Dress Shoes

[-LEK-]

Any recs? Looking for an everyday black shoe that can go with just about anything.

I am sick of buying cheap shoes that go out after 6 months. I am looking at Allen Edmonds, but not sure where to go from there.

As far as I can tell, goodyear welted and full grain leather.

Ive seen Johnston and Murphy, but mixed reviews.

My issue is with cheap soles. Latest pair of Kenneth Cole shoes were garbage.

 

[BankerCat12]

I have always purchased J&M but had no idea there were reviews on shoes. I'm interested in reading those.

 

[Kooky Kats]

Allen Edmonds ae friggin expensive, but nice.

 

[GhostVol]

Here ya go. I have a pair of handmade Italian loafers that have lasted me for 9 years. But my favorite pair is a pair of Bass Weejuns. Go figure. Not a GQ guy but this slideshow is solid.

GQ Guide to Men's Shoes

 

[GhostVol]

If you're in the Allen Edmonds range...look into getting a custom-made pair. Seriously. My loafers ran me 145 euros, but that was in Sicily in 2005.

 

[IdaCat]

Ecco. Reasonable price, lots of styles, and they last forever.

I bought a pair for about $175 3 years ago. Wore them nearly every day. Went on a trip and forgot to bring them so I bought another exact same pair. After 6 months of wear, I can't tell them from my first pair. Prices range from about $110 to $250. Unless you're Rick Pitino, they will work fine for just about any situation.

Ecco Shoes

I used to wear Johnston and Murphy. Had to have the soles replaced yearly. F*** that S***!

 

[UKserialkiller]

 

[55wildcat]

On sale.....599.00

a mere 1150.00

This post was edited on 1/23 7:44 AM by 55wildcat

 

[55wildcat]

Sorry..I see you wanted black..This nice little model for a salty..1590.00

 

[55wildcat]

I might have to these.. I could eat em when I get tired of walking..

 

[UKGrad93]

I've had decent success with Ecco and Clarks.

 

[TankedCat]

I've had a pair of J&M classic wingtips for 20 years now. Replaced the soles on them a few years back.

I'm old school though - loafers are not dress shoes

 

[DSmith21]

This pair of Loubaoutin's will run you a mere $2,300 and are sure to bring lots of comments from the ladies....

 

[Big_Blue79]

I have wide feet and I live in NYC, so shopping for good dress shoes is a real PITA. I've got Allen Edmonds (Tribeca, maybe? idk) and Johnston and Murphy shoes. I just wore a hole in my Dockers comfort whatever shoes; they were very comfortable, but square toed and ugly. Still, they were my go to for years.

The AE take forever to break in, but they're sharp and the construction quality is terrific. The break in period was brutal, and I had to wear a particular type of sock to wear to avoid raw spots. The fit is slightly smaller than most shoes, although that might be a function of the initial rigidity. Once they're broken in they're great, and they'll "recraft" any lower shoe damage. I haven't worn them a ton because I forgot I had them when I moved.

Got my J&Ms at a DSW just a few weeks ago and I love them. Price is good if you shop around (and get last year's shoe, if you care about that stuff). They're insanely comfortable for a dress shoe. I actually picked them over a Boston-something "comfort" dress shoe that favored comfort over looks because the J&M was just as comfy (and same price with the DSW mark down/sale). The only problem is that the sole is hard and I hit my heels hard when I walk, so I sound like a horse when I'm on hard surfaces.

 

[Dore95]

I've got a pair of Allen Edmonds laceups, and several pairs of Ferragamo slip-ons/loafers. Have to replace the soles every couple of years, but shoes of this quality will last a long time. IMO JM, Cole Haan, Bostonian, etc...are garbage in comparison.

 

[Ron Mehico]

I have some Eccos that have worked great for me. Also like Cole Hahns, those are a little more casual though.

 

[Deeeefense]

Here's the only word you ever need to know about buying any kind of shoe - Zappos. No driving, no parking, no waiting no dealing with ********. They stock hundreds of thousands of shoes in virtually every size and you can read reviews from customers that have bought the kind of shoe you are considering. Unlimited swaps, and they always pay the freight both ways - no questions asked.

Zappos

 

[BlueBleedingMarine]

Deer Stags

 

[crazyqx83_rivals88013]

I like Clarks but their sizing is whack and half of their styles are hideous. Waiting on a pair of bass bucks to be delivered, but those are more casual. Heard good things about florshiem. I have a pair of Bostonian wing tips that are going on 10 years.

I'd recommend going to off Broadway shoes if you are in Lexington. They Have Most Of The Brand Mentioned In This thread. Most are a season+ old, but if you pick something with classic style you expect to wear 3-5 years, that doesn't matter.

 

[AlbanyWildCat]

Get the OJ special and you won't look back...

 

[neilborders]

There's already several good recs posted for fancier shoes. But if you're looking for something a little more on the casual side, I love Eastland Newports. They wont work for a suit or anything too fancy, but if you want a nice dress shoe for church or anything business-casual, this is always my go to. Comfortable and long lasting.

