Top Photo Credit: Bob Doran

Where’s a good place to find wide shoes that don’t look boxy or cost an arm and a leg?  Almost all of your suggestions (and all others around the internet) are for shoes that do not come in wide.

- Scott
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Scott.  My man.  You know what they say about a guy with big feet.  And you know a woman loves a man in a great looking pair of shoes.  What… you want to be invincible too?

I kid.  Scott makes a great observation though.  There’s a real shortage of affordable, good looking shoes that come in wide sizes.  Maybe it’s because they might cost a little more to produce.  Maybe it’s because retailers are sticking to the middle to maximize profits in a rough economy.  Maybe it’s both.  If you’re a wide-foot, leave any tips for Scott in the comments.  Meanwhile, these should fill up the floor of a wide-foot’s closet:
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The Dress Shoe: John W. Nordstrom ‘Lido’ Oxford – $175.00

Made in Italy, sleek and available in wide.

First featured over here and you have to wonder what needs to be done to get Nordstrom to make these in brown or cognac.  I’m sure we could pool some cash together and buy whoever makes that decision a fruit basket.  Plenty sleek looking, a cap toe to keep it classic, true oxford lacing, and it ships/returns free from Nordstrom.

The Cheaper Dress Shoe Option:  Cole Haan Air Garrett – $129.90 ($195)

Not super sleek, but not boxy either.

Cole Haan and Johnston & Murphy seem to be two brands to consistently turn to for sub $200 shoes in wide widths.  Are they going to be the most exciting things ever?  Not usually.  But when found on-sale in a versatile, not your run-of-the-mill brown like this burgundy pair, they’re worth considering.

The Do anything Boot:  Florsheim Hawley – $136 w/ LINK20 ($170)

Wear em' with jeans, chinos, cords, etc...

Make no mistake.  These do have just a bit of clunk to them, but not much.  And the shape of the toe is excellent.  These things are all around awesome in the brown “Crazy Horse” leather.  20% off with the code LINK20 and come with a weather resistant, Goodyear welted rubber sole.  Available in D and 3E widths.  Full review here.

The probably won’t be wide enough but just look at it boot:  J&M Newell – $185.00

Available in black as well.

The regular width is a little tight on my borderline wide foot, so expecting a cavernous amount of space on their wide option might be getting hopes uneccessarily up.  Reviews are very mixed on this one and some have claimed quality issues.  They’re a great looking boot, but best to wait for a sale.  And even then?  Probably a risk.

The Casual Loafer:  L.L. Bean Casco Bay Boat Shoes – $59.00

No Schooner neccessary.

Spring and summer is on the way, and the wide foot fellas shouldn’t be damned to sweaty, bad looking wide casual shoes for the warmer months.  249 reviews and these basics STILL have 4.5 stars.  Impressive.

The Classic Desert Boot:  L.L. Bean Crepe Sole Suede Chukka – $89.00

Laid back and dependable as all get out.

L.L. Bean to the rescue again.   Clarks are tough to find in wide sizes (do they even make them?)  No matter.  Another really, really well reviewed classic made by the folks from L.L. Bean.  Ships free too.

Suede Bucks: Hush Puppies Hackman – $62.99 ($85)

Gene?

You bet that’s a pair of red suede shoes.  Not fire engine red by any means, and it’s even called “Red Brown Suede.”  Also available in a standard taupe suede (and over at endless they’re under $50.)  Inexpensive.  Has plenty of character.  Check out the video and you’ll see that the rubber sole isn’t all that noticeable from above.  Well reviewed and some wide-footers have even chimed in.  Free shipping both ways.

The lug sole but still dressed up boot:  A.E. Bayfield in black or brown – $164* ($350)

Tough and class all in one package.

This price requires the code “honor” (all lower case) at checkout and then a donation of a pair of gently worn shoes.  More on their Soles4Souls program over here.  Sizes are getting scarce on these in both normal and wide sizes.

The Safe Plays:  Johnston & Murphy Tyndall Wing and Cap Toe – $150.00

Both options available in black & tan.

