Shoe Trouble

[cufflinkmaniac]

I had planned on getting the Johnston & Murphy "Melton" cap-toe, but budget issues (it ain't easy bein' 16) have made me re-evealuate my plans. Now I'm looking at either (links below) the Florsheim "Edgar" or the Bostonian "Canton." Does anyone know if Bostonian or Florsheim shoes are welted and resoleable? If they aren't, then I suppose I'll bite the bullet and go for the J&M's, but that would leave me with about $18.00 and I need to have alterations done to my new suit (got it today) and buy a few other clothing items, so I would prefer not to spend over $70.00. I can get either of the below shoes for about $64.00 with coupons on Shoebuy, but the J&M's would be about $100.00.

http://Men's Florsheim Edgar



http://www.shoebuy.com/florsheim-edgar/30717/115896

If anyone can suggest another place to find leather soled, cap-toe oxfords, in my price range, by all means let me know.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

Buy Allen Edmonds, Aldens, or Florsheim on eBay.

 

[cufflinkmaniac]

Buy Allen Edmonds, Aldens, or Florsheim on eBay.

I'm a bit hesitant to go for shoes on eBay, but I'll at least look. Who knows, I may find something.

 

[Bourbon Guy]

They don't make them like they used to. Once you find the last you like, buy every pair you can find in your size. Resole them for decades. I bet I have shoes older than your parents.

 

[Lefty]

You'd likely buy from either AE themselves (they have an outlet on ebay), or a seller called Grapevine Hill, which has hundreds of shoes and fantastic feedback. All of the shoes from these sellers are new, and if they're seconds, you'll never be able to tell.
Here's the AE store
and here's GVH.

 

[cufflinkmaniac]

You'd likely buy from either AE themselves (they have an outlet on ebay), or a seller called Grapevine Hill, which has hundreds of shoes and fantastic feedback. All of the shoes from these sellers are new, and if they're seconds, you'll never be able to tell.
Here's the AE store
and here's GVH.

Thanks. I know about the AE store, but I've never browsed GVH. I have just sifted through 12 pages worth of some of the ugliest "dress" shoes that I've ever seen in my life. I did come across a pair of Cole Haan's, but I hear that their quality has slipped in the past few years.

 

[Geesie]

I have a pair of Florsheims pretty similar to the one you posted, got 'em about 8 years ago. Don't wear them daily so I can't really attest to their durability. They're comfortable but not exactly spectacular. Good, serviceable shoes.

 

[Lefty]

You could also try Sierra Trading Post. Quantities are pretty limited in most sizes, but it's hard to argue with their prices.

 

[Cody Pendant]

Don't blow the budget!

Cufflinkmaniac,
May I offer you a different perspective, the other side of the coin, a pragmatic view, fatherly advice if you will? I applaud your diligent search and enthusiasm for this endeavor. :eusa_clap

My advice is that less expensive shoes would be more appropriate in your situation. I think that the long-term wear outlook should be for when you have completed your growth. Perhaps even consider renting for your first event. Most shops around here charge about 12$ for shoe rental. That would allow you to spend some time looking for that killer bargain. Again, save your money for your date. (don't ask me how I know) Stick to the budget. The suit fitting will be far more important to your overall look than the cost of your shoes.

You could check the following links for some alternate selections.
http://www.uniformalwearhouse.com/apages/tuxedoshoes1.html
http://www.buy4lesstuxedo.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=BASIC_LACE_IN_BLACK
http://www.cheaptux.com/tuxedo-shoes.htm

You will not likely get to wear a formal shoe more than a few times a year. That will equate to a high per use cost. Lets say you get to wear them 5 times / 100$ = 20$ per event just for shoes, that you will outgrow. That’s a bit expensive in my opinion. Also; If my memory serves me well, I seem to recall that my peers at proms were not all that careful when dancing as to where they always stepped, and less so as the evening wore on.
If you decide to buy, let fit and feel be your first guide, then the price and “style”. Comfort while dancing and standing will make for a most enjoyable evening. I don’t think you could possibly wear any formal shoe out; regardless of price or construction, anytime soon. Just my opinion.
What ever you decide, I am sure you will wear it with panache.


Good luck and God Speed!

 

[Geesie]

Oh, if you're talking about prom then yes - rent some patent leather (or corfam or whatever they make them out of) shoes.

 

[cufflinkmaniac]

No, no. This isn't prom, this is my wanting to get a pair of dress shoes.

 

[Cody Pendant]

Pardon , my mistake

Pardon , my mistake.
I seem to be behind on your projects.