Post: #451

(08-28-2015 11:30 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  

(08-28-2015 08:23 PM)swuglyfe Wrote:  

(08-01-2015 05:44 PM)robreke Wrote:  are Cole Haan wingtip brogues a good buy? I was going to get some A. Edmonds but I'm on a budget and these cole haans are a good deal now:

Replied to robreke personally but I felt that this was a good PSA for this thread. Cole Haan are no longer good since they've been purchased by Nike. The quality has decreased substantially. Allen Edmonds are the gold standard of men's shoes by which all others must be measured, perhaps short of going to a remote Italian village to see a old cobbler who will bespoke measure and make your shoes out of the purest grain calfhide.

That said, they are ridiculously expensive, at about $385 full retail MSRP.

I have found two great ways to get great deals on AE in my time studying it; the first is of course the outlet called the Shoe Bank.

shoebank.com

This has a rough guide to what is available, but not always perfectly accurate. It is not an ecommerce solution; you can't buy online what you see. You have to call and ask for them to ship to you. This, however, allows it to fly below the radar and have a good wide selection for the few that know about it.

The second option is for even cheaper deals. Find the ebay seller dabondo1, he runs an AE store and often gets trade ins or people who wear the shoes once and return it, but makes them unsellable at full price. He offers them from about $149 to $179, but here's the kicker: he allows best offer, and will more often than not take half of that price. With $12 standard shipping, this means you can get barely used or slightly damaged AEs for about $100. Which is insane.

My entire AE collection of 10 pairs has been built exclusively from these two methods. I have not bought a single pair at full retail, and have thus probably spent only 30% total MSRP.

Related: I'm really liking the new styles they just dropped based on the 1934 last. Cornwallis and Yorktown especially. Normandy is a good challenger to the classic Timberland boot.

PS: Straight bar lacing is the best.

I know they're very well made (American made) and have strong customer service, but this was my experience with AE: I spent about an hour in an AE store, trying on various shoes. Clerk was very helpful and told me all about their refurbishing policy that essentially could make the shoe last forever. They had a couple decent looking shoes but they're all built for thicker feet. The clerk was trying to stuff a tongue pad and heel pads in all the shoes I was trying on to make them work and that's when I knew it was a no go. I've never had this problem before. Also their styling is very traditional and I'd say very English or American. Kind of clunky, thicker soles. A very non-European style.

Interesting, certainly different strokes for different folks, I'm interested to hear that even A-EEE width sizing didn't help at all. I do like more of their European chiseled toe shoes built on either the 1943 or 333 lasts, such as the larchmont, cornwallis, boca ratons, or flatirons.

Post: #452

(08-28-2015 07:21 PM)MrXY Wrote:  I've hoped that same hope many times and it's almost always a disappointed hope, especially if it's so bad you're getting serious blisters.

Could be the last just isn't the right shape for your foot, or the size is wrong, or the liner or upper leather. are mediocre quality.

In my experience fine quality, well fitting shoes are comfortable right out of the box and you should not get friction issues from walking a reasonable distance. Really, since double monks are more casual dress shoes, you should be able to wear them without socks in the summer and some stylea look good with jeans or chinos.

You can try tongue pads or insoles or both to try to reduce the heel slippage. I used tongue pads with some AE Park Avenus that I bought on sale recently and they did the trick.

Post: #453

So I will admit I probably own more shoes then most women do.

I truly believe it's one of the first things a girl look at to make a judgement about you.

If you were to tell me that you will take away all my shoes and let me keep just one pair, it would be these:



Allen Edmonds Dalton Boot. They are not cheap, but look great with almost everything and are a solid investment. Just be sure to take care of them well.

Post: #454

(08-31-2015 02:11 PM)Sojourn Wrote:  So I will admit I probably own more shoes then most women do.

I truly believe it's one of the first things a girl look at to make a judgement about you.

If you were to tell me that you will take away all my shoes and let me keep just one pair, it would be these:



Allen Edmonds Dalton Boot. They are not cheap, but look great with almost everything and are a solid investment. Just be sure to take care of them well.

AE puts them on sale on their website about 2-3 times a year for about 15% off. The semi-annual Nordstrom sale (July and December) will often have them for 20% off, but usually only one color. That's probably the best times to get them as even 15% off will save you over $50.

Post: #455

Sort of late posting this but there about 7 hours left. Allen Edmonds is having a sale on its seconds. Basically there is some minor/ unoticeable blemish (unless you inspect the hell out of it). Try to avoid the shows that cannot be repaired easily. Basically, look for a leather sole. If you look at a particular shoe there may be a logo saying "recraftable" which I believe means it can be sent in for a complete rebuild or partial.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/sale/factory...y-seconds/

Post: #456

Just got these Oak Street Bit Loafers. Was looking at Alden Cape Cods and the OG Gucci Bit Loafer, but the Aldens were too boring looking and the Guccis weren't recraftable.

http://oakstreetbootmakers.com/footwear/...bit-loafer



Probably my go to travel shoe for a while now.