Doors won’t be blown off and not many skirts will be flipped, but these are made from Italian Calfskin and have an “updated” profile.  The $150 price isn’t too expensive, but these shouldn’t be department store cheap feeling either.  One of those rare pairs in the middle ground.

The Splurge Wingtip: Allen Edmonds Hinsdale – $214* ($335)

Great lines, terrific medallion.

Again, this price requires the code “honor” and participation in the Soles4Souls program.  Over $200, but marked way down already, and then the extra $35 off makes them a tempting investment.  Not a true oxford (no closed lacing on this one) but could become a go-to black dress shoe.  Built on the Allen Edmonds Welted Last-8, which is the same last that the Weybridge is built on.  Speaking from experience, the shape of the Weybridge is far from stumpy.  It’s a nice blend of traditional and a great toe shape.  Not blocky at all.

Okay Dappered Collective… your turn.  Specifically those of you out there with wide feet.  Where have you found great looking shoes at a reasonable price?  Have you turned to Ebay?  Outlet malls?  Leave it all below…

Offer expires Thursday 2/23/12.  You must sign up for their email list/rewards program.  Also available:  Use code SHIPR for free shipping over $35. 

Hold on to your wallets.  Better yet, if you’re on a spending freeze right now, go ahead and throw that thing across the room behind that cabinet that’s a bear to move.

The code EARLYACCESS gets you certain savings at certain spending levels, and the point of that is to entice you to spend more than you were planning on.  So, that can get out of control if you’ve been known to spontaneously buy shoes you don’t need.  You do have to be a DSW Rewards Member, but that’s really not much more than their email list.  On with a couple of picks & potential combos…
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Florsheim Vincent Wingtip – $114.95 ($139.95)

Vincent? Veblen? Do some people call you Maurice?

The Vincent?  Looks a lot like the Veblen.  From the upgraded “imperial” line, and available in grey, wine, and a matte looking brown (Florsheim’s Crazy-Horse style leather maybe?)  The Veblen on Florsheim’s site is listed at $170.  The code LINK20 drops it to $136 there.  The Vincent here says the price should be compared to $160.

Mercanti Double Monk – $114.95 ($139.95) & Bass Suede Chukka – $59.95 ($69.95)

$170 total for both pairs. Both available in other colors.

This is where it can get a little confusing.  Both are a real solid price on their own.  Purchased together, you save an extra $5 due to the spend more/save more tiered structure of the promotion.  But that requires you to spend more.  So if you’re not in the market for both double monks and a suede chukka?  Skip it.  $170 is a lot of money.  Even if it does land you two pairs of decent shoes.  Full review on the double monks over here, and $115 shipped as is good as it’s gonna get on a style like this.  The Monks are made in Italy too.

Clarks Bushacre – $59.95 ($69.96) | Mercanti Cap Toe – $114.95 ($139.95)

Also $170 total when purchased together

Another Mercanti Fiorentini / Suede chukka combo.  Both are still a real nice price when purchased on their own.  The Mercanti also comes in black, which should make a just-fine not too boring dress lace up.  Brown, of course, looks plenty good too.  Sizes & colors are scattered on the Clarks, but know they do come in a tan leather as well.

 

Mercanti Fiorentini Penny Loafer – $114.95 ($139.95)

Takes plenty of pennys to get these.

$140 is asking a lot for these, but they’re a solid blend of not too modern and not too frumpy/traditional in a Penny loafer.  Toe shape is great.  Leather is decent.  They seem to run a little small.  Also made in Italy.

 

The Cheap Risk:  Mike Konos Suede Medallion Toe – $59.94 ($69.94)

Can be combined with a $139.95 shoe too.

Already on sale, made in Italy, but not real sure on that accent sweep up the side.  Anybody seen these in person?  Looked and looked on this end, but no go.  A risk, but if you’ve got a DSW store near you, you can return them there for free.  It’s $8.50 to ship em’ back otherwise.  Exchanges are free.

The Splurge:  Mezlan Nello Double Monk – $239.95 ($279.95)

Suede, medallion, monk, yahtzee.

It ain’t cheap, but retail is allegedly $345.  Suede uppers, some nice curved buckles, and you even get a subtle looking medallion at the toe.  Made in Spain.  The same shoe is going for a similar price over at Bluefly, but here you get the rewards points if you’re into that kind of thing.

