Updating wardrobe - Shoes

[shad0w4life]

Greg & Vicious: I simply pointed out the irony in the statement.

Now looking at that jcrew link, those are not very attractive at all, laces are very busy and white stitching at the top just ruins them for me.

[pdxkyle]

Wouldn't be a bad idea to try and find some second hand AE's on ebay. That is if you dont mind second hand items. I personally don't have a problem with it.

[shad0w4life]

Ebay brand suggestions:
Mezlan
Magnanni
Alden
Crockett & Jones
Allen Edmonds
Johnston & Murphy

[Vicious49]

Greg & Vicious: I simply pointed out the irony in the statement.

Now looking at that jcrew link, those are not very attractive at all, laces are very busy and white stitching at the top just ruins them for me.

I didn't consider it an insult but Greg is right - we should stick to the topic. Maybe the Cascades or the Alden 405's are ugly, but my Indy fascination blinds me to it.

The OP should consider getting some basic shoes. If you're not trying to spend too much, I think some plain brown bluchers like this would be a good start. With todays discount code, they're only $60.
http://www.jcrew.com/mens_feature/to...~~~~/55751.jsp

[Fred G. Unn]

I'm not sure if the OP is still active or not, but Edwards of Manchester has a ridiculous deal right now. Use code jan2013 for 20% off everything, and then they also deduct the 20% VAT for US customers. OP, you should consider looking at any of the Loake or Barker shoes (UK sizing, generally -1):
http://www.edwardsofmanchester.co.uk/brands/mens/loake
http://www.edwardsofmanchester.co.uk/brands/mens/barker

Great time to pick up some staple goodyear-welted business shoes.

[Wally]

Thanks all, appreciate the candid feedback - very helpful.

How about these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Allen-Edmond...51209971400%26

[Sox]

IMO that would be a great pair to start with as far as brown oxfords are concerned. It is pretty obvious that they've been handled a bit as they were a display pair but the leather seems to be in great condition and only needs a good conditioning and polish. Anytime you can grab a pair of AE's in brand new or virtually brand new condition for around 150 I would suggest jumping on it if you can.

[LosRockets]

If you're really size 8D, keep searching on Ebay. You'll probably find AE's for a lot cheaper and in pretty good condition.

[shad0w4life]

Don't forget, mezlan, magnanno, feragamo etc.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/820-Salvatore...item2327707962

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Salvatore-Fer...item41704c7fe1

[vicgreen]

I personally really enjoyed wearing Monk Strap Shoes with jeans, khakis or chinos... “element of surprise”, strap and buckle on the side, a decorative element because this is what sets this shoe apart from other shoes.

[printyra]

Probably the most versatile shoe that you can own that is high quality would be the Allen Edmonds Strand in Walnut. I know many of the guys on this forum have that pair. It goes well with jeans, gray and navy trousers. It can work in a casual or a workplace setting. I would stay away from black shoes. Brown shoes come in soo many shades and are just more versatile in terms of matching with pants.

For versatility, go for either a plain oxford captoe or a semi brogued oxford. You seem to have many loafers already, so maybe make the dive into the double monkstrap.

If purchasing Allen Edmonds firsts are a little too pricy for you $335, then you can check out Meermin's Classic line or the Allen Edmonds Shoe Bank for factory seconds. Meermin prices are in euros, so just convert it over (also convert your size from US to UK). Since you are an Ammmmurican you dont pay their VAT, but instead you pay for international shipping, which in the end comes out to be about the same. For their classic line, you are looking at around $220. I can tell you from my own experience that they are a lovely, high quality shoe.

If you are looking to go cheaper ($150 or less), check out eBay for Allen Edmonds. Check out DSW, I personally like their Mercanti Fiorentini brand which is a sleek, Italian look.

[kbrown]

AE has frequent sales. I've only ever paid full price on one pair of the 6 I own.

[Vicious49]

AE has frequent sales. I've only ever paid full price on one pair of the 6 I own.

I own 5 I think and I've yet to pay full price.