OT: Dress Shoes

[rugbysecondrow]

Good Morning. I am looking for new dress shoes, any good recommendations? I am going lace up because they seem to support my foot better than slip-ons. Also, I wear size 13-14, so I am aware that some shoes could double as skiis for me, and look like it.

I have a pair of Ecco's I bought, but I am sending them back because there was a defect issue. I bought a pair of Rockports, but after a few wears, they seem much cheaper than I remember them being.

I hate having to buy shoes and clothes, so I prefer to do it as infrequently as possible, which means buying better stuff.

Anyway, what are your recommendations.

Thanks!

[AngryScientist]

are we talking suit and tie formal dress shoes, or business casual wear-with-khakis dress shoes?

if the latter, i'm wearing a pair of merell's right now that are pretty comfy. clarks are affordable and nice too. i have a pair of born shoes i'm in love with. i like shoes, there are so many choices...

for the former, formal shoes, the two big decisions are budget, and whether you want rubber or leather soles, i'll recommend from there, but IMO, florsheim is a good place to start.

[rugbysecondrow]

I am good in the business casual catagory, Clarks/Merrell catagory. What I am thinking is something dressy enough for a suit or slacks. I have a pair of Florshiems but I am looking to see what else is out there. Wood or rubber soles are fine, at least until winter time. :)

Quality and comfort are most important, then styling.

Thanks AS

[Norm Swift]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

[rbtmcardle]

I have several pairs of Johnston and Murphy for many years... they have strayed from their roots as a brand but still make some decent shoes that can be re-soled etc...

[R2D2]

I've always worn Johnston & Murphy for dress shoes also.

[brockd15]

I've had some Johnston and Murphy that I've really liked and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. That said, I'll only buy stitched on soles, not glued. I've had too many glued soles start to tear away. I prefer leather soles

[leooooo]

I am good in the business casual catagory, Clarks/Merrell catagory. What I am thinking is something dressy enough for a suit or slacks. I have a pair of Florshiems but I am looking to see what else is out there. Wood or rubber soles are fine, at least until winter time. :)

Quality and comfort are most important, then styling.

Thanks AS

Corthay and edward green then.

[JMerring]

Another recommendation for Allen Edmonds here. Many different styles; quality, comfortable product (some break in may be necessary); not too expensive.

[rugbysecondrow]

Thanks all, keep them coming.

Back story...I have a two year old who just moved into his toddler room at daycare, this means I no longer have to take my shoes off to go into his room to pick him up. I wore slip-ons for this reason and have been waiting until now to get some good lace-ups. I will save the slip-ons for the airport.

Thanks all.

[Walter]

I wore Johnston and Murphy for years and agree that they are very high quality shoes. Due to an arch issue, more recently I have been wearing Allen Edmunds. They worked better for me and are also of very high quality.

If you are leaning to a more comfort/casual shoe, Rockport has some dressier looking shoes. My experience with Rockports are that they are extremely comfortable.

Cole Haan is doing some dress shoes with Nike footbeds. I have never tried them.

More of the mfgrs seem to be recognizing that many folks want a good looking dress-type shoe that is comfortable...

[Spinner]

... Alden http://www.aldenshoe.com/ makes shoes that are the most comfortable that I have worn and they will last decades if properly maintained. Allen Edmonds too, in fact they have a reconditioning program that will return your shoes in like-new condition.

Cheers.

[echelon_john]

another vote for allen edmonds. fit my 13s great, and come bigger. well made, classic styling, not crazy $.

[christian]

Alden or Allen Edmonds. Simple as that.

[flydhest]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

+1
Store on K Street. I think you said you commute through Union Station. Take the Red Line to Farragut North.

Wearing some now with another pair next to me under the desk.

[Likes2ridefar]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

another agreement with this one especially for your size. my co-worker has ski sized shoes and swears by them. personally I've never owned a pair, but his look nice.

I prefer paul smith shoes for my dress mostly for the styles but they are very well made, too.

[rugbysecondrow]

+1
Store on K Street. I think you said you commute through Union Station. Take the Red Line to Farragut North.

Wearing some now with another pair next to me under the desk.

Looked this up this morning and I am going to run over today.

Thanks all!

[Gummee]

Allen Edmonds may be somewhat expensive to buy, but the pair I have that's 6 years old still looks fantastic.

$$ over time you'll come out ahead

I don't buy trendy, so I'll probably still be wearing these shoes in a decade.

M

[dnades]

Alden. Still made in Massachusetts. Very comfortable.

[fiamme red]

It's a big step-up in price from Johnston & Murphy to Alden. Aldens go for $300 and up. Well-made, but if you don't wear dress shoes everyday, they may not be worth it.

Johnston & Murphy has some shoes that are handmade in Italy, probably on the same level as Allen Edmonds.

A step up from Alden and Allen Edmonds are shoes like Crockett & Jones, Church's, Bontoni, etc.

[veloduffer]

+1 on Allen Edmonds. Not only great shoes but great repair/refurbish service. This is one of the few products that can be considered almost as lifetime investment. Expensive but you'll wear out many other brands several times before the AE shoe dies, so cheaper in the long run.

You can try them on at Jos A Bank shops, which also carry the better Johnston & Murphy and Cole Haan shoes. Plus you can order them on line from Jos A Bank. Lord & Taylor also carries AE shoes.

[LouDeeter]

Allen Edmonds. Tips. It is better to wear cheaper polished shoes than expensive shoes that aren't polished. Get the heel taps installed when new so your heels don't wear quickly. Never, ever, ever wear brown shoes with a navy suit.

[echappist]

Allen Edmonds may be somewhat expensive to buy, but the pair I have that's 6 years old still looks fantastic.

$$ over time you'll come out ahead

I don't buy trendy, so I'll probably still be wearing these shoes in a decade.

M
there's the AE shoebank, from which i bought these for $140 shipped or something like that. They may be factory seconds, but the defects are usually barely noticeable (on the sole, etc), and mine was a pair of standard shoes that got cleared out.

http://www.shermanbrothers.com/images/ae/ae-0148fs.jpg

then again, i favor the "trad" style and wear tweed jackets, so you should look elsewhere if you favor a more Euro flair

[JMerring]

Never, ever, ever wear brown shoes with a navy suit.

why do you say that? i know we live in the us of a, but europeans do that with regularity and much style.

