[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

I had these and loved them. Wore them so much the leather sole cracked, I figured defect but couldn't find another pair so I went with some magnanni double monk straps instead.. To Boot NY is still one of my favorite brands, great price, great style what more can you ask for?

Why aren't you guys getting your shoes resoled? It's like $30 and you don't have to worry about breaking in another pair! I've probably resoled my TBNYs 3 times since I bought them. If you're buying a new pair of shoes each time you wear through the sole you are wasting a ton of money!

[paradoxical3]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Why aren't you guys getting your shoes resoled? It's like $30 and you don't have to worry about breaking in another pair! I've probably resoled my TBNYs 3 times since I bought them. If you're buying a new pair of shoes each time you wear through the sole you are wasting a ton of money!

A lot of the crappy shoes mentioned here aren't built on a welt that lends themselves to proper resoling. Stuff like Allen edmonds, Alden, etc is obviously different. But most J&M isn't even goodyear welted.

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

I agree. Although once you get through the initial break-in period, they are pretty good.

You should check out bruno magli and allen edmonds if you want more quality.

I'm definitely already on board with AE. I have about 9 pairs.

I shied away from Bruno Magli after a friend of mine developed a bubble in the sole after leaving them in his car on a hot day. Obviously, that's not very good practice, but it still shouldn't have bubbled up like that.

[will.c]

Timberland boats - comfortable and durable.

http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...ndSrc=paramNav

[Back in a Subie]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

on a boat or with shorts or if I know I will do a shitload of walking. Wore these for a week walking around Rome and had no issues - SUPER comfortable:

I have worn similar Cushe to these for the past couple years, the suede Surf-Slipper Loafers are by far one of the most comfortable shoes that I have ever owned! Only down side is I wear through the soles in about a year, on my second pair now and they are getting close to shot, so because I liked the loafers so much, I decided to try out another style of Cushe, the Shumakers Mark Slip-On in brown. They seem to have a more solid sole and hopefully will last longer. I'm just waiting on shipping.

[RandomHero]

^^^^lose all look like phenomenal lesbian shoes. ^^^^

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

Why aren't you guys getting your shoes resoled? It's like $30 and you don't have to worry about breaking in another pair! I've probably resoled my TBNYs 3 times since I bought them. If you're buying a new pair of shoes each time you wear through the sole you are wasting a ton of money!

Apparently it was unfixable, I bought it at nordstrom so they just exchanged it for a diff pair. I was so bummed out because this was like a month or two after they were fully broken in.

Usually I get most of my shoes zip soled since its always wet in Washington but I do have a few that I just keep it leather because IMO the leather feels better than the rubber soles.

[kevinbahnz]

Originally Posted by Mi330xi

I have worn similar Cushe to these for the past couple years, the suede Surf-Slipper Loafers are by far one of the most comfortable shoes that I have ever owned! Only down side is I wear through the soles in about a year, on my second pair now and they are getting close to shot, so because I liked the loafers so much, I decided to try out another style of Cushe, the Shumakers Mark Slip-On in brown. They seem to have a more solid sole and hopefully will last longer. I'm just waiting on shipping.

Is there a brick n mortar store that carries the shumakers Mark slip ons. they look really comfortable. I just dont want to order the wrong size since they're slip ons. Btw nice rat rod.

[Back in a Subie]

I have found them in stores, not sure about the exact styles available but I know DSW sells Cushe. Right now Amazon has 20% off of these (and a bunch of other styles) just use promotion code SHOEJUNE at check out, $80.13 with free shipping is way better than $110 plus tax.

[kevinbahnz]

Originally Posted by Mi330xi

I have found them in stores, not sure about the exact styles available but I know DSW sells Cushe. Right now Amazon has 20% off of these (and a bunch of other styles) just use promotion code SHOEJUNE at check out, $80.13 with free shipping is way better than $110 plus tax.

Thanks.

