(Clockwise from top left):
1. Santoni Howell
2. Allen Edmonds Park Avenue
3. John Lobb Phillip II
4. Alden 9071 Black Shell Cordovan
5. Salvatore Ferragamo Newland
6. Barker Black Clifton
Every man should own a good pair of black cap toe oxfords. They are the standard in terms of dress shoes – they can be worn with the nicest suit as well as jeans and a blazer. Spend the extra money on a pair that can be professionally re-soled / repaired. As Max’s father told him – “you’ll never have to buy ’em twice”. Don’t forget the cedar shoe trees – I’d recommend there ALWAYS being something in your shoes – either your feet, or the shoe trees. It’s the best money you’ll spend.
I could not agree more. Mine have been in service for a few years; they have been resoled and rebuilt, but keep on going. Taking care of your shoes will help them last. In addition to shoe trees, a regular cleaning and shine is essential to both the longevity of the shoe as well as looking like a gentleman.
BTG
Park ave x Woodlore epic = perfection. I don't know about anyone else but the steel shank in Alden bothers my feet. I think Allen Edmonds are more comfortable.
Don't forget Peal & Co! (my favorites…) Love Barker Black too. The showroom in NYC is tiny but beautiful – worth looking up online.
I sense a kindred soul. Serendipity has been working in my favour lately.
beingmanly: what's afoot?
1. I couldn't agree more about the shoe trees and start a ritual – pick one time of year when you give them all a light sanding to re-release the oils.
2. With jeans? I have tried this many a time and can't get it to look right. What's your suggestion.
I agree that these are good to have but they are for suits. Possibly charcol trou and blazer. Wearing with anything else makes one look like a guy with not enough shoes.
BTG – You are exactly right. I usually take a Sunday a quarter and give all my shoes a good polish.
DisPrep – Peal makes a great product.
DAM – The key is to wear them with a slimmer cut (preferrably darker) pair of jeans, not a stonewashed version of Hammer Pants. I got a pair of these, and like the look: http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=47666&vid=1&pid=715500
Longwing – I think the cap toes give a 'casual' look (jeans + sport coat) a polished look.
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