Semi-Formal Shoe Help?

[kovalchuk71 212]

I figured the "kicks" thread was more of a show it off area, so I wanted to create a new topic. Im looking for some shoes for semi-formal events (Clubbing, dinners, parties etc), and I was wondering what you guys reccomend. Something that would work with some Chino's/Khaki's. Like I said, Im looking for some semi-formal, I dont need expensive leather dress shoes. Thanks.

[kosydar 0]

I bought a pair of Steve Maddens last year for this purpose. You should check them out. Whatever you do, don't be that jackass that shows up to events in sneakers.

[Law Goalie 147]

It's never too early or too late for Allen Edmonds.

Seconds can be had quite cheaply as a starter-shoe, and they're even cheaper on eBay. Get sized, figure out what lasts work for you, and go to town.

[kovalchuk71 212]

I bought a pair of Steve Maddens last year for this purpose. You should check them out. Whatever you do, don't be that jackass that shows up to events in sneakers.

Exactly, I don't want to be that guy.

[cptjeff 0]

Well, what you're getting better be leather. I would look at something like a pair of leather sperry top siders if you like that style, Not the ones with mesh though. Those are too casual.

Like this:

http://www.shoebuy.com/sperry-top-sider-au...al/29208/115280

You might also look at something like this:

http://www.shoebuy.com/bass-warren/274422/589957

Or this:

http://www.shoebuy.com/dr-martens-original...c/178537/402484

This is a nice one:

http://www.shoebuy.com/johnston-murphy-bre...e/236650/581520

Another classic option:

http://www.shoebuy.com/sandro-moscoloni-carmel/247775/531024

The big three things are leather, dark, and simple styling. No brand logos on the side, ect. If it says Nike or reebok, you're looking at the wrong shoe.

One more thing: even if you're tempted, don't buy dockers. They take shortcuts in constructing their shoes, and the durability is suspect. For example on my boat shoes, the lace that goes around the back to snug up the heel was just sewn into the side. On a good pair, that connect on though as the lace you tie. Sure enough, after about a week of wear, those popped loose, grommets popped out... I sent them in and they sent me a replacement pair, but it took forever and in the downtime I bought a pair of sperrys. Much better built, and I've had them for a while now. The replacement dockers are sitting in my closet, I've never worn them.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Thanks Cptjeff, that helped a lot!

[Brokensticks 0]

Or this:

http://www.shoebuy.com/dr-martens-original...c/178537/402484

I'm on my third pair of these Doc Martins in the Gaucho color. The first two pair lasted over four years each. If you're on your feet a lot, that sole is mighty comfy. I highly recommend.

[Chadd 916]

Or this:

http://www.shoebuy.com/dr-martens-original...c/178537/402484

I'm on my third pair of these Doc Martins in the Gaucho color. The first two pair lasted over four years each. If you're on your feet a lot, that sole is mighty comfy. I highly recommend.

I've been through three or four pair of shoes in the last 18 months and I need to get something that is going to hold up better. How are those for width and standing for long periods of time?

[Brokensticks 0]

I'd say those Docs run normal to a little on the wide side. They are full leather so they stretch after a while (I guess any shoe would after 3 or 4 years) but that's the big thing I noticed with my first pair. I normally wear a 14 shoe. My first pair were 14's. I went down to a size 13 for the second pair. I contemplated trying a 12 for the next pair but figured that if my 13's stretch to the point that I need a 12, then it's probably just time for a new pair. The rubber sole offers more cushion for standing for a period of time over any leather sole or even smaller rubber soles. They do make the shoe heavier though, so I guess it's a trade off.

[LkptTiger 1]

I know you said you're looking for an inexpensive pair of shoes...but you're going to get what you pay for. Being young and able to spend my money on whatever I want, I've become a pretty big fan of Cole Haan. They're great shoes - comfortable, well-crafted and generally very good looking. My only complaint is that the heels are usually a TAD wide...but I've actually taken to sticking adhesive rubber bumpers (actually designed for women's shoes with a heel - but they work) in the shoes. Some of the shoes can get pretty pricey - but if you walk into one of their stores on the right day, you can get yourself a nice pair of dress-casual shoes for a ~$100. I actually got lucky and hit a sale the other day - wound-up getting myself some $250 loafers that were marked-down to $150.