[E90-F30]

David Beckham Adidas
Nike 6.0s
BOSS Leather Loafers
Sperry's

[Maxspeed]

Vans or Nikes.
Gucci or ferragamos for nice occasions.

[GreasyGinzo]

Shell Toes

[bmwluvr24]

Hurley Phantom sandals........they are Nike Free soles! SOOOOOOO COMFY!!!!!

[tony20009]

OK...male equivalent to Imelda chiming in. I'm gonna tell you know, I have a serious shoe weakness. Recognizing my weakness, I make it a point to just not even go near the shoe section in stores and I try not to walk down the side of the street that has a shoe store, or, barring that, I just don't look closely enough to let something catch my eye. At last count, I was a good bit over 300 pairs. Some folks have a thing for cars, for other folks it's hairstyles, my ex-wife had a thing for rugs and pillows, clothing and modern art are my indulgences.

In my defense, my shoes are of varying ages, some dating back to high school and college. Even as a kid, my parents kept me well shod. I've also never (yes, never) had a pair of shoes wear out; the worst thing that's ever happened is that I've needed new soles and/or heels, and on one occasion, the thief who broke into my car absconded with a pair of my shoes. Also, I can see why a man might have many pairs of shoes: men's shoes are by and large built to last, so if one doesn't throw them out, odds are they will last.

(Women's shoes, with their paper thin soles and spindly heels seem tough enough to last through the end of the month, if that. Thus, I think women have a lot of shoes because they are so lightly constructed that they couldn't hope to wear them much if they didn't have quite a few amongst which to swap in and out during the month. Indeed, the two women about whose shoes I've been conscious -- my ex-wife and my daughter -- can't wear them more than four times before something's "happened" to them.)

As goes style, I would say the single defining trait of all but about three pairs of my shoes is that they are pretty classic in general. They are not that big, chunky, square-toed style that was popular at the beginning of the millennium. I just never liked that look, or the platform shoes that was popular in the 70s.

For sneakers (nearly all low top):

• K-Swiss -- don't know the name, they are just all white leather tennis shoes (white)
• Adidas Samba (black w/white stripes, green w/white stripes)
• Varvatos Chuck Taylor in several colors (navy corduroy, khaki green, and red canvas, dark grey leather)
• Varvatos Jack Purcell in cream canvas (I'm not nuts about these, even thought they are sort of "retro" and that's popular these days. The thing is, I didn't like them 40 years ago either. I bought them to support a cause at a fundraising event. I keep then in the trunk of the car and wear then only when "something comes up.")
• Some sort of Nike running shoe (white/blue/orange)
• Sperry canvas deck shoe (off white)
• Gucci leather tennis shoes that looks more or less like a low-top Chuck Taylor (medium blue, green)
• LV Leather tennis shoe (brown, but no LV monogram all over the shoe, just one on the tongue and one at the back of the sole)
• Ahnu suede shoe that's a cross between a tennis shoe and a hiking shoe (taupe and medium grey)
• Vans loafer type tennis shoe (purple)
• OMP Carrera driving shoe -- brown leather this is one of no more than three high-top sneakers I have. They are about 10 years old, well broken in and a dream to wear. I don't know if one could properly call these sneakers, but since it's a car forum, I listed them.

Dress shoes and casual non-sneakers: lots and lots of these, but most are loafers of some sort or other. Often the overall look of the shoes is the same, but the colors or the type of leather is different.

