Everyday Business Casual Lace-Ups

[EightySixer]

I sometimes feel like a dapper gentleman, then I look down at the Izod budget need something in a hurry "oxfords" on my feet and a heavy yearning for something proper sets in. I can't take it anymore, enough is enough and something has to be done.

I need an everyday lace up oxford/brogue/derby that will be fitting for my mile of walking I do in my morning bus/coffee shop routine and help with the aforementioned lack of dapper.
I am not extremely picky but am fond of the Cognac/British Tan-ish colors and could stand a plain, cap toe or wingtip with the only exclusion being a long wing. I work at a law firm and business casual is my typical dress- khakis/pants, slim fit button down, sport coat and I like a tie to bring it all together most days.

I am leaning towards:

Allen Edmonds
Cole Haan
Clark's



Prior experience with footwear outside of cycling and running is limited to Hall's and Red Wing line boots that are mostly some form of welt construction. I have noticed some of the higher end shoes have similar construction, but must admit this is the only process outside of gluing I am familiar with so I really don't know what is important as far as durability goes. What else should I be looking at/for? Brands, construction and what have you.

[Chad]

I like my Eccos.

[alexstar]

I have a pair of Johnston & Murphys that are extremely comfortable. Check them out. They have a variety of classic styles.

[fmbp]

I just purchased my 4th pair of Allen Edmonds shoes. Today's my second day in 'em. I got these: https://www.allenedmonds.com/jodox-w...616_color=4617. Can't beat the price. I should mention that the rubber sole is nice here in Minnesota.

My first pair, purchased in 2005, are on their second sole. I recently polished them up, and they look great.

I realize you asked for brown shoes. I guess this is just a plug for Allen Edmonds. They last and are recraftable.

[AngryScientist]

alden.

they're worth the price of entry IMO, and my cap toes are holding up remarkably well, and they live a tough life in NYC.

J&M makes a decent shoe in their upper end models too, the lower tier stuff is not goodyear welted and are "throw away" shoes. AE also makes a very good shoe.

You already know this, but if you go leather soled shoes, which you should - you dont want to wear them in wet sloppy stuff, or you'll destroy them in short order. I've got a bunch of shoes in regular rotation, and keep a pair in the bottom draw at work. if the forecast calls for wet stuff, i wear rubber soled shoes or boots to work and change in the office.

[t-hoe]

alden.
AE also makes a very good shoe.
You already know this, but if you go leather soled shoes, which you should - you dont want to wear them in wet sloppy stuff, or you'll destroy them in short order. I've got a bunch of shoes in regular rotation, and keep a pair in the bottom draw at work. if the forecast calls for wet stuff, i wear rubber soled shoes or boots to work and change in the office.

all true. I'm partial to the cordovan in both brands. I have some longwings, cap toes and oxfords in both brands. They are sized very different so make sure you try em on.
If laces are optional, I'm a fan of monk straps for a 'casual' look. I have some AE Leeds in *brugandy*...similar to the Alden #8, that go with just about everything.
I love wearing the alden longwings with jeans best.

[j44ke]

I dig these. Unfortunately my feet are too narrow. If they fit, I'd wear them every day. Alfred Sergeant for J. Crew.

[t-hoe]

hmmmm...DOUBLE monks. Again, another good choice for business casual. Maybe a little too fashion forward for the OPs law office, but perfect for where I work ;-)

[caleb]

AE or Alden. If you're walking a mile every day in DE, I'd get a lace-up with a combo leather/rubber sole. With chinos in a law office, I'd go for some sort of cap, split, or moc toe.

I have a pair of both the AEs and Aldens, and they're both going strong after 10+ years.

[theflashunc]

Had good luck with my Cole Haans personally.

[doomridesout]

While we're on the topic... I am in a similar boat but have a freakishly wide forefoot all the way to the midfoot and a fairly narrow heel. Any recommendations in that vein?

[zetroc]

I walked by the Cole Haan store last weekend and thought of this thread. Cole Haan. Cole Haan. Cole Haan.

[caleb]

I dig these. Unfortunately my feet are too narrow. If they fit, I'd wear them every day. Alfred Sergeant for J. Crew.

Scrolling through Allen Edmonds' tent sale today, I noticed that they have their version available at about half price: Mora 2.0



Someone here who's cooler than me should buy them and wear them every single day. While I think they're awesome, my wife confirmed that I'm too square to pull them off.

[caleb]

I have a walnut-colored hole in my shoe collection. Specifically, a walnut-colored, rubber half- or full-soled, blucher hole.

I'm looking at two models from Allen Edmonds, the Yonge Street (Harry Rosen model), and the Lexington.



They'll mainly be worn with wool trousers and occasionally a pair of chinos.

Any thoughts on which is a better choice?

[Eric Estlund]

While I think they're awesome, my wife confirmed that I'm too square to pull them off.

That's a self fulfilling curse. If you like, rock em. That's the only cure.

[TTX1]

I'm rocking the Cole Haan Zero Grand Stitchless Oxford.

First shoes I've ever worn that garner compliments.

Feels like a performance running shoe. Super light.

Not my pic, but you get the idea:

[j44ke]

I'll be interested to hear how they wear. I had a pair of their super light shoes a couple years ago, and they lasted about 8 months before they started coming apart. They were comfortable while they lasted though, so if they've increased the durability, I might try them again. NYC is hard on shoes. I assume Boston is too.

These are pretty nice C-H's. Plain with a nice shape.



But I think I need to return to an old standby - a pair of "dirty bucks". Perfect summer/fall shoe.

[EightySixer]

That's a self fulfilling curse. If you like, rock em. That's the only cure.

A minor interaction similar to this changed my whole perspective about a decade ago.

A buddy walked up with some Barney Purple Adidas Shell Toe sneakers on. Being in my very early 20's I was into that sort of thing.

I commented something like, "Man those things are cool but hell I could never pull off something like that."

Scott replied back, "Sure you can, just put 'em on your feet."

The best fashion advice I have ever received.

[72gmc]

That's a self fulfilling curse. If you like, rock em. That's the only cure.

I agree. Square Guy with a Quirk is a real thing. Could be your thing.