(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best oxfords for men

Big men need to know this: BUY MTM. By that, I mean made to measure. Custom clothes straight from the factory in Asia made to fit your particular body. This isn't just great for big buys because we're fat. But the basic cuts of OTR clothing become more and more noticeably awful the more your body veers from the 5'10" 175 lb body type that the size "large" is designed to fit. Smaller guys, taller guys, fat ones, and gym rats all get a poor fit out of standard clothing, for the most part. I recommend Proper Cloth for shirts, and indochino for cheap suits/blazers and pants. I have heard good things about Black Lapel's suits and Blank Label's shirts. But you have my problem (being fat AND tall) so I will tell you the specifics to consider, IME.

Only wear low-rise pants and NEVER go over the belly with pants. This seems like a given today, because very few people wear their pants at their natural waist anymore, but sometimes fat men get tricked into doing this. It makes us look extra fat. Just refuse to consider buying anything but low rise pants (even for suits) and make sure your shirt is long enough and good-fitting to tuck in if you have to.

No pleated pants, no undersized pants, and no baggy pants. All these things are easy to make happen because selection can be difficult and store salespeople have a way of making fat men feel like we have no business trying to get clothing that actually fits us. But pleats, while often a little more comfortable, will make you look like an old man. A flat front is a great way of making your legs look as slim as possible. Just make sure it fits!. Try a relaxed fit if you can't fit into a "classic" fit. But baggy jeans make fat people look sloppy because we already look sloppy to most people.

Dress up a little (if you don't already) button-down shirts everyday is a good idea for fat men, as fatness can read as maturity sometimes, since older people tend to be heavier. Solids, simple stripes, and conservative patterns are a great way to go and thicker fabrics are a great idea. Wear an undershirt. We don't want to look sweaty. Get a blazer for cooler weather instead of a sweater or hoodie. Or get two (one gray or brown patterned and one solid navy).

13.5 basically doesn't exist for shoes, so you are unlucky. But don't wear crocs, at least not the injection-molded kind. They scream "I am too fat for regular shoes." If you want something similarly comfortable but a little more stylish, try a pair of sanuks or something like that. Get a pair of cheapish black or brown oxfords or comfortable loafers and you can wear them pretty much everywhere. If you look, you can get a decent comfortable pair for $50-75 like these.

And I can say from experience that the XXLT from L.L. Bean is a pretty generous fit and did well for me when I was about 300 lbs.

Edit: Forgot to mention I am 6'3" and 280 lbs and have weighed as much as 340 lbs and as little as 205 lbs in my adult live.

Just go to like old Navy and pick up a button down shirt that fits well. Maybe in a simple pattern like gingham or something ( the squares) And I can't stress fits well enough, get slim fit if you can for a more modern look. And don't just grab one that is the same size as the t shirts you wear, grab that size and a size down and try them on. And you don't need to tuck this in, it's really not necessary.

As for pants, just wear a pair of dark wash blue jeans or some black denim. Make sure to wear a belt if needed, you don't want to sag your pants at the restaurant (or ever in my opinion).

And finally shoes. I wouldn't wear a super nice pair of shoes but maybe something a little smarter than sneakers, maybe something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTFN358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sq0IAbPHBG2H4

I can't vouch for those specific shoes, but I've got a very similar styled pair and they go great with jeans and a button up.

Just don't wear something that you won't feel comfortable in, these are just some simple, slightly dressier, casual clothes. You aren't going to be the best dressed at the restaurant or anything, but you will feel good for slightly dressing up, and if it all fits well, you'll look great and your date WILL notice.

This isn't quite under $200, but a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenues is $280 from Amazon, and if you sign up for their shoe newletter you'll save 20%, which brings the price down to $224. Great shoes that look good and will last you forever.

Looking for advice on:

• Shoes: I would like the max range to be $100, I don't go out too much since I work at home but I would like a shoes that's everyday use. For example I love these Merrels and these Clarks, they're lasting me for 4 years now but the Merrels are losing their color and would like to get a new pair. Any recomendation BIFL?
  
  I also go the gym 5 days a week to do lifting workouts (PPLx2), and looking to change my cheap shoes, I tend to walk a long distance from my house to the gym, any recomendation here as well?

They don't look too bad, but to be honest, they're just a busier version of some plain bucks. The bucks, IMO, look much better as they have less un-needed stitching and quite possibly are better quality suede.

