Wellcultured - Well Cultured is a men’s online magazine with advice and reviews on fashion, dating, finances, health, music, movies and many other topics, as well as a robust message board and the Well Cultured Guide, a freely editable community wiki.

If you haven’t noticed from the incessant use of the phrases “now more than ever” and “affordable” in commercials and on the news, we here in the US (and, along with us, many Western companies) are in a recession that some might call an outright depression. This has, of course, hit the fashion industry pretty hard- and it’s also made affording any sort of fashion incredibly hard. In a world like this, it’s very hard to really find a way to find and afford good fashion- so, I’m going to explain how to do it.

Finding Affordable Clothing

Surprisingly, very few companies have had SERIOUS issues with the recession we’re currently in- that is to say, no-one’s really “gone under”, for lack of a better term. What has happened, however, is that many brands are beginning to scale back their more experimental clothing to rather rely on the tried and true- something that, while somewhat depressing in one sense, is also a boon in the other. Clothiers like J.Crew are now beginning to increasingly focus on key pieces like good quality denim, and even the infamously ridiculous Armani Exchange appears to be noticeably becoming more conservative with their new Fall clothing. It’s a fun world, but in some ways, a difficult one.

The first issue is merely finding affordable clothing. Resist the urge to go to Wal*Mart and buy all of your clothing there- while it seems tempting to go to the cheapest place imaginable to buy clothing, it rarely works out well for you in the long run. Rather, the ideal goal is to simply try to find clothing that costs exactly what it is worth- what we might consider our ideal 1:1 ratio- or clothing you can get on a discount.

The key to finding clothing with that “ideal 1:1 ratio” of cost/worth is to simply investigate brands. While designer does not equal quality, the inverse does not apply- non-designer does not instantly mean cheap quality bargain. Rather, look for labels that do what they do well and sell the stuff for reasonable prices. For example, the brand True Religion (a very very high end jeans brand) may seem like they do their jeans well, but with a staggering $300 price tag, they do not become worth their weight. However, despite the rather hefty ~$90 price tag on a pair of J.Crew jeans, these become much more reasonable, pending you get a nice pair- for example, a nice pair of slim fitting dark wash J.Crew jeans will last for years. Though it may seem a little hard to put down $50-$75 on a polo from Ralph Lauren or Lacoste, both companies make clothing that lasts for years- making the price tag much more acceptable.

Still, there is nothing wrong with buying cheaper brands if you can verify the quality. Despite my hatred for the brand as a whole, Old Navy and the Gap are good places to find the absolute basics like t-shirts and undershirts- they may not be name brand, but they function (and hold up) largely the same. Similarly, there is no major sin in going to Target and purchasing some cheap Converse shoes- given their decent construction and rather cheap price, there’s nothing wrong with “going cheap” with them. The key here is to check quality, regardless of the price.

Still, things can be too expensive, which is why this next idea is especially pertinent nowadays: Hit thrift stores and eBay. While it seems silly to buy secondhand clothing, a surprising number of fashionable people do it. As the economy continues to suffer, spoiled women and man-children begin to have to sell off their overpriced clothing- and you can take advantage of their stupidity. On eBay especially, brand names are plentiful- and so long as the seller is legitimate, you can get some absolutely stellar buys for very cheap. So long as you know the brand well enough to know the fit, or get to try your purchase on, there’s no shame in purchasing used.

Knowing when and how to Buy

Another key skill in this economy is merely knowing when and how to buy.

First off, know when sales and discounts apply, and take advantage of them. At the end of any given season, stores try to get rid of their old stock to add new stock- obviously, this is a good time to swoop in and buy these relatively new fashions for very cheap. Similarly, some stores heavily discount their clothing based on random days, holidays, or just general preferences- try to learn what you can about the sales around you. For example, the back-to-school season is often slightly more expensive than immediately after, as a lot of retailers heavily stock up for the (presumed) impending rush of mothers buying their children clothing. Once this rush ends, even adult sizes are sometimes lowered.

Second off, don’t be afraid to use coupons. I’m quite serious here- remember, fashion is about the clothing itself, not paying full price. Check various websites and, if you have the time, use a trashy e-mail and sign up for a bunch of mailing lists. Join Gilt Groupe and similar discounting websites and have them send sale information to you- some sites will send coupons, others sales, but it all works out well.

Knowing What to Buy

This is a bit more theoretical, but quite honestly, arguably the most important: buy long lasting, versatile items.