The Cheap Basic: Aston Grey Connelly Lace-Up – $69.95 ($79.95)

Not bad for $70.

Surprisingly decent looking in person.  Before the shoe snobs lose their minds, remember that there are ton of guys out there who need something serviceable for work or job interviews, who also can’t spare a lot of cash right now.  Leather feels pretty good in your hands, and they look plain, but sleek.

The Not Cheap Not Basic:  Antonio Maurizi Celino Wingtip – $259.95 ($299.95)

Probably gonna stand out. A touch.

Well and then there’s these.  Something similar will set you back $535 through Endless.

The DSW $10 off $69, $25 off $139 and $40 off $199 code EARLYACCESS expires 2/23/12.  SHIPR gets you free shipping over $35 and seems to be ongoing.  Both codes require you to join their email list/DSW rewards club.

The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards.  But calling these “the dappys” would just sound terrible.  Instead, we’ll stick with a highly generalized “best of…” strategy, with the very best from the past year being highlighted all this week.
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DSW’s Mercanti Fiorentini’s plain, slim, Italian-made true oxford, which was selling for $120.
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Cheap double monks are rare.  Attainable at $140.  Also made by Mercanti Fiorentini.
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DSW’s other Italian house brand “Mike Konos.”   Surprisingly durable for $100.

None of these would satisfy a shoe snob.  When compared to shoes that run $200 and up, their construction is moderate.  But for those of us who can wear a pair of shoes a few times a week without grinding them into a pulp, all of these over perform when it comes to looks, while coming in at that sweet spot price of $100 – $150.

DSW’s two house brands Mercanti Fiorentini and Mike Konos sacrifice bombproof quality to keep their prices low, but they do posses some sleek Italian aesthetics.  Sure there’s some weird looking shoes in their collections, but usually there’s a few choices that aren’t too modern or funky.  And they sell em’ at a price most of us can handle.  Especially when DSW runs a site wide sale.*  Both brands are certainly worth keeping track of in 2012.

*Speaking of, DSW is doing $20.12 off $99+ and $45 off $199+ with code SHOES2012.  Expires 1/3/2012

This is the gaping hole in the men’s dress shoe market:

• Between $100 and $200
• A modern shape but not spear like
• Equipped with a few extras like closed lacing, a leather sole, or brogue style details

There’s just not many men’s dress shoes that fulfill those three requirements.  DSW’s Mercanti Fiorentini true oxford plugged that hole for awhile, but after it sold out?  Once again there was nothing.

Until now.  Enter the Nordstrom house brand Calibrate and their “Brandon” true oxford, which picks up where the Mercanti Fiorentini shoes left off, and they even come out ahead in a few areas.

The “genuine” leather uppers feel more durable than the Mercantis (which on a side note, are holding up just fine for me) and like the Mercantis they don’t look cheap or plasticky.  The sole happens to be rubber and is most likely glued on, but it’s slim and doesn’t scream “Hey look!  There’s rubber down here!“  If that makes any sense.

Styling is spot on.  They’re trim through the toe box and not overly elongated.  The cap toe, medallion, and the lines where the perforated detailing sweeps up and over the vamp give it an expensive look.

The brown is a true darker brown (not a lighter cognac) and they’re certainly suit worthy.  But the brogue details also give them enough texture that you could wear them with a pair of deep, dark jeans.

Plenty comfortable right out of the box and they might run a half size large.  Maybe.  They are made in China but they don’t feel like they’ll fall apart on you any time soon.  Especially if you’re not the daily dress shoe type.  Ships and returns free if you don’t have a Nordstrom nearby.

Shoe is already half off, and the code drops it another 20% with free shipping.  Full marks to Walt with the style tip.
UPDATE:  Sizes are down to just 9s in the Black.  Plenty appear to be left in the brown.  For now.

Is this the best looking $100 dress shoe ever?  “Ever” is a pretty long time, but here’s what Kenneth Cole’s “Mister Man” looks to have going for it:

• A perfect modern shape.  Slightly elongated, but not spear like.
• A rounded off toe (no slight chisel this time for you anti-chiselites)
• They’re made in Italy and the soles appear to be stitched, not glued to the uppers.
• They ship free, and cost just over $100.

