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

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Thug

Broke boy here - are there any makers that have unlined chukkas outside of Alden? I know skoak carried unlined chukka from Enzo but just wanted to see if there are other alternatives.

Seems to me either Carmine or Crocket and Jones would have something

[DARK_KNIGHT]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Helps to know the rules. Define your needs, limits, what fits, and your desires as soon as possible. Limiting mistaes is a good thing.

Originally Posted by dddrees

Thanks for asking, even though my thought is there’s probably little here. I’ll wait but I have my doubts that I’ll be proven wrong.

What would be the best entry level way in?

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

What would be the best entry level way in?

Shop around. Try on a lot of shoes that you like the look of and note what fits. Fit is king. If you can’t get a comfortable fit, move on, no matter how much you like the look.

Once you know which lasts from which makers fit you, pick a shoe that sings to you. It’s not any different than watches at this point.

I’d stick with high quality famous makers and avoid fashion brands. Lobb, G&G, Edward Greene, St Crispin all make very high quality shoes that will last decades. LV, Gucci, Ferragamo all outsource and you’re paying for a name, not a well made shoe.

[CLG23]

Originally Posted by DARK_KNIGHT

What would be the best entry level way in?

The past few pages have been too rich for me, I wear my $250- $500 Allen Edmonds haha

Made in Italy or England Ralph Lauren shoes are also a favorite of mine

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by CLG23

The past few pages have been too rich for me, I wear my $250- $500 Allen Edmonds haha

Made in Italy or England Ralph Lauren shoes are also a favorite of mine

I’m the opposite. I don’t wear any dress shoes that are under $1500. Only John Lobb or Pierre Corthay for me.

[CLG23]

Originally Posted by texasmade

I’m the opposite. I don’t wear any dress shoes that are under $1500. Only John Lobb or Pierre Corthay for me.

I don’t knock it, I have $1100 Saint Laurent boots and Edward Greens. Really just never took the time to try JL or any others.


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[subtona]

Just picked up a couple of pair of Lobb for 50% off at bergdorff Goodman.

Beckett and a double monk strap.

First foray into the brand, very nice

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Abdullah71601

Shop around. Try on a lot of shoes that you like the look of and note what fits. Fit is king. If you can’t get a comfortable fit, move on, no matter how much you like the look.

Once you know which lasts from which makers fit you, pick a shoe that sings to you. It’s not any different than watches at this point.

I’d stick with high quality famous makers and avoid fashion brands. Lobb, G&G, Edward Greene, St Crispin all make very high quality shoes that will last decades. LV, Gucci, Ferragamo all outsource and you’re paying for a name, not a well made shoe.

^This and your budget will generally determine where you land. Lower tier, Mid Tier or even High Tier. Are you willing to pay $1500 for a pair of shoes and an extra $200 for shoe trees? However I think it helps greatly to be aware to what is all out there and what the various differences are so you can make better decisions. What all is possible and what exactly would you get for your money. Oh and by the way you certainly don't want to pay $1500 for a pair that doesn't fit, or even $300 for that matter. Likes and dislikes as to what styles you like and why. Do you like the sleeker last or are you just fine with a pair of blobby lasted shoes. Do you have an eye for detail? Just with everything the more you pay the less concrete substance you will get in return. Law of diminishing returns. Whether you pay $300 or $1500 for a pair of Good Year Welted shoes it will probably last the same time. The more you have the more you can rotate. Shoes that can be re-welted can last a very long time. However the Pair that cost you more will typically age better as long as you take care of them. The pair which cost more will generally use better leather. These shoemakers are more selective and use the better hides and the better parts of the hide. For me it's those small details that make something like a shoe from Gaziano & Girling, John Lobb, Edward Green,or St Crispins worth it. The more refioned Last, more attention to detail, and better finishing.

If you return and ask more questions I'll do my best to get you started if so desire. By the way I don't care whether you choose the $300 or the $1500 shoe. I would even help you if you didn't wish to pay $300 but then I would probably have to tell you that it would be rather difficult to do so with a air of Good Year Welted shoe.

But my best advice is to first educate yourself on what all is possible first before beginning. I can try to help you and point you in the right direction but your going to have to do the research on your own.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by CLG23

The past few pages have been too rich for me, I wear my $250- $500 Allen Edmonds haha

Made in Italy or England Ralph Lauren shoes are also a favorite of mine

No it's not as long as you like shoes. I started with Allen Edmonds and others have posted some as well. I may care more for others now but the only important thing is that you like a good pair of quality shoes.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by CLG23

I don’t knock it, I have $1100 Saint Laurent boots and Edward Greens. Really just never took the time to try JL or any others.


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As long as you like Edward Greens your just fine with me.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by subtona

Just picked up a couple of pair of Lobb for 50% off at bergdorff Goodman.

Beckett and a double monk strap.

First foray into the brand, very nice

Congrats!!!


Pics, pics, come on where are those PICS???????????

[texasmade]

Originally Posted by subtona

Just picked up a couple of pair of Lobb for 50% off at bergdorff Goodman.

Beckett and a double monk strap.

First foray into the brand, very nice

Good pickup.

Double monk the William, Chapel, Phillip?

[tudorbaja27]

Rossetti Thursday20180719_085150.jpeg

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[Oscarpapa]

Nice loafers. Please don't take this the wrong way as I am no longer keep up with current trends but I was brought up to believe your sock should be either the colour of your footwear or the colour of your trousers. Is contrasting colours now the 'in' thing. Cheers.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by Oscarpapa

Nice loafers. Please don't take this the wrong way as I am no longer keep up with current trends but I was brought up to believe your sock should be either the colour of your footwear or the colour of your trousers. Is contrasting colours now the 'in' thing. Cheers.

