EXCELLENT video! I live in a (un)developing country, and I've never had much neither purchasing power nor options of good products. My shoes have always been square faux leather abominations and I wondered what was the difference to the "tv people" shoes. Well, I finally will have the opportunity to buy a pair in London in my upcoming trip. I've decided on a burgundy one from Loake. Maybe also a black captoe depending on my time $. I'll basically buy an all new wardrobe in this trip: pea coat, shirts, tweed jacket. Imagine, I've always only had polyester, very low quality products. I'm going a bit out of budget, but still very excited. It'll be a new me.
Another great video Ash! For my money, the introductory shoe collection would include a black cap toe Oxford, medium brown suede chukkas and white minimalist trainers. The difference may come down to my living in Australia, which is both warmer and less formal.
Hello! Thanks for these uploads, last night I saw your video on how to do a mirror shine with the cotton pads. Great to see this new video out, take care!
These are all excellent selections for a minimalist shoe wardrobe, Ash. My workhorse shoe is a medium brown quarter brogue oxford, which can be worn with most suits and sport jackets; a full brogue "wing tip" in walnut for more casual outfits; and a brown tassel loafer for the warmest days in June, July, and August. I have yet to hit upon the ideal winter shoe/boot for my southern Ontario climate. Given the amount of snow and slush that can accumulate, particularly in the days after a serious winter storm, I am reluctant to expose any high quality shoe to the elements. (For the moment, I make do with a pair of slip on "walking" shoes that have a leather upper and a rubber sole that provides both traction on ice and protection from water.) Even if I owned a pair of high quality, stylish leather boots, I would be reluctant to wear them outside when trudging through any significant accumulation of snow.
What would you think about replacing the light brown oxford for a derby? Isn't it arguable a pair of derbies would add some versatility vs 2 pairs of oxfords?
I like these selections. I have the black cap toe oxford and love it as it goes with all of my suits. I have an oxblood semi brogue but not the brown. After watching this I feel impelled towards acquiring a pair of brown semi brogues for all of the reasons you mentioned. The chukka boots seem like an excellent addition as well since it is so versatile and I do like the idea of that. I must admit I never considered a chukka boot until now. As usual you have such good information to share with your viewers.
Great video Ash and interesting choices! As far as materials for our rainy climate and longevity I would personally favour Dark Brown Suede or Cordovan.
A really good video, not everyone has a Rolex or a shelf of expensive aftershave, but everyone needs shoes and your point that just three pairs can cover a multitude of situations if wisely chosen was well made. The only issue being, do you need 3x3 ? In the same way it is best to rest a suit for day or two between wearings, shoes need time off too. So, to clone or not to clone, that is the question...
I would certainly agree, resting your leather dress footwear for 24-hours between wears is a great way to add life to them, as well as using good quality cedar shoe trees.
Excellent! Very well thought through and presented. Heaven forbid, needing to go to only three, but your rationale is unimpeachable, in my opinion. Likewise, I am a sucker for burgundy/oxblood/cordovan. I am wondering if the first two are Crockett and Jones.I have their version of them, and the brown semi-brogue look like mine. BTW, since I am fortunate to have more than three pairs, I have been polishing that pair with oxblood, and they have developed an incredible off red patina. I just discovered you this morning. I’ll be back for more. Thank you.
Great to have you aboard - I believe my favourite shoe colour is oxblood - so versatile and wearable across the widest range of the gentlemen's wardrobe, whilst developing such a beautiful patination over the passing of time. Best regards, Ash
Thank you for yet another great video. I have previuously been hesitant about brown shoes. Especially as the fashion of brown shade has varied. Which brown shade do you think has held up best over time?
I think mid-brown would be the best bet, as you can change its direction in respect to the patina you apply with shoe cream/polish over the years. Its also the most versatile for wearing with clothing colours too.
They are actually over 10-years old and are John Lewis own brand shoes - which means that they were made by another shoe company and re-badged as John Lewis. They are badged as being made in the UK, so undoubtedly a Northamptonshire brand who out-sourced to John Lewis. My guess is indeed Loake. Cost was £100 about 10-years ago, so fits the price profile also. Hope that assists. I have a paif in black as well, now on its 4th leather sole and going well.