It may seem tempting to buy into the latest fly-by-night fad- but it doesn’t do well for your wallet. Articles of clothing like skinny jeans and strange colored cardigans may be in at the moment in some circles, but their popularity will eventually fade into obscurity- but basic bluejeans, a good suit, and a nice crisp white shirt will not. Frankly, even if you have a limitless wallet, there’s no point in buying silly trends at this point. A good rule of thumb is to buy things that you genuinely know you’d be able to wear 10 years down the road- while that’s a big number, it keeps you focused on buying only things that really will work now and in the future.

This rule, in its fullest extent, can even affect the way you buy colors: don’t buy a neon green when a black will be much more versatile in the long run. This may seem “boring”, but this really enables you to optimize your wardrobe in a way many people are unable to do: instead of having 300 items of limited use, you can constrain yourself to 30 items of versatility- and you can spend more on them.

In Closing…

In closing, in somewhat of an ironic sense despite the topic of this article, don’t be paranoid of the economy.

There have been a lot of television commercials, news articles, and other media sources making many people in the US (and, again, other countries) very arbitrarily nervous about money for largely no reason. This isn’t entirely terrible (it helps people re-evaluate their financial choices), but it has bad consequences: it leads many people to pointlessly buy clothes that are cheap and of poor quality, really not looking into the true economy of fashion.

By all means, feel free to shop. Feel free to find clothing you like. Still, as you do so, keep worth in your head, and really, avoid being cheap with your money or extravagant with your choices- there’s a happy middle ground.

Let’s face it, most of us have a few things we erroneously believe for one thing or another- whether we really believe Santa Claus exists or if we believe that we’re the next thing to Adonis in the bed. This applies to fashion as well- there are a surprising number of people who believe in largely antiquated/childish misconceptions of “fashion”, only to limit (or hurt) themselves in the long run. These are some of those misconceptions.

Misconception: T-Shirts are Awesome

The reality here is that the older you get, if you can, the less you should wear traditional t-shirts. Many fashion writers believe that graphic t-shirts are absolute no-nos- and I’m inclined to agree. As a general rule, try to avoid just wearing a plain t-shirt- and if you must, make sure it’s a v-neck. Wearing a plain colored crew neck t-shirt without layering or otherwise giving it something to do is rather bland, and it often detracts from an outfit (and makes you look childish).

Misconception: There are “Dress Clothes” and “Casual Clothes”

While there are exceptions to this rule, if your clothing isn’t doing double duty, you’re limiting yourself too much. Many guys have a bad habit of trying to buy clothes exclusively for “dressy” occasions and clothes for “casual” occasions- and it’s expensive, excessive, and generally boring. Some of the traditional basics, such as khaki trousers, crisp white button-downs, belts, (some kinds of) dress shoes, and even some vests can all be worn both casually and formally- it all depends on the combination.

Misconception: The Skinnier, the Better

This misconception generally spawns from those with a little bit of fashion knowledge who often get far too wrapped up in the modeling industry. Despite what may be shown at fashion shows, you should not try to starve yourself to be waifish in stature- it looks unattractive. The “Dior Homme” look of old has infected the rest of the fashion industry, but that doesn’t mean you should follow it: keep yourself fit, fashionable, and at a masculine size.

Misconception: “Manly” Colors

Darker, more subdued colors are sold en masse in the men’s fashion industry for a reason: a lot of guys are, for the lack of a better phrase, afraid of color. Indeed, you should stick to traditional colors like dark grays, blues, browns, and the like- but spice up such outfits with bursts of bright, vibrant color. Avoid neon-colored accessories or horrible looking easter-egg-ish pants, but be willing to experiment with your clothing and pick colors that may seem strange: play around with lighter pinks, purples, greens, blues, and the like.

Misconception: Tennis Shoes are the most comfortable/versatile shoes

No. Just no. The right dress shoes can actually be leagues more comfortable than any pair of tennis shoes you may own- and they’ll be infinitely more stylish. Do not, under any circumstances, walk around in running/fitness shoes under the presumption they will be more comfortable for everyday wear: running shoes (as well as tennis shoes, basketball shoes, etc) are made for a certain sport/activity, and should be regulated to that activity exclusively if at all possible. Find stylish and slightly casual leather shoes, or nice fashion-forward “fashion sneakers” like Adidas Sambas.