$100 is right there for plenty of guys on a budget who need a pair of great looking non clunky dress shoes.  In this price range you’re usually stuck with a not quite there toe (or worse yet, an awful toe) and the soles will almost always be glued.

These aren’t the more formal closed lacing true oxford, and instead are a derby/blucher style.  But they’re still plenty dressed up.  The worst case scenario for the construction is that they’re actually glued, the leather quality is so so, and they get by on their looks.  Even then, they’re still almost twenty bucks less than the all but sold out DSW option by Mercanti Fiorentini.

Anyone have personal experience with the Mister Man or KCNY’s made in Italy shoes?  Leave it below…

No code is needed for Kenneth Cole.  For Banana Republic, you’ll need the code BRSWEATER.  Exp. 10/10

Happy Columbus Day.  Right, you’re thrilled.  Anyway, it’s a good day if you’re in the market for a new coat, some boots, or a sweater for the upcoming colder weather.  Kenneth Cole launched a 30% off outerwear, boots, and some other stuff sale on Friday, while BR is running a 30% off sweater sale today.

Just a few picks below.  Figure it’d be an okay way to spend that 45 seconds you’d have otherwise spent checking the mail today.  Just try not to spend too much money.  The banks might be closed, but they’ll take your money tomorrow.
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Kenneth Cole New York Wool Trench – $192.50 ($275)

Major potential here.

Darting in the back means it should be more fitted.  Length looks to be close to perfect.  Not an easy color to find a double breasted coat in.  Under $200 with the sale and ships free.  You’re on the hook for return shipping.

Kenneth Cole New York 5-Pocket Plaid Pant – $48.65 ($69.50)

Just odd enough.

Straight leg, cotton, and a not too out-there plaid pattern.  All slapped on a cotton pant with a  5-pocket jean-like layout.  Haven’t seen them in person but they look like they could be winners.  Shipping is a decently low $4 flat rate if you’re not spending over the $100 free shipping threshold.

Kenneth Cole New York Cross My Mind Boot – $111.99 ($215)

Styling = simple but very, very effective.

Was on sale for $160 and now an extra 30% off that price.  Drops them to almost half retail and just above $100.  Ships free as well.  The cap toe makes it look like a sleeker more dressed up version of the Timberland 6″ city zip.  Still not a dress boot though.  A hybrid that lands somewhere in between.

Kenneth Cole New York Regal King – $103.60 ($148.00)

Not Allen Edmonds. In any way.

The round toe purists have never liked these.  But if you like a slightly elongated toe, and you can stand a bit of a rounded corner chisel at the end, then for just north of $100 it’ll be hard to do better.  Ships free and just barely.  Surprised they didn’t mark it down a few bucks more to nail you with shipping charges.  Full review here.

Banana Republic Merino Wool V-Neck – $41.65 ($59.50)

Best sweater so far this year?

Most of you guys know about the appreciation this website has for Banana Republic’s silk/cotton/cashmere v-necks.  They’ve been #1 for awhile despite their too deep V.  It’s time to crown a new champ.  This year’s BR merino v-necks are the perfect balance between:

1. Weight – Not tissue thin, not bulky at all.
2. Depth of V – It dips, but not wildly low.
3. Width of collar ribbing – more substantial than the silk/cotton/cashmere blend.

They also fit decently close but not tight.  And now at 30% off, they’re a bargain at $40.  Well done BR.

Banana Republic Silk/Cotton/Cashmere V-Neck – $48.65 ($69.50)

Still very much appreciated.

As stated right up there ^  now #2 but a close second.  It’s really hard to beat the smoothness of the fabric on these.  And they’re awfully strong and wear well.  The V just dips a little too deep and they’re an extra $10 retail.

Banana Republic Full-Button Cardigan – $62.65 ($89.50)

Not quite as fitted in real life.

You see those two dents in the professional model’s sides in the pic on the left?  Looks like the stylist didn’t smooth out the impact of the close-pin, chip clip, or whatever it is they’re using to gather extra fabric at the back.  These are a bit boxy.  But if you happen to be a bit boxy yourself and want a cardigan that’s no fly-weight weakling, these are reinforced through the neck and placket and have a good but not too heavy weight to them.

