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.

As always, it’s incredibly tough to peg when Macy’s will launch a One Day Sale.  Sometimes a month and a half will go by between them, sometimes only a few weeks will pass.  One thing is certain: These are sales worth paying attention to.  The one-day sale prices are some of the best mark downs in the retail industry.  Here’s some of the best from the One-Day-Sale which runs Friday March 4th – Saturday March 5th. Know that we’ve only picked items with a wide range of sizes.  Also know that items marked with a * are “Web Busters.”  In store prices may match up, and may not.  Selection on all items (especially shoes) in store can vary greatly.
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Kenneth Cole New York Black Wool Suit – $199.99* (reg. $525)

Wool. Not poly.

This is new.  Macy’s has carried Kenneth Cole wool suits in their stores for awhile, but they’ve never had them available online.  Black isn’t as versatile as navy or grey, but if you just gotta have a black suit?  This isn’t a bad option for under $200.  From the New York line, not REACTION.  So that makes it wool, not polyester.  See a full review here.
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Alfani RED Check Dress shirt – $19.99* ($45) | CK BODY fitted blue stripe – $38.99 ($65)

Lots of pattern and a little pattern.

Both fitted, but the Calvin Klein BODY is going to by far feel the best.  The Alfani RED is a cotton poly blend, while the CK is mainly cotton with a bit of lycra in it for stretch.  Bold pattern for the Alfani RED, perfectly slim pale blue stripes on the Calvin Klein.
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Hugo BOSS Zoho Trench – $186.99 ($495) | Hilfiger Raincoat – $59.99 ($195)

Both embrace the single breasted look.

Ultra modern on the left, probably too traditional on the right.  The BOSS trench has that angled slash pocket at the chest which will work for some but not others.  The belt could probably come and go as you please.  For the Hilfiger, it’s just a single breasted mac.  Might not be the most fitted.  If you’re on a serious tight budget and need something that’ll cover a blazer or suit jacket?  Maybe worth a shot.
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Cole Haan Air Samuel Plain Toe Laceups – 119.99 (reg $158)

Hey Macys. More of this.

What the hell has happened to Macy’s shoe department?  They used to be a decent enough place to go and scout out some dress shoes or laid back boots.  Now it’s all over-embellished weirdness. These are a rare exception.  Plain, plain, and more plain.  Good price for the CH Samuel too.  Sizes are a bit limited.
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Alfani Stone Loafers – $59.99 (reg. $89.99)

Hey Alfani... more of this too.

Meanwhile, over in the loafers…  Nice lighter color, decent looking toe shape (would it kill them to give us another angle?) and a great price.  Kinda looks like a beat up dusty western version of a casual loafer.
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Alfani RED Linen Sportcoat – $79.99 (reg. $195)

Could be a nice transition jacket into summer.

Careful on this one.  Alfani RED sportcoats can get a little… weird in their shape.  But if it’s all or mainly linen, and the fit is decent enough, $80 isn’t a bad price.  Might want to check in store first.
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Tommy Hilfiger Nylon Tartan Trimmed Dopp Kit – $8.99 (Reg. $50)

The price is right.

I’m always stunned when designers can sell dopp kits for exorbitant amounts.  They hardly ever see the light of day and are only there to keep your razor and shaving cream from wandering around inside your luggage.  The regular price of $50 for this Hilfiger Dopp kit is ridiculous.  But nine bucks?  Yeah, that’ll work.

This current Macy’s One Day Sale ends Saturday 3/5.

Black shoes are the safe play.  They’re preferred by most of us (my hand is raised) but brown really does go with just about everything aside from black pants and suits.  Not convinced?  See this chart of ideal pairings from our friends over at The Effortless Gent.  Nifty huh.

Even if you’re hooked on your black laceups, have a great looking brown pair on standby.  Note that many of these are 20% off thanks to an Endless.com dress shoes over $150 sale.  No word on when that sale expires.  You’ll see the new and improved price here if applicable and once you put them in your cart on Endless as well.