• John Lobb - black cap to oxford, perforated toe oxford, plain toe oxford, & formal slipper (all custom - these are far and away my most comfortable shoes; my feet never get tired wearing them. If one is going to have just one pair of custom shoes, choose a plain toe oxford as it's appropriate to wear with everything from jeans to, with a really good polish, a tuxedo. The plain toe oxford is the best choice too if one is going to have only one pair of dress shoes.)
• Cole Haan -- western style boots (black w/brown lacing up the side), formal slipper and ton of loafers, mostly Bragano, but some others too.
• Gucci -- old school Gucci loafer in multiple suede colors (navy, green, brown, black, and red), riding boots (black)
• Prada - driving shoe, insignia black loafer, penny loafer/driving shoe blend (white)
• Allen Edmonds - cap toe oxford (black -- I like these shoes, but they are a bit on the heavy side. Well made and comfortable though. They are my "second" pair of shoes to take on business travel when suits are required.)
• Brooks Brothers - white bucks, dirty bucks, tasseled dress loafer (black and cordovan), velvet smoking slipper (black), velvet crested smoking slipper (black, and green/black plaid), penny loafer (black)
• Bass -- Weejun penny loafer (burgundy - the same ones I had in high school and college, but resoled many times)
• Hermes - Beatle boot (these folks have by far the nicest leather I've ever come across)
• Lucchese - cowboy boots (black leather, black lizard, brown leather, brownish/greyish elephant, tan ostrich), ropers (black ostrich, black leather, brown leather)
• Ferragamo - loafers (black, brown), plain toe brogue (black)
• Aslo - hiking boots (brown -- my kids are nearly grown so these only get worn when it snows or we go skiing or it's just insanely cold outside and I could be outside for more than 10 minutes.)
• Vasque - hiking boots (brown -- these are a bit older than the other hikers. I keep them in the trunk of the car "just in case" something happens while I'm on the road.)
• John Varvatos -- Convertible boot (black and brown),
• Assorted brands - loafers, George boots, boat shoes, sandals and driving shoes of varying prices, styles, formality and color.

Only lesson learned I can share if that if a pair of shoes isn't comfortable in the store, nothing's going to change after you leave the store unless you basically destroy the shoe so that it's stretched out of shape or the material they are made from is weakened.

[Kong Sheng Han]

I wear the green ones every damn day.

[catherineanh]

Michael Kors Black Jelly

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by catherinelam

Michael Kors Black Jelly

I’ve got to rant here. This is in no way directed towards you, but at women in general (<---- only teasing. I'm not serious with that comment. Of course, buy whatever makes you happy).

My girlfriend and both my sisters love MK. I just don’t get it. Now I realize that those sandals probably cost you less than $50 so it’s not a big deal, but as far as I’m concerned, Michael Kors’ quality is on par with clothes/shoes you might find at Walmart.

Their leather (or should I say plastic?) is cheap (I’ve tried a few belts and they fell apart in less than 2 months)
Watches- They’re literally Fossil watches that are rebranded and marked up 100%
Their clothes are cheap and fall apart quickly
It’s a Chinese made brand that sells cheap clothes at a 100%+ markup. There’s a reason why half of TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls are full of MK stuff.

Originally Posted by tony20009

(Women's shoes, with their paper thin soles and spindly heels seem tough enough to last through the end of the month, if that. Thus, I think women have a lot of shoes because they are so lightly constructed that they couldn't hope to wear them much if they didn't have quite a few amongst which to swap in and out during the month. Indeed, the two women about whose shoes I've been conscious -- my ex-wife and my daughter -- can't wear them more than four times before something's "happened" to them.)

First of all, it sounds like you have a tremendous collection. It also sounds like you have damn good taste. I’ve mentioned John Lobb before in this thread. My budget doesn’t allow me to spend four figures on a pair of shoes, but I can appreciate the fact that they’re one of the few brands that are worth spending that kind of money on.
In regards to the part of your post I quoted, see my comment above. I think part of the problem is that many women (especially in their 20s) buy shoes solely (no pun intended) on looks rather than quality/fit/etc. If I spend $300+ on a pair of shoes, they better fit, feel, and look damn good (to me). Heck, even if I spend $50 on a pair of shoes, I expect them to last me longer than a few months.

Originally Posted by tony20009

Only lesson learned I can share if that if a pair of shoes isn't comfortable in the store, nothing's going to change after you leave the store unless you basically destroy the shoe so that it's stretched out of shape or the material they are made from is weakened.

