Fashion thread

Antibac wrote: »

I found the dearer ones much better although I wouldn't be heavy on them. Loakes would be the way to go if you can afford them. Although Debenhams usually have decent sales in them. They take awhile to break in but are worth it

I walk for about 45 mins every day in them so I think it'll be worth stretching for... if anyone else has any other brands to recommend let me know!

Cheers

hobbit of the shire wrote: »

Gents, can anyone point me in the right direction to buy a decent-ish pair of shoes for the office? Willing to buy online if necessary but would rather buy in Dublin... Is a budget of 100-150 about right? Sick of wearing through cheaper pairs quickly so I think I'll get a pair that can be rehealed this time. Appreciate any recommendations.

TBH, if you're wearing the same pair of shoes everyday, it's no wonder they're getting worn down quickly. Even more so if they're a Blake-stitched sole - as opposed to a Goodyear welt - and constructed from sh*tty leather (i.e. 95% of all high street shoes - M&S, Aldo, Debenhams etc.)

So first things first, I'd look to spend in the 175-225 range and commit to not wearing them every day.

Next - try to move away from the derby or blucher style of shoe and get some in an oxford style. It shows a bit more attention to detail and although in my experience a lot of younger guys seem to consider that style 'old' it's a far more timeless and classic style that looks better when worn with a suit or jacket and trousers.

Beware of the Loakes sold in Debenhams. If I remember rightly, these are generally shoes from their Loake1 and Loake Design range, which are mostly poor quality, corrected grain leather. I'd look for their 1880 or maybe Shoemaker range. Even then, I'd consider Loake 1880 to be at the entry level end of the spectrum for well made shoes.

Meermin are a really good shoe maker for the <200E price range. https://www.meermin.es/catalogo.php?idFamilia4=1&idFamilia3=1

Herring Shoes often do decent discounts in their sale search for some of the English shoe makers premium ranges which you might nab for 200E. Indeed I think they use Alfred Sargent to make some or all of their own brand premium range. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/

If you're willing to get into bidding wars you can pick up some very good condition used Crockett & Jones, Cheaney and other premium shoes off ebay.

Invest in some good cream polish for nourishing the leather and finally, make sure to get a pair of shoe trees, ideally made from cedar. If you're investing in a decent pair of shoes, you may as well spend an extra 25E on trees and polish to ensure they last you a number of years.

awec wrote: »

What other colour can you wear with navy?

Black and navy looks ridiculous.

I don't agree that black looks ridiculous. Safe maybe but not ridiculous.

Sugar Free wrote: »

Dark brown (I'm guessing Aidric meant tan when he said pale brown) is the best choice, maybe burgundy depending on the shades.

Yes, I was referring specifically to tan shoes.

Really don't agree than brown shoes/navy suit is a bad combo.

D'Agger wrote: »

Not sure that's being said really - Awec is arguing that black & navy shouldn't be worn together which is something I'd also stand behind - looks awful.

Navy suit, brown shoes combo is fine, as awec said, what other colour shoes would you wear under navy

Aidric wrote: »

Speaking of suits and shoes, some men really need to stop pairing brown shoes with dark suits. It may have been a trend at some point but it was never right.

The worst offenders are the wearers of pale brown shoes with a dark navy suit.

.

I think it's a perfectly fine look.

keane2097 wrote: »

I think it's a perfectly fine look.

Is that you Keane? Very sharp. :pac:

I should have been more specific in my post. Dark brown can work well when paired with a navy suit and especially a royal blue shirt. Tan shoes however are hideous with same and completely distract.