[godfrey1112000]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

I have pairs that are 7-10 years old and they still look new, if you re-sole the shoe do full soles

[echappist]

why do you say that? i know we live in the us of a, but europeans do that with regularity and much style.
probably the same crowd that wears a blutcher to an interview ;)

fwiw, i didn't know the difference until i bought the AE and found out about differences in "dressiness" between open and closed lacing, captoe vs wingtip, etc etc. I used to think that plain toe was the most appropriate for business formal, and i was wrong...

[flydhest]

why do you say that? i know we live in the us of a, but europeans do that with regularity and much style.

I agree, work for me involves the financial world, all over the world. Brown shoes with navy is rocked with regularity in New York and Europe.

Brown with grey suits is almost de rigeur, now.

[wtex]

Don't know if working at Dillard's qualifies me, but brown shoes and navy suit is fine. Black socks with that ensemble? Not so much.

[William]

I buy a lot from these folks....
http://www.oddball.com/

Their sizes start at 13 and go up from there. Good brands that they wear themselves. Casual to dress. If you have big feet, they have you covered. Search by style or by brand.




William

[m.skeen]

+1 on the AE and Aldens. Paraboot and Tricker's are excellent as well but they are harder to find.

[Ken Robb]

J+M sell quite a wide range of shoes in price and quality made in various countries. None are awful but "you get what you pay for". There is a wide gulf between their less expensive line and their top lines. I don't know if Florsheim still offers their Imperial Line which was a great shoe when I last owned a pair.

AFAIK all Aldens are made in Mass. and are equal in quality to the best shoes in the world. They stock a FULL range of sizes up to at least 14.

I used to wear 12B but with age I am now 12C. Most stores only stock D and EEE or Medium and Wide so the sell men shoes that are too short and too wide for an ideal fit. The best shoes in the world are wasted if the fit isn't perfect.

Alden for sure and I think maybe JM will rebuild their old shoes to like-new condition for a very reasonable charge so one pair can really last a lifetime provided you buy a classic style like a cap toe or perforated cap toe.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Depends on budget. If you want to go all out, there is Edward Green and Vass.

Mid range, Crocket & Jones, Alden

Low range, but still very good stuff: AE (though their quality is not what it used to be 15-20 ago).

My only pair of J&M were a disappointment. Didn't last and the odd cushioning used in the insole felt really odd. That was a long time ago, though (15 years), so don't know about recent quality.

Also, about the brown shoe thing, brown is in and black is out.....seriously. I had a lot of trouble unloading a pair of brand new Vass shoes simply because they were black. Had they been brown they would have sold in a few minutes.

[Spinner]

Allen Edmonds. Tips. It is better to wear cheaper polished shoes than expensive shoes that aren't polished. Get the heel taps installed when new so your heels don't wear quickly. Never, ever, ever wear brown shoes with a navy suit.

Yikes, I have my brown Allen Edmunds on today with my blue Joseph Abboud. My haberdasher told me that dark brown with blue or gray is all the rage now days. Guess I drank the Kool Aid.

[DRZRM]

I also am a big fan of Alden shoes and boots.

Ron Rider of VA makes a lovely custom boot, at eye-popping prices, but he has a Steals and Deals section where overstocks of other brands (and sometimes his own, these Rider Chelsea boots in size 9.5 (http://www.riderbootshop.com/products/Rider-Boot-Co.-Chelsea-in-Bordo-Handfinished-Calf.html) are sick) are put up at a deep discount (DEEP!!). For those of us with large feet (and for guys with tiny ones) you can find great deals.

These have a MSRP of nearly $700 and they are $169.

Black Grenson Masterpiece wingtip in size 13D (http://www.riderbootshop.com/products/8005-Classic-Wingtip-Black-Calf.html)

These Black Jodpur boots are a bit more fashion forward than the classic British shoe above (long boxed toe) but they are made in Italy for Paul Stuart, MSRP for $625 and are $195 (I just got a pair in 12.5 but they have 13.5 in stock. They are VERY nice.

Jodphur black calf boot in 13.5 (http://www.riderbootshop.com/products/Jodphur-Boot-Black-Calf.html)

Shoes are like bikes, invest a bit and you get very nice product.

[DRZRM]

Never, ever, ever wear brown shoes with a navy suit.

There are some (many? most?) who would disagree!

http://www.gq.com/images/style/2011/01/spring-preview/spring-preview-16-brown-with-blue.jpg

GQ Spring tips (http://www.gq.com/style/wear-it-now/201101/spring-style-preview-2011#slide=18)

Perhaps a better example, with a suit that actually fits, is Matt Lauer, who rocks brown shoes with blues, grays and tans, and I think he pulls it off quite nattily.

http://styleforum-testing.s3.amazonaws.com/5/5a/5ada300b_vbattach46508.jpg

[echappist]

There are some (many? most?) who would disagree!
GQ Spring tips[/URL]
they gotta shill for the companies paying them the advertising $$$

i expect this "fashion" trend to disappear in ten years

now, shall we talk about 3-roll-2 sack suits?

[christian]

now, shall we talk about 3-roll-2 sack suits?I get my 3-roll-2 sacks direct from Martin Greenfield, from J. Press MTM (also Martin Greenfield, but I get to see Jay Walter), and from Chipp. I just got a great 3-roll-2 hopsack blazer from MG with "Oxxford-style" blazer buttons and the most amazing lapel roll you've ever seen.

My Aldens are primarily on the Grant (pebble grain and shell cordovan longwings) and Barrie (longwings and chukkas) last, though I have some shell cordovan tassel loafers that I believe are on the Leydon and the Indys I have are on the Trubalance.

And I wear nut-brown shoes with navy suits often. So gentlemen, I think we can all get along here.

[Joachim]

And I wear nut-brown shoes with navy suits often.

+1. If the belt matches the shoes it's all good...

[DRZRM]

I'm wearing an Oxxford 3-roll-2 jacket today, though not a sack. My 2 gray 3-roll-2 sack suits are a Brooks Brothers Black Fleece that it a bit too short (no surprise as it was designed by Thom Browne) and a Luciano Barbera that I LOVE.

Christian, looking forward to our meet-up on Friday. I'll PM to finalize.

[echappist]

I'm wearing an Oxxford 3-roll-2 jacket today, though not a sack. My 2 gray 3-roll-2 sack suits are a Brooks Brothers Black Fleece that it a bit too short (no surprise as it was designed by Thom Browne) and a Luciano Barbera that I LOVE.

Christian, looking forward to our meet-up on Friday. I'll PM to finalize.