Misconception: “No-Iron”/Elastic clothes are superior

From my (and many other people’s) experience, “No-Iron” shirts, pants, and the like rarely actually are indeed “No-Iron”, and they often are worse than if you had simply purchased the “normal” variety. Similarly, many pants manufacturers are advertising what are essentially hidden elastic waistbands in pants, which allegedly fit better- which, as you can imagine, look stupid unless you’re the right size anyway.

Misconception: The more expensive, the better

This is very, very wrong. While this does apply in certain circumstances (established brands like Ralph Lauren are, while incredibly expensive, generally made very well), the vast majority of extremely high end expensive brands are little better than what you can find in your average department store. While it may seem alluring to purchase $300 jeans, the price includes neither style nor a good fit, and many who do purchase them artificially hype them merely to feel better about themselves. For example, though it may be tempting to drop the aforementioned $300 on a pair of True Religion jeans, you’d probably be much more intelligent to buy an $100 pair from somewhere like J.Crew — the label might not be as fancy, but the quality is ultimately going to be around the same. Be a savvy shopper: consider fit, quality and style first, brand second.

Misconception: Buy cheap!

This is something I have a hard time breaking myself of, but it’s 100% true: most people like to think that buying cheap (and somehow getting a “better deal” out of stores) is better. It is not. It may seem tempting to pop into an extremely low priced bargain joint (let’s say Old Navy) and buy something like jeans (which are about $30), but it doesn’t mean you’re getting anything better: often, the quality is incredibly shoddy, poorly designed, or just generally not worth your time. It is often better to bite the bullet and buy something more expensive ($50-$100) that will last longer, look better, and generally be the better deal. Don’t be suckered in by small numbers!

Misconception: Baggy is Comfortable

Wrong. Though it may be tempting to buy a shirt that’s as baggy as a woman’s dress, don’t do it: it’s horrible looking and often makes you look childish, small, and foolish. This is why I often obsess over tailoring on this website: the idea is to get things as fitted to your body as possible. Buy jeans that perfectly fit you like a glove: don’t buy something you have to squeeze yourself into, but simultaneously, don’t buy something you could use as a parachute. Often, something that fits you just right will feel leagues better.

Misconception: Square-toed shoes are “Modern”

Absolutely not. Though some people like them, I (and many of my fashion-savvy colleagues) hate them with a passion. Though there are some exceptions, most squared-off shoes are tacky (failed) attempts at being “modern” and “unique”- but all they really do is make your feet look awkward and slightly large.

Misconception: Accessories are for Women

This is slightly true and slightly false. Do not overdo accessories: it will indeed make you look feminine. However, there’s nothing more masculine than a subdued yet stylish ring, watch, bracelet, set of cufflinks, or necklace.

One of the biggest ways to make or break an outfit is the shoes that go with it. As ridiculous as it sounds, shoes are sometimes the best indicator of quality in an outfit- many a wonderful outfit (especially many suits) have been ruined by an absolutely horrible choice in shoes. Frankly, there is nothing that irritates me more than seeing someone in an otherwise wonderful suit wearing huge, bulky (“old man”-ish) loafers- it ruins everything.

So, to prevent absolute mishaps, I’m going to provide you an all-encompassing guide to dress shoes- from lowly but classy oxfords to the most experimental of shoes.

Shoe Basics

Before we begin talking about shoes, let’s touch on the terminology and the basics of shoes- that is, some of the phrases and ideas I’ll reiterate in this article.

Dress shoes are largely (but not always) made with two distinct parts- the sole/heel section (typically either rubber or leather) and the top section, which typically includes cloth/leather and all forms of decoration from the toe box to the counter.

Shoes are typically made with a few key parts. The very back of the shoe is called the counter, a usually reinforced section of the shoe that cups the back of your entire foot. Going forward to about your mid arch is the top line, which is usually the “inner” fabric/leather that includes the holes for lacing. From there, there is sometimes what is called a vamp, or a “strip” of separate leather/cloth running from the mid arch to the top of the toes. Finally, the toecap is the very front part of the shoe, which is also typically reinforced like the counter to resist scuffing and damage.

As for the sole of the shoe, it is typically either a rubber or leather hard part of the shoe designed specifically to be walked on- usually reinforced on the outside and padded on the inside for maximum comfort and durability. More traditional (and often more stylish) shoes will have a heel, either in a standard or cuban variation, which gives the rear of the shoe lift.

Of course, all of this terminology is incredibly vague and applies very loosely- as dress shoes vary with different styles and trends. So, let’s do the good old Western thing- divide and categorize.

