Working Shoe for Young Exec - Part 2

[BalaPrince]

Stretch your budget to around $270 to $300 for EEA or CNES for GYW shoes. I don't think there is any non-cemented (ie. GYW) below $200. Not sure about Blake stitch though

Hi so is CNES good? The one from straits establishment

 

[extofo]

Yanko has very nice shoes. Price point is pretty competitive as well. The 915 is a fantastic last and I like it a lot.

Yup it has a similar price point as compared to CS and both shoes feel equally good to me. Carmina seems a like tad too expensive recently.

 

[tegeus-Cromis]

According to their site, EEA is going to introduce RTW Blake-stitched versions of their shoes soon. Currently displayed price is $189 each though no stock yet. Seems like pretty good value. Topy them and they’ll last a good long time compared to cemented.

 

[BalaPrince]

According to their site, EEA is going to introduce RTW Blake-stitched versions of their shoes soon. Currently displayed price is $189 each though no stock yet. Seems like pretty good value. Topy them and they’ll last a good long time compared to cemented.

Are these any good compared to the CNES one? 189 seems like a good price.

 

[VaNs]

Was wondering about brands like Aldo, Pedro etc

I know for a fact that a lot of people complain that Pedro just isnt cutting it
Not sure about Aldo on the other hand, or even Zara

Blake Stitch seems to be fine so as long they are done properly as compared to cemented?

I would stay away from any cemented shoes. I can't comment on Blake stitch as I have never own a pair before. You can read up some write ups regarding GYW, Blake stitch and Cemented shoes on the web.

Hi so is CNES good? The one from straits establishment

I have a pair for about 8 months. So far so good. Leather is pretty soft(as compared to EEA). Pretty decent I would say

 

[BalaPrince]

I would stay away from any cemented shoes. I can't comment on Blake stitch as I have never own a pair before. You can read up some write ups regarding GYW, Blake stitch and Cemented shoes on the web.


I have a pair for about 8 months. So far so good. Leather is pretty soft(as compared to EEA). Pretty decent I would say

I’m actually contemplating between eea rtw Blake Stitch or the CNES loafers now. And according to CNES website it says the fitting is more for Asian wide feet. So I wonder if the EEA has it too?

 

[The Quarters]

Hello Gents!

We are launching our very first GMTOs at 2pm today on our Instagram and Facebook, do stay tuned and check them out if you've always been wanting to get a pair of quality goodyear welted shoes at a reasonable price point.

There'll be exclusive discounts for all! In addition, you get to enjoy greater savings with a minimum order of 2 pairs! Hop over and give us a like and follow on our Facebook and Instagram page now to get the latest updates!

As our website is currently still undergoing development, all orders will be placed via our Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to drop us a message there if you have any queries!

Meanwhile, have a beautiful Sunday ahead! Cheers

 

[wiz]

I’m actually contemplating between eea rtw Blake Stitch or the CNES loafers now. And according to CNES website it says the fitting is more for Asian wide feet. So I wonder if the EEA has it too?

I will suggest to try at the stores before making the decision. Different brands has different definition of wide fitting

 

[BalaPrince]

I will suggest to try at the stores before making the decision. Different brands has different definition of wide fitting

True that bro! Thanks for the tip!

 

[BalaPrince]

Hello Gents!

We are launching our very first GMTOs at 2pm today on our Instagram and Facebook, do stay tuned and check them out if you've always been wanting to get a pair of quality goodyear welted shoes at a reasonable price point.

There'll be exclusive discounts for all! In addition, you get to enjoy greater savings with a minimum order of 2 pairs! Hop over and give us a like and follow on our Facebook and Instagram page now to get the latest updates!

As our website is currently still undergoing development, all orders will be placed via our Instagram and Facebook. Feel free to drop us a message there if you have any queries!

Meanwhile, have a beautiful Sunday ahead! Cheers

What is your fb? I’ll take a look

 

[VaNs]

I’m actually contemplating between eea rtw Blake Stitch or the CNES loafers now. And according to CNES website it says the fitting is more for Asian wide feet. So I wonder if the EEA has it too?

As what wiz suggested, do head to their stores to try!

 

[ITretard]

Just bought a pair of Loake. Oxford type. I wonder is it too big. I’ve been wearing size 9 for sneakers and all. But I bought size 8 with one finger availability to slot behind the shoes with my toe at the very front. But when I walk I feel quite big leh. Size 7 is quite impossible for sure

 

[wiz]

Just bought a pair of Loake. Oxford type. I wonder is it too big. I’ve been wearing size 9 for sneakers and all. But I bought size 8 with one finger availability to slot behind the shoes with my toe at the very front. But when I walk I feel quite big leh. Size 7 is quite impossible for sure

Yes looks like it is too big and you are likely a 7.5

 

[ITretard]

Yes looks like it is too big and you are likely a 7.5

They got no half size. Wa. Means I wasted my money?