I would take the bucks over the Rockports, personally.

Hello, I've been wanting Penny Loafers for some time now, but the decision has been challenging based on style, price, etc.

I recently walked into my local "Call it Spring" and was happy to find that these: http://www.callitspring.com/us/en_US/CALL-IT-SPRING/men/shoes/dress-loafers/JUNGER/p/39649106-40 were on sale for only $35. Ordered some to be delivered stat. I then decided to come to Reddit and do a search on the brand, and it seems people universally say that they make shitty offerings and that they are the shitty arm of Aldo.

Wellll fuck...

Alternately, I would buy these: http://www.amazon.com/Sebago-Mens-Wicklow-Penny-Oxford/dp/B00EOGWCBG (in the brown waxy leather. Cognac is nice too, but looks like every pair of Sperry's on campus that I am trying to differentiate myself from)
Sebago has a reputable name, and I am sure these are of good quality. (What I really would like are some Quoddy's but I'm not about to spend $300 on a pair of shoes. Not at that level yet)

My dilemma is this: The CIS shoes are a third of the price of the Sebago's, but they are probably also a third of the quality. My mom said it's nbd that they suck because I can get three other shoes for the price of the Sebago's. Having a hard time reconciling the two.

Based on your experience with either shoe, as well as with choosing between price and quality, what do you recommend?Hello, I've been wanting Penny Loafers for some time now, but the decision has been challenging based on style, price, etc.

Love these shoes and these shoes. I get compliments on the second ones all the time.

I also really like low profile casual belt

I have these which I absolutely love. They can easily be dressed up or down and once they wear in a bit they're super comfy.

Thanks, ended up ordering these: http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Edmonds-Avenue-Cap-Toe-Oxford/dp/B000H1D53G

Hope they fit nicely.

Plain toe blucher it is! They definitely look like the oxfords that I bought off of amazon! Thank you!

super new to all this - tan bucks with chinos? Specifically these - http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/1901-logan-oxford/3227550#reviewTabs

as a beginner should I just buy khakis with enough shade difference or should I get classic bass bucks (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002LZTGC0/ref=twister_B002LZTGI4) to start, so I can buy a wider range of safe chinos without fear of matching my shoes to my pants?

Look for something with a rubber (vice leather) sole, IMO.

Bostonian makes a really light, comfy type of shoes called flexlite. I have a pair, and they're great. I don't stand on them all day, so can't speak to that, but the lightness is amazing.

http://www.amazon.com/Bostonian-Ipswich-Mens-Lace-Up/dp/B005Q79UIA

thanks ! now which one do you recommend more? and do you have one by any chance ?

https://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Tilden-Cap-Oxford-Leather/dp/B00SMJO8WM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1473218226&sr=8-4&keywords=clark+dress+shoes

https://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Tilden-Walk-Oxford-Leather/dp/B00SMJPSBW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473218226&sr=8-1&keywords=clark+dress+shoes

Trying to decide between the Allen Edmonds 2 for $250 seconds sale (I could get something like this and this in my size) or just one pair of Strands or McAllisters on sale ($290) from Nordstrom.

I need at least one pair for a new office job starting soon (wearing chinos pretty much all the time). I'm planning on adding a good pair of loafers in a few months to round out the work rotation.

[PSA] Amazon has price-matched the AE Strands in many colors/sizes/widths. It is important to note that Amazon also offers FREE SAME DAY DELIVERY.. you can get your shoes hours after purchasing it TODAY. I've gone ahead and bought my shoes from Amazon instead of Nordstrom because of this, saving me the time and hassle of searching store to store looking for my size and ditching the lines and mad-house (YMMV of course).

Thanks for the response.

I'm more concerned about functionality (dancing, marking floor, etc.). The sole also wouldn't give me the nice sound as I walk down the stone aisle. I know there will be at least one haberdasher (used to actually get paid for it) in the audience, but I'm not too concerned about that.

I thought the soles just had some odd dying thing going on. It's free returns, so I figured risk is minimal, and there are some benefits to it, but just not too sure.

Two shoe questions:

Just bought these L.L. Bean suede Jackman Blucher mocs, but had to get them in a size 10 because everything smaller is out of stock, and their customer service says they won't be restocking the smaller sizes. It fits a little loose when barefoot. Keep or return? Won't they stretch and become looser with more wear?

