Where would y'all go shopping for dress shoes? I'm also open to going to Houston if that's the best bet.

I need brown dress shoes for a wedding. (I have been in many weddings, but this is the first where boots aren't allowed/encouraged). I'm liking the idea of mid-brown cap toe oxfords with some burnishing.

I acknowledge that it's kind of weird for a grown man with ~15 suits in his closet to not know how to buy dress shoes, but I haven't owned lace up dress shoes since my mom stopped dressing me. I feel very out of place, as I'm typically the guy people come to when they want recommendations for the best way to buy a suit, shirt, ties, boots, watch, hat, etc. I feel like I've pretty well optimized my clothing shopping for dress, casual, and accessories. But the style choice to rock boots and suits leaves me feeling like a fish out of water when it comes to shopping for dress shoes.

Any advice on brands to target or ones to specifically stay away from is probably the most helpful guidance.

Locally? Probably Brown's shoe fit.

But I'd probably also take a drive to the outlets in cypress and try Clark's

Men's warehouse has a small selection of dress shoes but may have what you are looking for. They do a lot of weddings.

DSW is right next door so you can park between them and just walk to each. I am not the biggest fan of DSW's dress shoe quality. They don't last as long for me. But I know that now going in and make selections accordingly. If you aren't going to wear them much it is great.

Allen Edmonds. You'll have to go to the Houston area but once you figure out your size/width, you can buy online for all subsequent purchases.

Dillard's

Local: https://www.jwrsclothing.com/

What is your budget and expectation? Some nice vs something to wear once and forget.

Marooned_n_Aggieland said:

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What is your budget and expectation? Some nice vs something to wear once and forget.

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My philosophy with apparel is to pay the least amount I can but be sure I never regret the purchase.

My boots are probably the best equivalent, and I wore Luchesse before converting to Tecova. But most of those have come from big clearances or outlets. I'm always looking for a sale. Though I probably don't have that luxury here with the timeline for this wedding.

HWY6_RunsBothWays said:

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Local: https://www.jwrsclothing.com/

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this

DSW has a large men's selection and good prices.

TheOC16 said:

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Marooned_n_Aggieland said:

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What is your budget and expectation? Some nice vs something to wear once and forget.

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My philosophy with apparel is to pay the least amount I can but be sure I never regret the purchase.

My boots are probably the best equivalent, and I wore Luchesse before converting to Tecova. But most of those have come from big clearances or outlets. I'm always looking for a sale. Though I probably don't have that luxury here with the timeline for this wedding.

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Dress shoes is one of a few areas Nordstrom Rack almost always has items that are still for sale at regular Nordstrom for a steep discount.

TheOC16 said:

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Marooned_n_Aggieland said:

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What is your budget and expectation? Some nice vs something to wear once and forget.

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My philosophy with apparel is to pay the least amount I can but be sure I never regret the purchase.

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Not to be critical here, but your response is what most everyone tries to do. Let me restate this. You wear boots everywhere and don't have a pair of brown dress shoes. You are buying something for a "one off" event (wedding).

Your description is for an item of little long term use and you want to "pay the least amount".
Just go to DSW, find the DEEP discount rack and choose something that you can tolerate. You are not going to wear them much at all so the quality really does not matter. Choose something that looks acceptable and you can keep them on for 8 hours without trouble.

Do the wedding then either throw them to the back of your closet or give them away.
Next you are going to tell us this bootless wedding is going to be held on Alabama Saturday in October.

I disagree that most everyone tries to do what I do. Lots of people try to pay the least possible, but I do so mindfully that sometimes a significant investment in a purchase gives you the most long term bang for your buck. While obviously not fully effective, that's what I intended the evidence of my boot purchases that you omitted in your quote to convey. I will admit though that I could have added one extra bit of context that would have been helpful:

I have been mildly wanting a pair of dress shoes for some time. This is the excuse I needed to motivate me to finally pull the trigger.

So no, I'm not going to by the cheapest thing I can find to throw away after one use. I'm sorry for not being clearer.

TheOC16 said:

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I have been mildly wanting a pair of dress shoes for some time. This is the excuse I needed to motivate me to finally pull the trigger.

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This statement totally changes the situation. With that said, you should use your current shopping strategy on this purchase.

Actually, I would refer back to my original response and think about assigning some numbers. Cost vs Quality.
How much are you willing to pay and what quality are you expecting. Shoes are not that much different than boots other than a lot more are sold.

TheOC16 said:

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I disagree that most everyone tries to do what I do. Lots of people try to pay the least possible, but I do so mindfully that sometimes a significant investment in a purchase gives you the most long term bang for your buck. While obviously not fully effective, that's what I intended the evidence of my boot purchases that you omitted in your quote to convey. I will admit though that I could have added one extra bit of context that would have been helpful:

I have been mildly wanting a pair of dress shoes for some time. This is the excuse I needed to motivate me to finally pull the trigger.

So no, I'm not going to by the cheapest thing I can find to throw away after one use. I'm sorry for not being clearer.

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Then go to Dillard's men's shoe dept. in Post Oak Mall and buy a classic blucher, plain toe cap oxford -- no wingtips, no brogued trim in the cap toe, etc. (too casual) in the desired color. Focus on Johnston & Murphy & Cole-Haan brands at $130-$180. Stay away from the glued on white sole hybrids and the non-slip rubber soles in favor of leather, welted soles. Get a good fit.

Uncle Bug's Million Dollar Shoe prep for Gentlemen:

1. Dillards. $120-220.
2. Ensure REAL leather.
3. 1 can Brown Kiwi polish, rag, spit, and patient elbow grease. No brushes. No "Parade Gloss."
4. Wear for a day.
5. Repeat #3. At least make toe and heel mirror shine.

Uncle Bug said:

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Uncle Bug's Million Dollar Shoe prep for Gentlemen:

1. Dillards. $120-220.
2. Ensure REAL leather.
3. 1 can Brown Kiwi polish, rag, spit, and patient elbow grease. No brushes. No "Parade Gloss."
4. Wear for a day.
5. Repeat #3. At least make toe and heel mirror shine.

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I do not think you will get real leather dress shoes for $120.

Johnston Murphy. Something like this will get ya through the event and beyond. https://www.johnstonmurphy.com/meade-penny/12610.html?dwvar_12610_color=Tan%20Italian%20Calfskin

OP needs to go to PayLess

maroon barchetta said:

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OP needs to go to PayLess

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