Post: #457

I just got a very similar pair of shoes, but the are Ferragamo. I only paid $20 more than you and got them in the store.

I looked online and you can still get them for a sale:

http://m.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/...cadevice=m

Anyone who dogs on Ferragamo and says you are paying for the brand has never owned a pair. These are easily my most comfortable shoes. In fact, they are more comfortable than most of my sneakers. The leather is super high quality, and if you do basic shoe care (e.g., shoe trees, don't wear them two days in a row, etc.) there is no reason why they wouldn't last at least a decade.

I'm not sure if they are recraftable, but if you take care of them they will last a long time. Of course they are super expensive, but if you are gonna drop $330 on bit loafers I'd throw down a little more and get the Ferragamo's. Go to a store and try them out, you won't regret it.

You could even scope out ebay and get a pair either "New with box" or "New without box" and get them for even cheaper. I've never bought a pair off ebay, but it's something to consider as long as the shoes are not used.

Post: #458

I had Ferragamo Bit Loafers a few years ago, I liked them, but they were not recraftable since they were the ones with a rubber bottom. I tried putting a vibram sole on them but it didn't stay on as well. The shoes are still under my bed I haven't worn them in a few years. I wore those daily for several years.

Kind of like these:
http://couture.zappos.com/salvatore-ferr...oafer-nero

I liked the style of what was the original Gucci Bit Loafer, kind of a more classic design and a bit more understated. The Oak Streets were pretty representative of that.

Post: #459

(01-20-2016 12:58 AM)Drazen Wrote:  I had Ferragamo Bit Loafers a few years ago, I liked them, but they were not recraftable since they were the ones with a rubber bottom. I tried putting a vibram sole on them but it didn't stay on as well. The shoes are still under my bed I haven't worn them in a few years. I wore those daily for several years.

I find that when I alternate my shoes they last way longer.

I also picked up a pair of brown suede brogue oxfords. Perfect with navy or khaki chinos. Sick as fk. Maybe I don't live in a fashionable place, but I never see anyone wearing brown suede oxfords. These stand out in a huge way.

Just don't wear them in the rain, luckily it never rains in SoCal.

Post: #460

Yeah, caring for suede is a pain. I usually wear the same shoes 80% of the time, I've been like that for years. Usually its a fancier italian sneaker or loafer. I wear them daily until its time for a new pair. I have other shoes I wear less frequently that I rotate into there but like I said, 80% of the time I wear the exact same shoe because it will go with whatever I'm wearing.

This goes back about 10 years of my "daily shoe". I started off with the Ferragamos (dug them up from under my bed, I imagine they are salvageable, I may send them back to a cobbler to make sure the vibram sole stays on well), then went to Black Prada Sneakers, then the Margiela German Trainers and now the Oak Street Loafers.

The thing is I often wear the same thing, jeans and a blazer with either a button up or a v-neck. Being in LA, having some pretty cool, yet versatile shoes maintains a pretty "LA" image when I'm out for work or socially.

Post: #461

I'm planning to get a nicer boot like those Allen Edmonds above, but either another pair of Oak Streets or the Aldens in Chromexcel or Cordovan (Cordovan is super expensive though).

http://lithicgoods.com/2013/12/alden-oak...imberland/

Post: #462

I have Allen Edmonds and the tops wear very fast. I'm going low ends now and rocking Aldo's cheap sneaks brand "call it spring". Super comfy and about 20-60$ each. Trying out all different styles and colors.

Currently rocking mahogany red high tops. Mad compliments for the color choice

Post: #463

If you want sharp looking dress shoes that are affordable, consider Kenneth Cole "Chief Council." It's a cap toe Oxford. It's not normally a brand I buy, but Nordstrom had a sale so figured why not (I just keep them in the office so I can wear winter footwear to work). They look extremely sharp and expensive, but cost about $95. Have an almost patent leather look. Buy one size down from what you normally get, they run very large.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kenneth-cole...oCWtzw_wcB

Post: #464

(01-20-2016 01:10 AM)Armogan Wrote:  

(01-20-2016 12:58 AM)Drazen Wrote:  I had Ferragamo Bit Loafers a few years ago, I liked them, but they were not recraftable since they were the ones with a rubber bottom. I tried putting a vibram sole on them but it didn't stay on as well. The shoes are still under my bed I haven't worn them in a few years. I wore those daily for several years.

I find that when I alternate my shoes they last way longer.

I also picked up a pair of brown suede brogue oxfords. Perfect with navy or khaki chinos. Sick as fk. Maybe I don't live in a fashionable place, but I never see anyone wearing brown suede oxfords. These stand out in a huge way.

Just don't wear them in the rain, luckily it never rains in SoCal.

Great choice, suede lace ups are hugely popular in London at the moment, especially last summer. I have a pair in blue.

Post: #465

Thoughts?