I get my 3-roll-2 sacks direct from Martin Greenfield, from J. Press MTM (also Martin Greenfield, but I get to see Jay Walter), and from Chipp. I just got a great 3-roll-2 hopsack blazer from MG with "Oxxford-style" blazer buttons and the most amazing lapel roll you've ever seen.

My Aldens are primarily on the Grant (pebble grain and shell cordovan longwings) and Barrie (longwings and chukkas) last, though I have some shell cordovan tassel loafers that I believe are on the Leydon and the Indys I have are on the Trubalance.

And I wear nut-brown shoes with navy suits often. So gentlemen, I think we can all get along here.

yeah, b/c only because you wear 3-roll-2 :)

i'm personally too poor to afford anything fancy, but i do cherish my fused Press 3-roll-2 jacket and this scarf.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nBiQPrDfxg8/TrFobBBbiGI/AAAAAAAABt0/8Bt91kCH3XQ/s800/scarf.jpg

Hmm, if you know the provenance of that scarf, i might even be speaking to a kindred spirit.

[Steve K]

I've had great success with the Shuler version from J&M

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.aspx?pid=43584

[rjfr]

+1 on Alden. I have several pair and love them. Very high quality.

[christian]

Hmm, if you know the provenance of that scarf, i might even be speaking to a kindred spirit.No, I'm not a Branfordian, or even a Yalie, but I suppose I've been called worse. Mostly by rednecks in pickup trucks while riding my bicycle! :)

[echappist]

No, I'm not a Branfordian, or even a Yalie, but I suppose I've been called worse. Mostly by rednecks in pickup trucks while riding my bicycle! :)
there are rednecks in Westchester County? yikes.

[fiamme red]

there are rednecks in Westchester County? yikes.Well, Bill Clinton does have a house in Chappaqua. ;)

[JLNK]

Allen Edmonds

[MattTuck]

I suggest you travel to Paris and get fit for a custom pair of bespoke shoes.

http://www.johnlobb.com/en/shoes/bespoke/history/


You already have a custom bike, why not get custom shoes? :cool:

There are probably cobbler's state side that could do custom also... but Paris is so romantic.

[goonster]

Not dress shoes, but for something more casual and rustic, made to measure in Wisconsin, Russell Moccasins are good value. Even more so if you are hard to fit, or have unequal size feet.

Premier Country Oxford:

http://www.russellmoccasin.com/images/boots_shoes/newpremiercountryoxlg.gif

I have a pair that is well-worn, much-traveled, once resoled, and still going very strong.

Apparently they are popular with the American trad fetishists in Japan, and you can specify all kinds of cool options, e.g. different leathers, Vibram soles, double vamp, etc.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9ILsJJZhS00/TNa7qsAeH4I/AAAAAAAAFLs/C89H0QnGmvc/s400/RUSSELL+MOCCASIN.jpg

[Ken Robb]

I've had great success with the Shuler version from J&M

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.aspx?pid=43584
Nice but not a "dress shoe" to me.

[jblande]

I got a pair of Gravati shoes for my wedding.
They are, without a doubt, the finest shoes I have ever owned.

[Ken Robb]

I suggest you travel to Paris and get fit for a custom pair of bespoke shoes.

http://www.johnlobb.com/en/shoes/bespoke/history/


You already have a custom bike, why not get custom shoes? :cool:

There are probably cobbler's state side that could do custom also... but Paris is so romantic.

I think Lobb's HQ is London.

[fiamme red]

E. Vogel makes custom shoes, but they also have a couple of models ready-to-wear, for $600:

http://www.vogelboots.com/shoes.asp?page_idno=11&category_idno=25

[redir]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

Second that, I got a pair last year and they really are top notch.

[MattTuck]

I think Lobb's HQ is London.


My post was meant to be tongue in cheek, given our love and appreciation of things custom made and hand built. But I guess there really is an overlap of interests. :rolleyes:

From their site: John Lobb's world-renowned bespoke service remains the heartbeat of the company at its Parisian workshop, epitomising the traditional art of shoemaking at its very finest.

[Fixed]

I've always worn Johnston & Murphy for dress shoes also.
it is what the lawyers i used to work for wore
cheers
i like cole haan
you be like james bond and wear church"s shoes

[rugbysecondrow]

I am intrigued. Thanks Goon.

Not dress shoes, but for something more casual and rustic, made to measure in Wisconsin, Russell Moccasins are good value. Even more so if you are hard to fit, or have unequal size feet.

Premier Country Oxford:

http://www.russellmoccasin.com/images/boots_shoes/newpremiercountryoxlg.gif

I have a pair that is well-worn, much-traveled, once resoled, and still going very strong.

Apparently they are popular with the American trad fetishists in Japan, and you can specify all kinds of cool options, e.g. different leathers, Vibram soles, double vamp, etc.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9ILsJJZhS00/TNa7qsAeH4I/AAAAAAAAFLs/C89H0QnGmvc/s400/RUSSELL+MOCCASIN.jpg

[572cv]

My Aldens look better than they did when I got them some 30 yrs ago. Still made in USA (Mass) as others have noted. Great shoe. If you go foreign, Mephisto of France is a great choice. Also Kandahar of Switzerland. Very classy shoes, very comfortable walkers.

[Ken Robb]

[QUOTE=MattTuck]My post was meant to be tongue in cheek, given our love and appreciation of things custom made and hand built. But I guess there really is an overlap of interests. :rolleyes:

From their site: John Lobb's world-renowned bespoke service remains the heartbeat of the company at its Parisian workshop, epitomising the traditional art of shoemaking at its very finest.[/QUOTE

Well who knew? Lobb shoes made in France. Next you'll be telling me Rolls-Royce and Bentley are owned by Germans! :banana: :beer:

[topher]

I agree, work for me involves the financial world, all over the world. Brown shoes with navy is rocked with regularity in New York and Europe.

Brown with grey suits is almost de rigeur, now.


Just to pile on - brown with navy if done right is so much better than black and navy, which is just terrible. I have an extreme dislike for black shoes, and make an effort not to wear them. Cordovan with Navy is great, and I'm all for the brown and navy. Brown with Grey is where its at.

[Frankwurst]

[QUOTE=goonster]Not dress shoes, but for something more casual and rustic, made to measure in Wisconsin, Russell Moccasins are good value. Even more so if you are hard to fit, or have unequal size feet.