Banana Republic Tweed V-Neck – $62.65 ($89.50)

Going to be your topmost layer.

If the other V-necks are soup, then this one is a stew.  Thick, chunky, and you won’t be comfortable with a blazer over it.  Just like stew.  No one likes a blazer over their stew.  A more noticeable knit with flecks in the fabric.  Warm and substantial, and not all that close fitting at the sides.

Both the Kenneth Cole and BananaRepublic.com sales expire today.  All sweaters shown are size medium.  Use BRSWEATER for the savings.  Free shipping kicks in at $100 with Kenneth Cole and $50 with Banana Republic. 

No code necessary.  Prices are marked on the site.  Sale prices expire October 11th.

They’re calling it their biggest sale event of the year and it’s pretty damn big.  The entire Allen Edmonds site is marked down by at least 15% off, with more than a couple good looking pairs getting the 30% off treatment.  Wander on over into their clearance section, and some AE standards are under $200.

There’s no code, no hoops to jump through, and it’s going on in-store too.  Free ground shipping on all domestic orders and they return free in store.  Proud Canucks and those with wide feet can rejoice.  They ship to Canada and there are plenty of wide sizes available.  It is Allen Edmonds, so even after the discounts these aren’t cheap:

Allen Edmonds Elgin – $229 ($295)

Waxy leather is perfect for dressed up casual.

Featured in the how to dress up in a dressed down workplace post, but somehow, someway, left off the best looking rugged laceups list.  That’s a traveshamockery.  Making up for it now.  The McTavish is also on sale.

Allen Edmonds Norwich – $249 ($325)

One buckle and not two.

If shoes can drip with sex, then a double monk probably does the most dripping.  A single monk like the Norwich seen here doesn’t really drip or even glisten with sex.  Still a real interesting shoe and a monk strap all the same.

Allen Edmonds Vernon – $276.25* ($325)

Know what I mean... Vernon?

It’s too bad they seem to have killed off the Weybridge, but these which debuted last fall look like a relative.  Allen Edmonds claims to have originally designed it for black tie use, but of course you can wear it with suits as well.  Also available in brown.  *UPDATE:  These are now $259.96 through Endless with the code SEPEVENT.  Sizes and widths might be limited though.

Allen Edmonds Macneil Longwing – $249 ($335)

Tradition for a quarter of a thousand.

The open-laced, built on the 7-last AE longwing. (More on Allen Edmonds lasts here.)  Longwing = a wingtip that has a perforation line which wraps all the way to the back while remaining unbroken.  Expensive at $250, but available in a perfect walnut color or an ultra conservative black.  The Shell Cordovan options are also marked down just in case you drive a rocket car and live in a gold plated house.

Allen Edmonds Juneau Loafer – $149 ($295)

Bit of a freak.

Almost half off.  Probably because there’s not many people out there with a want for a suede loafer with a mini lugged sole.  Still, for $150, you’re getting AE quality in a real nice looking suede penny loafer.  Upscale pub worthy.

Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue – $249 ($325)

The safe but still excellent play.

Just enough character thanks to that perforation driven cap toe.  Drool worthy stitching.  A true oxford built on the longest last in the Allen Edmonds arsenal.

Allen Edmonds Fifth Street – $297.50* ($350)

Available in brown too. The sole is something else.

The big brother boot of the Fifth Avenue oxford.  True Oxford lacing, a perf cap, but instead of a plain toe this one gets a medallion.  Incredible looking.  Not cheap by any stretch.  *UPDATE:  These are now $280 through Endless with the code SEPEVENT.  Sizes are extremely limited though.

Allen Edmonds Player’s Shoe – $249 ($325)

Also available in a fall friendly "snuff" color.

From the site: “Originally crafted as a gift for golfers participating in the 2010 PGA Tournament at Whistling Straights in Kohler, Wisconsin…”  I knew I should have become a professional golfer.  Totally could have happened too (no.)  Four colors to pick from with the white option and sand option (shown) looking pretty close.

