Black Cap Toe Oxfords

[xman]

These are the ones my lass likes best so far:

Well then, it's decided isn't it? She's a tasteful lady and that means you get to think just a little less about such things, lucky you. Ignore this opportunity knocking at your peril.

[MacLowlife]

NOT captoes. If you are spending on custom, go for WHOLECUTS, which are cut from a single piece of leather and are absolutely completely plain. And you won't see another pair like them in three days time, instead of everybody having them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pal-Zileri-W...item2a0f1a6258

[CMcG]

NOT captoes. If you are spending on custom, go for WHOLECUTS, which are cut from a single piece of leather and are absolutely completely plain. And you won't see another pair like them in three days time, instead of everybody having them. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pal-Zileri-W...item2a0f1a6258

Ah MacLowlife, ever the one with an interesting take on things, aren't you? Since you suggested that, I've been looking at some wholecuts but somehow they look a little TOO plain... are they formal enough for wearing with a black tie Highland attire?

Several people have mentioned that they don't really like cap toes. Would any of those people care to suggest an alternative or are you tacitly agreeing with MacLowlife?

If anything, I favour the whole cuts I've seen with a bit of detail on the toe:

[CMcG]

Several people have mentioned they like the last pic from my original post, and English Bloke especially! Those are the "Bert" model made by Grenson and go for £170.00.

There is something very streamlined about the stitching being hidden on the cap rather than doubled up like other shoes. And the "swoop" of the design is just slick... contemporary but still classic.

The more I look at them, the more I like them...









I believe they do come in other colours too...

[Mickey]

Several people have mentioned that they don't really like cap toes. Would any of those people care to suggest an alternative or are you tacitly agreeing with MacLowlife?

I don't like cap toes for myself because they remind me too much of steel-toe or paratrooper boots. I'm not partial to smooth-tops either as they are just too plain for me. I'm also not a big fan of the current trend of what I call "duckbills"... those flat, square toed, seam topped ones. For dress or informal shoes (not my boots or Nikes) this is what I wear:



L-R, Florsheim cordovans, unk. mnfg black leather, synthetic leather for outdoors, and the only "smooth-top" I wear now, Sketcher buckles (generally for winter).

[CMcG]

I don't like cap toes for myself because they remind me too much of steel-toe or paratrooper boots. I'm not partial to smooth-tops either as they are just too plain for me. I'm also not a big fan of the current trend of what I call "duckbills"... those flat, square toed, seam topped ones. For dress or informal shoes (not my boots or Nikes) this is what I wear:

Thanks for sharing that Mickey.

I already have a good pair of brogues with a thick, comfy rubber sole, but my second hand cap toes are on their last legs. I've also got a nearly, new second hand pair of dress ghillie brogues with a thin leather sole but I wouldn't wear those with a suit

In replacing the cap toes, I haven't found anything else that is quite as versatile and also on the upper end of formality. On the other hand, MacLowlife is seriously tempting me with the thought of black whole cuts, in fine grain leather, and some perforation detailing on the toe...

Also, I guess I'm still stuck on the thinner sole = more formal thing... I might just have to ask the shoe maker how thin they can make those Dainite soles... Here's a stock pic of my brogues and, just for Father Bill, one of the "angelic" sole. Please note that they are alkali, water, acid, fatigue, and SATAN resistant

[CMcG]

Well then, it's decided isn't it? She's a tasteful lady and that means you get to think just a little less about such things, lucky you. Ignore this opportunity knocking at your peril.

True enough! She has looked at this thread though, and is now favouring #2 from the original post, which has also found some favour amongst the Rabble...

[xman]

True enough! She has looked at this thread though, and is now favouring #2 from the original post, which has also found some favour amongst the Rabble...

I was wrong then and have changed my mind and she is still right and always was. See how easy that is?

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

[Father Bill]

re. straight bar lacing vs. cross hatching
That is the WRONG way to do that. Do not skip more than one hole as you lace upwards or you will pull the flaps diagonally as you tighten the laces and run the risk of having the 'long' lace show from beneath the flap (what's it called there above the tongue?) particularly with more holes. I also find it less comfortable than how I suggest.

Respectfully, I did note above that it takes a little getting used to, and that's exactly one of the things that does happen until you get used to how to do it effectively. I used to have that problem, but with a bit of finesse, no more.

[xman]

Respectfully, I did note above that it takes a little getting used to, and that's exactly one of the things that does happen until you get used to how to do it effectively. I used to have that problem, but with a bit of finesse, no more.

Understandably.

I also find that after a few times being worn in the 'one lace goes straight up only' fashion, the lengths of the two ends can vary wildly and it takes time to reset the lengths. i guess I just wonder why would one do it that way when there is a better way.

I also realise that "WRONG WAY" was a bit strong and am sorry if I have offended. I should say that it is "not the best" way to do it.

Mostly we do what we're used to.