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Shoes (1 Viewer)

Spike

Footballguy
I know we used to have a "Clothes" thread but I cannot find it.

Anyway.  What I was hoping people could help me with is shoes.  I'm looking for casual shoes for the office.  Specifically, I would like loafers but I need ones whose sole is rubber.  I've bought pairs of shoes in the past only to find out they're more like skates than shoes because they would have no grip on the ground.

I used to buy Cole Haan loafers but their quality really went downhill the last 5 years or so.

Please hit me up with options!

Thanks, Spike.

 
I know we used to have a "Clothes" thread but I cannot find it.

Anyway.  What I was hoping people could help me with is shoes.  I'm looking for casual shoes for the office.  Specifically, I would like loafers but I need ones whose sole is rubber.  I've bought pairs of shoes in the past only to find out they're more like skates than shoes because they would have no grip on the ground.

I used to buy Cole Haan loafers but their quality really went downhill the last 5 years or so. 

Please hit me up with options!

Thanks, Spike.


Ha - I was going to suggest Cole Haan.  I have a pair of their more casual sneakers which I saw on Facebook and bought for like $70 with shipping.  Pair perfectly with jeans/polo which is my normal in-office attire.  

 
Damn...if my attorney was wearing those I'd take the first plea the DA offered.  That could be the most hideous thing I've seen since biology class.
I’ve gotten nothing but compliments for them. Own multiple pairs with different color combinations. 

Guess it’s a good thing you aren’t my client. 

 
Here in SD guys, wear vans and sandals.   I wear my Jordan 3s or 1s out when I go drinking or to a party.

Also, my buddy has his own shoe company that's really taking off.  Raum Shoes

 
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Thanks Joe!

The only issue I have with the ones you provided links to is the sole-other than the heel-is still leather.  (I did see, in subsequent posts, you linking to having sole protectors added.  I had done this once years ago to a pair of shoes and it's a very good idea.  I was just hoping to get them with the sole protectors from the start.)

 
I'm loyal to Allen Edmonds shoes these days.  I used to do a lot of Cole Haan and Johnston Murphy at times, but the quality has gone down hill.  Most Allen Edmonds shoes are $200+, but two selling points for the frugal (like myself) - you can get some great factory seconds when they do them on sale - easily save 40% off retail, and in most cases, the blemishes aren't even noticeable.  Additionally, if you walk a lot in them (I used to work in Manhattan), they are fully recraftable.  

I have probably 6-8 pair in different styles now.  I only paid close to full price for 1 pair.  They're built to last.  They also have several dainite rubber sole options on most of their styles.  I have 3 that have rubber soles.  Never had a slipping problem in them.

 
I'm loyal to Allen Edmonds shoes these days.  I used to do a lot of Cole Haan and Johnston Murphy at times, but the quality has gone down hill.  Most Allen Edmonds shoes are $200+, but two selling points for the frugal (like myself) - you can get some great factory seconds when they do them on sale - easily save 40% off retail, and in most cases, the blemishes aren't even noticeable.  Additionally, if you walk a lot in them (I used to work in Manhattan), they are fully recraftable.  

I have probably 6-8 pair in different styles now.  I only paid close to full price for 1 pair.  They're built to last.  They also have several dainite rubber sole options on most of their styles.  I have 3 that have rubber soles.  Never had a slipping problem in them.


I like Allen Edmonds too. My favorite though is Alden. Similar but I think a little higher quality.

The quality and longevity question is a big point too. If you're at a point where you feel pretty good about what you'll call "your style" and that style is such that you don't think it's going to change (mine won't), then it can be cheaper to buy quality stuff that will last.

I have a pair of shell cordovan Alden loafers that were in style 50 years ago and they'll be in style 50 years from now. I hope I live another good long while and with decent care, they'll last me till I'm gone. 

I get that's not for everyone. 

But I'm a big believer in buying fewer but higher quality things. 

 
I am sure this will be an unpopular opinion, but I have bad feet so comfort is huge. Need them soft. I found Doc Martens to be the best for me. You can find them without the dumb yellow stitching around the bottom. 

 
I like Allen Edmonds too. My favorite though is Alden. Similar but I think a little higher quality.