I tend to like socks in various colors. Especially burgundy, purple, dark blue and such. Just a preference

[Oscarpapa]

Ok. Its looks fine by the way, it was just the old-fashioned convention that was instilled in me haha. However, I really like the style and colour of your loafers. Cheers.

[tudorbaja27]

Originally Posted by Oscarpapa

Ok. Its looks fine by the way, it was just the old-fashioned convention that was instilled in me haha. However, I really like the style and colour of your loafers. Cheers.

Thanks. They look brighter in the pic than they really are. Still haven't found a way to upload quality pictures through Tapatalk

[droptopman]

Not dress shoes by any means, but has anyone tried these? They look comfy https://www.allbirds.com/

[Syed117]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Not dress shoes by any means, but has anyone tried these? They look comfy https://www.allbirds.com/

I have 4 pairs of the wool loungers. They are very casual, but extremely comfortable. Bought my dad a pair and he says they are most comfortable things he's ever worn. I might agree.

Have thrown them in the wash a few times, still holding up after about a year.



Wearing some C&J today. Still look perfect a year later.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I have 4 pairs of the wool loungers. They are very casual, but extremely comfortable. Bought my dad a pair and he says they are most comfortable things he's ever worn. I might agree.


Wearing some C&J today. Still look perfect a year later.

Without stating which shoemaker if I looked carefully enough I could tell which shoemaker made them. Regardless you can always spot a good quality shoe or boot. Details matter and the better they are the better they age. Good show!!

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by Syed117

I have 4 pairs of the wool loungers. They are very casual, but extremely comfortable. Bought my dad a pair and he says they are most comfortable things he's ever worn. I might agree.

Have thrown them in the wash a few times, still holding up after about a year.

Thanks Syed. Think I will grab a couple pairs. They actually look like something I can golf in when it is hot, especially the tree runners.

[Wesley Crusher]

I’ve been meaning to try out the Allbirds, though I can’t imagine anything being more comfortable than the Ultraboosts.

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

I’ve been meaning to try out the Allbirds, though I can’t imagine anything being more comfortable than the Ultraboosts.

True that, UB's are the ultimate in comfort, but allbirds would fit a different category for me. More like a boat shoe for casual work.

[bdex75]

Ok. Need casual boots for the weekends etc. Will wear with jeans mainly. AE Normandy or Redwing Rangers? Both are in the $300’ish range so cost is not a factor.



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[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by droptopman

True that, UB's are the ultimate in comfort, but allbirds would fit a different category for me. More like a boat shoe for casual work.

Hmm, now you have me thinking about if I can get away with these at the office lol.

There is a guy here who wears some triple black UBs and nobody (to my knowledge) has said anything.

[sholzer]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Ok. Need casual boots for the weekends etc. Will wear with jeans mainly. AE Normandy or Redwing Rangers? Both are in the $300’ish range so cost is not a factor.



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Normandy's have a leather sole, something to take into consideration depending on when you plan to wear them.

I have a few pairs of boots, Indy's, AE dalton, AE long branches, and AE higgins mill. The higgins mills are probably my second favorite to the Indy's. Comfy, good looking, and a little more versatile with the dainite sole.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by sholzer

Normandy's have a leather sole, something to take into consideration depending on when you plan to wear them.

I have a few pairs of boots, Indy's, AE dalton, AE long branches, and AE higgins mill. The higgins mills are probably my second favorite to the Indy's. Comfy, good looking, and a little more versatile with the dainite sole.

Thanks. Was thinking that the rubber sole would be better. Just bought two pairs of Stradmonks with the dainite sole and really like them.


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[mistermann]

I'm into shoes, I wear them every day.

[subtona]

Originally Posted by dddrees

Congrats!!!


Pics, pics, come on where are those PICS???????????

Thank you!
Left them at the office, will snap a pic when I am back in

Originally Posted by texasmade

Good pickup.

Double monk the William, Chapel, Phillip?

Sad to say I Don’t know? Tried them on and the fit was right, I didn't ask questions


Also picked up a pair of Brunello Cucinelli boots...still having issues posting pics since the new trf image limits, please pardon the terrible pic

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Ok. Need casual boots for the weekends etc. Will wear with jeans mainly. AE Normandy or Redwing Rangers? Both are in the $300’ish range so cost is not a factor.



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If you don't mind I'm going to broaden your horizons just a bit. Style wise if your willing to pay more Viberg would be the way to go in my opinion, however that would cost about twice as much. Truman would be a bit less but they offer the same style and in some very interesting leathers.

Now if those two are bit more than what you are willing to pay Rancourt and Oakstreet Bootmakers make some very nice boots for not much more than what you are talking about spending. Been awhile since I've looked but I don't think we are talking much more. Personally I would choose Rancourt as they actually make their boots and Oakstreet Bootmakers does not.

At the level your talking there is also Wolverine 1K boots but the leather on those generally aren't anywhere as nice as the leather you get with Red Wings. Frankly between AE and Redwings your talking a much tougherboot with Redwing. However with Redwing it's good to know that the breakin period for most folks can be a bit longer and to some extent even painful. However after broke in they are extremely comfortable and a real great boot.

Leather sole vs rubber sole I personally would always go with a rubber sole on this type of boot. In fact I went with Redwing Beckmans instead of Iron Rangers just because of this. However style wise Iron Rangers are better looking and the rubber sole is something you can always add after getting them. Personally for this style I would choose Redwing over AE all day long and twice on Sundays.


The other thing I would consider besides fit is what type of eyelets whether eyelets or hooks. On this type of boot hooks are generally easier. Iron Rangers and some others I mentioned have hooks but the Beckmans do not.