Shoe Brands
Ace Marks' dress shoes are handcrafted in Italy by 4th generation Italian artisans with hand-selected full grain calf leather and are crafted, dyed, and burnished by hand. The lightweight Blake Flex construction and leather out-sole allow for easy, effortless movement. They sell a luxury $600 pair for under $300!
They use water-resistant Goodyear welting, leather from Tier 1 USA cattle that develops a beautiful patina with time, and a cork lining that conforms to your foot for comfort. Thursday Boots has lots of great options, ranging from Chelsea and Chukka boots to Wingtip and Lace-up boots available for you to choose from.
Oxford style shoes are popular because they add both sophisticated style and a touch of visual interest to a suit or a pair of slacks. There are a variety of details that are present in an Oxford, including toe caps, closed laces, and sometimes punched leather holes called brogues. The shoes we are reviewing by J.L. Rocha are Style 901, a beautifully designed, honey-colored all-leather Oxford.
Allen Edmonds is a great example of a company that not only makes an excellent shoe that will serve you for a lifetime, but a company that backs up its product with unmatched service.
A small New York store offering a very select range of quality footwear. Many hand-crafted shoes, and a “made to order” program for creating your own style. They’ve got a good store and what I think is one of the best blogs out there specific to men’s shoes, so be sure to check that out.
Looking for a pair of dress shoes with a classic style that can incorporate with professional clothing all the while allowing you to feel like you’re barefoot? Check out the Primal Professional Oxfords. It has a true barefoot feel which is very satisfying. It’s the most comfortable work dress shoes and the zero drop, stealth heel is the best.
It’s safe to assume you don’t have to be a cowboy to love a pair of Lucchese western boots. The Lucchesse Classics 1883 boots are crafted from leather, have cushioned insoles for walking comfort and feature fancy stitched, leather corded shaft detail. You can’t go wrong with a trusted brand, a classic style, and fantastically sturdy leather. Enough said.
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Shoe Care Products
Leather is not cheap which is why I am big on protecting and maintaining it. Chamberlain's Leather Milk has produced a series of numbered products for thorough leather treatment: #1 for conditioning, #2 for cleaning, and #3 for waterproofing.This is not just for men but for anyone who wants to really pamper his leather goods.
One of our favorite products for your leather goods. The company has been family-owned for three generations, with the current owners still using their grandfather’s formula for “Saddle Honey” (adapted to suit less rugged leathers as well, admittedly, but that’s to all our benefit).
Over time, your leather products will lose shape and form but you may maintain their shape by using shoe trees. Cedar shoe trees are best because they help absorb odor that may have seeped into the insole of the shoe.
If the shoes are black, get black. If brown or cordovan, it might be better to go with a neutral polish because over time the shoes will take on the color of the shoe polish used to shine them.