Dress Shoe Thread

OK. I just ordered the jeffersons.

Like these?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ATD385W/ref=twister_B011D7K3NW?th=1

 

Yep, those fit the bill nicely.

 

Are there any fashion blogs or websites you guys follow? I need to update my corporate wardrobe and clearly behind on trends already!

 

If you stay with the classics, then you never go out of style.

 

These are a few of my go-to's:

http://putthison.com/
https://dappered.com/
http://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/
https://www.reddit.com/r/frugalmalefashion/
https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/
https://www.styleforum.net/

I used to frequent Superfuture and Hypebeast as well, but they're pretty dead now.

 

The best style is always something that fits you well. Sometimes that works with trends and sometimes it doesn't. It usually depends on your body type (i.e. skinny guys don't look great in a relaxed suit). Are you looking at suits or business casual?

 

Business casual. I have enough suits for whenever I need them (not often) and tailored quite well.

 

In that case I like chino's, button downs, and sweaters. Business casual doesn't give you that much room to be creative with your style so I like to experiment with fit and texture. Oxford cloth button downs and chunky or donegal sweaters add a bit of intrigue. Crazy colored socks were a big thing but I think that has passed. For trousers, I think something that is relaxed in the seat and thigh, but with a taper below the knee is quite fashionable now (and fairly classic).

Since this is the dress shoe thread, I really like wingtips with chino's. I like something that is a bit chunkier than you would wear with a suit. You are also free to add in some more casual elements like natural welting, suede, or pebble grain leather.

 

Even 'classic' men's style can become not-current. Ties and lapels vary in width, gorges on lapels were much lower in the 80's than they are now so that a jacket with a low gorge will look dated. A couple of years ago, if not still, Sport Coats were being cut very short. I bought a couple before I realized how short they were on me and they are fine to wear with jeans on semi-casual nights out but I won't wear them with dress pants.

Double monk dress shoes also weren't always en vogue and may eventually look dated, for instance. Square toe dress shoes don't make any damn sense to me.

 

Got my Jeffersons in a size that fit. These are really comfortable, and look great. Thanks for the help.

 

Any thoughts on proper shoe care that isn't hard to do/time consuming? I got a pair of shoe trees, what else should I do? These shoes look nice, have to keep them this way. Very comfortable for a dress ish shoe.

 

Basically, just get them shined. Buff gently with a moist (yes) cloth, and if you scuff 'em have them shined again.

Watch how they are shined. You can do about 75% as good a job yourself at home with practice.

 

Check here: https://dappered.com/2016/06/the-not-so-anal-mans-guide-to-dress-shoe-care/.

At minimum, you need a horsehair brush, an old t-shirt, and shoe cream in the color of the shoes. Any horsehair brush will do. Meltonian for the shoe cream on a budget. Put your hand in a plastic baggie before using the t-shirt to apply cream. Keeps it off your skin. Brush quickly after each wear and polish every few months.

Good on you for the shoe trees. Keep them in any time the shoes aren't on your feet (including while polishing). Lastly, just don't wear the same shoes every day.

 

I would suggest a horsehair brush, a soft cotton shammy, and Venetian shoe cream. With reasonable quality leather I just wipe it down with a damp towel when it gets dirty and brush it with horsehair to bring out the oils in the leather. If the leather starts to look dry, put on a little venetian shoe cream and buff it with a brush and a shammy. I haven't found polish to be necessary unless you want to really bring out the shine. When I need to do a full polish I use Saphir products. I don't think it is really worthwhile until you start to get into the higher end leathers. If you are interested, I recommend using a wax on top of a polish if you plan on wearing them in rainy/slushy/snowy/salty conditions. I usually do that at the end of the fall it makes general upkeep much easier throughout the winter.

On a separate note, I am the proud owner of a new pair of Alden Shell Chukka's. I never liked the silhouette in pictures, but once I tried them on I knew I had to add them to my closet. I am really looking forward to seeing the shell age. Picture's to come once we get some good light!

 

Ok, they're not exactly dress shoes, but I figure they're close enough. These are my new Chippewa Apache boots. I needed something sturdy with a slip resistant sole for the wet Northwest fall/winter. These fit the bill nicely since they have a Vibram outsole. Even though they're made in Wisconsin, they don't break the bank (I paid $130). These are the little brother of the Chippewa Service Boot, which is roughly comparable to a Red Wing Iron Ranger. This is my first foray into welted boots. I treated them with Fiebing's saddle soap and mink oil paste, and swapped the stock round laces for a flat waxed pair. I'm partial, but I think they look great. They're also incredibly comfortable and fit well (based on reviews, I sized down by half a size). Overall, I'm happy with my purchase so far, and they appear to be one of the better values in their product category.

 

Just got these.
Wolverine 1000 mile,
Nice all leather, leather sole, suede.
Great deal, $80 at Burlington

 

I am by no means an expert:

Shoe care - cleaner (a water like spray), conditioner / cleaner - the one from Allen Edmonds is <$8 usually and works well on most leathers (not just shoes), have Venetian Shoe Cream (which also works for other leather but seems to settle if you leave it for a while + shaking doesn't fully mix it back up) or Saphir, the exact one I use depends on how they react to the leather of that particular shoe, also have Obenauf's LP and Montana Pitch Blend for water proofing, extra protection, etc. on days or when needed for travel. 2 shoe brushes - 1 for black / dark shoes and one for brown shoes. I generally prefer a microfiber towel over normal towels.

While it is easier to "get your shoes shined", I find it oddly cathartic to maintain my shoes. Other added benefit is leathers on my other stuff, including headphones and pads, benefit from proper maintenance made possible by the above.

Currently looking for something to replace Obenauf's LP though - it's a bit thick and is hard to spread out. Leaves a kind of sticky-ness to the leather as well and while I'm not huge on SHINY shoes, it often makes stuff too dull. None of my stuff ever gets worn or abused to the point where I really need something "as strong" as Obenauf's LP.

If I need something "nicer" than a sneaker or casual shoe (such as a boat shoe, etc.), I generally prefer loafers or similar shoes that can be slipped on similarly for comfort. Occasionally like drivers too although around where I am, the only other guys I see wearing leather drivers are old somewhat rich to rich Chinese guys (I'm not an old rich Chinese guy). I also have a few pairs of actual shoes though. AE is a good place to start in the $250-400 range but I've found/seen many nice shoes for noticibly less. Recent Aldens are overpriced for what they are and way too conservative and blocky looking for me. Too many good shoe makers out there at different price points to just go with 1 or the other although I stopped buying "actual shoes" a few years ago as I don't have to wear them as often now.

 

How are you applying your Obenauf's? I rub it around in the tub til the friction and warmth from my fingers slighlty melts it and it goes on almost like an oil.

 

Rub small amount between fingers until it's completely melted/ oil. Rub onto barely damp brush (separate small brush just for this) and then brush onto shoes. If I need to apply more, use fingers or towel and apply directly.