Working Shoe for Young Exec - Part 2

[wrinklednails]

I personally knows the owner so might be the reason why. But do u think it’s better to have bigger than to have that pain? I am still in the shop so I can stick to that pain if you think it’s better..

You can continue to find a last that fit you well. Seems like you need more width for your forefoot

 

[wrinklednails]

Thundermarch and others, read and re-read all of your responses, got it, thanks for the really useful advice.

Almost the same question but this time for a dress down office where jeans, cotton trousers, fleece and polo shirts are standard. What would you recommend us to buy to start our shoe collection for this environment?;

1. just 3 pairs
2. 5-8 pairs

Intrigued ..............

Quick answer is to remove all the Oxfords recommendations from his initial list

And I personally would add a split-toe Derby and a pair of boots for consideration and get bolder colours like Burgundy, Navy or Forest Green

 

[BalaPrince]

You can continue to find a last that fit you well. Seems like you need more width for your forefoot

any idea what brand of loafer can do that then? I might consider buying one in the future.

 

[iphone1s]

What do you guys think about this?

 

[nkapped]

Fantastic pair and very comfortable. I know a few guys have this but have not seen anyone else wearing it yet.

Hello all - my first post here so thought I’d jump right in.

The Corno Blu Lyra is truly a great pair - I was intending to check out AM shoes but ended up getting one of these. It’s indeed very comfortable right out of the box and shines like a dream.

 

[All in a Day]

any idea what brand of loafer can do that then? I might consider buying one in the future.

You need to try around. Which means starting off with brands that have a physical presence in Singapore. E.g. Carmina, LLYR, Ed et Al, Yanko and EB at Seamless Bespoke etc

If you find yourself repeatedly getting in a situation where the shoe length is either OK but width is too tight or width is OK the shoe length feels loose, then welcome to the wide feet club.

This means you should try to look for wider fit (G or F fit depending on convention) shoes. Or regular fit shoes that are generally regarded to be on the wider side (E.g. Loake Capital last).

Specific to loafers, unfortunately makers usually tend to go narrow than wide to keep the fit snug for the average person, because the loafers do not have laces nor straps to help keep the foot in place. Hence wider feet folks will be somewhat disadvantaged.

Good luck!

 

[wiz]

Hello all - my first post here so thought I’d jump right in.

The Corno Blu Lyra is truly a great pair - I was intending to check out AM shoes but ended up getting one of these. It’s indeed very comfortable right out of the box and shines like a dream.

Good to see you here

Interestingly I was also checking out AM and bought this instead. AMs a bit later...

 

[nkapped]

Good to see you here

Interestingly I was also checking out AM and bought this instead. AMs a bit later...

That being said, Yeossal does carry a very decent range of AM shoes. I picked up the double monks at the Black Friday sale last year and they’ve been good!

 

[wiz]

That being said, Yeossal does carry a very decent range of AM shoes. I picked up the double monks at the Black Friday sale last year and they’ve been good!

Their range this year doubled their AM offerings and with the current sale very tempting!

How do you find the Aries? Comparing those in the same price bracket.

 

[nkapped]

Their range this year doubled their AM offerings and with the current sale very tempting!

How do you find the Aries? Comparing those in the same price bracket.

Ok, I am not a technical person so I’m not going to be able to give any detailed answer. However, to compare like for like (GYW construction), I think they are absolutely on par with a Carmina/C&J and in terms of finishing alone (painted sole, slim beveled and fiddlebacked waist), they outstrip the vast majority of shoes at their price point.

There’s a clear difference between the Argentum & Aeris line (just having owned and examined examples from each), but I would say you should definitely give the Aeris a try.

The main issue I have for AM is the sizing. Once you’ve nailed that aspect down, it becomes really easy. The lasts vary and some are shorter/narrower than others.

 

[wiz]

Ok, I am not a technical person so I’m not going to be able to give any detailed answer. However, to compare like for like (GYW construction), I think they are absolutely on par with a Carmina/C&J and in terms of finishing alone (painted sole, slim beveled and fiddlebacked waist), they outstrip the vast majority of shoes at their price point.

There’s a clear difference between the Argentum & Aeris line (just having owned and examined examples from each), but I would say you should definitely give the Aeris a try.

The main issue I have for AM is the sizing. Once you’ve nailed that aspect down, it becomes really easy. The lasts vary and some are shorter/narrower than others.

