Are these shoes magnificent & timeless or just garish? [Archive]

leighton

11-19-2009, 09:30 PM

http://www.shoes.com/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?p=EC1110610&pg=5073639

Obviously not business dress, but I think these would be fantastic casual/going out shoes for a man in his mid 20s.

Yea or nay?

http://www.shoes.com/ProductImages/shoes_iaec1110610.jpg

gaseousclay

11-19-2009, 09:58 PM

I like Puma casual shoes but I don't think their dress shoes are particularly attractive.

machine99703

11-19-2009, 10:00 PM

I have never been able to figure out the dress/casual mutation. But I have never been very "trendy"

leighton

11-19-2009, 10:14 PM

For those who vote no, please post a brand/style and picture of what you would consider casual, but classy. Sneakers, not loafers, I've got enough of those.

mdunn

11-19-2009, 10:26 PM

yeah, theyre cool shoes.

Greybeard

11-20-2009, 01:40 AM

Those are a knock-off of the style Prada pioneered a few years ago. They were quite popular in Europe. Be aware that they're a narrow cut. If you're a tall or big man they can make your feet look ridiculously dainty, even if they fit you properly.
I might have considered those at your age. I can't wear them now since my feet have gone from a C to an E width over the last 35 years. If you're a big man look at Clark touaregs. Patagonia are similar to the Pumas but not as narrow or Eurochic. Merrell are exceptionally comfortable but the leather is soft and requires care.

- Peter

valmara1971

11-20-2009, 01:51 AM

Not for me, www.wrong.com :001_rolle

Protocol

11-20-2009, 04:11 AM

I'm going to have to go with "no good" for me.

MMCCX

11-20-2009, 04:47 AM

ah, what my wife calls "sneaker shoes". i actually like them, although they wouldn't work with the rest of my wardrobe.

can be done, but seems a very young/hip look. i see a lot of similar styles on the 20-something guys that hang out at the local martini bar tracking rich cougars.

faster_than_u

11-20-2009, 05:40 AM

They look neat but not worth the $200 price tag imho

Protocol

11-20-2009, 06:34 AM

They look neat but not worth the $200 price tag imho

I'm not sure I'd pay a nickel for them. Unless you're a gender ambiguous anorexic, those things are just going to look ridiculous on you.

jonwings

11-20-2009, 06:46 AM

If you are looking for a sneaker, I picked up a pair of these Converse a couple months ago and I ove them. It is almost too bad that it is starting to cold as I am starting to wear my boots more often

Converse voliant (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PBHCAO/ref=ox_ya_oh_product)

It says they are unavailable at amazon, but I am sure you can find them some where.

Miles

11-20-2009, 06:59 AM

Enh, not feeling the shoes. Little pointy leather sneakers are not my idea of a good time.

I am a fan of Camper shoes for something a little more refined than the average sneakers. Good luck!

Protocol

11-20-2009, 07:23 AM

Maybe it's my inner old man coming out, but I don't see a meaningful fashion statement in sneakers. If you're dressing to impress, go with a dressy shoe. If you're just chilling out go with a casual shoe (the Chuck Taylor is a timeless classic in this regard).

Why spend real cash on a shoe that will be embarrassingly out of style in a year?

Crazy Dave

11-20-2009, 08:35 AM

I think it is a very nice looking shoe an I am sure they a comfortable. However, I voted not so awesome because the Rockport Pro Walker gets the same job done for less than half the money. The Pumas are more stylish than the Rockports, but for me, the cost does not justify the difference (YMMV!). You should only get the Rockports if you are not bothered by the fact that the UPS guy will be wearing the same shoes as you! That appeals to me, but not to everyone!

Dave

ShaveAddict

11-20-2009, 09:16 AM

For me, that's good: Adidas version of the Desert Boots.
I have them in the grey version.http://badgerandblade.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=753&pictureid=1643
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=753&pictureid=1644

gollum83

11-20-2009, 09:21 AM

They look neat but not worth the $200 price tag imho

I agree. There not bad looking, but $200 for shoes? :eek:

strat1117

11-20-2009, 09:26 AM

Sorry. To me, those would make you look like you just got off your bicycle.
I like loafers or tassle mocs for casual but, then again, I'm twice your age. :biggrin:

How about letting your inner rock star out with a pair of alligator loafers?