The quality and longevity question is a big point too. If you're at a point where you feel pretty good about what you'll call "your style" and that style is such that you don't think it's going to change (mine won't), then it can be cheaper to buy quality stuff that will last.

I have a pair of shell cordovan Alden loafers that were in style 50 years ago and they'll be in style 50 years from now. I hope I live another good long while and with decent care, they'll last me till I'm gone. 

I get that's not for everyone. 

But I'm a big believer in buying fewer but higher quality things. 


I have one pair of Alden cordovan oxfords.  Just a simple cap toe that goes with anything.  Really nice shoes and I agree are a little higher quality than AE (and a little higher priced).  I got them when I worked in the city.  It's a little harder to get them than Allen Edmonds in the suburbs now.

Totally agree re. "your style" and buying quality.  I'm not changing up my shoes too much.  If I add a pair these days, they're usually a slightly more unique shoe (some of the AE woven ones or ones that integrate different textures like wool) for occasional use.  My staples are all quality and aren't going anywhere.

Interesting story on buying quality and having it last - my dad had a client who passed away about 15 years ago.  At one point he worked closely with the US ambassador to Ireland, so he was in the UK a lot.  When he passed away, my Dad came across a huge box of shoes he had.  Ironically, they all fit me like a glove.  They were all hand-made custom shoes from London.  Church's, Peal & co, etc. from back when those brands weren't commercialized as much.  He had a leg length discrepancy so one shoe had a built-up heel.  We took them to a cobbler who re-heeled them and gave them a good clean-up.  I wear a few pair of  them to this day.  They've probably been used for 50 years between the original owner and myself.  Besides a few deeper scratches, they look great.  the patina and character on a 50 year old shoe is not something you can easily reproduce.

 
I have one pair of Alden cordovan oxfords.  Just a simple cap toe that goes with anything.  Really nice shoes and I agree are a little higher quality than AE (and a little higher priced).  I got them when I worked in the city.  It's a little harder to get them than Allen Edmonds in the suburbs now.

Totally agree re. "your style" and buying quality.  I'm not changing up my shoes too much.  If I add a pair these days, they're usually a slightly more unique shoe (some of the AE woven ones or ones that integrate different textures like wool) for occasional use.  My staples are all quality and aren't going anywhere.

Interesting story on buying quality and having it last - my dad had a client who passed away about 15 years ago.  At one point he worked closely with the US ambassador to Ireland, so he was in the UK a lot.  When he passed away, my Dad came across a huge box of shoes he had.  Ironically, they all fit me like a glove.  They were all hand-made custom shoes from London.  Church's, Peal & co, etc. from back when those brands weren't commercialized as much.  He had a leg length discrepancy so one shoe had a built-up heel.  We took them to a cobbler who re-heeled them and gave them a good clean-up.  I wear a few pair of  them to this day.  They've probably been used for 50 years between the original owner and myself.  Besides a few deeper scratches, they look great.  the patina and character on a 50 year old shoe is not something you can easily reproduce.


100%. Quality lasts. 

Also, theshoemart.com regularly has "factory seconds" sales on Alden. I've bought a few pair this way and have not been able to tell there was anything wrong with them at all. It's often about 30% less than regular price. 

 
100%. Quality lasts. 

Also, theshoemart.com regularly has "factory seconds" sales on Alden. I've bought a few pair this way and have not been able to tell there was anything wrong with them at all. It's often about 30% less than regular price. 
It would be a great play for me but shoes are one of those things I feel I have to go and actually try on before I buy them.

Definitely a pro tip, though.  Thanks for that.

 
I had been on the lookout for a pair of shoes for quite awhile that I could wear when traveling that would work with a casual outfit or a somewhat dressy outfit.  In addition to being flexible with my wardrobe, it was incredibly important that they be extremely comfortable and could handle tons of walking.  I ended up buying Johnston & Murphy Banks Lace-to-Toe.  I just got back home from 2 weeks in Italy and they were perfect for me.  I was able to wear them with jeans and tee shirts as well as chinos and a dress shirt for a nice dinner out and they worked great both ways.  Most days I walked 15-20K steps and the shoes are super comfortable.

 

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