Dress Shoes? Suggestions?

What are you guys wearing for dress shoes/work shoes in the office? I figure there are probably a few people in here that could point me in the right direction for a new pair… Problem that I’ve been having is finding a good looking pair that is actually comfortable for everyday office wear. From what I’m finding, you can’t have it all with comfort and style; it’d be nice to have something with comfort of a running shoe and style Kanye West would be proud of.

I’m open most price ranges (within reason), especially if they last. Also, I have the pleasure of dealing with the midwest snow, so something that has some leather that will hold up.

Any suggestions?

Well, I’ve gone over to Allen Edmonds about a year ago and at this point its the brand of dress shoe I’ll wear. I’ve had really bad experiences with quality and comfort witih other companies. But they aren’t really good for snow. For that you’ll want to look into a dress combat boot sort of thing like this:

http://www.gq.com/style/fashion/201311/dress-boots-with-suits-office#slide=1

But keep in mind that salt will absolutely destroy a good leather shoe so you may want to either get rubber galoshes like the swims:

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/cati2_Accessories_1_40000000001_-1_1_image_0_N_198_198_131307_subcategory__?gclid=Cj0KEQiA2o6lBRCn_b7yppe98rQBEiQAMpnYnfLHo3bfubHTEGGUMjY3bUWzz_Zu12WJoT_xgM5M6MEaAuSS8P8HAQ

It wouldn’t hurt either to wear winter boots to work during the winter and keep your dress shoes there if you’re in the midwest. I really have no idea since I’ve never seen one of those winters and I don’t know what your parking situation is like. We have a covered garage and walkway so the situation isn’t as bad.

Boots are fine, but that shortpant trend? What the hell is that garbage?

I wear Bostonian when the weather is bad (rubber sole) and either Ferragamo or Gucci when it’s nice.

I have some Bostonian loafers that I have been wearing for around a year. Now that you mention it, maybe it is time for an update. Maybe I will get something with pointy tips.

I’m probably the cheapest person on the forum but even I think it’s worth paying for good shoes. Crappy shoes are miserable and look cheap (not that you are checking out dudes’ shoes but chicks look). I would recommend trying on a pair of Bruno Magli or Ferragamo shoes (both at Nordstrom) and then take care of them if you buy. I have a pair of each and they’ve lasted forever, and that’s all I need. Price for each pair will be $300-500.

If you’re looking for much lower price, you might want to look at Cole Haan.

You want to bet? Let’s have it out to see who’s the most niggardly.

  1. I have had the same winter coat that I’ve had since the 10th grade (Columbia).

  2. I buy my shoes on eBay. Display models go for ~20 cents on the dollar for high end stuff.

  3. I am closely falling into the habbits of extreme couponers on TV. I coupon like a mofo.

  4. I have not owned a computer in over 3 years. My work laptop serves as my personal computer.

Though I’m no saint, here are the areas where I’m not so niggardly.

  1. I like having the latest cell phone so I can cruise the internet on the go as fast as possible.

  2. I pay for cable TV.

  3. I tip more than reasonable or necessary (~20%+).

  4. While I could get tipsy on Natties, I prefer Heineken and Corona.

You win in principle but I think I’ve probably aced you out in dollar terms including a lot of stuff that I can’t post here. The 10th grade jacket is pretty impressive. I have a jacket that I bought in the year 2000 when I was 18 but I think you’ve still got me beat. The only thing I will really pay up for is technology, mainly for speed because I hate waiting for things to load.

Agreed. And I’m pretty cheap myself.

Personally, I like Eccos. They’re more comfortable than the Bostonians I used to wear, but have a similar look.

Quadruple hacksaw here. (2x for the Natural. Singles for the others.).

Most guys I work with wear Allen Edmonds, Cole Haan, or Johnston & Murphy. I’m currently rocking these in dark brown:

http://www.colehaan.com/cambridge-wing-oxford-dark-brown/C12916.html?dwvar_C12916_color=Dark%20Brown&dwvar_C12916_width=M#cgid=mens_shoes_oxfords&start=55

Is that regular price for Ferragamos at Nordstram is the US? I’ve never seen a pair for under $650CAD pre tax up here. Wayyyy more than I can afford at the moment.

A 10th grade jacket is extremely impressive, I hope it was a dark color when new; otherwise, it is by now…

Have tried on the Eccos and liked them, but last two times the guy selling them was wearing a pair that I actually liked and of course they were “discontinued.” I stay on the hunt… I like the rubber sole etc. and wouldn’t be destroying the most expensive shoe with salt as BlackSwan mentioned. If the weather is real bad, I do wear some winter boots to work and change on arrival… But I usually avoid paying too much for a shoe for this reason.

Also heard good things about Allen Edmonds lasting for years, and sending them back for refurbishing brings them back by new after years of use. It may be time to look into these…also some Cole Haan.

Thanks for the tips.

Now I’m curious…

I paid about $500 pre-tax, it may have been a little bit more than that. Still the best shoes I’ve ever warn.

There is a fashion competition on the Street where you to try to wear the most expensive but subtle things you can. I get by with having two Brooks Bros custom tailored suits, two nice pairs of shoes, and a decent looking Movado watch (gifted to me). Most people spend way more than that but I think it’s a waste, personally, so I do the mimimum to pass standard. That money should be compounding instead. Remember your ABCs gentlemen: Always Be Compounding.

CFAvMBA has taken it to new levels. I thought I was cheap.

Stay away from fashion brands like lower end Kenneth Cole or Steve Madden, they won’t last in snow. I would really just suggest you get a pair of Timberland oxfords/Bostonian/aforementioned for the outdoors and leave your work shoes at work. I’ve had good effects with Boss shoes as primaries, but keeping it in good shape is all about your shoe game, it’s an art but quality leather does last.

how stingy are you with the escorts?

You talking to me? I never pay for it when I can get it free.

My daily shoes are Cole Haans and I have a few pairs I rotate between for regular office wear. I have a couple pairs of more expensive shoes ($400-500) when I really need to step it up. Some days, I wear Puma sneakers to work or leather loafers. I’m so happy I don’t have to deal with snow. F that.

im saying the quality. you get what u pay for

what shoes are in the $400-$500 range?