Allen Edmonds Dalton Wingtip Boot – $318.75* ($375)

Would win the wingtip boot search if they were affordable.

One of the new arrivals for Allen Edmonds.  Deserves a parade.  Wildly expensive for most of us.  A complete splurge and then some.  But look at them.  *UPDATE:  These are now $300 flat through Endless with the code SEPEVENT.  Sizes are extremely limited though.

The Allen Edmonds “Rediscover America” sale expires 10/11/11 and is also going on in stores as well.  Are these too expensive to be labeled as affordable by most?  Yes.  But that’s why there’s a “too expensive” category.

Ships free with the code SHIPR after you join their email list.

If you like your dress shoes sleek, leaning modern, and don’t wear them every single day, then keep on reading.

If your prefer a more conservative look, shun even slightly elongated toes, and your idea of sexing it up is to set aside your 360 welt Park Avenues for an evening in favor of a slightly trimmer 270 welt Lombard, then go ahead and skip this one.

There’s a huge void in the men’s shoe market.  You just can’t find a non clunky, simple, closed lacing leather-sole dress shoe for under $150.  Everything is either a fat Bostonian or some ridiculously over embellished Steve Madden.  These true oxfords from DSW’s house brand Mercanti Fiorentini might be one of the only options that actually fills that void.

They’ll get a solid A in the looks department from those that prefer a trim European silhouette, but they’re more like a B or B- when it comes to construction.  Despite the always welcome “Made in Italy” stamp, the leather isn’t top notch (might be bicast?) but it looks plenty good from a few feet up.  The soles are leather, but they appear to be glued and not sewn to the uppers.  That’s pretty standard for a shoe that costs around $120, but DSW’s “compare at $250″ is way too generous.

They look clean and Italian, because they are clean and Italian.  No superfluous lines or embellishments, and the slim shape is more than able to carry the style load.  Although they wrinkled a bit across the toe after the first wear, it’s really not that noticeable.

The fit seems true to size and they’re decently comfortable.  They’ve also been added to the long term test pile so we’ll see how they hold up, but the first impression is a good one.  These might be about as good as it gets for those who lace up dress shoes 5-10 times a month or less, and don’t want to take out a second mortgage to land a pair of streamlined eye catching dress shoes.
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Been quite the week for footwear.  Kenneth Cole had a half off sale, J. Crew put some Danners up at a good price, and now ASOS throws their own bluchers (and then some) into the ring.

250 shoes have been marked down on ASOS.com including shoes from the ASOS house brand.  Marking down an ASOS shoe is like selling tuna fish at fish food prices.  Sure it’s not the wild caught Salmon, but Esquire UK describes their house brand as “providing great value… while maintaining a passable level of quality.”  And really, if you dress tuna up right, you can make one hell of a sandwich.  Here’s the picks.  Not all of them are chunk light:
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The Dress Shoes:  Rolando Sturlini Brogues – $236.68 ($300) | ASOS Derby – $43.93 ($63)

Left: The Penthouse. Right: The Outhouse.

Not sure if the ASOS guys are using “new math” but 70% of $295.85 is not $236.68.  It’s closer to $207.  Still one incredible looking slimmed down brogue.  Made in Italy as well.  The ASOS Derby is now dirt cheap.  The toe might be too pointy for most.
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The Boots:  ASOS Brogues – $81.58 ($117) | ASOS Made in U.K. Chelsea – $175.71 ($252)

Believe it or not, both made by ASOS.

Wingtip / Brogue styled boots are here to stay, and they’re a perfect pairing for denim & just about anything semi dressed up.  The Made in England Chelseas are as classic as it gets.  Great shape, and thanks to the Goodyear Welt construction, you could potentially have them for a lonnnnng time.  That should make you and your cobbler happy.  Limited sizes.  Available in brown too.
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The Casual Shoes:  Lacoste Plimsolls – $64.55 (reg. $81) | ASOS Boat Shoes – $47.51 ($68)

C'mon sun.

Maybe this is just wishful thinking for a little more sun.  White sneakers will go pretty well with this and some bare ankles come summer.  The boat shoes will go well with this type of environment when it heats up too.  The Navy, brown laces, and white sole give it that nautical look all at once.  So don’t overdo it with white pants and a navy blazer.

