[DaveR]

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

It also depends on your build. If you're slim like me, go to the gym. But also wear shoes with a heavier sole, as it makes your figure look bulkier. Italians tend to make shoes with a hidden welt and thin sole, which doesn't flatter small-framed guys.

The other downside to Italian shoes is that the manufacturers are usually smaller and less likely to offer a renovation service. Buying English means I can spend 400+ euros on a pair of shoes, but over time I can send the shoes back for a full renovation for 120 Euro. So if you get your shoes renovated twice, the effective cost per pair is halved.

After saying that, they're a very nice pair of shoes you've picked out.

I personally like these: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076

And these for a cheaper option. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7318

[WanderingSoul]

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

Funny because I was just looking for photos of longwings with a suit, and came across this quote:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum...ith-a-suit

Quote:

You betcha! Alden longwing bluchers in #8 shell with a suit are classic American businesswear. IMO only effete Euros have a problem with wearing bluchers with suits.

Huge difference in styles between European shoes and American/English.

I actually somewhat like the shoes you posted, but they are very foreign to me. The thing with shoes like that though, with such a long and pointed toe, is that they remind me of shoes The Wicked Witch would wear.



I actually use to hate wingtips and longwings as well, but the more I was exposed to them, the more I started to love them. I can imagine the same would be true with a more Euro style of shoe. It just hasn't grown on me yet because I haven't seen many.

[DaveR]

(10-14-2013 08:33 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

Huge difference in styles between European shoes and American/English.

I actually somewhat like the shoes you posted, but they are very foreign to me. The thing with shoes like that though, with such a long and pointed toe, is that they remind me of shoes The Wicked Witch would wear.

I think we basically have the same strategy, Rio. I go for classic English/American designs which never change. If you wear stylish French or Italian shoes, then you'll have to dick around following the latest fashion trends.

Either way, brown brogues rock. I personally prefer Oxfords, but that's just my preference and because I'm suited up more often. If you're more of a casual guy, you'll probably prefer Bluchers. You only have to follow the rules if you work in an office in NY or London.

[Boy Toy]

(10-14-2013 07:38 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

It also depends on your build. If you're slim like me, go to the gym. But also wear shoes with a heavier sole, as it makes your figure look bulkier. Italians tend to make shoes with a hidden welt and thin sole, which doesn't flatter small-framed guys.

The other downside to Italian shoes is that the manufacturers are usually smaller and less likely to offer a renovation service. Buying English means I can spend 400+ euros on a pair of shoes, but over time I can send the shoes back for a full renovation for 120 Euro. So if you get your shoes renovated twice, the effective cost per pair is halved.

After saying that, they're a very nice pair of shoes you've picked out.

I personally like these: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076

And these for a cheaper option. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7318

Do you seriously spend 400+ euros on a f...in pair of shoes?
I'd rather live in spain for a month for that money!!!

[DaveR]

(10-14-2013 02:32 PM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:38 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

It also depends on your build. If you're slim like me, go to the gym. But also wear shoes with a heavier sole, as it makes your figure look bulkier. Italians tend to make shoes with a hidden welt and thin sole, which doesn't flatter small-framed guys.

The other downside to Italian shoes is that the manufacturers are usually smaller and less likely to offer a renovation service. Buying English means I can spend 400+ euros on a pair of shoes, but over time I can send the shoes back for a full renovation for 120 Euro. So if you get your shoes renovated twice, the effective cost per pair is halved.

After saying that, they're a very nice pair of shoes you've picked out.

I personally like these: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076

And these for a cheaper option. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7318

Do you seriously spend 400+ euros on a f...in pair of shoes?
I'd rather live in spain for a month for that money!!!

Yes. However, they work out to around 200 euros long-term because I get them reconditioned a few times for 100-120 instead of buying a new pair. So they get new soles and the upper is stripped back, conditioned, re-stained and re-polished. They come back like new.

As you get older, your taste gets more selective; women included.

[Kieran]

(10-14-2013 02:51 PM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 02:32 PM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:38 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

It also depends on your build. If you're slim like me, go to the gym. But also wear shoes with a heavier sole, as it makes your figure look bulkier. Italians tend to make shoes with a hidden welt and thin sole, which doesn't flatter small-framed guys.

The other downside to Italian shoes is that the manufacturers are usually smaller and less likely to offer a renovation service. Buying English means I can spend 400+ euros on a pair of shoes, but over time I can send the shoes back for a full renovation for 120 Euro. So if you get your shoes renovated twice, the effective cost per pair is halved.

After saying that, they're a very nice pair of shoes you've picked out.