 

[natron20]

Contact Allen Edmonds and ask about their factory seconds mailing list. They will email you a list of inventory where a small flaw kept them from being sent on to stores. I was unable to even spot the flaw in a pair I purchased this way. It can be as simple as a single erroneous stitch. The shoes are sold at a nice discount and their customer service is top notch. I've never paid for shipping or returns when ordering as far as I can remember.

 

[Anon1711055878]

Your instinct is correct with Allen Edmonds. Pay the extra money now instead of buying new shoes every year, I say.

Allen Edmonds in black

 

[It'saDoneDeal]

I'm convinced the Paddock has legitimately 50-60 stand up comedians.

My favorite was the sandwich shoes. Can you imagine eating those? LOL a shoe sandwich.

 

[Anon1711055878]

Originally posted by UK_Norm:
There's already several good recs posted for fancier shoes. But if you're looking for something a little more on the casual side, I love Eastland Newports. They wont work for a suit or anything too fancy, but if you want a nice dress shoe for church or anything business-casual, this is always my go to. Comfortable and long lasting.

 

[crazyqx83_rivals88013]

Originally posted by UK_Norm:
There's already several good recs posted for fancier shoes. But if you're looking for something a little more on the casual side, I love Eastland Newports. They wont work for a suit or anything too fancy, but if you want a nice dress shoe for church or anything business-casual, this is always my go to. Comfortable and long lasting.

Are those clogs for men? Be sure to pick up a pair of uggs, while you're at it.

 

[neilborders]

My dad does have a pair of those and swears by them.

I do prefer slip on if i'm going business casual, though. But considering I have to wear a suit to work every day, I try to avoid wearing anything besides a t-shirt and jeans in my free time.

 

[Kooky Kats]

Originally posted by crazyqx83:

Originally posted by UK_Norm:
There's already several good recs posted for fancier shoes. But if you're looking for something a little more on the casual side, I love Eastland Newports. They wont work for a suit or anything too fancy, but if you want a nice dress shoe for church or anything business-casual, this is always my go to. Comfortable and long lasting.

Are those clogs for men? Be sure to pick up a pair of uggs, while you're at it.

UGGs make killer shoes. I have 3 different chukkas. Dope.

 

[Lexie's Dad]

My shoe size is 10 4E. Almost impossible to find dress shoes wide enough, and I wear them daily.

 

[KopiKat]

Any recs? Looking for an everyday black shoe that can go with just about anything.

I am sick of buying cheap shoes that go out after 6 months. I am looking at Allen Edmonds, but not sure where to go from there.

As far as I can tell, goodyear welted and full grain leather.

Ive seen Johnston and Murphy, but mixed reviews.

My issue is with cheap soles. Latest pair of Kenneth Cole shoes were garbage.

I own three pair of Johnston & Murphy's (bought them from Dillard's). They are excellent for MY feet. Dillard's really pushes the Ecco brand as their highest end shoe (J&M the next step down), but I've never been able to find a pair of Ecco's that seemed to fit me proper (gave the only pair I ever bought to my nephew and he loves them). All my J&M's have super fine thin laces (only knock). Have no clue what sort of material they're made out of. Feel like they might snap every time I lace them up but never do. The soles are superb quality, but If you don't like dress shoes that have a harder feel on the bottom (Euro feel) then you might not like J&Ms.

 

[Chuckinden]

Any recs? Looking for an everyday black shoe that can go with just about anything.

I am sick of buying cheap shoes that go out after 6 months. I am looking at Allen Edmonds, but not sure where to go from there.

As far as I can tell, goodyear welted and full grain leather.

Ive seen Johnston and Murphy, but mixed reviews.

My issue is with cheap soles. Latest pair of Kenneth Cole shoes were garbage.

I've been looking too. I want a nice, comfortable loafer for dress casual and Florsheims just don't cut it anymore.

 

[812scottj]

Johnston & Murphy zealot here...been wearing the same pair of black dress shoes for over 5 years while the brown counterpart of various brands have lasted no more than a year each. Just bought brown J&M's yesterday and would take something drastic to make me ever change. As someone said, you will need to have the heels replaced periodically.

 

[vhcat70]

I didn't know anyone wore leather soles shoes anymore except runway models. Thanks for what to stay to hell away from.

 

[elwood_blue]

[laughing]

 

[We-Todd-Did]

I have some Eccos that have worked great for me. Also like Cole Hahns, those are a little more casual though.

Eccos are great. I bought some for work that lasted at least twice as long as anything else. They weren't the prettiest things but were unbelievably comfortable.

 

[Ron Mehico]

Those are disgusting.

These are my ecco's. Been going on 18 months now and as comfortable as ever.

 

[Chuckinden]

Those are disgusting.

These are my ecco's. Been going on 18 months now and as comfortable as ever.

Not bad. I will research these.

 

[AlbanyWildCat]

Alden...have had a couple of pairs for the past 5+ years. Only thing replaced have been the soles.
Expensive, but well worth it.

Also as previously mentioned AE are great shoes but take a while to break in. Wearing a pair at the moment.

 

[Anon1711055878]

Some ugly *** shoes in this thread. Stick to the classics.. brogues, cap toes, etc.

 

[crazyqx83_rivals88013]

I didn't know anyone wore leather soles shoes anymore except runway models. Thanks for what to stay to hell away from.

You're kidding, right?