Couldn’t agree more. I never bothered to consider measuring my feet until a couple years ago. I had shoes in my closet that were between a size 10.5 all the way up to a 13. Eventually, I had them measured and realized that I have 3E-4E width feet. That’s 3-4 sizes wider than most D-width mens shoes.
It’s amazing how detrimental cheap shoes can be to your body. I developed knee and back problems several years ago running 20-30 miles a week. My running shoes were too narrow and I subconsciously curled my toes during my runs. I also have a pronation problem when I run. Eventually, I had a pair of custom 12.5 4E New Balance shoes made for me that cater to my pronation. My injuries went away very quickly after that. I also buy a new pair of shoes every 300 or so miles. They begin to lose their support and cushion at about that time.
Oh and I’m wearing my black Allen Edmonds Strands today. 11.5EEE by the way (yes I have hobbit feet).

[catherineanh]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

I’ve got to rant here. This is in no way directed towards you, but at women in general (<---- only teasing. I'm not serious with that comment. Of course, buy whatever makes you happy).

My girlfriend and both my sisters love MK. I just don’t get it. Now I realize that those sandals probably cost you less than $50 so it’s not a big deal, but as far as I’m concerned, Michael Kors’ quality is on par with clothes/shoes you might find at Walmart.

Their leather (or should I say plastic?) is cheap (I’ve tried a few belts and they fell apart in less than 2 months)
Watches- They’re literally Fossil watches that are rebranded and marked up 100%
Their clothes are cheap and fall apart quickly
It’s a Chinese made brand that sells cheap clothes at a 100%+ markup. There’s a reason why half of TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls are full of MK stuff.

I know! They broke the other day. I have to go buy another one. They were 70$, but I love them!

[Billup]

I've always been displeased with MK quality as well. I purchased one pair thinking they would "break in", but all in all they were just terrible. Then I tried a pair from Aldo. Granted I love some of the styles they have, the amount of foot support is ridiculously low for $100+ pair of shoes.

For a typical day, Puma's fit my feet very well (size 10/11 with slim width) so I feel as if they are hugging my feet perfectly and are very comfortable for every day use. I also have a pair of lightweight UnderArmour shoes for when I know I'll be on my feet for an extended amount of time that are great for walking/running.

I have yet to find a pair of formal shoes that feel great and fit me well. It seems they either lack sole support, or my foot seems to be not wide enough to fill width wise and causes some irritation on the lower sides of my feet.

[RandomHero]

Originally Posted by Billup

I've always been displeased with MK quality as well. I purchased one pair thinking they would "break in", but all in all they were just terrible. Then I tried a pair from Aldo. Granted I love some of the styles they have, the amount of foot support is ridiculously low for $100+ pair of shoes.

For a typical day, Puma's fit my feet very well (size 10/11 with slim width) so I feel as if they are hugging my feet perfectly and are very comfortable for every day use. I also have a pair of lightweight UnderArmour shoes for when I know I'll be on my feet for an extended amount of time that are great for walking/running.

I have yet to find a pair of formal shoes that feel great and fit me well. It seems they either lack sole support, or my foot seems to be not wide enough to fill width wise and causes some irritation on the lower sides of my feet.

$100 for a pair of dress shoes is not going to get you very far. That’s coming from someone who normally spends $50 or less on a pair of sneakers.

Aldo is also crap. The best way I’ve heard it put is “they make the toy version of the real thing.” They have a few decent styles, but the build quality is meant for the average person who only wears dress shoes to funerals and weddings.

If $100 is a lot to you when it comes to dress shoes, here is my advice:
Johnston and Murphy- They’re one of the better picks at that price point. Most of their shoes are good for the price. They’re not great, but not bad for the price.
Ecco- Very comfortable and decent for the price. They also hold up fairly well against everyday use. Their main problem is that most of their styles are rubber soled.
Bass Weejuns- I’m usually not a big fan of Bass, but I have been very happy with my Weejun loafers. It should say something that Tony20009 and I own a pair when he also owns $1000+ shoes, and I usually spend no less than $250 on a pair of dress shoes. I bought mine on sale for like $60 and they come in wide widths.
Cole Haans- I personally don’t wear them, but they’re not bad. You can get a pair of leather soled oxfords for about $100 at Nordstrom Rack. They’re comfortable, and slightly better than J&M, but still well below Allen Edmonds in my opinion.

