Help me find the best summer shoes (Tier 1/2) for this blue linen suit

[adspainy]

Gentlemen,

I bought this JCrew ludlow light blue linen suit a few years ago and I still haven't found the right pair of summer dress shoes I'm happy to pair with. My thinking is, dark brown with dark blue, light brown with light blue. I could be wrong and this might be the issue. Googling light blue linen suit and seeing the dark brown tassled loafers they've paired it with just doesn't look right to me.

To gain an idea of my shoe preference and experience. I'm UK, have 6 pairs from the Loake 1880 and legacy range. A few pairs of C&Js and some Barkers. Nearly all my shoes are cap toes, brogues or Chelseas due to the weather here. I have a pair of black penny loafers but no others. No monk straps and no suede because frankly it rains too much and all my suede in the past was too difficult to keep clean.

However, for summer, holidays and the occasional day at Wimbledon I've been thinking.....

Light brown/tan penny loafer (I've gone off tassels) Belgian loafer or monk strap
Leather for the versatility with other light coloured chinos/suits or suede if it really is that much cooler on the feet
Must be ok with no show socks
Tier 1 or 2 level Goodyear welted brand
£200-£300 but could pay more for the right shoes

Your suggestions, opinions and views are very much appreciated.

Some ideas:

 

[Noblekostas]

I don’t know about you but this is how I pair my light blue cotton linen suit. Oxblood.

 

[Duke Santos]

 

[dieworkwear]

Would do a warm-toned semi-casual shoe in suede. Something that has a cheery feel to it, like a brown with golden undertones. Single monk strap, apron toe derby, or loafer. Here's an unlined penny loafer from Carmina in your budget:

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS 80546 UETAM EE

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS in SNUFF SUEDE...

www.carminashoemaker.com

 

[notdos]

Tan or Snuff suede unlined loafers..no socks.

Phee

 

[dieworkwear]

whoops, duplicate post.

 

[Daniel Hakimi]

I agree with the snuff suede penny option... But I'm kind of tempted to say Meermin's suede string loafers. It's a very casual loafer, but the suit is pretty casual, and I think you can get away with the combo just fine. Also they're cheaper.

I would suggest Carmina's snuff suede string, but they're weirdly missing from their website right now...

 

[efta]

If you want more casual and like it, something like a Belgian shoe? I think yanko released some a while back

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Brown or snuff color but in Nubuck would be another option.

 

[dieworkwear]

If you want to lean into the whole prep look, then white bucks. Available through Alden, Brooks Brothers, and Ben Silver

 

[comrade]

Gentlemen,

I bought this JCrew ludlow light blue linen suit a few years ago and I still haven't found the right pair of summer dress shoes I'm happy to pair with. My thinking is, dark brown with dark blue, light brown with light blue. I could be wrong and this might be the issue. Googling light blue linen suit and seeing the dark brown tassled loafers they've paired it with just doesn't look right to me.

To gain an idea of my shoe preference and experience. I'm UK, have 6 pairs from the Loake 1880 and legacy range. A few pairs of C&Js and some Barkers. Nearly all my shoes are cap toes, brogues or Chelseas due to the weather here. I have a pair of black penny loafers but no others. No monk straps and no suede because frankly it rains too much and all my suede in the past was too difficult to keep clean.

However, for summer, holidays and the occasional day at Wimbledon I've been thinking.....

Light brown/tan penny loafer (I've gone off tassels) Belgian loafer or monk strap
Leather for the versatility with other light coloured chinos/suits or suede if it really is that much cooler on the feet
Must be ok with no show socks
Tier 1 or 2 level Goodyear welted brand
£200-£300 but could pay more for the right shoes

Your suggestions, opinions and views are very much appreciated.

View attachment 1597782

Some ideas:

If you want to lean into the whole prep look, then white bucks. Available through Alden, Brooks Brothers, and Ben Silver


View attachment 1598008
View attachment 1598007 View attachment 1598006

 

[comrade]

You best option from Ludwig Reiter:
(not cheap)

Slatin Pascha

Woven leather, dark brown

www.ludwig-reiter.com

 

[Panama]

I prefer suede lace up Espadrilles. So comfy...

 

[Panama]

I prefer suede lace up Espadrilles. So comfy...

View attachment 1604034

Prada produce them too.

 

[Count de Monet]

Would do a warm-toned semi-casual shoe in suede. Something that has a cheery feel to it, like a brown with golden undertones. Single monk strap, apron toe derby, or loafer. Here's an unlined penny loafer from Carmina in your budget:

View attachment 1597883

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS 80546 UETAM EE

UNLINED PENNY LOAFERS in SNUFF SUEDE...

www.carminashoemaker.com

Agreed.

As for white bucks, I reserve those for traditional blue/white seersucker and lighter colored linen. For something darker, I’d opt for a sand colored “dirty buck” or something like camel.

And of course, a walnut & bone spectator works great with certain summer suits but it isn’t for everyone.