Hell I live there and have never heard of them and have all of the described problems with my feet. This is like finding out Santa Claus does exist. Thanks Goonster! :beer:

[happycampyer]

My post was meant to be tongue in cheek, given our love and appreciation of things custom made and hand built. But I guess there really is an overlap of interests. :rolleyes:

From their site: John Lobb's world-renowned bespoke service remains the heartbeat of the company at its Parisian workshop, epitomising the traditional art of shoemaking at its very finest.Iirc, John Lobb originated in London, but opened a worksop and boutique in Paris at the turn of the century. I think the brand name and the Paris workshop were bought by H�rm�s, and the Lobb company that most people are familiar with is the H�rm�s-owned company. The London workshop is a separate company that is still family owned, and it only makes bespoke shoes. You can get bespoke shoes from the H�rm�s-owned Lobb as well, but the big push is its ready-to-wear line (which are very nice shoes).

[rounder]

I mainly wear loafers: brown, black, cordovan so, obviously, i do not have good shoe advice.

A girl i work with has 200+ pairs of shoes. She showed me a pcture of her wall with shoes in holders covering the whole wall!! The closet does not hold all that stuff.

Bikes? What are a lot of bikes?

[wc1934]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

+1
They look great and are very comfortable - and they are completely refurbishable.

Johnson and Murphy and Cole Haan are pretty good too - less expensive than the AE'S.

[OTB]

I have had Cole Haans and they look good for one season, then they break down. I have had pretty good experience with To Boot New York, but they are a little overpriced. AEs last longer and keep their shape extremely well - and a good polish brings them back to life. Plus if you need winter soles, styles like the Lombard have synthetic soles that hold up well. AE has an annual sale and prices are really good. They are like buying Campy Chorus.

[pdmtong]

Cole-Haan Nike Air
Michael Toschi
Taryn Rose
Ferragamo
Tods

IMHO mens dress shoes are cheap, $200 or $400+

NO idea how any of these faire in salt/snow.

AE's...sturdy but boring.

[slowgoing]

If you are wearing a suit and want to look conservatively professional, brown with navy isn't the problem. Brown is the problem. Unless you are wearing a brown suit, which is a whole other story. Brown shoes, especially light brown, make you look like an academic who wears tweed jackets with elbow patches. Or maybe one of those fellows with bow ties. Stick to black and cordovan. If you are going business casual, even wearing a sportcoat, brown with anything is fine, no one really cares.

That's how I was raised in the 80s and 90s and I'm sticking with it.

[azrider]

Brown shoes, especially light brown, make you look like an academic who wears tweed jackets with elbow patches. Or maybe one of those fellows with bow ties.

That's how I was raised in the 80s and 90s and I'm sticking with it.

Not picking a fight but i think times have changed. Pulled this thread up because i just got some Cole Haans and am second guessing whether they're TOO nice for biz casual.

But Brown (even light Brown) with Blue suits seems to be pretty standard at my work.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Not picking a fight but i think times have changed. Pulled this thread up because i just got some Cole Haans and am second guessing whether they're TOO nice for biz casual.

But Brown (even light Brown) with Blue suits seems to be pretty standard at my work.

+1. Brown shoes with blue suits (or any other color) are fine.

[RonW87]

Brown shoes with blue or grey suit, yes. Brown shoes with black or dark charcoal, not sure.

[PQJ]

Brown shoes with blue or grey suit, yes. Brown shoes with black or dark charcoal, not sure.

Brown shoes + black suit = absolute no no

Brown shoes + charcoal suit = could work, depending on the tone of brown and charcoal

Edit: brown shoes + navy suit/slacks = quintessentially European and sartorially a-ok; I been living in US 20+ yrs and still can't understand the average American's aversion to brown + navy.

[MattTuck]

Not picking a fight but i think times have changed. Pulled this thread up because i just got some Cole Haans and am second guessing whether they're TOO nice for biz casual.

But Brown (even light Brown) with Blue suits seems to be pretty standard at my work.

Post a pic of the shoes in question? Business casual is pretty wide, and as long as you're not wearing jeans with tuxedo slippers, I'd think you're ok.

[Uncle Jam's Army]

Brown shoes + black suit = absolute no no

Unless you're a mortician or we're talking about a tux, why would anyone own a black suit? :fight: :p

[azrider]

Unless you're a mortician or we're talking about a tux, why would anyone own a black suit? :fight: :p

black suits way too formal for business imo

[azrider]

Post a pic of the shoes in question? Business casual is pretty wide, and as long as you're not wearing jeans with tuxedo slippers, I'd think you're ok.

I splurged only becaues i found these for what I considered a "reasonable or doable" price. I am not one to purchase $280 retail shoes.

I'm wanting these to be dressy enough for my gray/blue suits yet versatile enough to wear with the occassional khakis/slacks and button down.

what say you

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Not picking a fight but i think times have changed. Pulled this thread up because i just got some Cole Haans and am second guessing whether they're TOO nice for biz casual.

But Brown (even light Brown) with Blue suits seems to be pretty standard at my work.

Plus one. Cole Haan's are too nice for even business business, much less business casual, IMO.

*****yes, I'm a shoe whore, and not just Sidis;).

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

I splurged only becaues i found these for what I considered a "reasonable or doable" price. I am not one to purchase $280 retail shoes.

I'm wanting these to be dressy enough for my gray/blue suits yet versatile enough to wear with the occassional khakis/slacks and button down.

what say you

They'd kill with a dark blue, or dark grey suit, IMHO.

[azrider]

They'd kill with a dark blue, or dark grey suit, IMHO.

Agreed.

But are they too dressy for those occassions that are sans jacket?

[binxnyrwarrsoul]

Ha, depends on the shirt.

********Take anything I say on this subject with a grain of salt. I have a (deserved? Not sure) rep for over dressing at weddings/Xmas partys/etc.

[Lionel]

Iirc, John Lobb originated in London, but opened a worksop and boutique in Paris at the turn of the century. I think the brand name and the Paris workshop were bought by H�rm�s, and the Lobb company that most people are familiar with is the H�rm�s-owned company. The London workshop is a separate company that is still family owned, and it only makes bespoke shoes. You can get bespoke shoes from the H�rm�s-owned Lobb as well, but the big push is its ready-to-wear line (which are very nice shoes).

This is correct.

[MattTuck]

Agreed that they might look a little off if you were wearing a t-shirt or polo shirt... but with trousers and a button down shirt, I'd think they'd be ok.

