In need of a proper pair of dress shoes

paralysed

I don't know much about buying dress shoes, so I said I'd better get a few opinions. At the moment I have a pair of black shoes, that does for dress balls and sometimes work. But apart from being appropriate dress wear, there's nothing fancy about them at all. They're goor and cost €30... their soles feel like they're made of rock!

So I came across these online - http://www.raffaello-network.com/english/fashion-details/361372/559/Versace%20Mens%20Shoes.html

Is there any way I could make my search for this style of shoe easier? Any name for this style? I like the low heal which is hard to find these days, and they also seem to have a subtle sporty look. They're out in my size, but since shoes of this look seems so hard to find, I'd have bought them otherwise.

The rubber sole of this shoe looks soft and comfy. Something very similar in this link, but the leather looks too smooth.

http://www.yoox.com/BE/11077561/item?tp=56346&utm_source=direct_be&utm_medium=affiliazione&utm_campaign=lyst_be&dept=men&cod10=11077561MT&utm_content=feed#cod10=11077561MT&sizeId=

Thanks

GingerLily

What is your question?

paralysed

GingerLily wrote: »

What is your question?

Sorry Ging. It should read a bit better noe

baby and crumble

That style looks like what generally what's known as a Oxford shoe. It's fairly bog standard to be honest. It might also be Derby- the main difference is how it looks laced.

Now, sometimes they will be lumped in with brogues (some oxfords have brogueing details, which are the little punched hole designs you see on some shoes), and you can get cap-toe oxfords also, which have a straight line across the toes.

You might need to just look around on shoe sites and in stores. The Versace shoes are a strange hybrid of styles, so it's unlikely you'll find something exactly like them. The "pebbled" kind of leather has largely gone out of style in formal shoes such as this, particularly in black.

There's a few at this link that might work? I find Office decent enough, if you want high quality have a look at the likes of Loakes. Pricey but worth it.

LLewellen Farquarson

The classic black dress shoe will be called a "black, cap-toed oxford". Cap-toed because it has the extra piece of leather across the top, oxford because it has closed lacing, which means that the leather pieces that are laced together are part of the sides. The alternative is Derby - where the pieces laced together are attached to the sides of the shoe. Have a wander on google and all will be explained.

If you want good dress shoe, then you will also want leather soles, normally goodyear welted (although Blake stitching can also be done).

These are going to cost - from 200€ upwards, but the price per wear is actually less, as the soles and heels can be replaced when they wear out. And they will look a whole lot better than cheap shoes.

You do not want broguing - which as B&C said, is the punched holes. These lower the formality of the shoe.

Good names to look for include loakes, grenson, churches, barkers, and my personal favourite for the best bang for your buck - meermin (www.meermin.es).

Do a bit of research as this is a lot of money and getting the right shoe (which has the right "last" - remember the google search) takes time. But once you find a good one, it will fit like a glove.

Also if you are up north, ring and make an appointment with Robin in Richardsons Shoes in Carrigfergus. He will take the time and find you the best shoe for you. No connection except for a very satisfied customer.

As the old saying goes, you are either in your bed or in your shoes, so you should get the best of each that you can afford.

(As you can guess, I like shoes).

eviltimeban

Try Boylan's Shoes in the Hibernian Way off Dawson Street. Nice selection of higher end shoes, I'd recommend Magnanni as a good mid-range make.

Also try Fitzpatricks and Thomas Patrick on Grafton Street. I've a pair of Roberto Ley monkstrap shoes that I got in TP for 200 quid - great shoes and very smart looking.

Avoid Office - all the shoes in there are that pointy, raised toe style. You want a more classic style that only established shoe makers can provide. Saying that, you'll also get a decent pair in M&S. Check out these.

If you've money to burn, go for Gaziano & Girling!