richMANd

Men of Richmond, dress better!

SPRING SHOES

I was in the midst of scouring the web to write a post on shoes for spring, but Men of Habit beat me to it.

First, some their suggestions I don’t care for. Either they’re wildly expensive or not my taste, but I’m going to show how you can get the ones I would wear for less.

I know only the Tretorns are under $100, but hear me out for a second on the others, as they’re all classic and stylish. The same AE chukka, although in different colors, can be purchased for $80 less on the AE website. Add to that free shipping and participation in their Soles 4 Souls program and you’re looking at very decent, Goodyear welted American made shoes for $135 plus tax. I consider that a great deal.

After doing some research, it seems Brooks Brothers is having a 30% off sale on March 15th for those with a corporate discount card. If you’re a member of almost any social or business fraternity then your organization is likely enrolled in this program. I don’t know if the Peal loafer will be included in this sale, but if it is the price will be brought down from $528 to $370. This isn’t Brooks Brothers best sale of the year (one or two others are 40% off), but it’s certainly one of their better sales.

Finally, the Alden unlined penny loafers. I am madly in love with these. They’re beautiful and phenomenally crafted. Here in Richmond they can be found at Need Supply for $395 with a 15% off code found on Style Forum. After looking online, I think this is the lowest price for these shoes nationwide. Lucky for us Need Supply is a Richmond institution.

Now for some of my own suggestions:

I’m a big fan of moccasins. I think Russell, Quoddy, Rancourt and Eastland offer great products. Each offers a restoration program so your shoes can be sent back to the company for resoling, which greatly increases the life of your shoes. I have worn L.L. Bean’s blucher moccasin for five years and have gone through four pairs. $70 per pair times 4 equals $280 for a product that is inferior to those offered by the three companies just mentioned. Since my current pair of Bean mocs are on their last legs, you can see why I’m going to step my moc game up when I see a pair I like from one of these companies on any kind of sale.

Clarks Desert Boots. They need no further description.

Ralph Lauren Marlow Penny Loafer - dark brown shell cordovan benchmade by Crockett & Jones in England. These are on my shoe bucket list, meaning I won’t be able to afford them for many years, but before I die I’m buying them. Ralph Lauren offers a 50% off sale in the spring on almost all their merchandise; however, I don’t know if cordovan products are included. I hope they are because these are panty droppers.

  1. richmand posted this