Styles of Dress Shoes

For the sake of this article (and both of our minds), let’s simplify the varied categories of dress shoes into three different styles- oxfords, loafers, and boots.

Oxfords (also known as lace-ups) are the most traditional and versatile shoe- traditionally, a leather shoe with laces. Oxfords range from all forms of styles, colors, brands, and even the number of eyelets in the shoes- but in a very loose sense, any “dress shoe” with lacing is an oxford.

Loafers are essentially any shoes that do not include laces- the kind of shoes you can slip your feet into easily. These also come in a variety of styles- including monk straps, a form of “buckled” shoes which I include in this category somewhat arbitrarily- but nonetheless are just shoes without laces.

Boots are a third category which include shoes that typically extend to the ankle or further. The reason these are generally separated is not only the style itself being radically different but also because boots are typically the only kind of dress shoes you will find that have zippers and, in some cases (specifically Chelsea Boots), elastic.

Toe Styles

As if the above wasn’t complex enough, there are also styles based on the toe style of the shoe. In most stores, once you have decided on what style you have chosen above (boots, loafers, and oxfords), you get the “fun” of getting to look through all sorts of toe styles.

While there are infinite variations of toe styles, they typically boil down into a few core styles- Plain Toe, Apron/Moc Toe, Cap Toe, Wing Tip, Bicycle Toe, and Medallion.

Plain Toe shoes are exactly what the name infers- they are shoes without any form of design on the front. Typically, this means that the vamp and the toe box/toe cap are “merged” into one, leaving a very clean and modern look to the shoe- but often the look can be incredibly plain. This is very common in boots and some brands of oxford shoes.

A subset of Plain Toe shoes, Medallion toes are shoes with a design on the top- essentially something stitched or punched into the top. These are incredibly rare to find, but interesting- yet often a shade too casual for formalwear.

Apron Toe shoes (also known as moc toe- the two are often blended/mixed) are shoes with a separate piece of leather that extends from the very bottom of the top line around the shoe itself, giving the impression of a “crease” (a stiching line) between the top of the toe and the bottom, like a draped apron. These are becoming popular in casual shoes- and when done incorrectly, can be boxy and uglier than sin- but when done correctly, are very fashionable. These are more present in loafers than oxfords/boots, but are found everywhere.

Cap Toe shoes are by far the most traditional and fit the above mentioned vocabulary- simply having a “cap” of reinforced leather on the shoe. These are present VERY frequently in both oxfords and boots. Cap toes are essentially timeless style, and you can almost never go wrong- though cap toe shoes can also be boring for constant wear.

Wing Tip shoes are found very often in (cowboy) boots and some more casual oxfords- they are essentially a merging of cap toes and apron toes, giving a kind of “wing” effect that extends the cap around the sides of the foot. Traditionally, these contain broguing, which I will explain below. Wing tip shoes are excellent choices like cap toes, but can very rarely come off as too casual for extreme formal wear.

Bicycle Toe shoes are essentially apron toe shoes without the very front. Instead of having the leather wrap entirely around the shoe, it only extends on the sides, allowing the very top of the shoe to extend down the front of the shoe in one long design.

Other Common Variations

Just to make this even more complex, there are other variations that can occur with shoes.

Broguing is by far one of the most popular features in men’s dress shoes. Originally designed in Ireland and Scotland to allow water in the shoe to escape (instead of pooling inside), the stylish ways in which these holes were applied proved attractive and popular. Nowadays, broguing rarely (if ever) extends all the way through the shoe, and usually is simply done simply for ornamental purposes.

Monk Straps are shoes that, instead of featuring lacing or the common loafer style, have a literal buckle (of varying styles) on the front of the shoe to secure it to your foot. There’s not much to say about these- they work very well casually, but sometimes are a shade too casual for dress purposes.

Heel style are also of issue with many dress shoes. Increasingly, for some god awful reason, dress shoes now vary between traditional heels for shoes (with defined heels usually a half inch or so high) or soles of a single flat piece of rubber, essentially the difference between running shoes and skating shoes. Legitimate heels are generally always much more fashionable and manageable than the “flat” soles becoming more popular. Period.

Pointed toe shoes are becoming more popular now for some reason, and generally take cues from women’s shoes in many respects. While these are often touted as “fashion shoes”, allow me to set the record straight: overly pointed shoes can and will make you look like a clown. Slightly pointed shoes are okay- spikes are not.