Brands I personally don’t like:
Boss- Sorry, but the stuff you find in retail chain stores is overpriced and usually crappy. They’re not terrible, but they are overpriced. I'll buy Hugo Boss stuff if it's 50% off or more, but I'd never consider paying anywhere near retail for their stuff.
Florsheim- Their upper end stuff isn’t bad, but again most of their low-mid range stuff is cheap quality.
To Boot New York- Same as Boss. They’re not bad, but they’re overpriced.

These are the only ones I have experience with. A good pair of dress shoes should cost $200+ retail. Most places will have year end sales so you can get them much cheaper.
For instance, right now Nordstrom has their Allen Edmonds Park Avenues and Strands on sale for just under $230. Amazon also has them for around that price plus you can easily get a hold of a 20% off coupon which puts them under $200

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by RandomHero

...


First of all, it sounds like you have a tremendous collection. It also sounds like you have damn good taste. I’ve mentioned John Lobb before in this thread. My budget doesn’t allow me to spend four figures on a pair of shoes, but I can appreciate the fact that they’re one of the few brands that are worth spending that kind of money on.
In regards to the part of your post I quoted, see my comment above. I think part of the problem is that many women (especially in their 20s) buy shoes solely (no pun intended) on looks rather than quality/fit/etc. If I spend $300+ on a pair of shoes, they better fit, feel, and look damn good (to me). Heck, even if I spend $50 on a pair of shoes, I expect them to last me longer than a few months.


Couldn’t agree more. I never bothered to consider measuring my feet until a couple years ago. I had shoes in my closet that were between a size 10.5 all the way up to a 13. Eventually, I had them measured and realized that I have 3E-4E width feet. That’s 3-4 sizes wider than most D-width mens shoes.
It’s amazing how detrimental cheap shoes can be to your body. I developed knee and back problems several years ago running 20-30 miles a week. My running shoes were too narrow and I subconsciously curled my toes during my runs. I also have a pronation problem when I run. Eventually, I had a pair of custom 12.5 4E New Balance shoes made for me that cater to my pronation. My injuries went away very quickly after that. I also buy a new pair of shoes every 300 or so miles. They begin to lose their support and cushion at about that time.
Oh and I’m wearing my black Allen Edmonds Strands today. 11.5EEE by the way (yes I have hobbit feet).

TY. That's kind of you to say. JL makes a fine off the rack shoe as well. The problem is I can't say I have any reason to think they are a better shoe than AE or J&M or Brooks Brothers; they just cost twice the price. The bespoke ones are a different matter all together. I would recommend to you to find a cobbler in your price range (I totally understand how $!000+ can be prohibitive...) and have at least one pair made for yourself.

I wouldn't normally recommend anyone buy custom shoes, especially if there's nothing unusual about their feet, for it's not cheap even if you don't choose JL. You, however, with your big, wide feet have a really fine reason to have at least two pairs of custom-made, go-to every day shoes: one for today and one for tomorrow while the ones you wore today dry. You won't have to buy both at the same time, maybe one pair this Christmas and the other the next....it's highly likely the lasts made for your foot in one year will remain accurate into the next year. Once the lasts are made, the cost of the shoes drops as the cost of the first round is greatly increased for the cobbler's skills to measure your feet and create the lasts. Another small plus, if you aren't a shoe maven like me, is that you can buy any subsequent shoes just by sending a picture or chatting on the phone. You don't ever have to show up again unless the suggest you do because they suspect enough time's passed that it'd be a good idea to verify the lasts still are accurate.

All the best.