Well-made dress shoes for rough ground or not?

[julian1138]

Hi there, I am looking to buy a better pair of black oxford shoes for office work and I am quite new to high quality leather goods in general. I read that higher quality leather should be more durable, but I wonder just how durable they can be? The pedestrian walkways where I am are quite rough and uneven, and there's a gravel path on the way to my office. After 2 years of working at the same place, I still very occasionally trip over some uneven bits of ground lol. Plus, the weather isn't the greatest, with very frequent raining. I just want a pair of shoes that will last a long time while looking reasonably good. Would it make sense to get something like Cheaney's or C&J, or should I stick to something on the lower end like Meermin or Loake? Thanks!

 

[KOz]

Hi there, I am looking to buy a better pair of black oxford shoes for office work and I am quite new to high quality leather goods in general. I read that higher quality leather should be more durable, but I wonder just how durable they can be? The pedestrian walkways where I am are quite rough and uneven, and there's a gravel path on the way to my office. After 2 years of working at the same place, I still very occasionally trip over some uneven bits of ground lol. Plus, the weather isn't the greatest, with very frequent raining. I just want a pair of shoes that will last a long time while looking reasonably good. Would it make sense to get something like Cheaney's or C&J, or should I stick to something on the lower end like Meermin or Loake? Thanks!

My C&J boots are in great visual condition after years of use in rainy and muddy conditions. Obviously take care to minimize unnecessary scratches and whatnot and keep on top of maintenance. Black is also an easier colour to take care of.

In terms of shoe makers, you'll often see people talk about how Meermin take ages to break in. I'm not sure the discomfort is worth the money saved.

 

[julian1138]

My C&J boots are in great visual condition after years of use in rainy and muddy conditions. Obviously take care to minimize unnecessary scratches and whatnot and keep on top of maintenance. Black is also an easier colour to take care of.

In terms of shoe makers, you'll often see people talk about how Meermin take ages to break in. I'm not sure the discomfort is worth the money saved.

That's good to know, thank you! Yeah, I think I'll get something more comfortable as well if that's the case. Just curious, how often do you wear those boots?

 

[KOz]

That's good to know, thank you! Yeah, I think I'll get something more comfortable as well if that's the case. Just curious, how often do you wear those boots?

That's weather dependent. Keep in mind this won't give you valuable information as we don't have the same lifestyle. You might find it more useful to read this: https://www.putthison.com/how-good-things-age-i-love-these-photos-of-chris/

Ideally, you would take care not to use the same shoe pair day after day, but rotate two pairs.

 

[breakaway01]

agree with rotating. Use shoe trees.

don't forget that leather shoes have been used for hundreds of years over all kinds of terrain much less even than today's urban surfaces.

Well-made leather footwear can be resoled. Consider rubber soles if you frequently walk over wet ground.