Eyelet number and style also can come into play, though this kind of thing is rarely played with (as many brands seem paranoid to sacrifice fit for the sake of look). Some brands will occasionally reduce the number of eyelets in the shoe to extend the vamp/toe and reduce the amount of visible lacing- leading to a much more clean toe. In the opposite direction, some dress boots (rarely) increase the number of eyelets as if to reference military style boots, having eyelets all the way up to the top of the shoe. These variations are generally just personal preference.

Sole Material is a VERY important topic. While many casual shoes come with rubber soles which can last seemingly forever, many dress shoes (mainly oxfords) can come with a leather sole designed specifically to be worn in clean, indoor scenarios- basically, meaning shoes you can’t go tromping around outside in. The latter are, naturally, much more classic and appropriate for dress wear, but it stands to reason that it is sometimes prudent to sacrifice style for the sake of durability- because you really don’t want to pay every few months to have your shoes re-soled.

Brands and Locations

And you thought I was done with variations.

As you will no doubt find if you go shopping even in the most extensive of stores, shoes are difficult to shop for- oftentimes, you have to balance look, functionality, and comfort, all while making sure the price isn’t absolutely ridiculous for no reason whatsoever.

With that being said, many different brands carry a variety of different styles, and oftentimes, you have to look around to find your “perfect” shoe. Generally, the most popular of brands are names such as Johnston and Murphy, Giorgio Brutini, Bostonian, Steve Madden, Nunn Bush, and Rockport. These names can do very well or very horribly- but it never hurts to check them out. Many designers also have very solid shoe lines- names such as Kenneth Cole (and by inference Kenneth Cole Reaction), Hugo Boss, and many more. Of course, many other designers carry various smaller lines, including Polo Ralph Lauren, among others.

While I would love to provide you an all-affirming answer to the question of where-to-shop, I cannot honestly tell you where to go. I personally have had shoes by various brands, and even though I’ve loved certain shoes, that does not always reflect well on either the style or the quality of a particular brand.

Yes, it’s a pain. So then, what are you to do?

So, what should I buy?

If you are looking for a traditional dress shoe, you are always safe with a black or cordovan cap toe shoe with a nice heel. Black shoes go well with black or some gray suits, whereas cordovan works well with a variety of colored suits (notably blue suits). Look for a shoe that fits well, looks “slender” (no “fat” shoes), and has a very high quality leather- even shoes with “hard” leather will tame eventually, but cheap shoes fall apart in seconds.

If you are looking for something to wear casually with dress pants, consider classy loafers. No, Sperrys do not count. Be it a monk strap or a traditional loafer, loafers are a great asset to be worn in a business casual setting, and they are relatively low maintenence shoes. Much like the above, stick with a black or cordovan for best effect.

If you want something to replace the “usual” sneakers, look for brogued wing-tips, boots, or other forms of “semi-casual” dress shoes. Dark brown wing tips have a distinct “boot” look that look wonderful with jeans or other forms of casual pants without looking too dressy. Of course, you can never go wrong with a classy black boot- zip boots or chelsea boots, while sometimes ostentatious, have a very clean and interesting line that can be very fashionable, even in jeans.

For more ideas, I recommend you read Daniel’s guide, including some great recommendations on the topic.

No matter what you do, though, as I’ve said before on many articles about clothing, classic trumps cutting edge fashion. While it seems ridiculous to advocate the status quo in the face of change, there are some styles- many of the above I have mentioned- which do not fluctuate over the years and will last you a long time. Shoes, much like coats and other large purchases, last a very long time- don’t buy something that will only be in style for a year. When it comes to dress shoes, classic style always trumps trend- no matter how many times modern trends may try to kick it in the shins with spiked heels.

What do shoes say about a man? To your average man, they are nothing more than a comfortable way to get from point A to point B. Shoes are versatile and serve many purposes. Average people do not seem to notice or care about the fashion statement that shoes make. A well-cultured man is not an average man and this should be reflected in his wardrobe. Shoes mean so much more than a means of comfort, they can define a man. A man does not wear a suit with sneakers because a suite is not meant to go with sneakers; moreover, a man does not wear casual clothes with square-toed pennies. It simply sends the signal of bad taste or a complete lack of understanding how an outfit is put together.

The right kind of shoe can say so much about a person and conversely, the wrong kind of shoe can do exactly the same thing. There are essential shoes of every man’s wardrobe. Every man must have dress shoes, fashionable run-around shoes and then the athletic shoes. Every man must have these three pairs of shoes to be the basis of a simple but respectable wardrobe. I believe whole heartedly that fashion starts from the ground up.