I personally like these: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076

And these for a cheaper option. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7318

Do you seriously spend 400+ euros on a f...in pair of shoes?
I'd rather live in spain for a month for that money!!!

Yes. However, they work out to around 200 euros long-term because I get them reconditioned a few times for 100-120 instead of buying a new pair. So they get new soles and the upper is stripped back, conditioned, re-stained and re-polished. They come back like new.

As you get older, your taste gets more selective; women included.

I have built up a small collection of very expensive shoes and boots. I would like to extend their life as long as possible, not only because of their expense, but also because most of the models are no longer available. Most are Blake construction and I intend to have them re-soled when needed, but I would like to extend the time between having to do this. Do you use any toe taps or anything similar in order to stop wear at the toe area of the sole? Due to the fact that most of my shoes are quite almond toed, the soles tend to wear down at the toe quite quickly. I don't want to use those rubber stick on soles as they just ruin a good shoe, but taps I would possibly be open to if they work well.

Thanks.

[DaveR]

(10-14-2013 03:17 PM)Kieran Wrote:  

I have built up a small collection of very expensive shoes and boots. I would like to extend their life as long as possible, not only because of their expense, but also because most of the models are no longer available. Most are Blake construction and I intend to have them re-soled when needed, but I would like to extend the time between having to do this. Do you use any toe taps or anything similar in order to stop wear at the toe area of the sole? Due to the fact that most of my shoes are quite almond toed, the soles tend to wear down at the toe quite quickly. I don't want to use those rubber stick on soles as they just ruin a good shoe, but taps I would possibly be open to if they work well.

Thanks.

Keep in mind that re-soling a shoe on a generic last isn't ideal. You're better off sending it back to the manufacturer for a full reconditioning, not just a resole. If you've had a shoe re-soled by an independent shoe repairer, the original manufacturers usually won't do any work on it.

I do use rubber soles but only when the temperature's below freezing, which is about five months of the year where I am. After saying that, I only attach soles to shoes which I've already broken in. During Summer I use about a 1/2 inch of rubber on the toe section only. If you don't want it to destroy the look of your shoes, you can shave the edges of the rubber with a utility knife so it isn't visible from the sides.

[Menace]

Is sole protection really that critical if you wear the shoe only 1/week? That means I wear it only 48-52 times/year.

DaveR we probably have similar builds, but I am not sure I agree with you on the thick sole: if you're not a big guy it can look clunky. I like the Italian look...it's just more streamlined and classy in my opinion.

[hipster]

I like vintage sport shoes, i use 'Puma Suede Classic' black or navy blue. Those are subtle and great looking to fit any situation that is not really formal.



Those are made of suede, but if you prefer usual leather there is the 'Puma Basket Classic' that are the same shoes except that they are made of leather.

[DaveR]

(10-14-2013 04:05 PM)Menace Wrote:  

Is sole protection really that critical if you wear the shoe only 1/week? That means I wear it only 48-52 times/year.

DaveR we probably have similar builds, but I am not sure I agree with you on the thick sole: if you're not a big guy it can look clunky. I like the Italian look...it's just more streamlined and classy in my opinion.

Full sole protection isn't that important as long as you're not walking on salted roads (i.e when it snows). However, the toe section will usually wear out much quicker than the rest of the sole. You can get more wear out of them if you protect the toes. If you want to do it yourself, there should be some shoe repair stores online (try eBay). The only tool you need is a utility knife and maybe a small paintbrush (or just a piece of cardboard). Look for TOPY rubber and glues - they're what the pros use. Keep the glue very thin because you can always redo it if the rubber comes off.

There are degrees of thickness. What I meant was more something like what I posted earlier: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076
It also depends on trouser width, how much break, etc. I just found that with my style (mostly English, but I got my jacket style in Milan) and build, a bigger welt and sole worked better.

I'm not disagreeing with you either... it all comes down to frame of reference. Italians can rock tasselled loafers, but whenever I wear them I just feel like a butt bandit.

RioNomad posted a pic of a pair of Tricker's which is a country brand, hence the very thick soles. It's more of a casual style, but some guys can look good in shoes like that and a suit too.

[Menace]

Good stuff, thanks for the tip re toe. I like those herring shoes, except for the toe...too square for my taste. I'm actually looking for a decent pair of brown Oxfords. I saw an incredible pair of Dolce & Gabbana black Oxfords...well it was some kind of hybrid Oxford style. Incredibly sharp, but I didn't want to pay $675 for them.

[Menace]

You guys want baller shoes? Try Botega Veneta. Woven leather sneakers. Probably like $400.