Also just bought a pair of Bass Pasadena Oxfords. A 9.5 was a bit tight, so I exchanged for a 10, which feels a little loose with thin socks. Tying them tight helps a little. Should I go back to the 9.5 and hope they stretch?

I'm new to dressing like an adult, so I'm transitioning from just wearing chucks or Adidas Dragons all the time. I'm not sure how these are supposed to feel on my feet.

first you need to determine your foot shape

here are descriptions of allen edmonds lasts

then find some way to try them on and see which ones are best- go to like a Nordstrom or some other place that sells them.


then find them on sale somewhere- like here

or here

or here

and buy

When I worked behind the bar/in the kitchen I wore steel-toed industrial Doc Martens. They take a month or so to really wear them in, but I still have them and I still wear them. Besides a few scuffs on the leather of the toe and heel, they're both in great shape.

They're not the cheapest option, but you wouldn't be buying replacements anytime soon.



http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Ashridge-Steel-Oxford/dp/B003R4Z3GW

I'm considering getting wolverine 1000 mile oxfords in tan a.k.a. natural. I'm wondering if I should be going for something a little more "classic". Also, not a huge fan of the branding near the back. that being said, seems like a cool, casual, quality derby.

Should I / Shouldn't I ?

If you have to pick, the left ones. If you have wiggle room for an increased budget, here are a few options.

• Florsheim Veblen - $120
  
• Cole Haan Air Colton - $137
  
• Sebago Brattle - $118
  
• Johnston & Murphy Wingtip - $126
  
• Mercanti Fiorentini Wingtip - $150 (Only purchase if you have a coupon)
  
  Obviously there are quite a few better options if you get into the $200+ range.

I do not have any direct experience with these. Reviews seems to be pretty good on Amazon.

These boots sell for around $130 on there and $135 at Nordstrom.

I love my Clarks. Great gum rubber sole. I stand and walk in them all day.

https://www.clarksusa.com/us/originals/originals-mens-boots/desert-boot-taupe-distressed-suede/p/26110054

Also, I really like my Cole Haan lunar grandes. The ones I have actually have Nike soles, but for some reason I think thy broke ties with Nike. Still they have a nice athletic sole on a dress shoe. Although wing dings aren't for everyone.

https://www.amazon.com/Cole-Haan-Lunargrand-Wingtip-Oxford/dp/B00HK8HJJ0

Clark's makes a non boot version of CDB called the Dessert London as seen Here. Or for the spring/summer I wear bucks such as These (I don't own these exact ones but my pair was from G.H. Bass). Or if you want to spend some more cash Allen Edmonds sells derbies such as the Leeds 2.0 or casual oxfords like the Strandmok 2.0.

I'm looking for some versatile casual/ business casual shoes. Which would you choose out of these three, or do you have a similar option that might be better for me? I'd mostly be wearing them with jeans or chinos.

Bass Buckingham

Bass Pasadena

Bass Brockton

Are Bass Buckinghams decent travel shoes? They do have a (partially) rubber sole, seemed pretty comfortable when I tried them on in a store, and look good, but I'm wondering how they'd stand up to walking long distances everyday.

Those are not good-looking shoes. Something like this is a much better option.

I'm not really a fan of the bicycle stitching (I believe that's what it's called; it's the seam that's running down the side and up to the front of those two shoes) as they are generally associated with cheap shoes, and I really don't find them aesthetically pleasing.

Just quickly perusing through amazon:

This Sebago and this Johnston & Murphy look decent for their price.

Also might want to check G.H. Bass & Co (No idea how their quality is; I just ordered a pair of boots from there today). They have a 20% off email subscription coupon, so that'll bring most stuff down to ~$100-120 for you.

I'm looking for a steel toe shoe that is very durable and comfortable.

I want something that isn't really an 'in-your-face' work shoe.

As an example I kind of like these:

timberlands :

https://www.amazon.com/Timberland-PRO-Disruptor-Industrial-Construction/dp/B01HHKBLHQ/ref=sr_1_48?ie=UTF8&qid=1505672908&sr=8-48&keywords=steel-toe+work+shoe

dr martens:

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Ashridge-Steel-Oxford/dp/B003R4Z3GW/ref=pd_sbs_309_4?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=AYN0AC5SHB510PPQWSVZ

I'm undecided and the reviews are kind of split in both of those shoes.

