Footwear recommendations

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Thanks, Dan. These are the 4070s, made specifically for Alden San Francisco. Compared to the standard 4060s, these are on the barrie last, have a 360 degree welt, and have speed hooks. They're all small details, but really help to make the boots a bit more casual.

Often it's the small details which makes a good shoe or boot really great. Besides speed hooks generally make it a helluva lot easier to get them on and off.

[Mosbrook]

Originally Posted by UNLVino

Ferragamo for me

Best drivers ever.

[anothernewphone]

It's been all sneakers and chukkas for me lately - I really need to get on the ball and pick up some decent shoes to wear every day. I'm leaning towards drivers as work is very, very casual. If I'm wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, I still don't like wearing sneakers, so would Gucci or AE driver still look a little too fancy for that get-up?

[ncboiler]

Has anyone bought shoes/boots from The Frye Company?

http://www.thefryecompany.com/

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by anothernewphone

It's been all sneakers and chukkas for me lately - I really need to get on the ball and pick up some decent shoes to wear every day. I'm leaning towards drivers as work is very, very casual. If I'm wearing a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, I still don't like wearing sneakers, so would Gucci or AE driver still look a little too fancy for that get-up?

Drivers are very casual so they will work with jeans no problem. I'm personally not a fan at all, but if you like them, I don't think you need to worry about them being out of place in a casual environment.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by Mosbrook

Best drivers ever.

I have the Parigi's too, but prefer the Gucci's. Maybe I'll give them another shot

[dunhill965]

+1 for Frye boots and +1 for Tod's loafers. If you're wearing dark denim or chinos with a fitted sweatshirt I can see the outfit working. Brown shoes over black.

Also would check out chukka-styled sneakers. Might be a good middle-of-the-road option.

[J!m]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

Life is too short to wear lousy shoes!
I vote for Allen Edmonds, Mephisto, Alden......they're made well & last forever, most of their models can be resoled

I second Alden as the top option- they are orthontic (or whatever it's called) design so they give you the proper support you want. At least the "indy boot" is... That's what I last had. Plus they take a resole well and feel like butter. You forget you are wearing them.

Dressier, and less expensive I happen to like "To Boot New York" which are Italian (so they run a touch narrow- good for me, maybe not for you) and they are quite comfortable. I do a fair amount of driving an then walking when I get there, so this may or may not reflect you usage.

Both above dress down well- with jeans the To Boot's look sharp. Indy boots look good with anything but Bermuda shorts...

[.db]

Originally Posted by wisemenofgotham

I recommend the brand Carmina, around $500, but the shoes/boots have a more attractive last and better leather quality in my opinion.

Will absolutely second Carmina.

I have more pairs from Crockett & Jones, and really like them (especially for boots). A number of friends / co-workers have asked me for advice finding shoes and I think Allen Edmonds is a perfect place to start — it's such a great value, easy to find a proper fit, and calfskin in walnut is always a winner!

I am a sucker, though, for Gucci 1953 Roos. They aren't well made and are overpriced; but they are so classic and I'll always have a pair.

[walds11]

This thread is enabling. I am thinking about a grabbing pair of Ferragamo suede or nubuck bit drivers.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by .db

Will absolutely second Carmina.

I have more pairs from Crockett & Jones, and really like them (especially for boots). A number of friends / co-workers have asked me for advice finding shoes and I think Allen Edmonds is a perfect place to start — it's such a great value, easy to find a proper fit, and calfskin in walnut is always a winner!

I am a sucker, though, for Gucci 1953 Roos. They aren't well made and are overpriced; but they are so classic and I'll always have a pair.

For just a bit more than Carmina, Enzo Bonafe is worth a look. There styling tends to be a bit more attractive and in some cases the quality of the leather is better as well. Skoaktiebolaget carries both brands so it's fairly easy to make comparisons.

[One Ping Only]

Ferragamo, Cole Haan (not what they used to be) and Redwing. Sperry is a timeless preppie classic

[droptopman]

AE's are great, Cole Haan makes a good shoe for the money with many different styles/options.
My favorite shoes are Ralph Lauren Polo. From dress to loafers to drivers. Classic styling, well made, and comfortable. Been wearing them for many years. Tried numerous "fancier" and more expensive brands but always seem to go back to Polo.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by droptopman

AE's are great, Cole Haan makes a good shoe for the money with many different styles/options.
My favorite shoes are Ralph Lauren Polo. From dress to loafers to drivers. Classic styling, well made, and comfortable. Been wearing them for many years. Tried numerous "fancier" and more expensive brands but always seem to go back to Polo.

As far as I know Ralph Lauren doesn't make any of the shoes they sell, but rather they are made by a number of different shoemakers anywhere from Rancourt, Allen Edmonds, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, and many others.

[rr-nyc]

Originally Posted by dddrees

As far as I know Ralph Lauren doesn't make any of the shoes they sell, but rather they are made by a number of different shoemakers anywhere from Rancourt, Allen Edmonds, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, and many others.

This is true but I believe POLO by Ralph Lauren, unless specifically stated as made in England, is made elsewhere by another manufacturer

Style forum touched on this before and I have no reason to doubt it's accuracy.

Ralph Lauren is in script, followed by "Made In England" = Edward Green

Ralph Lauren is in block letters, followed by "Made in England" = Crockett & Jones

Polo is followed by "Benchmade in England" = Crockett & Jones

[droptopman]

Originally Posted by dddrees

As far as I know Ralph Lauren doesn't make any of the shoes they sell, but rather they are made by a number of different shoemakers anywhere from Rancourt, Allen Edmonds, Crockett & Jones, Edward Green, Gaziano & Girling, and many others.

Thanks for the information.
If I think about it, some are made in US, some in Italy and so on. I have bought new versions of the same model and they are slightly different and made in different location so that totally makes sense. Also may be why a couple pairs are superior to others even in the same category of shoe. Interesting.