Mens shoes - style, comfort and durability

Finglas Incubus

Mens formal shoes that are stylish, comfortable and durable - I've found it difficult to find a brand that fit all 3 requirements. I tend towards Ecco as they generally fit the comfort and durability requirements but fall short a little on style. I've a set of Bakers that look great and are seriously durable but fall down on the comfort stakes when trundling around town.

Anyone got a recommendation for brands that fit all 3 in terms of business / formal wear?

Twee.

Have you tried Clark's? They probably fall a bit behind Barker in the style stakes but worth a shot!

Finglas Incubus

Twee. wrote: »

Have you tried Clark's? They probably fall a bit behind Barker in the style stakes but worth a shot!

I have and you're right - comfortable but kinda dreary! Anyone got an opinion on Loakes, Churchs or Cheaneys in terms of the 3 criteria?

seachto7

If I could make a recommendation: Camper.

They're not cheap. I have owned two pairs over the years, and found the quality to be excellent. They have a quirky look, but I like them.

I will consider getting a pair again, but will wait until my own are destroyed first, as they are pricey.

Finglas Incubus

seachto7 wrote: »

If I could make a recommendation: Camper

Thing is they're not really suited to business attire. In terms of cost, I'm willing to pay up to €200, the budget won't stretch to €300+ for a set of Loakes. I tried on a few pairs in Boylans off Grafton St (price range €170 - €200) but most of need breaking in which means hobbling around in them for a couple of weeks (there goes the comfort...).

Fitzpatricks have some Italian brands in and around the €200 mark that I must check out...

seachto7

What about Base?

Blazer

I have a pair I bought last year. Cost me €160 but my god there are unbelievably comfortable and are for formal wear. I bought these a few days before a wedding and they needed no breaking in whatsoever..

I'll root out the name in a few mins.

Anatomic & Co.
can't remember the name of the shop but it was in the crescent in Limerick
and it was mexican sheepskin lining..

think it was these

http://www.anatomicshoes.com/araras/p3#tdesc_2

eviltimeban

You should try Grenson. On a par with Loake and Church but nowhere near as expensive (depends where you go though).

I have had about four pairs of them in recent years, and they are durable, comfortable, and of course, very stylish. I have gone for the "Noble" and the "Kirk" models, though I'm not sure the Noble is available anymore. I can walk from one end of town to the other and my feet are happy, I don't even notice. These aren't shoes you are relieved to take off; in fact, sometimes when I get home I forget to take them off my feet are so comfortable.

You can get them for a reasonable price from pediwear.co.uk.

I always shake my head at guys who I see wearing runners with their suit on their commute - first off, it looks beyond terrible and secondly, it is possible to get shoes that don't kill your feet. You don't have to do the "Working Girl" thing.

As an aside, I am currently sporting a pair of Autograph M&S shoes and they are pretty good. The leather isn't as supple and they won't last as long, but for shoes that cost about 70 euros, they aren't bad.

Finglas Incubus

eviltimeban wrote: »

You should try Grenson. On a par with Loake and Church but nowhere near as expensive (depends where you go though).

Cheers, will check them out. Ended up picking up a set of Ted Bakers over the weekend (they look better in the flesh), not premium by any stretch but they're really comfortable for a leather soled shoe. I like the blue accents and the blue laces, and while not strictly 'business', provide a fresh look.