Teej- I was going to throw out the J&M versions since they seem comparable. So staying in the spirit of the OP and since you have insight on the J&M world, are the Melton's a good deal for a cap toe or is it better to bump up to the Hyde Parks? This thread has renewed my desire for the plain cap toes. I'm not sure what pair of J&Ms I currently have, I think they are the Aldrich II but I bought them from the J&M B&M 4 or 5 years ago (is there an easy way to tell by the codes on the inside. They are made India.) Unfortunately, I don't wear them much since they hurt my feet a tad. Nonetheless, I'm looking at the Meltons (from Amazon) but I'm wondering if the it's worth stepping up to the Hydes or A&E park aves. I saw the Alders that Joe highlighted the other day but am nervous about the Alders quality from DSW and doubt they are refurbishable. The only noticable plus is the Alders are five eyed rather than the Melton's six.
To bring this back to the OP- I think a plain black, non-brogue cap toe is the way to go.![]()