Now that I’ve successfully broken down shoes into three fashion groups, I’ll take the time to expand on those groups and show the diversity that exists within this group. We will start with the ever dependable, casual and versatile fashion shoes, athletic shoes, and dress shoes.

Casual Fashion:

Fashion athletic shoes come from many different companies and many different price ranges. I will begin with an economy shoe, mid-range shoe and a high-end shoe.

Low Price: American Eagle, Magellan Sport Oxford, Payless Shoes $25 USD

American Eagle has always been known for their clean-cut college dorm look and these shoes epitomize that look. The AE Magellan is a classy, simple shoe with a clean off-white color with elegant brown highlights. The shoe itself is made of frayed canvas and has a protective rubber bumptoe. The sole of the shoe itself has extra padding which offers the best comfort when running errands around town.

Mid-range: American Eagle, Fusion Athletic, Payless Shoes $35

This is another ideal shoe for just running around town. This is another simple style that doesn’t stand out, but it can put an ensemble together. These go perfectly with the T-shirt and Jeans look or the summer barbeque look. These shoes just scream comfort and function and they are not overbearing on an already classic American style.

High-End: Adidas, Classic Vulcan $65 (www.shopadidas.com)

This is a shoe that takes the classic Adidas look and doesn’t do a whole lot to mess it up. This is the perfect shoe for a night on the town.

Asics, Mexico 66 $80 (www.urbanoutfitters.com)

This is another high-end model that can be daring if worn correctly. This shoe features a suede upper with leather highlights. The foot bed is contoured and very comfortable and textured rubber allows for a very heavenly experience for your feet.

Athletic Shoes:

Every well-cultured man has a certain fitness routine and the proper shoe makes all the difference. The key for these shoes is comfort above all. You aren’t at the gym to compare outfits, so get your mind right! There’s really no economy, mid-range, high-end shoes for this category. There are two shoes here, one I would recommend for anyone who is into running and another for those just beginning.

Asics: Gel-Evolution 4 $110 (www.asicsamerica.com)

This is the Gel-Evolution 4 from Asics, a brand that has always been at the forefront of the athletic training shoes industry. The GE-4 is “designed to provide maximum support, with an extra wide platform and toe box for superior stability.” Asics has been known for their gel support that really does more than just provide a cool gimmick. These shoes are at the top when it comes to overall flexibility and comfort.

New Balance: 587 $99 (www.nbwebexpress.com)

This shoe is perfect for the heavier set man because it provides cushioning where it is needed the most: in the heel.

Dress Shoes:

The dress shoe is the secret weapon of well-cultured men. While it might not occur to you at first, dress shoes can go a long way. People notice shoes more often than you think because they can make or break an outfit. Dress shoes come in many different styles and price ranges so I will offer the best variety that I can.

Low Price:

Concepts by Claiborne: Bronx $60 (www.jcpenney.com)

This is a very classy shoe for those with lighter pocket books. It doesn’t take a lot of money to look good and at sixty dollars, you really can’t go wrong with these. This shoe is made of soft nappa leather and has a comfortable and sturdy rubber sole.

Dockers: Bastille Oxford $70 (www.jcpenney.com)

This shoe has a more casual tone in terms of being a dress shoe meaning that this would be great for the office, out on the town or weekend getaways.

Mid-Range:

Banana Republic: ‘Asher’ Penny Loafer $138 (www.bananarepublic.com)

I’m a huge fan of Banana Republic. They always seem to have the right shoes that never go out of style. The penny loafer is a traditional shoe and it’s very hard to mess with tradition.

High-End

Allen Edmonds: Park Avenue $325 (www.allenedmonds.com)

Allen Edmonds is a domestic shoe manufacturer based out of Port Washington, Wisconsin. It is one of two American shoe companies that still make their shoes domestically. This shoe is a prime example of American style. The park avenue is the perennial best seller and there’s no questioning the appeal. When it comes to a shoe like this, no price is too high.

Alden: Leisure Slip on $ (on request) (www.aldenshoe.com)

Alden is the other company that makes their shoes domestically. Based out of Middleborough, Massachusetts, the company hand sews all their shoes and the quality and care is shown beautifully.

Zelli: Encore 503 Italian Black Calf $309 (www.suityourself.com)

The Zelli Encore 503 is a beautiful example of Italian Design. This slip on is made of nappa leather and features a super flex sole. This classic style is a testament to why Italian shoes are so coveted.