 

[todyseat]

Just bought a pair of Loake. Oxford type. I wonder is it too big. I’ve been wearing size 9 for sneakers and all. But I bought size 8 with one finger availability to slot behind the shoes with my toe at the very front. But when I walk I feel quite big leh. Size 7 is quite impossible for sure

Just wear thicker socks or put a pair of thin insoles.

 

[ITretard]

Just wear thicker socks or put a pair of thin insoles.

Yea man. Uniqlo socks very thin leh

 

[wiz]

Yea man. Uniqlo socks very thin leh

They do have thicker socks mostly in solid colors

 

[completenovice]

Question for Thundermarch

Most welcome. No need to apologize, btw.

Gary's book isn't meant to be a technical book. It's primarily a pictorial based, coffee table book with focus on the shoes and the makers. It's meant to be enjoyed by most people, so no, it's really not too advanced for anybody. Even someone who isn't into shoes at all.

In the circa 450 price range, I think there are quite a few players. Loake is popular, and has been tried and tested by many bros here. And I think is a pretty good choice for a first pair sub 450. Yanko, Duggers, Orbans are also around that price or below. Orbans has been reviewed by Shoe Snob and shoegazing, numerous bros here have tried Yanko, and I know bro AIAD has a pair of Duggers.

What I can say is, at this price point,you will find that it is difficult to find a "breakthrough" maker with very significantly better materials, construction techniques, or finishing. But you can find makers with "decent everything" for the price.

You will hear the terms "Goodyear welted", "full grain leather", "Annonay", "Du Puy", "veg tanned outsoles" used frequently. But be prepared to be able to find minor imperfections in your pair. This is a given, because the limitations at that price point is definitely the cost and economies of scale.

A wonky medallion, slightly uneven brogueing, a bit of edge finish on the uppers, a slightly crooked captoe, pits / veins on the leather surface. All these can be seen. But if luck has it, you might well also get a very good pair. So as much as a maker can have a decent reputation, it is also very much a game of chance, somewhat.

At the same time, you'll also need to know what is a clear, unacceptable defect. Warped uppers, rips in the grain of the uppers, torn welts, or anything that would affect structural integrity.

So to prevent disappointment, it's always good to moderate one's expectations according to how the shoes are priced. I say this not as someone who is involved in a shoe retail business. But as a shoe lover. One of you.

Thanks Thundermarch, getting clearer on what is what with the brands now.

Next set of questions to help me narrow my choices even further;

1. if you had to start a shoe collection with just 3 pairs of shoes, what styles would you buy and why?
2. what else would you get if the choice to widened 5-8 pairs?

Many thanks for your guidance!

 

[BirdSureHeadAway]

Anyone interested in benjamin barker shoes?? Currently they are having 50% off with min $200 purchase of shoes. So per pair they are selling at $179 hence looking for another buddy to share this promo

Sent from LGE LG-H870DS using GAGT

 

[thundermarch]

Thanks Thundermarch, getting clearer on what is what with the brands now.

Next set of questions to help me narrow my choices even further;

1. if you had to start a shoe collection with just 3 pairs of shoes, what styles would you buy and why?
2. what else would you get if the choice to widened 5-8 pairs?

Many thanks for your guidance!

3 pairs

1) Brown balmoral oxford with straight captoe. No brogueing. This will function as the cornerstone of your shoe wardrobe. Same functionality as a conventional brown gooseneck captoe oxford, but I have always found balmoral oxfords particularly elegant. And it'll be a different design compared to the conventional black captoe oxford.

2) Black captoe oxford. Well, most Singaporean men still find that they want a pair a black shoes. Nothing wrong with that.

3) Adelaide oxford. Brogued. Brown. Just to add variety to the collection. Adelaides are a very balanced design imo.

If extended to 5-8 pairs

4) A "dress" chukka. Dark brown. 3 eyelets. Sleek last. Topied sole. Incredibly versatile. To wear with jeans, on travels (because you can wear it with casual and formal wear, reducing number of shoes to pack). And the topy allows you to wear it in rain and mildly wet weather.

5) A dress derby. Also dark brown. Smooth calf. 2 or 3 eyelets. Single leather sole. For days that you want a formal pair of shoes but oxfords bore you.

6) Brown double monks. Just for variety and for days you are just too irritated for laces.

7) Loafers in brown suede or calf. I prefer penny or string. Tassel loafers might be a little "dandy" for some. Just for dress down days, shorts, jeans.

8) A chunky ba***rd. Brown suede or grained calf, dainite soles, derby, semi or full brogue. For bad weather dress down days.