Dilemma: I’ve taken to wearing dark jeans and smart shirt/pullover to work. Finding nice shoes to match is a bit of an issue. I like the idea of brogues - but a lot of them are very ‘grandad’, with big, clunky soles. The bright, orangey tan colour can also be a turnoff. And finding a nice, slim pair (rather than big and clownish) is also a challenge!
Apart from brogues, is there another style I should look at? Subtle enough to wear with a navy suit would also be a plus…
Budget: €150-170(ish)
Thanks

Jack

Hi Jack

Ok I’ll admit I’m not too up to speed on the state of show shopping back at home so had to do a spot of googling to check what stores are now in Dublin. I’ll be honest I was a bit impressed. Clearly places like the Dundrum shopping centre are bringing in new stores despite erm, well lets just acknowledge the economic situation at home isn’t exactly rosie and move on.

One of my favourite shops at the moment is Aldo. Their shoes are good quality, fashion lead, and not stupidly priced. Obviously Office and Schuh are ever present, but for this task I’d certainly give Schuh a miss. I’m not really enamoured with their formal range at the moment. Timberlands, yes, trainers, yes but formalwear not so much.

Right lets start with Aldo. For some reason their site wont let me check out € prices. But the two I’ve picked are brand new in store and should definitely fulfil the brief. The price here is £100 so I’m guessing it’ll be approx €150.
On the left we have the DECOST, I like how it’s a little distressed but should polish up well. The toe isn’t too square, which I can’t stand. It also isn’t too pointed which might make the shoe too dressy for the office. On the right we have the GUNBALD, this clearly stays away from looking too orange. It’s a burgundy/oxblood shoe and I think would look great with deep indigo jeans. Again I like how it is gently distressed without looking overly worn.

I am a huge fan of Mr Hare’s shoes and would love to be able to afford them, thankfully he’s done a collaboration with Topman (again I don’t know if they’ll be available at home sorry) I also these are black and you’ve specifically asked for brown shoes, but never mind that. These are the least dressy ones, I personally really want the patent and suede version, but recommending those would really be ignoring the brief.

I also thought BT2 would be a good place to look, but frankly their website is rubbish! As is Brown Thomas’ so I have no idea who they stock, what price ranges they are at or even if they are worth looking at. I’m guessing they will be and while you’re on Grafton St you can always nip into the Bailey for a pint.
I hope this helps.

Cheers

Nick

Ask Bainser & Bainser.com has not received any incentive for recommending these products they are just a marker of my own taste.