From Wisconsin to Italy and from Spain to China, here are ten solid pairs that’ll fit into almost any budget.
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Aldo Simes Lace Up – $55.99 (reg. $100)

$55? Sure.

From the leader in inexpensive slim shoes, this Aldo is… Brown.  And it’s… $55.  Look, it’s difficult to complain about it due to the price and the plain appearance.  Rubber sole.  Clearance.  Only available through Amazon.
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Topman Corsten Basic Laceup – $76.00

Decent shape. Don't expect them to last a lifetime.

When shopping for shoes under $100 it’s best to have a sense of humor at the ready.  For example, the description of these on Topman.com clearly state that they’re made of: “100% OTHER.”  Awesome.  Don’t you just hate those terrible “OTHER” blends?   Mucks it all up.  Cheap, basic.
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Aldo Girt Wingtip – $69.98 – $100

Good shape. Details will probably be lacking.

Another rubber sole lace up from Aldo.  Just under $70 if you’re a size 7,8, or 9.  $100 via Zappos if you’ve got a larger foot.  $100 seems a little expensive.  Especially since they might not look quite right with a suit.  Jeans though?
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Robert Cameron Shooter Cap Toe - $123.96 (reg. $154.95)

$125 is an oddly moderate price for any dress shoe.

Seems to be some sort of house brand from Endless.   Not necessarily a bad thing, but don’t expect to be blown away with the quality.  Part of the 20% off sale.  Free two day shipping as is almost always the case.  Nice shape and the toe cap is created with modern laser etched lines instead of the traditional stitching.
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Mercanti Fiorentini Dress Detailed Lace Up – $129.95

Sounds Italian, looks Italian, is Italian.

DSW’s house brand.  Still made in Italy and for a decent price.  Leather outsole, great looking shape, cap toe and brogue details.  Not bad for $130.  If you prefer your shoes a little more on the smooth and subtle side, their closed lacing dress shoe is just $120.  Limited sizes though.
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Florsheim Whitworth Oxford – $140.00 (reg. $175)

Not gonna blow any doors off.

Plain with a capital P.  If you like your shoes with a rounded toe, decently well made, and able to blend in, here’s the shoe for you.  Part of Florsheim’s higher up Imperial line.  Leather and craftsmanship will be a step up from say, their now $80 Vinton lace up.
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Gordon Rush Montgomery Penny Loafer – $180.00 (reg. $225)

What you want your loafers to look like.

The best thing about Gordon Rush shoes is their no nonsense shape.  Not too stubby, not too pointy, but the right balance.  The not so best thing is their price.  Even the on sale price of $180 is a little steep for made in China.  Yes it’s a loafer and not a lace-up.  Still looks great though.
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John Fluevog Brandenburg Oxford – $199.16 (reg. $248.95)

Grown up Vogs

Yep, that John Fluevog.  The same designer who created the chosen footwear of the grunge movement and the guy whose shoes sometimes carry a claim of “Satan-Resistant.”  Devil repellent aside, these have one hell of a good looking shape.  Closed lacing, nice silhouette, great sweep on the side.  A major, MAJOR Warning here.  His signature is stamped, albeit in tonal fashion, on the outer back corner.  (You can see it more easily over here)
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Allen Edmonds Strand Oxford – $235.96 (reg. $294.95)

On Wisconsin.

The top of the line.  Proudly made in the USA, incredible craftsmanship and design, and now marked down to an attainable for many $236.  If Allen Edmonds would just elongate the toe a touch, just a little more… then I think all the men out there who prefer European slim silhouettes would jump on board the AE train.  Want to see how good the chestnut color can look with a suit? Check out this post from our friends at Primer Magazine.
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Magnanni Bruno Lace Up – $236.00 (reg. $295)

Ole.

Burnishing, Spanish made, and a little more trim through the body than the Allen Edmonds.  Traditional wingtip details and a leather sole.  Which you better damn well be getting if you’re spending over $200 on a shoe.

Who makes your favorite pair of brown dress shoes?  And where’d you buy them?  Leave your answers plus any other feedback in the comments section below…