Top Quality Casual Shoes?

[paddyhasneeds]

I want some nice casual shoes. Slip on, ideally flat soled or at least not with a distinct heel, that are suitable for smart casual i.e. work or just plain casual.

I don't mind paying more than a pair of Pikolino's or Ecco's or similar cost if it's going to buy me something better made that will last a long time, what I won't do is just pay for a brand.

I'm a funny sod with shoes and there's simply nothing that appeals in town so the Internet awaits.

Bring on the "You want some nice shoes, how gay" comments

[escargot]

I've always found Loake to be good value for money. Budget around £70-100 per pair.

http://www.loake.co.uk/our_shoes/default.asp

[Shaw Tarse]

Shoes to match your manbag?
Loakes,Grensons?Church's?

[Vee]

Prada.
I'm pretty heavy on shoes and they always seem to last better than others.

[rex]

Try Grenson shoes. Very good quality and soft leather. Always comfortable from day 1

[paddyhasneeds]

rex said:

Try Grenson shoes. Very good quality and soft leather. Always comfortable from day 1

I looked, they don't do slip ons. So far it's a right mixed bag:

Loakes
John White
Oliver Sweeney

All look damned good, but I want something brown ideally as it goes with all my jeans, and I'm not sure shoes with "proper" heels would look right, plus they may be a little too shiny.

[Gemsbok1000]

Crockett & Jones do a pretty good range of slip ons with low heels. Also, try searching Allen Edmonds, US brand but certain to have some outlets in the UK.

O/T - Great user name btw, always reminds me of the scene in the caravan with the Charlie's Anals DVD!

[nrayner]

My Geox have lasted me ages.

[navier_stokes]

Try these

http://www.tedbaker.com/shop.do?cID=833&pID=37...

They do them in light and dark brown in John Lewis, and look a lot better "in the flesh" than they do there... quite reasonable compared to sweeney , jeffrey west et al.

[paddyhasneeds]

The basic problem is, to a "non shoe expert", how the hell do you know if you're actually paying for quality over branding i.e. you can pick up even a cheap shoe and it can look and feel well built until it starts to come apart six months later.

Anyone in the know care to offer any thoughts?

[matchmaker]

To be honest, my casual shoes are a pair of scruffy Doc Martin Oxfords. Don't remember the last time they were polished, but they are so comfortable!

[Rav]

Loake L1's are superb. Comfy and suitable for work and casual.

I got the chelsea boots in a light brown colour. I paid £70 in the outlet village in Swindon.

Excellent craftmanship and support through the manufacturer in Nottingham.

HTH,
Rav

[paul0843]

berlutis

[paoloh]

I think Gucci loafers look the nuts and last forever.

[toastboy]

Are Sebago or Russell & Bromley any good?

[paddyhasneeds]

toastboy said:

Are Sebago or Russell & Bromley any good?

FWIW I saw Sebago online and it seems the conversion ratio is $1 = £1 so do consider buying from the US.

[HONEYMON57ER]

Sebago are very good. My last pair lasted nearly 10 yrs.

[jazzybee]

I recently bought a pair from Dune. And very nice they are too. The sole is very thin, and was wearing quickly, so have had them resoled.

They are a pair of 'Arda's but they used to do them in Tan (which I have).

http://www.dune.co.uk/catalogue/category.asp?r=45&...

[Markytop]

Has anyone tried any of those MBT "Anti-shoes"?? - I like the idea behind them, but not sure if it is the marketing hype I would be buying rather than a new 'concept' of shoe. i would have thought a good fitting pair of normal shoes should offer the same benefits as what they claim?

[molestrangler]

Loakes for slip ons, Grenson for lace ups, especially heavy duty, good investment, last forever and repairable.