Loafers
http://www.tomford.com/adney-alligator-t...T-ALI.html




Brogues
http://www.tomford.com/edward-alligator-...RY#start=1




Probably my favourite shoes, They are really expensive though, still nice to look at, If anyone knows any realistic price range alternatives, hit me up

Post: #466

I used to rock ferregamos and Magnanis a lot until I discovered Allen Edmonds, they're my go to now. Recraftable and timeless.

Post: #467

(08-01-2013 02:36 AM)JayD Wrote:  I've been wearing these lately wherever I go (Red Wing Moc Toe)

Great shoes. I saw them throughout many of the northern European countries when I visited. My biggest takeaway was how well most people dressed.

Post: #468

(02-03-2016 03:23 PM)9RR Wrote:  Thoughts?

Loafers
http://www.tomford.com/adney-alligator-t...T-ALI.html




Brogues
http://www.tomford.com/edward-alligator-...RY#start=1




Probably my favourite shoes, They are really expensive though, still nice to look at, If anyone knows any realistic price range alternatives, hit me up

I think those loafers are ugly, the seconds ones would look ordinary if it wasn't for the alligator. I think Tom Ford shoes are overrated, 13 grand is insane. He does do some fantastic looking blazers though, I'm a fan of the suits also.

Post: #469

Any ideas on stylish/cool but comfortable shoes to walk in? I don't want to wear boots or tennis shoes. I see people wearing shoes that seem to be designed like tennis shoes (for comfort) but are very stylish.

Any thoughts? Thanks.

Post: #470

Do you have some pics of the shoes in question?

Post: #471

Not the best example, but something like this would be more nice casual than backpacker tennis shoes, I imagine.




Not sure if this my speed, if it was it would have to be in black.

Post: #472

I'm all about the topsiders.

Post: #473

(04-23-2016 07:15 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Not the best example, but something like this would be more nice casual than backpacker tennis shoes, I imagine.

Man no offense but those polos are the shoes every clueless high-schooler trying to be 'preppy' rocks. Not a good look. Plus, the quality is terrible.

Check out this brand, it has an excellent quality-price ratio

Greats.com

Post: #474

TODS
Navyboots (swiss)
Van Bommel (dutch)
Nubikks
Timberlands
Clarks Desert Boots

Are some good brands.

Post: #475

As someone who's a bit of a garment nerd, here are my recommendations for sneakers and boots (I don't wear dress shoes so I'll skip those):

Sneakers:

Low end (under $100): My recommendation for low-cost sneakers is Vans Era. Much more comfortable than Converse, easy to slip on and off. They're available in colors ranging from subtle, flexible ones to elaborate prints (my "outer space" print Vans never fail to get me compliments.) Fits a wide range of styles.

Mid-range ($100-200): For a classic style sneaker, check out PF Flyers' Made In USA range, made in Boston and very high quality. New Balance also has plenty of Made In USA options for under $200, also made in Boston - great choice if you prefer something sportier/more athletic.

High-end ($200+): I suggest Common Projects Achilles Low or Mid in White. These are some of the best sneakers money can buy. Very expensive, but frequently come up lightly used on Grailed or eBay for around half off the retail price. Incredibly high quality, Italian made with phenomenal white leather. Very versatile and attention-grabbing while being a basic, timeless design. I have the Low version, and couldn't be happier with them.

Boots:

Low end (under $200): Clarks Desert Boots (particularly waxed beeswax) are a near-ubiquitous classic, but for good reason. They're well made, inexpensive, and very versatile.

Mid range ($200-400): Red Wing Heritage is your best bet. Made in USA from high-quality leathers, generally well-made, and Goodyear welted so they can be resoled. Never spend more than $200 on a boot that doesn't have Goodyear Welt construction because they can't be resoled. The moc toe styles are popular, but also check out the Iron Ranger and Beckman models.

Upper mid ($400-600): Truman is the best bootmaker in the ~$500 range. If you can stand the wait, get them over the likes of Oak Street (which has spotty QC and other issues.) They offer a stock range as well as custom made-to-order boots. I don't have a pair of Trumans, but guys on Reddit's Goodyear Welt forum and Style Forum speak very highly of them.

High-end ($600-1000): If you're a chelsea boot fan, my two top suggestions are Carmina (made in Spain), and Sid Mashburn (made in England.) I have a pair of brown calfskin Mashburn boots and they look and feel incredible. If you're looking for something more rugged, Viberg (made in Victoria, Canada) is widely regarded as occupying the top of the heap; their Service Boot in the 2030 last put them on the map, and for good reason. I have a pair of these, and they're fantastic. However, if you can stand the wait, Truman makes a very similar pair (in terms of design and quality) for much less.

Beyond the $800 or so mark, there are diminishing returns on footwear, since around the $600 range or so you're getting top-quality materials and construction, typically from very small shops in the US, Canada, or England. I'd suggest ignoring fashion brands like Saint Laurent Paris in favor of less expensive options with equal (or better) construction and materials at a lower, non-designer price point.