Shoe Help

[DK]

I am in need of a new pair of loafer/boat/moc shoes.


I found these on LL Bean: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/46112?feat=2-SR0


I was also browsing through the DSW sale and found these: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/timberland+men%27s+classic+boat+shoe?prodId=221096 &productRef=SEARCH


Firstly, between those two options, which do you suggest?

In addition, where else would you suggest me going for boat shoes if you're not a fan of either of the two options listed above? And if you're not a fan, why not? Just trying to get a feel for this...


Second, I also found these shoes on DSW: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/ralph+lauren+collection+men%27s+beauchamp+driving+ moccasin?prodId=232925&productRef=SEARCH


They are far too expensive (of course), but I REALLY like them. Where can I find something similar to something like that for less money (or, a more reasonable price)? The loafer/moc etc... That is the type of shoe that I really like. (I'm not a big boots kind of a guy).


As always, thanks so much for your time. I really appreciate it.

[alan]

Between the two above, I prefer the LL Bean.

[TomasR]

Both look nice, but I prefer the contrast sole on the LL Bean. Bonus points for no logo branding, one of the big reasons why I don't own any Timberland products.

[DK]

@Alan Why do you say that? I kind of like the design of the DSW ones myself...

[alan]

My reasoning is the same as TomasR. I prefer more contrast in the sole and the logo is bothersome. I do like the contrast stitching in the Timberland, though. And I like how the eyelets stand out, too.

[DK]

@Alan Yeah. I'm torn.


And what about the rest of my original post? What do you think...?

[TTigers70]

Amazon has a pretty huge selection and the prices vary widely across different colors.


http://www.amazon.com/Sebago-Mens-Docksides-Boat-Brown/dp/B0007T2AQG/ref=sr_1_2?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1330100695&sr=1-2


What I did was find the combination I liked best and then narrowed in to find the best price I could. Ended up saving maybe $10 from doing an hour of research so pays off sometimes.

[MaxMan]

The LL Beans are the classics there, contrasting soles, the briar or choclate colorway are my faves...the RL are not so appealing to me...and the Tims are a bit boring...

[DK]

What about if I throw the following options into the mix?:


1. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...uctId=12482210

2. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...1278506#Page_0

3. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...ductId=3958278

4. http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...ductId=3457961

5. (I know this is a totally different type of shoe, but): http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/i...uctId=11838053

[MattC]

Personally I like the completely different shoe at the end, just because I'm not really a fan of drivers (a bit clunky for my personal tastes, though I've seen people pull them off flawlessly) and I like the look of those last shoes.

[drew2]

Not really a fan of driving type shoes. That sole on the first RL shoe I think is hideous.


As far as boat shoes, choose one that *you* like the look of: Sebago Docksides, Sperry Top-Siders, Timberland, L.L. Bean Cascos, whatever. In the end, you're the one wearing it and just wear it with confidence.


But look around at other boat shoes to get a taste of what looks better and what doesn't. They aren't a complicated design--stick with something simple, nothing too fancy or outrageous.


Like the others, I prefer the contrast sole of the LL Bean shoe. I myself own a Sebago Dockside in brown elk that I picked up at Nordstrom Rack for $25.