These similar shoes from Beckett Simonon are a bit more business casual style. Slightly rounder/shorter toe, and bulkier laces make it look a little less refined than yours. These, you could probably wear with worn denim and a t-shirt, if you wanted to. My own personal opinion is that you shouldn't worry about wearing quality shoes, as long as they are well kept. It is often said that women check out men's shoes before anything else.
http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0175/8496/products/beckett-simonon-longwings-tan_1024x1024.jpg?v=1386611625

[jlwdm]

Plus one. Cole Haan's are too nice for even business business, much less business casual, IMO.

*****yes, I'm a shoe whore, and not just Sidis;).



Maybe some old Cole Haans would have been dressy, but post Nike owned Cole Haan shoes (since sold by Nike) are a far cry from the pre-Nike shoes. Lower quality and not as dressy. Too many air soles.

Jeff

[rugbysecondrow]

Maybe some old Cole Haans would have been dressy, but post Nike owned Cole Haan shoes (since sold by Nike) are a far cry from the pre-Nike shoes. Lower quality and not as dressy. Too many air soles.

Jeff

This. Nike has turned them into a disposable product. If I am spending over 2 bills on a pair of shoes, I would want them to be crafted well and rebuildable. Ecco, Cole Haan, Johnston and Murphy and others are not in that class. I have slowly been acquiring an Alden/Allen Edmond's quiver. Even a nice pair of leather Red Wings (recraftable as well) for good measure.

I don't own a lot of shoes, but I do like the ones I have and plan on keeping them for a long while.

Cheers,

Paul

[fuzzalow]

It is often said that women check out men's shoes before anything else.

Never heard that one. That saying is a variant on the one about a salesman's tricks of the trade in reading a customer is to look at their shoes to determine if they really have money to spend.

Not sure that the salesman and the women are trying to read into the same thing though...

[Louis]

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/imageBank/s/Sidi-Bettini-shoes.jpg

[goonster]

why would anyone own a black suit?
http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m5gg7oqwng1qhu0myo1_1280.jpg

[EDS]

Agreed.

But are they too dressy for those occassions that are sans jacket?

No. I have a very similar pair of Allen Edmonds shoes that I wear with business casual dress weekly.

[downtube]

Yikes, I have my brown Allen Edmunds on today with my blue Joseph Abboud. My haberdasher told me that dark brown with blue or gray is all the rage now days. Guess I drank the Kool Aid.

It's a clear cut case of the emperors new clothes. :)

I have had many pairs of Allen Edmonds over the last 30 years. These are fantastic shoes, they are rebuildable, and available in many widths. If you get fitted properly you will have happy feet forever!

[Ken Robb]

It's a clear cut case of the emperors new clothes. :)

I have had many pairs of Allen Edmonds over the last 30 years. These are fantastic shoes, they are rebuildable, and available in many widths. If you get fitted properly you will have happy feet forever!

The guys on The Today Show usually wear dark brown shoes with grey or blue suits/pants. In the 1940s medium to light brown shoes with all colors of suits/pants were pretty common. Of course in the post-war years a lot of popular menswear was pretty wild as a reaction to years wearing uniforms by so many men.

[gngroup]

... Alden http://www.aldenshoe.com/ makes shoes that are the most comfortable that I have worn and they will last decades if properly maintained.

+1 for Alden.

I also have a few pair of Prada shoes that fit my skinny foot great and have lasted nearly a decade and several new soles!

[weisan]

AllenEdmonds.com
Additional 20% Off Clearance Items through 2/24/2014 (discount appears at checkout). FREE shipping & returns every day, no minimum order!

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/cati2_Sale_1_40000000001_-1_______132809_subcategory?#facet=&sId=132809&sort=5&ps=1000&bi=0

[GuyGadois]

Allen Edmonds... well-built, quality material = last a lifetime.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/

+350 (the approximate cost). Uncomfortable shoes for me when I first buy them but be patient and they will mold to your feet. Timeless too.

[Anarchist]

Not picking a fight but i think times have changed. Pulled this thread up because i just got some Cole Haans and am second guessing whether they're TOO nice for biz casual.

But Brown (even light Brown) with Blue suits seems to be pretty standard at my work.

That does not mean it is either right, or in good taste.

+1. Brown shoes with blue suits (or any other color) are fine.

No. They are not.

[Anarchist]

Unless you're a mortician or we're talking about a tux, why would anyone own a black suit? :fight: :p

My black suits are, frankly, my favourites.

They are classic. Black suit, white shirt, narrow black tie.

It is all one needs, well, black shoes.

[bloody sunday]

Highly recommend Alden shoes.
http://www.aldenshoe.com/

[jlwdm]

My black suits are, frankly, my favourites.

They are classic. Black suit, white shirt, narrow black tie.

It is all one needs, well, black shoes.

Always want to be a Blues Brother?

Jeff

[jlwdm]

Highly recommend Alden shoes.
http://www.aldenshoe.com/

Great shoes, but the fit is tricky if you do not have a store nearby. Different lasts - different fits. I hate shoes that you are trying to size up or down.

Jeff

[Ken Robb]

My black suits are, frankly, my favourites.

They are classic. Black suit, white shirt, narrow black tie.

It is all one needs, well, black shoes.

Are you a chauffeur?

[christian]

Then he'd need a black cap. And possibly white gloves.

[djg]

Are you a chauffeur?

Jeeze, you guys are mean. M.I.B. is an important organization to life on earth and A is wearing the only suit he'll ever need.

[rugbysecondrow]

That does not mean it is either right, or in good taste.



No. They are not.

For an Anarchist, you really play by the rules. :)

[Anarchist]

For an Anarchist, you really play by the rules. :)


Some are right, and some things are just .....

As to black suits, navy suits, white shirts and simple black ties. I have been married for 28 years. I can dress in the morning without having to turn on any lights.

That is why we have been happily married for 28 years. Simple.

[1happygirl]

One of my friends is a monochrome man too and likes the all one color (burn notice?)
Anyway I know nothing but was sent out with a credit card a long time ago to get shoes. My dad had a pair so I went with Edmonds.
They were worn for an occasion once only. Complained about comfort. Will pass on GG info.
I don't get one color, still don't get Dylan ether
Very much get the one person concept. Kudos. Maybe a lot more people need to go monochrome.
A : you wear colorful Lycra right?:-)

[StopPolloition]

Some of the Brooks Brothers' shoes under the Peal & Co. label are quite nice. A while ago they were made in either the Alfred Sargent or Crockett and Jones factory. Used to be a pretty good deal when you got a friends and family sale or other promotional offer. The construction quality was good; High quality full grain calfskin, goodyear welt, hidden channel for the stitching, and nailed heels with a rubber dovetailed back. I think some of them were the same quality as the Crockett and Jones handgrade shoes.