Thanks for writing this, I have 2 Argentum and 1 GMTO on the way and they are amazing. I have moved up the price range and came down exploring the various makes. Love to hear what others think about theirs and there are so many makes out there.

I believe in “You can never really appreciate the quality until you have actually own and wore them” Now where is the Buy button ?

 

[All in a Day]

Which would be the most generous fitting AM last that is still dressy enough for oxfords?

 

[wiz]

Which would be the most generous fitting AM last that is still dressy enough for oxfords?

Round last is the roomy of the lot but if you are buying direct or gmto you can order a wider pair

All the last looks great to me for oxfords
http://www.meccarielloshoes.it/size-fitting-guide/

 

[nkapped]

Which would be the most generous fitting AM last that is still dressy enough for oxfords?

Agreed, Round last. There is a black oxford from Yeossal in that last I believe.

 

[thundermarch]

The most generous AM last which is still suitable for dress shoes is the Argentum Last B. I know, the picture isn't of a pair of dress shoes, it's just for an idea of what it looks like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BceDPFIg7u-/

His Mayfair 2 last is also generous. It is the only last of his for which I don't size up for.

 

[alvinquah]

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!

You can also check out a guide I have written sometimes back for the recommended first 7 pairs! : )

http://aqatelier.tumblr.com/post/147436364018/my-first-7-pairs-recommendation

 

[marckisq]

The most generous AM last which is still suitable for dress shoes is the Argentum Last B. I know, the picture isn't of a pair of dress shoes, it's just for an idea of what it looks like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BceDPFIg7u-/

His Mayfair 2 last is also generous. It is the only last of his for which I don't size up for.

Saw your instagram.. dont mind me asking. how many pair of shoes do you have?

 

[thundermarch]

Thundermarch and others, read and re-read all of your responses, got it, thanks for the really useful advice.

Almost the same question but this time for a dress down office where jeans, cotton trousers, fleece and polo shirts are standard. What would you recommend us to buy to start our shoe collection for this environment?;

1. just 3 pairs
2. 5-8 pairs

Intrigued ..............

I think my choices would be quite different for this list:

3 pairs:

1) Suede chukka
- mid to darker brown, rubber soles, round toed
- Again, because of the incredible versatility, this should be the first pair
- goes with blue denim, grey denim, khaki, cotton chinos, casual linen trousers, and if you were willing to take a risk, you could even wear it with a lighter coloured, casual suiting

2) Suede or textured (embossed) calf loafers
- scotch grain / pin grain
- this pair can be lighter if you already have a darker coloured pair of loafers
- take your pick, tassel / penny / round / wholecut
- again, goes with many things, and in addition, they also go with shorts, and arguably, the only footwear you can wear sockless without looking like a fool

3) A casual / clean derby
- either a simple 3 eyelet derby or even a wholecut 4/5 eyelet derby
- plain toe
- rounded last
- suede or textured calf
- especially great with jeans

Extended to 8 pairs

4) A full brogue wingtip oxford
- either in smooth calf or something subtly textured
- round toed, mid to dark brown
- I haven't mentioned this in my earlier list but the full brogue is really versatile too.
- I think an oxford gives a smart edge to an otherwise casual outfit, and a full brogue complements it, and otherwise keeps the outfit congruent

5) A jumper boot
- If you can accept the idea of wearing a boot in SG, then you'll love how they look with jeans or chinos
- If you don't like the jumper boot style, you can consider a Galway-esque type design and use to opportunity to play with two toned leathers
- rubber soles

6) A split toe derby
- a lot of guys like this model
- casual, easy on the eyes, a million permutations possible
- goes with almost everything from jeans to standard office attire

7) A suede double monk
- many people might not agree, but amongst all the derbies and loafers and chukkas, this just adds a bit more variety and is easier to put on than a lace-up. And easy to put on is one key requirement for casual attire

8) A lazyman
- The most popular designs would be a full brogue of some sort
- again, this is for variety, and for ease-ness of putting on

 

[thundermarch]

Saw your instagram.. dont mind me asking. how many pair of shoes do you have?

Do you want the truth? Lol

 

[wiz]

Do you want the truth? Lol

I guess I can handle the truth lol

How about a poll for some fun? Me thinks 65 pairs