Uniform shoe

[TheBronze]

I'm looking for a good quality, plain toe oxford type uniform shoe that would go with a police uniform. My current assignment has me working an administrative role and looking sharp is really important. I've looked at the standard issue Bates brand shoes but the quality is kind of lacking.

I've looked at the Allen Edmonds LAX Derby and it seems to fit the bill. Any other makers out there that produce a similar styled shoe?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Brian

 

[paxonus]

For that quality, you won't find anything better. But be aware that the last that shoe is built on is extra roomy to allow for the use of an orthotic. This will affect how it fits. You might also take a look at shoebank.com to see what else is available.

 

[TheBronze]

I'll look at shoebank.com. Thanks for the tip! I've got an odd shaped foot. I have two pairs of Allen Edmonds and that at 8.5 3E! I have a slightly narrow heel though so I tend to have a tough time finding shoes that really fit. The Bates I got are Medium width to keep the heel from slipping but they are tight on the instep. I'm hoping to find something better but at the end of the day I might just have to suck it up.

 

[LuvMyMan]

I'll look at shoebank.com. Thanks for the tip! I've got an odd shaped foot. I have two pairs of Allen Edmonds and that at 8.5 3E! I have a slightly narrow heel though so I tend to have a tough time finding shoes that really fit. The Bates I got are Medium width to keep the heel from slipping but they are tight on the instep. I'm hoping to find something better but at the end of the day I might just have to suck it up.

Dang...too bad you do not wear a larger size....I have two pairs of never worn 1950's black U.S. Navy/Marine issue shoes that are a size 10 1/2 and one that is 11.

 

[TPD166]

A few years ago Bates was offering a higher quality dress shoe in leather with leather soles - much better overall quality, came with shoes bags, etc. I picked up mine in the Navy Exchange in Norfolk. Not sure if they are still available.

 

[Pie & Coffee]

Red Wing makes a nice looking uniform shoe, the 101 Postman Oxford. Your foot is similar to mine, so there might be a width issue with those, but I've always thought they were very sharp.

 

[TheBronze]

Thanks for all the replies. After much consternation I spent a day trying on different shoes. It turns out the Bates 962 fits me really well as long as I take the squishy insoles out of them. They were too thick to let me feet go all the way into the shoe. I simply replaced them with a thin insole and they seem to be working nicely. It's too bad that the older designs seem to be getting harder and harder to find. I really hate the current trend in footwear at work. The new guys all wear boots and they mostly aren't even leather anymore. They really are like tall athletic shoes, which I suppose is good for functionality but they just look bad.