australia there is basically no where that offers any variety. At best one store may have 3 pairs of Loakes. The rest of Australia a few cities like Melbourne or Sydney offer a little more selection but for me it’s a 3-4 day drive or 4 hour plane trip.

That’s where I was getting at with buying online. Living in the most isolated capital city in the world has major benefits but also has one major drawback being shopping variety.


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Had I not shopped online I would never had been able to get the majority of shoes and boots I currently have. However as I said this is not without a certain degree of risk given that all of the shoemakers use there own Last and sizing guidelines. So I tried various known Lasts and any specific Lasts on in person when I possibly could, used numerous actual user recommendations from Styleforum, purchased shoes from retailers that could be returned when possible which was rare, and worked with retailers who sold high end men shoes specifically who could give good advice, and I am blessed with an average width foot which I am still convinced was of great help. I tended to see those who either have narrow or wider feet have more problems for a number of reasons. They often tend to try to size up or down which rarely if ever results in a real good fit.

[droptopman]

Thanks for the feedback!

LOL, no comments on the country tan Alden's. Apparently, I am the only one who thinks these are awesome....

Part of my dilemma is trying to give my business to the same gal who sells Aldens. Never ordered directly from C&J, previous purchases are from RL. The 325 last is perfect for me, so hard not to order the Conistons. And it is my Bday today so got to order something

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Thanks for the feedback!

LOL, no comments on the country tan Alden's. Apparently, I am the only one who thinks these are awesome....

Part of my dilemma is trying to give my business to the same gal who sells Aldens. Never ordered directly from C&J, previous purchases are from RL. The 325 last is perfect for me, so hard not to order the Conistons. And it is my Bday today so got to order something

At least in my opinion it’s not only is the Coniston more aesthetically pleasing overall it’s just a better boot.

At this point I couldn’t recommend a retailer but there are other retailers and places you can purchase it from. If you check the C&J appreciation thread on Styleforum you might find a recommendation. Barney’s will have one from time to time or at least they used too.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by dddrees

At least in my opinion it’s not only is the Coniston more aesthetically pleasing overall it’s just a better boot.

At this point I couldn’t recommend a retailer but there are other retailers and places you can purchase it from. If you check the C&J appreciation thread on Styleforum you might find a recommendation. Barney’s will have one from time to time or at least they used too.

The Gods have smiled upon me. Found that exact pair of Conistons in my size at Todd Snyder with a 15% discount. Totally amazed at my luck this morning Also done grinding on a new pair of boots. Win Win

Oh and thanks for the help Dan as always. I very much value your opinion when it comes to footwear. Merry Christmas!