[leooooo]

Highly recommend Alden shoes.
http://www.aldenshoe.com/

Someone say alden? ;)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/12663995673_45979f3b21.jpg (http://flic.kr/p/ki5hGZ)

[malcolm]

Donald Pliner makes a nice men's dress shoe. I've had a pair for 5 or 6 years and they are great very comfy.

And while I'm no clothes horse and know next to nothing about fashion, just say no to brown shoes with a blue suit.

[commonguy001]

I like Aldens although I have a local men's clothing store I can order through if I'm questioning fit on a different design.

The wife got me a pair of cordovan chukka boots for an anniversary a few years back that I've really enjoyed.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5251/5573221390_d81050fd32_z.jpg

Saying that I had a pair of their casual chukka boots probably 15 years ago with the rubber sole that kept coming apart no matter how many times I had them worked on. Pretty sure I tossed them which now seems like a stupid move as they're over 300 a pair.

Probably my all time favorite are the cordovan loafers

[azrider]

Alright......did a search and found nuttin.......so I thought this was as good a place as any to ask.



What is youralls' opinion on dress shoes with white soles....more specifically, the below pair of shoes.



I ask because square toed shoes were all the rage about 8 years ago, then GQ posted an article about how square toed shoes were the worst thing to happen to mens fashion since bolo tie. So in an attempt to stay ahead of the curve, I thought I'd ask fine folk at a bike forum what they say.



Caveat: I work in IT industry so certain things that aren't normally acceptable are totally acceptable: i.e. backpacks, black vests, hoodies, jeans, mock turtlenecks (kidding) ;)

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/e21f76dc6c07819a7811a9c91418fc37.jpg

[denapista]

I literally have those Cole Haan shoes on right now, and I work in IT.

I'm a Project Manager/Coordinator, so I can somewhat get away with a casual look. If I were in upper management then I wouldn't wear shoes with a "Casual" sole. If you have a little style, you can get away with the Zerogrand model with slacks and a nice button up shirt. On lazy non cleaners days, I wear slacks with a slim H&M polo ($9) with those Cole Haan shoes. Dress sharp for cheap!

I have a couple of pairs in different colors because they're the most comfortable and dressy/casual shoe available.. Wearing hard toe and soles all day when you're walking around is miserable.

[azrider]

I literally have those Cole Haan shoes on right now, and I work in IT.

I'm a Project Manager/Coordinator, so I can somewhat get away with a casual look. If I were in upper management then I wouldn't wear shoes with a "Casual" sole. If you have a little style, you can get away with the Zerogrand model with slacks and a nice button up shirt. On lazy non cleaners days, I wear slacks with a slim H&M polo ($9) with those Cole Haan shoes. Dress sharp for cheap!

I have a couple of pairs in different colors because they're the most comfortable and dressy/casual shoe available.. Wearing hard toe and soles all day when you're walking around is miserable.

Boom. Love it.

I've moved from sales to more of services role and am no longer feeling the need to be all dressed up. Plus I'm doing a lot more walking: client visit, inside data center, and I prefer to walk while on conf calls so I wanted something that is a little more walker friendly while still being somewhat stylish.

[denapista]

The Cole Haan Zerogrand shoes with the Nike looking Zoom sole is heaven sent! It feels like walking on feathers all day. I walk sites and do bid walks in Red Wings, then toss on the Cole Haan for the office duties. Working at a Hospital now, having this sole is vital to walking on hard flooring all day..

[Likes2ridefar]

Love the zero grand wingtip oxford, IMO more comfortable than the ones you show. I’ve tried both..I wear them daily also in IT where we can wear pretty much anything.

I have these in brown with a white sole, a black suede pair with a blue sole, and a brown pair with dark brown sole. The latter looks much dressier than the other two.

https://www.colehaan.com/zerogrand-wingtip-oxford-british-tan-java/C29411.html

They are the best dress shoe I’ve worn, super comfortable and lightweight, and work with a suit or casual.

They are also very nice for arizona as most of those dots you see are large cutouts resulting in a very cool wearing shoe.

And edit: I regularly meet with the c suite on the business side in a very large corporation and have had nothing but compliments on all 3.

[dbnm]

Love the Cole Haans

[bikeridah]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I love dress shoes.

Some of my favorite makers are Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, Corthay, Vass, Berluti, Crockett & Jones and Zegna Couture.

Very dated photo but you get the idea. I do own 2 pairs of black shoes (not shown) and have a third pair waiting for me at the PO.

My advice: invest in a quality shoe, try not to wear them several days in a row, always use wooden shoe trees when not in use, wear rubber shoe covers if there's a chance of rain and regularly shine with wax-based polish (not the smelly stuff sold at the grocery/pharmacy).

1697986157

[jlwdm]

I will kind of be the Cole Haan naysayer. I thought Cole Haan made a lot of great dress shoes before the sale to Nike and afterwards for a while. The shoes being shown here are not dress shoes in my mind. I sell real estate and would not wear any of these semi-dress shoes with a non-dress shoe sole.

I can see how someone might wear them in IT or other careers.

The only Cole Haans I have at this point in time are black leather sneakers, brown leather sneakers, a pair of brown chukka boots and an one pair of darker brown (with a little red tone) dress shoes that were made in Italy.

I do like these four pairs of shoes. The leather sneakers feel great and are much better than the more expensive, heavier ones from Allen Edmonds.

Jeff

[Ken Robb]

In my opinion no DRESS shoe has a white sole.

[Likes2ridefar]

In my opinion no DRESS shoe has a white sole.

Why? I just don’t understand an aversion to a particular color. Super happy I don’t work in real estate or finance or other areas where people judge by appearance rather than personal characteristics, performance and value.

[seedster2]

Retired a pair of prada wingtips recently. Now I only wear Crockett & Jones; especially fond of the Crawford, Cavendish and Westbourne

[sitzmark]

Alright......did a search and found nuttin.......so I thought this was as good a place as any to ask.

What is youralls' opinion on dress shoes with white soles....more specifically, the below pair of shoes.
....

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191003/e21f76dc6c07819a7811a9c91418fc37.jpg

In bike terms that shoe might fit in the category of "gravel shoe" as traditional "dress" shoes are defined - a mix of dress and casual/business casual. Where tradition rules the day, especially C suites and boardrooms, that shoe would be too casual.