[WanderingSoul]

(10-14-2013 02:32 PM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:38 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

It also depends on your build. If you're slim like me, go to the gym. But also wear shoes with a heavier sole, as it makes your figure look bulkier. Italians tend to make shoes with a hidden welt and thin sole, which doesn't flatter small-framed guys.

The other downside to Italian shoes is that the manufacturers are usually smaller and less likely to offer a renovation service. Buying English means I can spend 400+ euros on a pair of shoes, but over time I can send the shoes back for a full renovation for 120 Euro. So if you get your shoes renovated twice, the effective cost per pair is halved.

After saying that, they're a very nice pair of shoes you've picked out.

I personally like these: http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7076

And these for a cheaper option. http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-in...hoeid=7318

Do you seriously spend 400+ euros on a f...in pair of shoes?
I'd rather live in spain for a month for that money!!!

Why not do both?

[Kieran]

(10-14-2013 03:58 PM)DaveR Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 03:17 PM)Kieran Wrote:  

I have built up a small collection of very expensive shoes and boots. I would like to extend their life as long as possible, not only because of their expense, but also because most of the models are no longer available. Most are Blake construction and I intend to have them re-soled when needed, but I would like to extend the time between having to do this. Do you use any toe taps or anything similar in order to stop wear at the toe area of the sole? Due to the fact that most of my shoes are quite almond toed, the soles tend to wear down at the toe quite quickly. I don't want to use those rubber stick on soles as they just ruin a good shoe, but taps I would possibly be open to if they work well.

Thanks.

Keep in mind that re-soling a shoe on a generic last isn't ideal. You're better off sending it back to the manufacturer for a full reconditioning, not just a resole. If you've had a shoe re-soled by an independent shoe repairer, the original manufacturers usually won't do any work on it.

I do use rubber soles but only when the temperature's below freezing, which is about five months of the year where I am. After saying that, I only attach soles to shoes which I've already broken in. During Summer I use about a 1/2 inch of rubber on the toe section only. If you don't want it to destroy the look of your shoes, you can shave the edges of the rubber with a utility knife so it isn't visible from the sides.

Thanks for the information, what about the metal or plastic looking taps that some people use? Are they effective? More likely to come off?

[DaveR]

(10-15-2013 01:25 AM)Kieran Wrote:  

Thanks for the information, what about the metal or plastic looking taps that some people use? Are they effective? More likely to come off?

I've never tried them because they're thicker than a sheet of rubber, so not as good a look in my opinion. To get the right look you would need to have part of the sole cut away so they sit flush (see photo below). I wouldn't want to take the risk of the original manufacturer not accepting my shoes for reconditioning.

I don't think taps would fall off easily because they're usually fixed with glue and nails or screws. On a practical note, they're usually made of a harder material and I think that would make them slip more on tiles and other hard floors.

[Kieran]

Thanks again. I think the rubber is the better option then. Do you have any pictures of shoes where you've done the toe with rubber?

[DaveR]

Not the best shots, but you get the idea... I did these recently.

I used a piece of grey translucent plastic which I found sitting in the bottom of a kitchen drawer. It's harder than the usual black rubber that shoemakers use. I didn't cover much of the toe because for me it's only about extending the life of the sole, not trying to maintain the 'new' look.

[Kieran]

Thanks again, I think I'll probably have something similar done. I'm going to try and find a decent cobbler and talk to them about it first.

[DaveR]

(10-15-2013 08:26 AM)Kieran Wrote:  

Thanks again, I think I'll probably have something similar done. I'm going to try and find a decent cobbler and talk to them about it first.

Let me know what the cobbler says. It's always good to get another opinion from a pro.

[mbare]

I actually like the shoes you found in the link. They're not big and balky like the heavy soled shoe Rio posted. As far as being slim...I'm slim as well and if you're wearing a tailored suit, a heavier sole will only make you look a bit like a clown. It's like wearing a suit that's oversized because you're slim...just doesn't do anything for your look.

As far as renovation services, I'm unaware of the ins and outs of that, but that would be a good service to have. I'd probably just take my shoes to a local show repair shop if I liked them enough to get them repaired.

At any rate, it's never too late to try a different style. I know mine's changed over the years, and I think I'm better off for it. With that said, the Italians can easily go overboard with how pointy their shoes are, and I agree that some can look like witch shoes.

[mbare]

Ha! Yeah, I agree some pointy shoes can look like witch shoes. Witnessed that many a times in Italy, and had to shake my head. I guess the only thing I can add is to put on your suit (hopefully well tailored) and wear the large soled shoe you posted on one foot, and then try on a sleek Italian style shoe on the other. I guarantee you'll notice the difference and so will others. You can also go with something kind of in the middle too like below.
   

