Classic Casual Footwear Suggestions

[Rambo66]

My style is very basic and classic and I’m looking for some suggestions for casual footwear. Currently I wear Chippewa Engineer boots, 6-inch Red Wing shoes, Converse Chuck Taylors etc….. I’m looking for something to wear with jeans, chinos, work pants etc….. military style oxfords etc… Any suggestions? Below are some of the style shoes I currently wear.

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[Edward]

A pair of basic cap-toe oxfords, maybe with a rubber sole, would be a very flexible casual shoe, and you can pick up reasonably good ones quite cheaply. Actually, when I'm doing the casual greaser look but don't fancy the engineer boots, I currently have a pair of plain black DM shoes I slip on, had them for years, and pair only GBP10 for them on eBay. When money allows, I'll probably add a few more fifties style shoes to my wardrobe for casual wear - things like this:

Or maybe, for a more toned down look:

These are all from Rocket Originals in the UK (www.rocketoriginals.co.uk). You can buy thm on eBay too, generally around GBP80 (USD160) per pair. I'm certain you'll find very similar shoes for half that in the US, though, as is normally the case with everything!

I'm assuming here of course that you're into a fairly 50s style from your descriptions of what you wear currently.... otherwise, if you're looking for a more 40s look, a basic black or brown Oxford shoe, perhaps with a rubber sole for comfort, would be your birdy.

 

[Rambo66]

Thanks so much for the suggestion, I think that's a great idea!! Any inexpensive oxfords you can suggest?

Thanks!

 

[rumblefish]

If I may add.

How about oxford saddle shoes for cheap at Sierra Trading?
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,18550_Sandro-Moscoloni-Josh-Oxford-Shoes-For-Men.html

 

[Smithy]

A good, old comfy pair of brown suede shoes is always a goodie...

 

[scotrace]

See this extensive thread on casual shoes.

 

[vitanola]

How about this?

Roman sandal from the time of Hadrian (modern copy)

Please excuse me, I could not resist.

 

[Unlucky Berman]

My dream wpuld be one of theirs: http://www.budapester.de/handmade_s...846ccc21871495630c792f58f0bbbb,1,0,0,0,0.html

But the price of Vass and Dinkelacker is a little bit out of that what I am spending for shoes. A pair starts by 500 Euros.

 

[Edward]

Thanks so much for the suggestion, I think that's a great idea!! Any inexpensive oxfords you can suggest?

Thanks!

It seems many here don't like them, but I've always had good experiences with Clarks. Most every brand of men's leather shoes makes a basic Oxford style that hasn't really changed at all from the 40s (avoid the high-fashion models which - if the US is the same as the UK - are very trency at present. Fine if you want that pointy toe 60s look, though they can end up looking like flippers very quickly if you have human sized feet). You will probably find that you'll have to go into the 'dresswear' section of most shops, being as for the average Joe nowadays anything bar a pair of sneakers qualifies are dresswear. Also, try looking on eBay - I've had some incredible shoe bargains by patiently spending an hour or so sifting through all the listings for shoes in my size.

 

[Fletch]

High School, Maryland, 1940

If this picture is anything to go by, "casual footwear" was not much of a factor in the young adult wardrobe.

One girl wears saddle shoes, another a boat-loafer-sortathing. But it's well-broken-in dress oxfords exclusively for the boys. No bucks, no Chucks, no loafers, no nuthin.
[Link is to biiig! file]

 

[Rambo66]

I think I'd like to start with a basic black pair of oxfords, possibly a cap toe. I'm not really down with any sort of square toed shoe, a little too contemporary for me. I do like a nice thick sole.

 

[Edward]

You shouldn't have any problem finding something like that. Actually, the problem is more likely to be too much choice!

 

[shortbow]

Have a look at the Aussie pull-on boots by Blundstone. If I could have only one pair of shoes, their original 500's would be it.

 

[skbellis]

Blunnies

I agree with Shortbow; Blunnies are my shoe of choice. I wear them most days to work and whenever we travel abroad they are the only pair of shoes (boots) I bring with me. They are casual, yet with a quick shine they are good enough for dressing up.

Cheers,

Scott

 

[Rambo66]

I've been thinking about Blundtones, Colin Cripps who playes guitar with Kathleen Edwards and has sort of a slight greaser vibe (snap shirts and deep cuffs on his dark Levis) wears them and I thought they looked cool. He also wears creepers and while I think they look cool on others, I don't think they're for me.

I'll have to check out those Blundstones, thanks for reminding of them.

 

[skbellis]

Blundstone's

You might want to check EBay for Blundstones. They are usually alot cheaper than the usual sources. Also, try to find older ones that were made in Australia. Unless I am mistaken they have recently moved their factory to China.

Cheers,

---Scott

 

[Fletch]

Love my Blunnies. The "Cuthbertson" 062 (low ribbed sole, "stout brown"=practically black) does me for everything. No deals on these, tho.

 

[shortbow]

Holy cow, if Blunnies has move to China, all I have to say is, "There goes the farm!"

 

[1OldGI]

Casual Footwear

Maybe a bit dated but I swear by just plain ole Doc Marten oxfords and (given where I live) Sperry Topsiders.

 

[Sertsa]

I can't find a good photo of them online (even at the sasshoes.com website), but I usually wear SAS shoes. they're very well made, very supportive and very comfortable. I bought them when I was recovering and getting back to being able to walk.