Advice on shoes (monkstrap) to go with a grey suit

[kh001]

Hi,

I have a couple of events coming up in the next two weeks and I'm in need of a new pair of shoes to go with a grey suit that I recently purchased from SuitSupply. I don't have a lot of knowledge when it comes to shoes or fashion in general, but it seems that brands like Paul Evans, Allen Edmonds, Meermin, Loake, and Carmina are good to go with. However, some of these are quite expensive and not easily available in my country. My budget is around 300 dollar, but I'd be willing to pay more if they are of good quality and look good. Meermin was my initial choice as they are reasonably priced with decent quality. However, theres no way I'll get them within 1-2 weeks unless I buy them second hand.

I really like the look of dark brown/burgundy double monkstrap shoes, but I haven't seen a lot of other people wear them. I've read that they were trendy a few years ago, but I don't know where they stand now. Should I consider going for a pair of oxfords instead?

The suit I want to pair them with is a Lazio Grey Check - https://eu.suitsupply.com/en/suits/...&prefv1=threepiece&prefn2=colorID&prefv2=grey

Here are some of the shoes that I'm considering: https://imgur.com/a/r7AjUAo

So apparently, Giorgio 1958, is a brand of Heros calzature and their shoes are handmade in Italy. Heres another shoe from them that I found interesting: https://imgur.com/a/Lt4dGja

What do you guys think?

 

[Chowkin]

Never heard of Giorgio 1958 so no idea of its quality but judging from the photos I would pass, especially the last one.

Have you checked Carlos Santos? This pair is within your budget and Skoaktiebolaget is an affiliate vendor on the forum and well respected retailer.

https://www.skoaktiebolaget.com/col...carlos-santos-double-monk-in-guimaraes-patina

 

[johng70]

Others might feel different, but to me a monk is not a stable fashion. The reason you buy a quality pair of shoes is that they last for a decade or more. If this is your first pair of quality shoes, I wouldn't make them a monk.

 

[Veremund]

Others might feel different, but to me a monk is not a stable fashion. The reason you buy a quality pair of shoes is that they last for a decade or more. If this is your first pair of quality shoes, I wouldn't make them a monk.

Exactly. And also, the OP mentioned he has a budget, so he should go definitely go with a classic cap-toe or brogue.

 

[kh001]

Never heard of Giorgio 1958 so no idea of its quality but judging from the photos I would pass, especially the last one.

Have you checked Carlos Santos? This pair is within your budget and Skoaktiebolaget is an affiliate vendor on the forum and well respected retailer.

https://www.skoaktiebolaget.com/col...carlos-santos-double-monk-in-guimaraes-patina

I fell in love with the Santos' so much that I ordered them . I'll try them and see how they look on. Considering that these will be my first pair of quality shoes, I might return them and go with a more safer/classic option.

 

[kh001]

Exactly. And also, the OP mentioned he has a budget, so he should go definitely go with a classic cap-toe or brogue.

I will take that into consideration. However, I ended up ordering a pair of Carlos Santos, but I might return them and go with something else.

 

[Daniel Hakimi]

Oh no... are those patent leather bluchers? Don't wear patent leather bluchers. Try not to buy from a company that makes them.

Since a major factor is timing... can you let us know what your nearest city is?

None of these look like they're worth $300... In the worst case, I'd actually recommend getting something cheap from some outlet store, as long as it looks okay, and saving the rest of your budget for a pair of meermins. It's better to have crap beaters + meermins than it is to have one pair of magnannis... and it's cheaper. And your crap beaters will probably look good enough on the first wear.

 

[kh001]

Oh no... are those patent leather bluchers? Don't wear patent leather bluchers. Try not to buy from a company that makes them.

Since a major factor is timing... can you let us know what your nearest city is?

None of these look like they're worth $300... In the worst case, I'd actually recommend getting something cheap from some outlet store, as long as it looks okay, and saving the rest of your budget for a pair of meermins. It's better to have crap beaters + meermins than it is to have one pair of magnannis... and it's cheaper. And your crap beaters will probably look good enough on the first wear.

Bergen, Norway. Skoaktiebolaget sends from Sweden, so I guess they could arrive on time.

Do you have any experience with them ?

The Meermin's are my favorites, but they won't arrive on time unless I get them second hand...

 

[Daniel Hakimi]

Bergen, Norway. Skoaktiebolaget sends from Sweden, so I guess they could arrive on time.

Do you have any experience with them ?

The Meermin's are my favorites, but they won't arrive on time unless I get them second hand...

No personal experience with skoaktiebolaget, but I've heard plenty of good things.

 

[Brezzo]

I am a big fan of Loakes- I think burgundy royals would sit well with the gray suit. And be useful for informal wear.

 

[maxalex]

I love my monks and wear them often. I pay no attention to trends and will still be wearing them in ten years if I live that long. But I would not buy a pair of monks as my first or only dress shoes.