Watch for the ASOS 30% off shoe sale to end 3/12.  But it could go longer…

Now that the brown lace-ups have been covered, it’s time to move onto the shoes which most of us reach for first.  Brown might be considered more stylish, but black… is black.  It’s crisp.  Clean.  Unforgiving and all business.  Brown can be warm, inviting, almost fun.  Black is pretty no-nonsense and rightfully the first pair of dress shoes most men buy.

Like the suit you’d wear with your black dress shoes, you want the lines on your footwear to be slim.  And much like suits, there’s a lot of good, and not so good black dress shoes out there.  From cheap to check book crushing expensive, these all show plenty of potential in their respective price ranges:
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Florsheim Tolland – $54.32 w/code spring2011 (reg. $90)

Nice looking. From THIS angle.

Here’s a great example of what camera positioning can do for a shoe.  From the angle you see here, you don’t see the somewhat stubby toe, or, the rubber sole.  Closed lacing though, nice cap toe detail, and… well they’re $55.  Got 3 stars from “Luke the Bartender” who said it was stiff.  Code expires today, 3/7.
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Nordstrom Hampton Lace-up – $84.90 (reg. $149.00)

These'll do.

A house brand with a slim chassis (might be too narrow for some, read the reviews) and simple styling.  Under $100, double stitch cap toe, all around solid.
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Robert Cameron Simple Laceup – $116.25 (reg. $155)

How are there not more styles like this?

One of the few plain, slightly elongated, black dress shoes on the market for a reasonable price.  No wild stitching, none of the laser etching Robert Cameron shoes usually end up having, nothing.  Just a black dress shoe.
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Magli by Bruno Magli Zendo Oxford – $139.90 (reg. $295)

Via Nordstrom Rack

One of those step down “By” brands from a big time designer.  Closed lacing, great shape, simple non stitched to death cap toe.  Right in the price wheelhouse for a lot of us..
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Hugo Boss “Crest” Loafer – $159.90 (reg. $245)

Would look best without it... but still?

I’m not usually a big fan of shoe jewelry, but when it’s minimal and not too chromed up it can work.  Sometimes.  Great shape, fair enough on sale price… but what about that bit?  Leave your take in the comments below.
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Bruno Magli Tavvo Cap toe – $191.21 w/code ALMARCH1 (reg. $395)

Thanks Sierra Trading Post

Sierra Trading Post is one hell of a great haystack to find some terrific needles.  Already marked down to $254, these Italian made cap-toes are modern but still subtle.  Unique stitching at the side.  That code, ALMARCH1 is good clear through April 6th and will take 25% off anything over $125.  20% off anything under that.
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Hugo Boss “Ryans” Lace-up – $135.00, $195.00, or $225.00

Balanced

The round toe purists won’t like the slight chisel toe, and the full price of $225 is up there for a shoe that’s made in China… but to a lot of us?  These look incredible.  $135 through Bloomingdale’s if you’re a 7, 8, or 8.5.  $195 through Endless if you’re 9.5, 11.5, or 12.  Full priced Via Nordstrom otherwise.
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Kenneth Cole Mr. Man Lace-ups – $255.00

You can't please everyone. But these get awful close.

Not a darn thing wrong with these, except for the price.  One of the few pairs of Kenneth Cole’s made in Italy.  Leather sole.  Slightly elongated, slightly pointed, rounded off toe.  That should please just about everyone (especially those killing the made in China chisel toe Regal Kings).  Tough to find these on sale, but every so often Kenneth Cole’s entire site will go on sale for a random reason.  That’s when if you’re interested, you make your move on these. .
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To Boot New York Aaron Oxford – $295.00

A big investment

Expensive.  Has all the right details and is made in Italy.  A touch more expensive than the Allen Edmonds Van Ness.  And although the Van Ness isn’t as portly as other AE’s (thanks to the 270 not 360 welt), these should be even more slim.  Interesting leather/rubber grip sole.
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Got a favorite from the above?  And what’s your current go-to black dress shoes?  Leave it all in the comments section below.