Smart Sneakers

[Tonkabeanicecream]

Hey guys, stumbled upon styleforum yesterday when trying to solve an issue I have been having.

I live in Australia and as such its quite hot a lot of the time so I end up wearing shorts. If I want to go out for dinner I have to go for the casual look with shorts or go for jeans and be too hot.

I am looking to buy some shoes to wear with shorts that look a bit more dressy, I was looking at the following shoes but had issues with getting them shipped to Australia or just uncertain in general.

The Royale x C.F. Stead - Caramel by Greats
The Royale x C.F. Stead - Storm by Greats
Men’s Capri in Mocha by KOIO


I really like the greats shoes above but they do not ship to Australia, I have been looking at freight forwarding services but have seen very mixed reviews.


Anyways, first of all I am asking if anyone knows of any easily accessible similar shoes in Australia of similar quality?
If not, does anyone have any experience using freight forwarding and would recommend a company to use to have them shipped over?

Thanks a lot in advance for any help.

 

[msimon]

Don't know what your maximum budget is but I have said it before and I will say it again. Crown Northampton sneakers, free world wide shipping.

 

[Tonkabeanicecream]

Don't know what your maximum budget is but I have said it before and I will say it again. Crown Northampton sneakers, free world wide shipping.

I was kind of looking at max budget of around $400.Your suggestion seems to be very fitting though so may have to stretch to the $500 range.

 

[msimon]

I was kind of looking at max budget of around $400.Your suggestion seems to be very fitting though so may have to stretch to the $500 range.

The fit and finish would be a step up from what you have linked. The leather they use is way above what others use, and with loads of choices you'd be stuck at the checkout.

I have noticed the soles wear very slowly, one pair I've had for two summers now and not even made any significant wear.

 

[rjc149]

You also have the option of chinos, and lightweight wool or linen trousers. You’re not limited to either shorts or jeans.

I don’t believe shorts need to be (or should be) “dressed up” as they are ultra-casual — if you’re wearing shorts, wearing New Balance sneakers isn’t somehow a drop in formality. And if you’re going to wear sneakers, just wear sneakers. No need to drop $400 on disposable footwear.

That being said, I think loafers, boat shoes or driving mocs are a better look for a “dressy” shorts outfit.

 

[KOz]

You also have the option of chinos, and lightweight wool or linen trousers. You’re not limited to either shorts or jeans.

I don’t believe shorts need to be (or should be) “dressed up” as they are ultra-casual — if you’re wearing shorts, wearing New Balance sneakers isn’t somehow a drop in formality. And if you’re going to wear sneakers, just wear sneakers. No need to drop $400 on disposable footwear.

That being said, I think loafers, boat shoes or driving mocs are a better look for a “dressy” shorts outfit.

Agreed. Even more formal shorts can feel like a step down from casual trousers and no shoes are going to help with that (can't make a swimsuit more formal by putting on oxfords etc.).

Consider Loake Sprint - nothing fancy but I've had mine for 3 years and they're still doing fine. R.M. Williams also has nice sneakers.

 

[notdos]

If you’re going shorts, at least go with something like a suede, unlined loafer.

 

[ValidusLA]

Leather "dress" sneakers are an abomination.

Just wear white sneakers as posted by @KOz or go for loafers, mocs, or sandals.

 

[Tonkabeanicecream]

Leather "dress" sneakers are an abomination.

Just wear white sneakers as posted by @KOz or go for loafers, mocs, or sandals.

Agree to disagree regarding leather sneakers.

 

[Tonkabeanicecream]

You also have the option of chinos, and lightweight wool or linen trousers. You’re not limited to either shorts or jeans.

I don’t believe shorts need to be (or should be) “dressed up” as they are ultra-casual — if you’re wearing shorts, wearing New Balance sneakers isn’t somehow a drop in formality. And if you’re going to wear sneakers, just wear sneakers. No need to drop $400 on disposable footwear.

That being said, I think loafers, boat shoes or driving mocs are a better look for a “dressy” shorts outfit.

I find myself being to hot in chinos also, I am from England originally so most of the year in Brisbane I get quite hot in long pants.

 

[msimon]

Agree to disagree regarding leather sneakers.

I agree, us sneaker people are not using them to go more formal, that's stupid, but we do recognise higher quality sneakers elevate a casual outfit.

As much as I like boat shoes and loafers one cannot compete with the comfort of a well fitted sneaker.

 

[Tonkabeanicecream]

I agree, us sneaker poeple are not using them to go more formal, that's stupid, but we do recognise higher quality sneakers elevate a casual outfit.

As much as I like boat shoes and loafers one cannot compete with the comfort of a well fitted sneaker.

I don't like loafers or boat shoes personally.

But as you have said I find there is a vast difference between cheap sneakers or brash sneakers and smart stylish sneaker.

 

[Tonkabeanicecream]

I agree, us sneaker people are not using them to go more formal, that's stupid, but we do recognise higher quality sneakers elevate a casual outfit.

As much as I like boat shoes and loafers one cannot compete with the comfort of a well fitted sneaker.

I am however struggling with the cost of the crown Northampton's and maybe need some reassurance of the quality and reasoning why not to buy two pairs of say Fred Perry/Ralph Lauren shoes?

 

[KOz]

I agree, us sneaker people are not using them to go more formal, that's stupid, but we do recognise higher quality sneakers elevate a casual outfit.

As much as I like boat shoes and loafers one cannot compete with the comfort of a well fitted sneaker.

Crockett & Jones Superflex sole loafers are definitely up there with sneakers in terms of comfort.

 

[KOz]

I am however struggling with the cost of the crown Northampton's and maybe need some reassurance of the quality and reasoning why not to buy two pairs of say Fred Perry/Ralph Lauren shoes?

Crown Northampton's are really nice, but it's diminishing returns on investment.