I’d like to take a minute to revise last year’s summer sneaker post. I now have a few new options for you. Click on the shoe below to find out more.
I’ve never been a guy who’s really been big into sneakers. Ok, that’s a lie, as a kid I loved the damn things. I had the tightest fit thanks to the Reebok pumps and the brightest step thanks to L.A. Gear. Now I like my sneakers simple and clean. These are my choices for the…
Do you remember Duck Head? I do. That duck invaded the South. And in the 80s and 90s its curious single eye stared at you so hard when you were trying to check out a lady’s rear assets. Their khaki colored shorts were a prep staple. I been had the Duck.
Enough about the shorts, they’re over for me. From what I remember, they were like wearing sand paper. I wanted to turn your attention to their shoes, especially their saddle oxford. We’re not exactly talking about quality, but we’re talking about getting the goods el cheapo. When you’re buying a saddle shoe, why not buy from a classic company at classic prices? Thirty-five dollars these days will barely buy you a t-shirt at Target.
As far as the quality of these things, who knows. Most of the shoes are made in either China or Brazil (via the company brochure), and ever since Duck Head’s partnership with Old Diminion they’ve been pushing footwear to the masses. I can’t attest to the quality as of yet. Duck Head PR, now’s your time to shine and hook a fellow Southerner up. I only want the saddle oxfords, though. I’ve browsed the latest collection and I can’t say that anything in the line up strikes my fancy. Quack.
I believe all of the oxfords are made in Brazil. PR, quack if that’s wrong.
(Source: duckhead.com)
There are more Moras up on eBay. You’re a lucky soul if you’re a size 13D, 12E, 14EEE or 9 1/2 E.
Before you hate, just hear me out. I think these options from Zuriick could be fun to play with during the summer. Garden party, lounging around the pool, painting a sidewalk with chalk, playing hopscotch—maybe? I’d pair ‘em with some Hammer pants or some flat-front pastel colored chinos (or jeans) and maybe a white oxford.
I know I’m not going to find wall of espadrilles anywhere here in the States, but is there a decent source for them? It would seem like someone would be importing them and selling them online at commodity prices - you know, twenty, thirty bucks. Anybody wanna suggest a source? This British site offers a good range at about $40 shipped to the US, but going all the way there seems a bit much, right?
Edit: TBTYH from Suits+Boots points out that Urban Outfitters has some for $14, which is about what you should be spending on these things. And another twitterer who’s actually bought them recommends the basic ones from Espadrillesetc.com, which are $26. (Trivia: Suited & Booted was a name we considered for Put This On.) And one more suggestion, from the good folks at To The Manner Born: ropeysoles.com. Looks like it might be the best bet of the bunch, with some pretty styles and a total cost (including shipping) of about $28.
There are also some colorful versions from ASOS that you can snag with a Jackson, one quarter and four pennies.
Today, I was asked for a recommendation on a pair of black leather shoes. My friend wants a pair that can be worn with jeans. I think a man needs a few options in the hard-soled category, so before saying anything else, I asked if he had any other leather shoes. His answer was no. I told him I’d think about it, and well, I’m planning on just sending him this post.
Black matches a lot of things, but I’m going to have to go with Jim Moore’s advice and tell you that oxblood will keep you matching for days (Those aren’t his exact words.). Dark brown and merlot are also options, but stay away from the chili color for now. If you really want to get the most match for your buck, and this shoe is going to be the power horse of your new sartorially-conscious wardrobe, I’d go with oxblood. Don’t worry, I’ll list some black options too.
Ok, I’m going to be a bit biased on this, because I wear Allen Edmonds and Alden daily. I do own other brands of shoes, but honestly, these are my favorites for the money. I try to rotate my black, brown, merlot and oxblood colors so that I can keep each pair looking fresh. Leather does need to breath. Although you’re going to want to wear them everyday, I’d advise against it so that you can give them time to rest.
I think you should start with a cap toe balmoral or blutcher style shoe with possibly a small amount of brogueing along the cap. If I lost you at bal, here’s the scoop on the two styles. I have them both and rotate them in and out as I feel it’s necessary. Don’t be afraid to wear any of these with jeans, either. Check out the inspiration images below and I think you’ll agree that both of these styles go great with jeans. Before you break the rules, you need to know them. Bals were traditionally reserved for more formal occasions, but I like the look of them with jeans, so I break the rules whenever I feel macho.
Here are a few oxblood, dark brown and merlot options.
Balmoral:
Blutcher:
If you’re still content on getting black, here are some options.
Balmoral:
Blutcher:
Don’t forget to check ebay before you purchase one of these options, you might find a better deal there. After you do get yourself fixed up with a nice pair of shoes, watch this video from the dapper gents over at Put This On, for tips on how to take care of them.
Here’s some inspiration to get your creative noodles twisted.
photo credit: J.Crew
photo credit: The Sartorialist
When yous guys [in the voice of Buddy Valastro] get ready to visit Jersey, pack one of the options seen above. Click on each to find out more.
These 1940s Allen Edmonds golf shoes can be purchased on eBay. Take your cues from Byron Nelson when you decide to sport these on the course—wear them with argyle socks (Did I even need to say that?).
I thought you’d be proud to know that I picked up these Brooks Brothers captoe bluchers for a measly 12 bones at the thrift store today. They’re made in the U.S.A, so I’m assuming by Alden. (via Styleforum) After a little polish, insole sanitization, and some well-fitting shoe trees, they’re now closet-worthy. Not bad, eh?
