Difference between revisions of "Shoes"

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*Loake  (UK)
 
*Loake  (UK)
 
*Meermin
 
*Meermin
 +
*New England Outerwear Company (boots and loafers)
 
*Oak Street Bootmakers (boots, boat shoes, and loafers)
 
*Oak Street Bootmakers (boots, boat shoes, and loafers)
 
*Quoddy (boots, boat shoes, loafers)
 
*Quoddy (boots, boat shoes, loafers)

Revision as of 11:56, 26 July 2013


Foreword

A pair of dress shoes is essential in any man's wardrobe. While they not seem relevant to your daily wear, eventually you will need a pair--either for work, a wedding, or some other special occasion. If you only own one pair, versatility will be the most important factor. A plain black or brown derby with a rounded toe fits this bill. Thrift stores--often unreliable for much else-- consistently carry dress shoes (some of them very good) for those unwilling to shell out for a new pair. Consider durability and comfort when purchasing, they might last for years.


General Types and Styles of Dress Shoes

Distinguishing between an oxford and derby
An example of oxford shoes with full broguing (aka wingtips).
A shoe with a capped toe.
How to lace a dress shoe. See more lacing styles here

Balmorals and Derbies

The two most common styles of men's dress shoes, the Balmoral and Derby are distinguished by their "lacing type," or how the eyelet tabs are stitched in relation to the vamp.  Balmorals (also informally called Oxfords) feature a "closed lacing" style in which the eyelet tabs are stitched underneath the vamp.  Derbies (also called Bluchers) feature an "open lacing" style in which the eyelet tabs are stitched on top of the vamp. Simply put, the section that holds the eyelets is "on top" on a Derby and "tucked under" on a Balmoral (see picture for details).  In general, Derbies are considered more casual than Balmorals.

Also note that while Balmorals may be called "Oxfords", both Derbies and Balmorals are types of oxfords. An oxford is simply any form of laced shoe. This is why certain sneakers may be referred to as oxfords, such as Converse's Core Ox and Sperry's Striper CVO (which stands for Circular Vamp Oxford).

Other Styles

Loafers and Boat Shoes

Low cut shoes with no or largely nonfunctional laces and typically a moc toe construction.  Generally considered more casual than a laced shoe.

Chukka

An ankle length boot with two or three pairs of eyelets.  Worn casually, desert boots are a popular style of chukka.

Monk Strap

A style of laceless shoe closed with one or two straps and buckles.  A monk shoe with two straps may be refered to as a "double monk."


Embellishments

Brogues

Any shoe or boot with broguing--small decorative perforations, often along with serrations along the visible edges (e.g. along the throat line, toe cap, and tongue).  A shoe can simultaneously be a balmoral(or derby) and a pair of "brogues".  Due to the functional purpose of broguing, brogues were originally considered a casual shoe, but this is no longer true.  Brogueing can be found on both casual and formal shoes.
Additionally, there are different terms for the extent and style of broguing:  the popular full brogue (or wingtip), semi-brogue, quarter brogue, as well as the longwing style.

Cap Toe

A shoe with an extra layer of material covering the toe of the shoe.  There are different styles of toe caps, but generally when a shoe is refered to as "cap toed" it will be a simple cap like the one shown to the right.  A toe cap can be found on any type of shoe from dress shoes, to boots, and even sneakers.

Moc Toe

Short for moccasin toe, a construction wherein visible seams run along the toe box of a shoe.


Leather Shoes and Boots (A List of Recommendations)

Dress Shoes and Boots

Under $200


$200 & UP


$400 & UP
  • Alden (shoes and boots)
  • Bally
  • Buttero (boots)
  • Church's
  • Carmina
  • Crockett and Jones
  • Danner 
  • Dayton (esp. Service Boots )
  • Harry's of London
  • Mark McNairy
  • Paul Smith
  • Paul Stuart
  • Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Sebago Made In Maine
  • Yuketen


$700 & UP
  • Botega Veneta
  • Corthay
  • Dolce and Gabbana
  • Edward Green
  • Gaziano and Girling
  • George Esquivel
  • Lanvin
  • John Lobb
  • Maison Martin Margiela
  • Prada
  • Saint Crispin
  • Scarpe Di Bianco
  • Thom Browne
  • Visvim

Options for Vegans and Ethical Vegetarians