Johnson & Murphy is another good place to look...and they're a bit cheaper.

[Cavs019 708]

Johnston and Murphy's are great...get a pair of driving mocs (with or without penny), money all year round for all things semi-formal.

[TBLfan 25]

I bought a pair of Bostonian(Ugh) shoes when buying a suit in high school. Surprisingly they've been great for me. I've worn them to numerous weddings, out clubbing and they later became work shoes(Commission sales). The sales job had me on my feet for about 35-40 hours a week, walking a showroom about the size of a Super Walmart. The shoes are now in need of replacement, not much tread left but the internals are in great shape and still very comfortable. The main reason I need to replace them is because of the scratches in the leather they got when some idiot dropped a metal frame on my foot. They're one of the most comfortable shoes I've worn to date, including street shoes that cost $50+ more than these $100 Bostonians.

[Law Goalie 147]

Older American-made Bostonians were beautiful shoes; ditto J&M. Both are now, sadly, not what they used to be.

If you're going to buy the Sperry boat-shoes, go with the Gold Cup version. They're much, much better shoe both in terms of construction and versatility; I wear mine pretty much all summer, with everything from shorts to linen suits. There is a slight premium on price for the Gold Cups, but they are absolutely worth it in the long run.

[sickwilly 37]

I've always had fantastic luck with Dr. Marten's.

[Rocketking 0]

Here's a tip - check out the Nordstrom's Rack.

I've bought a few pair of shoes there for HUGE discounts and they were really nice.

All the best shoe manufacturers.

[Chadd 916]

I ended up with a nice pair from Bass today. The store at the local outlet mall was running a huge sale, everything was 50%+ off.

[kovalchuk71 212]

Wow. Lucky you. Im going to go look at the outlet mall by me before school starts...

Does Clarks make anything that is semi-formal?

[adam14 182]

You could always get a pair of mocassins (sp?) I got some that are a bit better built than the slipper style, in a dark brown. Go good with jeans, shorts etc and ran me like 70 bucks.

[epstud74 24]

If you're in Cary, NC, I suggest going to Belk and spending $150 on a couple pairs of shoes that can last you a long time. Get a black pair and a brown pair that can fulfill the dress/casual role and you'll be set.

Like skates, you get what you pay for in comfort and durability in a shoe. Don't try something too trendy, but a classic style that is versatile and will last you awhile. I usually wear Ecco, Bruno Magli or Johnston & Murphy for casual and dress shoes, but younger high school, college, early career guys really dont need to spend $140 on a shoe to look good. Sales are another place to grab a great shoe that will last you a long time.

Browns:

This could go w/a suit or jacket/khakis combo AND casual (with jeans) at your younger age

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...6969.jsp?off=22

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...p+on.jsp?off=19

Another versatile shoe that would be acceptable as dressy or casual for the younger crowd

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...p+on.jsp?off=26

Blacks:

Same shoe as above, but in black

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...p+on.jsp?off=18

or

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...asual.jsp?off=3

or if you want to blow some $$$ these are the perfect IMO for dress and casual:

I own these in black and brown, but then again, I'm a total shoe whore. I do have to dress up for work every day though

http://www.belk.com/AST/Main/Belk_Primary/...Shoe.jsp?off=11

Wow. Lucky you. Im going to go look at the outlet mall by me before school starts...

Does Clarks make anything that is semi-formal?

Yeah, they make a great shoe. I've got a pair of brown Clark's shoes that I could wear with jeans or khakis and tie...They're a comfortable and roomy shoe. If you want a semi-formal dress/casual shoe, and you're on your feet a lot, you really cannot go wrong with Clark's. Check my links below.

[number21 3]

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7414774/c/149236.html

I have these Clark's for work. They are very comfortable but after about a month of use (roughly every-other-day) they got really loose. Now I can't wear them without thick socks. In hindsight a half size smaller would have worked. That's the trouble with buying blind online I guess.

[epstud74 24]

Yeah, hard to see those becoming loose after a few months