Enjoy!

blantyre

11-20-2009, 09:28 AM

They remind me of the Hyudais of a few years ago - styling elements from BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar... but lacking in an identity of their own. Way too busy for my taste and I like to wear wingtips now and then.

That said, if they are a good fit and you like them why not enjoy them - they are perfectly decent shoes that would work for many semiformal situations, just not my cup of tea.

Blondie

11-20-2009, 09:29 AM

They are a little trendy, and for $200, without the ability to resole them, it's throwing money away. Go with a classic. Spend 50 to 75 more and get a shoe that can be resoled. BTW, there is nothing wrong with wearing lace dress shoes with jeans. then you have shoes that can go business, as well as casual. If you are mid twenties, chasing cougars, they'll just think you have great taste in shoes, and are too successful and busy to shop for trendy stuff.

strat1117

11-20-2009, 09:32 AM

Ookla The Mok

11-20-2009, 09:36 AM

I like a slip on for the casual sneaker. Also, I don't like shiny non dress shoes for some odd reason. Boots are different. I wear these Hush Puppies as my casual sneak:

http://www.zappos.com/images/z/9/4/3/943198-p-DETAILED.jpg

mmack66

11-20-2009, 09:39 AM

I am not sure that a pair of shoes that have a pussycat embossed on them can be magnificent and timeless.

ShaveAddict

11-20-2009, 09:42 AM

For those who vote no, please post a brand/style and picture of what you would consider casual, but classy. Sneakers, not loafers, I've got enough of those.

I did like you said and my pictures have been romoved:confused:

Protocol

11-20-2009, 10:39 AM

If you're looking for a casual shoe you can wear with jeans, why not look at a pair of cowboy boots?

dwnwrdishvnwrd

11-21-2009, 12:03 AM

I'm going to have to go against the grain here and say that those shoes are awesome. I don't think I'd wear them in any sort of semi-formal setting but for going out to a bar? Definitely. Pair them with some nice, dark, indigo jeans and a thin dark grey wool long sleeved shirt a'la this (http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=418435&CategoryID=47687) (the steel heather grey one is nice looking) and maybe a scarf a'la this (http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=415939&CategoryID=47664) (dark striped or black) and that would be a slick looking getup.

machine99703

11-21-2009, 12:21 AM

dwnwrdishvnwrd

11-21-2009, 01:26 AM

A scarf? Seriously?

Yep, seriously.

Protocol

11-21-2009, 06:10 AM

A scarf? Seriously?

I think that goes back to what I was saying about a gender-ambiguous anorexic. Throw in a dismissive European accent and odorous clove cigarette and you have the right picture.

mmack66

11-21-2009, 07:15 AM

A scarf? Seriously?

A sweater tied around your neck will do in a pinch.

Groundhog

11-21-2009, 07:48 AM

Look kinda like bowling shoes to me, but then I'm not exactly trendy....

Doc4

11-21-2009, 12:36 PM

I've always disliked shoes like that, which seem to suffer from some target-market-shift. What I mean is they look like they are designed for the 23-year-old hip crew just entering the workforce and trying to find a youthfull identity rather than wearing their father's shoes and driving their father's cadilac.

But inevitably they end up being worn by your typical office drone, 38 years old, pot-bellied, wearing baggy pleated dockers, a poly-blend dress shirt, a polyester tie with either a garrish design or a cartoon charater on it, and no jacket (but he does have some sports-related polyester bomber-jacket for when he goes outside.

By adding a few 'fashion forward' accents to this shoe, Puma has made the shoe the province of the Eurotrash version of the office drone mentioned above.

KarthVader

11-21-2009, 03:13 PM

OP, go with a modern boot. Much classier and you can also wear them in the winter. This shoe looks kinda ridiculous.

ratcheer

11-21-2009, 04:09 PM

No, I would not call them "awesome" or "timeless", but for what they are, I suppose they are pretty nice.