Business has been trending more casual over the past few decades, but there are still business environments where tradition dictates dress code. IT isn't typically one of those environments. 30-40 years ago it would have been ... IBM senior and middle managers would be expected to dress in very traditional business attire. Then came Microsoft and Apple and work environments changed - dramatically. Just have to have a sense for the new/old traditions of the environments where you work to "fit in".

Of course one can always show up to a crit race with a full-on cross bike - maybe even win depending on who's racing. Doesn't make it a crit bike by definition and it may seem "out of place", but unless you get DQ'ed for having the "wrong bike" there's no issue is there? :)

[KonaSS]

I know the white sole shoes are prevalent these days, but it still reminds me of a rental bowling shoe every time I see one. :banana:

[godfrey1112000]

https://us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/match-up-sneaker-nvprod230011v


Just ordered a pair, they match my luggage 🧳

[pdonk]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I love dress shoes.

Some of my favorite makers are Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, Corthay, Vass, Berluti, Crockett & Jones and Zegna Couture.

My advice: invest in a quality shoe, try not to wear them several days in a row, always use wooden shoe trees when not in use, wear rubber shoe covers if there's a chance of rain and regularly shine with wax-based polish (not the smelly stuff sold at the grocery/pharmacy).



Nope, I like a good pair of shoes. Like others bike collections, I have nowhere near the collection you have but currently have 3 pairs of prada (2 black - 1 cap toe, 1 split toe, 1 brown cap toe), 1 jil sander (black and blue), Paul Smith (brown - cap toe) 2 alden cordovan (chukka and wingtip boot) in my rotation. I wear my high boot wingtips with both jeans and dress pants.

Love the smell of sapir shoe polish and the process of using the hard brush, soft bush and soft cloth to make shoes look good.

The pic below is today, and yes, my boots need a polish.


In my opinion no DRESS shoe has a white sole.

I'll go one further and say that except for "toppys" and the like, don't have rubber soles.

[bikeridah]

Nope, I like a good pair of shoes. Like others bike collections, I have nowhere near the collection you have but currently have 3 pairs of prada (2 black - 1 cap toe, 1 split toe, 1 brown cap toe), 1 jil sander (black and blue), Paul Smith (brown - cap toe) 2 alden cordovan (chukka and wingtip boot) in my rotation. I wear my high boot wingtips with both jeans and dress pants.

Love the smell of sapir shoe polish and the process of using the hard brush, soft bush and soft cloth to make shoes look good.

The pic below is today, and yes, my boots need a polish.




I'll go one further and say that except for "toppys" and the like, don't have rubber soles.

Saphir is the wax and cream of choice for me.

I respectfully disagree proper dress shoes can't have rubber soles. There are plenty of top maker shoes with dainite soles that you wouldn't even know were rubber unless you saw the bottoms.

And don't believe anyone who says you can't wear brown shoes with blue. Casual friday at the office today.
1697986161

[pdonk]

I respectfully disagree proper dress shoes can't have rubber soles. There are plenty of top maker shoes with dainite soles that you wouldn't even know were rubber unless you saw the bottoms.

And don't believe anyone who says you can't wear brown shoes with blue. Casual friday at the office today.
1697986161

Generally agree on both fronts.

If the rubber sole is not a contrasting colour and discrete. They also make sense for wet weather places. I just prefer all leather from the sound they make walking on a tile floor to how the entire shoe molds to your foot.

I wear brown shoes with blue pants frequently.

[denapista]

In my opinion no DRESS shoe has a white sole.

I agree wholeheartedly with this statement. I wear the Cole Haan shoe in a casual manner. For suits, I have some spiffy Oxfords and other nice boots. I would never wear a suit with the Cole Haan Zerogrand shoes. IMHO they look too casual. I think you can get away with it though, because most corporate higher ups have no style and they won't notice the casual style of shoe with a professional suit. Their clueless..

I have to walk job sites and the zerogrand is perfect for that type of activity when you need to wear slacks and walk outside.

[DRZRM]

First, Pdonk, love those Aldens, though I'm a bit torn about the metal eyelets on a wingtip, I have them on my leather Alden Indys and shell cordovan Jumper boots, but a dressier boot to my eye looks better with a leather lace hole. I have a pair of Tricker boots with metal eyelets and I rarely wear them for that reason. Are those Iron Heart jeans? Nice!

To equate a dress shoe with a sneaker sole like the ones above with a dress shoe with a Dainite sole as was just done above seems silly, they are not even remotely similar. I have some Edward Green wingtips with a Dainite sole, and some Alden monk straps with their rubber commando soles, they are great for rain, but you'd never know they had rubber soles by looking unless I put my feet up.

The dress shoes with a casual rubber sole feels much more "fashion-y" and I think the comparison to the square toes shoes of the 1990s and 2000s is apt. They look OK now, though I suspect you already missed the chance to be cutting edge, but I bet they are very much of this historic fashion moment. If they are comfortable, they are better than the casual rubber soled shoes folks will wear to work. Really you will do better to just buy some Adidas Stan Smiths. I swear you can wear them with anything, even a suit.

https://yegfitness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Beckham.jpg

One is an actual dress shoe that you can wear in iffy weather, the other is a mashup between a dress shoe and sneakers. I don't think it does either job well enough to own them, only time will tell how these shoes are viewed by history.

[onsight512]

I'm probably in the minority here, but I love dress shoes.

Some of my favorite makers are Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, Corthay, Vass, Berluti, Crockett & Jones and Zegna Couture.

Very dated photo but you get the idea. I do own 2 pairs of black shoes (not shown) and have a third pair waiting for me at the PO.

My advice: invest in a quality shoe, try not to wear them several days in a row, always use wooden shoe trees when not in use, wear rubber shoe covers if there's a chance of rain and regularly shine with wax-based polish (not the smelly stuff sold at the grocery/pharmacy).

1697986157

I just wanted to thank you for posting that photo. Now I don’t feel as bad about the number of shoes I have in my closet. 👍🏻

[wc1934]

I like Aldens although I have a local men's clothing store I can order through if I'm questioning fit on a different design.

The wife got me a pair of cordovan chukka boots for an anniversary a few years back that I've really enjoyed.
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5251/5573221390_d81050fd32_z.jpg

Saying that I had a pair of their casual chukka boots probably 15 years ago with the rubber sole that kept coming apart no matter how many times I had them worked on. Pretty sure I tossed them which now seems like a stupid move as they're over 300 a pair.

