Need some shoe recommendations.

[Whisky]

I spent my working career wearing duty boots or Red Wing work boots. Off duty I was wearing flip flops, boots, or sneakers.

I’ve recently started attending quite a few events that require a more refined dress than my usual jeans and polo. I’ve also managed to lose about 40lbs in the last year so I’ve been improving/updating my wardrobe as my weight declined. I realized tonight that my wardrobe is seriously lacking when it comes to shoes.

My plan is to purchase 5-6 pairs of good dress shoes. Black, Brown, Cordovan, etc so that I’ll have a pair that will go with anything I want to wear. The shoes will be worn 10-12 times per year so I expect with proper care they’ll last me either until I die or at least until I don’t care what’s on my feet anymore. Budget is $6-800 (will be stretched slightly if I see something I REALLY want) per pair but cheaper is better.

I’ve poured through some the footwear of the day thread, some of the older post, and stickies at the top of the forum but there’s just so much information to process. What I need are names of 6-7 good brands to look at. I know I could probably just buy all Allen Edmonds and be happy but I’d like a little variety. My MIL lives in Maine so when I visit this summer I’m going to go to a few of the remaining local shoe makers and see about a bespoke pair or two as well. So, where should I look?

 

[Gamecock]

I own mostly Allen Edmonds, but their quality has dropped like a rock. I would steer clear these days. I think the best value is in the premium Indian makers. BlkBrd shoes and Bridlen. I bought a pair of BlkBrd recently after frustration with AE and was absolutely blown away by the quality difference. They are hand welted and awesome. Bridlen is also great quality, in a Goodyear Welt.

The downside is you can’t try them on before you buy.

 

[Doc4]

So, where should I look?

A lot fewer places than twenty years ago ... not many places make 'em like they used to do.

I'm still a big fan of buying shoes in person ... even though (or perhaps because) most of my shoe buying has been online. What good shoe brands ... if any ... do you have access to in-person buying?

 

[Multum in parvo]

I would start out with a pair of black and brown/burgundy Loafers and build it up from there.

Rancourt Loafers - https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/collections/loafers if you want to buy US (Maine!) or Tods for something European.

 

[Doc Dan]

Johnson and Murphy are very good and are super comfortable. They mould to your feet. Allen Edmunds are good, as well. When I moved overseas, I took my J&M's and left the others, so that is what I think of them.

 

[GrizzlyCA]

I am a big fan of Allen Edmond. I have many pairs that are 30 years old and look great.
My other options I like are Cole Haan, Ralph Lauren, and Ecco. Depending on where you good a dress boot like something from Grant Stone is a good look as well

 

[Whisky]

I would start out with a pair of black and brown/burgundy Loafers and build it up from there.

Rancourt Loafers - https://www.rancourtandcompany.com/collections/loafers if you want to buy US (Maine!) or Tods for something European.

Rancourt is in Lewiston which is where my MIL lives so I’ll be visiting them if they have a an actual Brick and Mortar store. Another brand I was looking at in the are is Quoddy.

A lot fewer places than twenty years ago ... not many places make 'em like they used to do.

I'm still a big fan of buying shoes in person ... even though (or perhaps because) most of my shoe buying has been online. What good shoe brands ... if any ... do you have access to in-person buying?

I’d much rather buy in person as well. Indy has a pretty good selection of high end clothiers. The “fashion mall” has an Allen Edmonds, Johnson and Murphy, and a couple of other high end shoe stores that carry other brands listed so far. If I need to go to a bigger city, Chicago is less than 3hrs away.

 

[sylbub]

I've been very happy with their Oxford shoes

About Us

Barker Shoes have been an English tradition for 140 years. Only the most carefully selected leathers are used and the uppers are shaped on the last by hand. Many other traditional shoemaking methods are still employed including slow natural drying and polishing. This is why Barker English shoes...

www.barkershoes.com

 

[MrSpeedy]

I'm probably going to get put on blast for this, but unless you are going to black tie events (and to a lesser extent, funerals) I would pass on black dress shoes. Pick up a pair of dark brown/burgundy shoes and you'll likely be all set. Despite the name, Thursday Boot Company also has dress shoes. Take a look at their "Executive" in chestnut or the "Chairman" in chocolate.

 

[Dogrescuer]

First, and most importantly , congratulations on the weight loss. That's so important.
My wardrobe ( shoes ) is / are Understated elegance. I love to keep it simple. 2 pair of wing tips , black and dark brown. For me I choose Coal Haan. Again for me they work. Of course , always immaculately shined . @johnniegold
Enjoy your journey . Keep us posted.

 

[Sherlock40]

Did you ever consider Alden? I’m considering a pair of penny loafers or wingtips in shell cordovan. I do not own any shoes from this company, but they are made in New England and it seems to exacting standards the old school way.

 

[Whisky]

First, and most importantly , congratulations on the weight loss. That's so important.