Tim

leighton

11-21-2009, 04:22 PM

The B&B has spoken. While I disagree with those that say the shoe is ugly and can't be worn with anything, I do agree that the shoe may or may not still be cool in three years. Add the price tag, and it doesn't look good for the shoe.

Anyway, the price tag is too much for something that isn't timeless, so I went with a couple of classics. And picked up a loafer too, and I've still got $50 to spare after all is said & done.

http://www.amazon.com/Sandro-Moscoloni-Mens-Kasper-Slip/dp/B000H0UGWK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1258848921&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/CONVERSE-Jack-Purcell-Mens-Shoes/dp/B001FQDVAO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1258849073&sr=1-5
http://www.amazon.com/Converse-Purcell-Varvatos-Profile-Garment/dp/B001SSW78Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=shoes&qid=1258849308&sr=1-4 (in brown)

StylinLA

11-21-2009, 05:41 PM

I think those are kind of cool indeed. If you're young, they'd indeed look great with jeans.

Having said that, there is the logical side of me that doesn't think Puma is a dress shoe company and that they are a bit trendy. If they can't be resoled, the clock is ticking when you put them on. Which kind of doesn't matter because by the time they're ready for repair, Puma will have moved on to an entirely different look. Not wild about them embossing their logo on what they're billing as a somewhat dressy shoe either.

LOL at the Eurotrash comment earlier...my taste can quickly run that way if I let it.

Just because we've got you shaving like grandpa, doesn't mean you have to dress like him. I think with the back and forth here, it comes down to what you want and can afford. I see lots of guys in your age range at my company wearing shoes with that similar "fancy bowling shows" kind of look.

They could work for you, but know they're a bit trendy going in...and understand in a couple of years it may be a fashion faux pas to wear them.

StylinLA

11-21-2009, 06:01 PM

I can't wear them now since my feet have gone from a C to an E width over the last 35 years.

Yeah, doesn't that suck...just went through that myself.

VR6ofpain

11-21-2009, 06:13 PM

Get some loafers instead. THey work with jeans and slacks. Pick a brown.

dpm802

11-21-2009, 06:17 PM

My current favorites are RedWing casual shoes in black. No matter how a shoe looks, my first criteria is comfort.

To answer your question with an old cliche ... "If the shoe fits, wear it."

garyg

11-21-2009, 06:22 PM

Ok, being evasive, I wouldn't hit my neighbors dog in the arse with those shoes. But then tastes vary, butt jeez those are ugly

D.Irving79

11-21-2009, 06:46 PM

im going with no, but all that matters is if you like them.

i dont wear casual shoes :001_smile

Cuttingboard

11-21-2009, 09:56 PM

I don't understand, do you want dress casual or casual? I usually wear a nice pair of dress shoes with jeans, a button down shirt and sport coat when going dress casual and pair of cole haan loafers when going casual. I wear tennis shoes when I go to the gym.

thunderball

11-21-2009, 10:02 PM

I actually like the look of them, especially for a guy in his 20s. For that kind of money however, you could get something waaaay cooler. :thumbup1:

clubman

11-22-2009, 04:57 PM

Just because we've got you shaving like grandpa, doesn't mean you have to dress like him.

I think this might be the most salient point made on this thread - while this forum has always been a great place for shaving advice, getting input on style matters can be a little dicey given the wide range of ages and geographical disbursement combined with the personal nature of men's fashion. Personally, I think that some of the things that guys advocate on here (hats, bow ties, Old Spice, etc., etc.) should be shunned by anyone under 40 or so, but I'm sure there will be many who disagree with me.

As far as those shoes go, I think they're fine but pricey for Pumas. That style of shoe (dress sneakers?) is a good look for going out with jeans, etc., but $200 for them is definitely more than I'd pay for something that's more or less disposable after a few months.

dwnwrdishvnwrd

11-22-2009, 10:57 PM

I actually like the look of them, especially for a guy in his 20s. For that kind of money however, you could get something waaaay cooler. :thumbup1:

Exactly. I didn't realize they were 200+ until I actually went to the link. I like their look and I think they're casual. I wouldn't call em dress shoes at all. But, for 200 bills I wouldn't say they're worth it.