Just wondering, if you want patent leather why do you want a cap toe instead of plain toe? I always thought plain toe was more traditional for a formal shoe.

AE has the Mayfair on clearance for only $127 from the Shoebank if they have your size. It's a PTB though: https://www.shoebank.com/FactorySecondInventory.php?STY=2025S&DIM=D&SIZE=100
Barneys has a plain toe bal: https://www.barneys.com/on/demandwa...tore/Sites-BNY-Site/default/Product-Show?pid=503230412&cgid=mens-dress&index=16
Not patent, but Kent Wang's plain toe bals for $350 look pretty nice as a calf option: https://www.kentwang.com/shoes/benchgrade-plaintoe-balmoral.html
No idea who makes these, but SuitSupply has a patent shoe for $299: https://us.suitsupply.com/en_US/shoes/tuxedo-shoe-black/FW131510.html?start=31&cgid=Shoes

 

Is there a reason you want a cap toe rather than a plain toe, and the same with patent leather over calfskin?

To me the best, and most versatile option would be this: https://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline/producti_SF8830_1_40000000001_-1?style=8836

 

I would not depend upon the site and would contact AE. My favorite AE shoes, the Harrison, is part of their Independence collection and has not been listed for a while. My next purchase, the Rutledge, from the same collection has come and gone over the past month. I suspect there might be an end-of-the-year inventory thing affecting what is being listed as available. Anyway, an email should clarify things.

 

I'll try contacting Allen Edmonds, thanks for that advice. I just prefer the cap toe over the plain toe. My understanding is that plain toe is considered more formal, but cap toe is acceptable. Also, I guess I should mention I am a size 13 wide, and I definitely do not want a derby/blucher style. There are plenty out there in the $400-500 range, but I was hoping to find something below $300. As for why patent, I intend for this to be exclusively for formal use. I already have a pair of Allen Edmonds Park Avenues.

 

Have you considered an Opera pump?

 

Have you considered an Opera pump?

I have a pair already. They're too formal for some occasions, so I'd still like a pair of patent Oxfords. I also have a pair of black velvet slippers that I wear occasionally. I can't imagine wearing either pumps or velvet slippers for my wedding.

 

Why not a pair of patent leather plain toe oxfords? If oyu already have a pait of calf cap toe oxfords, I don't think another pair in patent leather's necessary.

 

Plain toe, not cap, but Shipton & Heneage has one for $255:
https://www.shipton.com/tamar-mens-patent-oxford.html

Blake stitched, no idea by whom. I have a pair of S&H shoes that are made by C&J that are a good value for the $, and I used to have a pair of their loafers by Alfred Sargent. They probably are decently made and a pretty good deal for under $300.

 

I would not depend upon the site and would contact AE. My favorite AE shoes, the Harrison, is part of their Independence collection and has not been listed for a while. My next purchase, the Rutledge, from the same collection has come and gone over the past month. I suspect there might be an end-of-the-year inventory thing affecting what is being listed as available. Anyway, an email should clarify things.

I did call Allen Edmonds, and at the moment they are not offering any patent leather shoes.

 

I did call Allen Edmonds, and at the moment they are not offering any patent leather shoes.

Sorry, but at least now you know for sure.

 

https://www.paulstuart.com/product_...fo.cfm?ProdID=6430&ProdCatId=1008&MainCatId=14&HEADERMENUID=1&SUBPRODCATID=2077

A touch above your price point but a nice option nevertheless.

 

Plain toe bal $159

https://www.dsw.com/shoe/cole+haan+madison+oxford?prodId=315433&productRef=SEARCH