Thanks. It was a challenge for sure. After a year I’ve finally fallen into habits/routines that I can follow to lose weight. I’m hoping to lose another 20lbs in the next year.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, please keep them coming. I feel that I should have been a little more specific in my needs. To me “dress shoes” are basically shoes that I wouldn’t want to mow the lawn in.

My needs are one pair solely for Black Tie events which will be worn 2-4 times per year. The other pairs will be worn for things such as nights at the symphony and other galas that aren’t necessarily black tie but are dressier than business casual. Some of these events require quite a bit of walking so comfort is also a requirement. I’ve noticed a lot of the younger crowd wearing things like canvas sneakers with a jacket and tie. I guess that’s a thing now it just seems odd to me.

Also, price wise for Allen Edmonds is it better to buy at one of their stores or a Dept. Store like Nordstroms?

I think the best value is in the premium Indian makers. BlkBrd shoes and Bridlen.

I think I’ll be ordering a pair of Bridlen sometime soon. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Vacumatic]

I've been very happy with their Oxford shoes

About Us

Barker Shoes have been an English tradition for 140 years. Only the most carefully selected leathers are used and the uppers are shaped on the last by hand. Many other traditional shoemaking methods are still employed including slow natural drying and polishing. This is why Barker English shoes...

www.barkershoes.com

I also like Barkers and Loakes for a slightly lower priced shoe.

My usual advice for people who wear such shoes every day is to buy two pairs of black shoes and alternate day by day to allow the shoe to dry out but if they are only being worn once a month this is not an issue.

This type of shoe is inherently stiff, you may want to think about breaking them in for an hour about the house before the first day of service. I also wouldn't skimp on the shoe size, perhaps a +1. You can always wear an extra pair of socks until the shoes are broken in

 

[Doc Dan]

Why do people insist on wearing brown shoes with grey, blue, or black suits? It makes them look like they went shopping at good will. Now, oxblood or cordovan is nice, but brown? Give me a break. Black is better and goes with anything. Fashion is a funny thing. What is en vogue now, will look as silly as it really is a five years.

Rant over.

 

[Multum in parvo]

Why do people insist on wearing brown shoes with grey, blue, or black suits? It makes them look like they went shopping at good will. Now, oxblood or cordovan is nice, but brown? Give me a break. Black is better and goes with anything. Fashion is a funny thing. What is en vogue now, will look as silly as it really is a five years.

Rant over.

Depends on where you are. In Italy and France common but I guess in the US not so by your comment.

Here a random pic grab:

 

[WThomas0814]

I wore dress shoes daily in a manufacturing environment on concrete floors. I didn't want to spend a huge amount of money, so, I wore Florscheim Imperial wing tips mostly. I have black, burgundy, and brown. Over the years, they have all been resoled a couple times.

Now that I'm retired, I don't want to wear anything else. Comfortable, durable, long wearing. All I need for the few times I wear them now.

For more casual but nicer than trainers, I wear Timberland Bardstown oxfords. They'll outlive my grandsons.

 

[Multum in parvo]

Rancourt is in Lewiston which is where my MIL lives so I’ll be visiting them if they have a an actual Brick and Mortar store. Another brand I was looking at in the are is Quoddy.


I’d much rather buy in person as well. Indy has a pretty good selection of high end clothiers. The “fashion mall” has an Allen Edmonds, Johnson and Murphy, and a couple of other high end shoe stores that carry other brands listed so far. If I need to go to a bigger city, Chicago is less than 3hrs away.

Adam, this is from Google just a month ago:

 

[Dogrescuer]

Give me a break. Black is better and goes with anything

You're entitled. But I disagree.

 

[DrakeMegrim]

Thursday Boots and Grant Stone offer really good value for what you get.

 

[KW Driver]

Thanks. It was a challenge for sure. After a year I’ve finally fallen into habits/routines that I can follow to lose weight. I’m hoping to lose another 20lbs in the next year.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far, please keep them coming. I feel that I should have been a little more specific in my needs. To me “dress shoes” are basically shoes that I wouldn’t want to mow the lawn in.

My needs are one pair solely for Black Tie events which will be worn 2-4 times per year. The other pairs will be worn for things such as nights at the symphony and other galas that aren’t necessarily black tie but are dressier than business casual. Some of these events require quite a bit of walking so comfort is also a requirement. I’ve noticed a lot of the younger crowd wearing things like canvas sneakers with a jacket and tie. I guess that’s a thing now it just seems odd to me.

Also, price wise for Allen Edmonds is it better to buy at one of their stores or a Dept. Store like Nordstroms?


I think I’ll be ordering a pair of Bridlen sometime soon. Thanks for the suggestion.

I will not buy AE new ever again. My last two pair were flawed, one replacing the other.

Maybe some used vintage if you’re good with that, but otherwise… you’re overpaying for bad quality with current production