Black Cap Toe Oxfords

[azwildcat96]

I can't really help you with your questions, but I can echo your thoughts that black cap-toes look great with a kilt. I almost exclusively wear cap-toes.

As a side note, I've got to admit that I'm a bit jealous of your new location. I grew up there for 15 years, 1972-1987, and I miss it, and want to return for a visit sometime in the future. Enjoy it, and treasure the sites, sounds, and culture. Also, travel around the rest of Asia if you have the time and means. You will experience things that you've probably never dreamed of.

[Lyle1]

I like the examples that you posted, because I personally like shoes that look sleek rather than chunky. I generally prefer Italian designs better than English designs, because Italian shoes seem to be cut closer to the foot and have less bulk. I would also chose leather soles and heels for a dress shoe. I know it contradicts conventional wisdom, but I have always found that the leather heels with have a rubber strip at the back make me more prone to fall. The leather heel glides on the floor, and the rubber part sticks and throws me off balance. I have actually had that type of heel replaced with leather heels before wearing a pair of shoes.

[Downunder Kilt]

I think you are making an excellent choice for a all round dressy shoe CMcG.

I would go for a copy of the Loake or Church's toe cap shoe which have the bare minimum of additional stitching. I also dislike the pointed or chisel toe look and I think the more rounded toe is the way to go. As for the full leather sole and heal, if it is an all round shoe, which you suggest it is, I would go for the rubber heel plate.

Good luck with the process and look forward to seeing the results

[English Bloke]

These are flippin' gaaaaawgeous!

I want some!

[Lime]

http://www.bownsbespoke.com/

I've found this chap makes interesting reading for what to expect, look out for and to ask for when purchasing bespoke. You will see there are particular sections for shoes.

[Father Bill]

Good call on the leather because I want to be able to see my face in them once I finish shining them up!

As for the eyelets, must it be four or could it be just an even number? And could you explain that style of lacing or point me to one on the web?

I knew somebody would ask me that! It can be any even number but to me, six eyelet looks excessive in a dress shoe and two eyelet seems a little unusual.

Here's the diagram I drew: The idea is that only the crossing bars are seen thus keeping it very, very neat. In addition, it means that there are less creases created on the surface of the leather. Further, it's a safety item because if your foot were caught, it would be easy to release it with a single knife stroke. That's why the Canadian military uses (or at least used to - I don't know any more) this style. As a bonus, when you're in a hurry and need to touch up the shine, it's really easy to get past the laces.

Hope that helps.

... and a further thought just occurred to me. At 215 lbs, I hate having thin soles. If I step on a stone, I want to crush it, not have it come up through the sole into my foot. For that reason, I'd ask for a thick sole, or even a double one. I have often taken brand new shoes straight to the cobbler and asked him to add a second sole, and then put the heel back on. It's a wonderful feeling once you get used to it and looks rather manly.

[creagdhubh]

Very nice!

[CMcG]

As a side note, I've got to admit that I'm a bit jealous of your new location. I grew up there for 15 years, 1972-1986, and I miss it, and want to return for a visit sometime in the future. Enjoy it, and treasure the sites, sounds, and culture. Also, travel around the rest of Asia if you have the time and means. You will experience things that you've probably never dreamed of.

Cool! So far Hong Kong has been quite amazing... if only my pesky homework would stop getting in the way I've got plenty of time though

I think you are making an excellent choice for a all round dressy shoe CMcG.

I would go for a copy of the Loake or Church's toe cap shoe which have the bare minimum of additional stitching. I also dislike the pointed or chisel toe look and I think the more rounded toe is the way to go. As for the full leather sole and heal, if it is an all round shoe, which you suggest it is, I would go for the rubber heel plate.

Good luck with the process and look forward to seeing the results

Interestingly enough, Church's makes a model called "Hong Kong"

[lukeyrobertson]

Hey Colin, I can't imagine a better place for shoe shopping and cobbling! Good luck on the hunt. Hong Kong is an awesome town in more ways than one. What are you studying?

[pascs]

I see that Zee's offers Dainite soles as an option though I think their default is leather soles. Thinner = more formal, right?

And you've just reminded me that I should bring kilt hose when I go for a fitting... if they are made a bit bigger, I can put insoles in when I wear them with regular socks. Thanks!

I have some beautiful pairs of shoes like those in your pics, I'm not sure about thinner=more formal. Mine have 3 layers of leather on the sole, can look formal with a suit but great with jeans and make a lovely sound on a wooden dance floor

I'd certainly take your kilt hose when going for fitting since I'd think you normally wear quite thin socks. The shoemaker may also be able to make an insole for use with normal socks.

Anyway enjoy, great shoes really make an outfit