I work 12 hours a day in an office/manufacturing environment mon-fri so I'm looking for a good quality steel-toe shoe that's low profile.

It's not just the square toe that makes it bad. It's all the weird stitching on those shoes. I would return them.


Round toe balmorals are the best option IMO. here is a great EXAMPLE.

I wear these. They are great for walking and hiking, and if you get them in black you can get away with wearing them in a semi-formal setting.

Can I wear these Bass Oxfords with a Navy Brooks Brothers suit? http://www.amazon.com/Bass-Mens-Buckingham-Oxford-Petrol/dp/B00F4C6PE4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1410477717&sr=8-2&keywords=bass+oxford

Can anyone reccommend a nicer pair of oxfords?

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Edmonds-Strand-Perfing-Walnut/dp/B001TDL04M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448928651&sr=8-1&keywords=allen+edmonds+strand

Interesting, the amazon link has walnut calf looking much lighter, and the linked site above has (tan) beside the walnut calf.

http://www.amazon.com/Bostonian-Ipswich-Mens-Lace-Up/dp/B005Q79UIA

Right now I can only give pics of the Bostonian "casual dress shoes" I wear to work. Looking for an upgrade to something more stylish, but moderately priced.

Budget for everything is probably $300-400 for now. I will edit my original post with all this.

You're just going to have to try them on, man. No one online can gauge the comfort for you.

For what it's worth, I've got a pair of Wolverine Julians (like these, but mine are more of a medium brown) which are sorta similar to those Rockports and they are every bit as comfy as my sneakers. Especially once they broke in. Great fall boots.

It fascinates me when $40 canvas shoes become popular enough that someone gets it in their head to knock off the style and charge 10x the price. Somewhere in between lies the difference between style and fashion.

Thanks. Found them on amazon

Maybe something like the Cole Haan Lunargrands? It's an Oxford with a Nike insole. This is what they look like.

Anyone have any experience with Bass Suede Bucks or similar as an alternative to J. Crew's Kenton Suede? How is the color, fit, quality?

G.H. Bass & Co. Men's Pasadena Oxford,Taupe,10 M US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009PMANDI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_4QzQybR8BT832

They are the Sebago Wicklow in Cognac

So far I really like them as an intro pair for $100. Wasn't ready to spend 250-300 on OSB or Quoddy.

Bar III Extra Slim Fit in Charcoal and Allen Edmonds Park Avenue in black.

AE Park Avenues can be had for ~$200 w/ coupon 2012fall if they have your size.

http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Edmonds-Avenue-Cap-Toe-Oxford/dp/B000H1D53G

original post
http://www.reddit.com/r/frugalmalefashion/comments/103fhs/allen_edmonds_park_avenue_around_about_200_in/

I strongly suggest checking out the Sanford its made on a different last and overall less dressy
http://www.amazon.com/Allen-Edmonds-Mens-Sanford-Oxford/dp/B002PHM5EK

It fits looser and just different overall I have both. Its still a cap-toe with a medallion just done differently.

In that price range, you should be able to find Allen Edmonds Park Avenue on amazon. You can sign up for their emails and get a 20% off coupon.

But the AE's aren't as sleek as the Ferragamos, though. For a sleeker toe box, try Meermin. If you can spend a bit more cash, you may want to look at Carminas.

Cheap captoe, Cheap wingtip, Medium captoe, Recommended/What I bought (got the parks for $200 from the AE shoebank)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002LZTGC0/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/185-3053214-5594740

Bass buckingam in grenata if the link doesn't work

http://www.amazon.com/Sebago-Mens-Wicklow-Penny-Oxford/dp/B00EOGWCBG

how so?

toms

ae

similar there is this the sebago wicklow

You can frequently find AE Strands on Amazon for under $250, wait till they go on a sale and use the 20% off coupon.

edit: Right now they're $320 + the 20% off if you sign up for their email promotion. That puts you right around $250 plus tax, but if you check out camelcamelcamel you'll see they drop below $320 fairly regularly (they were $270 before the coupon 2 weeks ago)

they're drop that low on amazon regularly; my size right now is $70. i changed the number on my response because the lowest it's been according to camelcamelcamel is ~65.