Acquired: Allen Edmonds X Land’s End Snuff Suede Grayson Tassel Loafers

I’m sorry to admit that I have a small obsession with Snuff Suede.  A couple of justifications – it goes with everything, so every suede rule can be broken (which I do anyway).  I already own a couple pairs of snuff suede shoes – both of which get huge play in the rotation.  I have Sid’s penny loafers, as well as a pair of Crockett & Jones for Polo wingtips.

What is great about snuff suede?  It’s as versatile as brown leather, as it goes with almost everything.  Across the spectrum: sockless with jeans and a sport coat to khakis and a sweater, to gray wool trousers with a tie and all the fixings.  Suede will wear in a unique way.  It doesn’t patina like typical calfskin or shell cordovan.  Instead, it will darken slightly.  For the ‘fresh’ look, keep a suede brush on hand, and give it the business after every second or third wear.  Also – the shoe tree rule applies the same way to suede shoes as it does to any other dress shoes.

While perusing the Internet, I came across these, and pulled the trigger immediately.  Land’s End has a nice selection of special edition Allen Edmonds available on their website.  Most of them are the classic models in different finishes.  Enter these Graysons in snuff suede to the rotation:

These Graysons are available at www.landsend.com