Probably my all time favorite are the cordovan loafers

I did the same thing with my cordovans (tossed them) - been kicking myself ever since.

[Likes2ridefar]

Saphir is the wax and cream of choice for me.

I respectfully disagree proper dress shoes can't have rubber soles. There are plenty of top maker shoes with dainite soles that you wouldn't even know were rubber unless you saw the bottoms.

And don't believe anyone who says you can't wear brown shoes with blue. Casual friday at the office today.
1697986161

Those look terribly uncomfortable but they are stylish! My foot isn’t shaped like a triangle..

[pdonk]

Are those Iron Heart jeans? Nice!




Yes they are Ironhearts, 21 ounce, special edition for rivet and hide 633s.

Lined rear pockets, with tonal pockets and selvedge fly.

Got them when we went to London 5 years ago.

You guys know me well.

[Likes2ridefar]

Nope, I like a good pair of shoes. Like others bike collections, I have nowhere near the collection you have but currently have 3 pairs of prada (2 black - 1 cap toe, 1 split toe, 1 brown cap toe), 1 jil sander (black and blue), Paul Smith (brown - cap toe) 2 alden cordovan (chukka and wingtip boot) in my rotation. I wear my high boot wingtips with both jeans and dress pants.

Love the smell of sapir shoe polish and the process of using the hard brush, soft bush and soft cloth to make shoes look good.

The pic below is today, and yes, my boots need a polish.




I'll go one further and say that except for "toppys" and the like, don't have rubber soles.

Those look nice, are they comfortable? Looks like they actually mostly adhere to a normal foot shape and appear like they’d last forever...

[pdonk]

Those look nice, are they comfortable? Looks like they actually mostly adhere to a normal foot shape and appear like they’d last forever...

For the shape of my foot any of the aldens with a Barry last and EE sizing are amazing.

I've had my alden cordovan chukkas for 9 years. They've been resoled 2 or 3 times, probably 6 sets of heels and they likely have another 10 years in them. Just need to keep them polished and as noted before do not wear on back to back days.

My boots are only 2 years old and just nicely broken into my foot.

[bikeridah]

I did the same thing with my cordovans (tossed them) - been kicking myself ever since.

Those are Zegnas and are typical Italian pointy toed so I half-sized up.

Those look nice, are they comfortable? Looks like they actually mostly adhere to a normal foot shape and appear like they’d last forever...

Just be warned shell cordovan does not breathe well, so no go for people with moist feet like me

[prototoast]

I clicked on this thread yesterday, and today I was getting instagram ads for dress shoes...

I hate dress shoes.

[azrider]

They are the best dress shoe I’ve worn, super comfortable and lightweight, and work with a suit or casual.

They are also very nice for arizona as most of those dots you see are large cutouts resulting in a very cool wearing shoe.

And edit: I regularly meet with the c suite on the business side in a very large corporation and have had nothing but compliments on all 3.

Cool. This is what I was looking for. I'll be wearing them predominantly with pants and button down but will try them with one of my 'sportier' blue suits.

Why? I just don’t understand an aversion to a particular color. Super happy I don’t work in real estate or finance or other areas where people judge by appearance rather than personal characteristics, performance and value.

Amen.....so happy technology industry is more about what ya know

Where tradition rules the day, especially C suites and boardrooms, that shoe would be too casual.

Business has been trending more casual over the past few decades, but there are still business environments where tradition dictates dress code. IT isn't typically one of those environments. 30-40 years ago it would have been ... IBM senior and middle managers would be expected to dress in very traditional business attire. Then came Microsoft and Apple and work environments changed - dramatically. Just have to have a sense for the new/old traditions of the environments where you work to "fit in".

Of course one can always show up to a crit race with a full-on cross bike - maybe even win depending on who's racing. Doesn't make it a crit bike by definition and it may seem "out of place", but unless you get DQ'ed for having the "wrong bike" there's no issue is there? :)

HA...i appreciate the analogies

But you're right it's definitely industry specific....more and more CEO's I see on stage (Marc Benoiff, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook) are all sporting the black shoe w/ white sole look. I'd even go so far to say that something too dressy in my industry would be considered suspect.

Meanwhile John Thain is still rocking pleated pants :p:p

[jlwdm]

I work in real estate, but I dress for myself. I grew up in basically a mill town, but the husband of the family across the street from us had a quality mens' clothing store which influenced me. I like clothes and only wear things I like and feel good in whether I am at home, at work, cycling, working out and so forth. I am good about buying things I like and keeping them (and liking them) for a long time. I am a believer in quality over quantity. I have also organized my closet and got rid of clothes by following the principles of Marie Kondo. If I buy a piece of clothing and don't feel great wearing it, it is off to Goodwill immediately.

I like clean lines - not just for clothes. Watches for example also. All suits and sport coats are two button. None have vents - I sew the vents up. I also sew up the front lower pockets. No button down shirts - only spread collars. I have followed this style for years and years.

I guess it is the same with bikes too - three road bikes (two custom to me) and the last one was purchased over 8 years ago. I still love all three of them. Quality again over quantity - no flipping.

And with everything else I buy. Furniture, household goods and so forth. Only things I really like for the long term. I find it cheaper and more satisfying in the long run.

My best friend got a little carried away with high end shoes although he worked for the government in a casual environment. Lots of Alden and many brands from England, Italy and Germany. He retired two years ago and wonders why he bought so many shoes. He keeps telling me not to buy anymore clothes. All he wears now for shoes are comfortable casual shoes.

Jeff

[jlwdm]

...

But you're right it's definitely industry specific....more and more CEO's I see on stage (Marc Benoiff, Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, Tim Cook) are all sporting the black shoe w/ white sole look. I'd even go so far to say that something too dressy in my industry would be considered suspect.

...

To me it is about a sense of style. Most men I see in dress clothes have little sense of style. And this is true of the tech CEOs also. Money does not by style. It does not need to be a sense of style that I would wear to appreciate a look.

Jeff

[C40_guy]

I spend most of my working day barefoot (home office). My casual shoes are all zero drop. And I'm just getting accustomed to running in zero drop (not barefoot style) shoes.

I have one pair of Lem's Nine2Five dress up shoes, looking for other zero drop shoes. I'm done trying to squeeze my toes into my old Florsheims. :)

Comfort beats fashion. :)