(10-14-2013 08:33 AM)RioNomad Wrote:  

(10-14-2013 07:19 AM)mbare Wrote:  

Of course keeping in mind style is subjective, I completely disagree with your shoe choice. I lived in Italy for 4 years, so of course my style tends to have a more European look. For you or anyone else checking out this thread, I'd recommend something similar to the following to really sharpen up your suit style. I wouldn't necessarily want to stitching that goes across it, but you get the idea for the shape/style.

Funny because I was just looking for photos of longwings with a suit, and came across this quote:

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/forum...ith-a-suit

Quote:

You betcha! Alden longwing bluchers in #8 shell with a suit are classic American businesswear. IMO only effete Euros have a problem with wearing bluchers with suits.

Huge difference in styles between European shoes and American/English.

I actually somewhat like the shoes you posted, but they are very foreign to me. The thing with shoes like that though, with such a long and pointed toe, is that they remind me of shoes The Wicked Witch would wear.



I actually use to hate wingtips and longwings as well, but the more I was exposed to them, the more I started to love them. I can imagine the same would be true with a more Euro style of shoe. It just hasn't grown on me yet because I haven't seen many.

[Gopher]

(10-14-2013 04:52 AM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(10-13-2013 09:12 PM)Gopher Wrote:  

(10-07-2013 01:57 AM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(09-23-2013 05:21 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  

the problem with the shoes is not the color or material. is the tip. Squared tip shoes are ugly.

I agree, and I specifically avoid shoes with square tips.
On the other hand, super pointed shoes (with a narrow tip) can also look too feminine/metrosexual/gay/soft.
Thats why I found those to be a perfect combination. They are not completely square tipped like the dorky old-man's shoes -they are something in-between pointed and squared

Dude, those shoes are terrible.

Look into something like this.

And if that was for a formal wedding you should be wearing a tie, and leave the red shirt in the closet if its formal.

Edit: just saw you are only around 21... so all in all not bad for a guy your age. But those shoes are still terrible.

In my opinion, the shoes you just posted with the rounded tip, are WAYYY more feminine and dorky

It is a black leather cap toe oxford from Allen Edmonds. It's a timeless shoe with quality craftsmanship. Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush all wore this shoe to their inauguration. So, being the president of the worlds greatest superpower is feminine and dorky?

[Laner]

Reminds me of this Narco style in Mexico.

[nicolas-kino]

(09-08-2013 01:34 PM)Genghis Khan Wrote:  

http://parisiangentleman.co.uk/
http://www.bonnegueule.com/ --> if you understand french, useful site

Just to make this clear, Kinowear.com is now the French counterpart of BonneGueule.fr. A lot of posts are translated from one blog to the other and vice versa.

Genghis Khan, thanks for featuring us.

[Surreyman]

(10-14-2013 04:52 AM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(10-13-2013 09:12 PM)Gopher Wrote:  

(10-07-2013 01:57 AM)Boy Toy Wrote:  

(09-23-2013 05:21 PM)Wreckingball Wrote:  

the problem with the shoes is not the color or material. is the tip. Squared tip shoes are ugly.

I agree, and I specifically avoid shoes with square tips.
On the other hand, super pointed shoes (with a narrow tip) can also look too feminine/metrosexual/gay/soft.
Thats why I found those to be a perfect combination. They are not completely square tipped like the dorky old-man's shoes -they are something in-between pointed and squared

Dude, those shoes are terrible.

Look into something like this.

And if that was for a formal wedding you should be wearing a tie, and leave the red shirt in the closet if its formal.

Edit: just saw you are only around 21... so all in all not bad for a guy your age. But those shoes are still terrible.

In my opinion, the shoes you just posted with the rounded tip, are WAYYY more feminine and dorky

I know it's an old post, but I think you need to learn more about shoes.

As the poster said these are a classic style. These are REAL shoes, they're welted, meaning the soles (which are made of leather like they ought to be) can be replaced when they wear out. This is the original way of making shoes before cheap, sweatshop throwaway glued designs became prevalent. It's from the times when men knew how to take care of their stuff, and didn't get pushed around by women.

I read your site, you seem like someone who would understand this kind of thing. This kind of shoe isn't about consumerism, it's about craftsmanship.

You may or may not like the individual design (it's not a young man's shoe, better to go with a penny loafer or brogue), that's up to you, but it's a classic, it has been worn for the entire 20th century, and will continue to be worn long after we are all dead. That's something to respect.