[Adriel Rowley]

My Brother approved of purchasing replacement footwear, however, there are as many options for chelsea boots as toothpaste, overwhelming.

Think y'all know me enough to ask confirmation should for the next footwear be looking for a chelsea over a single monk? Have wanted to try a single monk being more formal and popular in the '30s/'40s (my favorite sartorial period), though now doubt fit my slightly more rugged than refined archetype (now the forum has opened my eyes to who I am really). Hate to purchase my replacement footwear only to not wear as often, my current chelsea boots think should be retired so this be my only until maybe next year.

Since this be an only pair, think should be versatile, in can be worn with jeans and a tweed sport coat or Opa's DB pinstripe brown suit. I believe have normal arches and prefer some arch support, though tennis shoes have painfully too much (could barely walk after about a half hour of wear). Tried to purchase local, however, no options, so hoping there is experience here to say what brand(s) to stay away from.

Being of the means and need something sooner than later, plus hope this way chance of a second pair of footwear sooner, trying to stay under $350. Loake be great, though in their great wisdom, decided to exclude a large number of countries including those in North America.

Of the choices, leaning towards the Herring Jude because thinking the zipper last longer than elastic. Also, has the leather sole which doesn't look too thick like some, prefer over rubber based on inexperience (think looks less quality).
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/jude_chelsea-boots/brown-calf

Carlos Santos was also on a recomendation list and have the most color selection, plus love the long, narrower last.
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/carlos-santos/7902_chelsea-boots/braga

These seem to be too much of a round toe for a chelsea, just to toss out an example of preference.
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/coltham_rubber-soled-chelsea-boots/brown-waxy-calf.

And the green suede is on my wish list (green is my favorite color), as think be too casual for suits and be better as a second or third.
https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/barker/mansfield_chelsea-boots/green-waxy-suede.

Thank y'all in advance!

 

[smmrfld]

I don’t understand. You’ve said you don’t have funds for a haircut but you’re going to spend $350 on shoes? I applaud your efforts to improve appearance and present yourself as more businesslike, but IMO you should get a good haircut, lose the outsized mustache, and buy less expensive shoes.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

I don't understand. You've said you don't have funds for a haircut but you're going to spend $350 on shoes? I applaud your efforts to improve appearance and present yourself as more businesslike, but IMO you should get a good haircut, lose the outsized mustache, and buy less expensive shoes.

The Special Needs Trust would purchase the footwear, it is up to me to use the $75 a month how I please. Sorry that was not clear.

The current chelsea boots I think are beyond repair and now the upper stitching is breaking for the second time. When it rains, I can get wet feet. Wet feet lead to health problems, which longer hair and a short beard do not.

I am all eyes if you think these can be repaired to give another five to ten years of service. My concern is the multiple cracks in the welt and the wear to the uppers heel. And yes, I am still livid at the shoe repairman putting rubber over the leather to avoid replacing, think what caused the welt to crack in addition to being new to proper shoe care (now they get a regular creme including the welt). I asked only for the heels to be repaired. Oh well, life happens and learn from it.

 

[EDC390]

Those Carlos Santos sure look nice

I too love green, but can't think of a situation that would call for green shoes. Even my green- hued tan "tobacco" is tough.
I still like Chelsea's in black, though a case can be made for brown. Pair with a green coat, and be both happy and stylish.

 

[TheDlABlO]

Personal taste, I prefer double monks to single monks and I just sold off my double monks to free up cash for more shoes...........

specifically burgundy Chelsea boots!

there are a number of english manufacturers that sell at or below $350 for nice full grain chelseas.

Of what you listed, I like the elastic propotions of the 3rd - loake made, but the carlos santos one has the nicest or most interesting color.

 

[eagle2250]

My choice would be the Carlos Santos Chelseas in a "wine shadow" hue...at once handsome, well made and versatile!

 

[SG_67]

At the risk of sounding insensitive, posts such as this would be so much more tolerable and easier to answer if they didn’t drone on and meander.

Get to the point and avoid expressing the inner dialogue and conflict.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

Those Carlos Santos sure look nice

I too love green, but can't think of a situation that would call for green shoes. Even my green- hued tan "tobacco" is tough.
I still like Chelsea's in black, though a case can be made for brown. Pair with a green coat, and be both happy and stylish.

The Carlos Santos are growing on me too.

Being eccentric, think could pull off green, though agree not as easy and therefore not a good "first". Would pair with brown.

By the way, ever have down days where use clothes as a pick-me-up? Would say green footwear be in that class.

As for black, find too formal for my casual lifestyle and yet to find how to pair with browns. I have new black Ecco driving shoes bought four or five years ago on a deep discount and worn only once.

Personal taste, I prefer double monks to single monks and I just sold off my double monks to free up cash for more shoes...........

specifically burgundy Chelsea boots!

there are a number of english manufacturers that sell at or below $350 for nice full grain chelseas.

Of what you listed, I like the elastic propotions of the 3rd - loake made, but the carlos santos one has the nicest or most interesting color.

Ha!

I don't have any Loake on the list as I am in the USA and not being sold in this market.

The finish is hand done so everyone is unique. At first wasn't so keen, then now find it pleasing, not just another boot. I am actually now thinking eventually to have two or three. Heard advice of new footwear every year of ones 30s, and since hearing that a few months ago, my dream; already could count a loafer as one and be back on track. That then allow the footwear about a week to relax for extending its life.

My choice would be the Carlos Santos Chelseas in a "wine shadow" hue...at once handsome, well made and versatile!

I was thinking the wine shadow too!

The only concern is the up-charge if one returns. I am 29cm and looking at an online sizing chart, looks like a 9.5UK. You think could trust Herring on their response to sizing? Any other thought(s)?

At the risk of sounding insensitive, posts such as this would be so much more tolerable and easier to answer if they didn't drone on and meander.

Get to the point and avoid expressing the inner dialogue and conflict.

Not taken as intensive, instead a help which is appreciated, as been working on it. So would it have been better to just simply put out just the options? For example, "I am trying to decide between the Jude and the Carlos Santos, can you please help?"

 

[Woofa]

I have to be honest when I say that I am unclear as to your situation. If all you are asking is whether a pair of single monks is more versatile than a pair of Chelsea boots then my answer would probably they are equally un-versatile. There is really no single shoe that can be worn equally well with jeans and a double breasted pinstripe brown suit. The herring Barker Mansfield Chelsea boots in walnut calf (and other similar boots regardless of maker) are versatile pretty much up to (but not including) the level of suits and Blazers (not sport coats which I consider less formal.) The green waxy suede is not a shoe to buy with less than a dozen pairs in your rotation. A nice calf single monk in a dark brown or burgundy color will generally not dress down as far as jeans but can be dressed up to match most suits.

My bigger concern is the pictures of your old worn boots. Is this the only pair you have? Looking to replace? If this is the case then I believe I can advise with the entire thread behind me that you should be looking to purchase more than one pair of a cheaper shoe. You need to have at least a few pairs of shoes in your rotation preferably with shoe trees to put in between wears. If the most you can spend is $350 then I think you are better off buying 2 or even 3 pairs of $100 shoes be they Cole Haan on sale or maybe an Allen Edmonds (AE) for a little more from the shoe bank. Of course if you are willing to buy slightly used, there are plenty of options on EBAY for AE level shoes in very good condition for around $100. Might even be worth looking at a local thrift store and maybe saving a bundle if you get lucky.

If you are starting your shoe collection from scratch and don’t have enough funds to really do it right, then you need to do it slowly but starting with more than one pair or that one will wear out too quickly. In addition, as I stated above I personally don’t believe any shoes are versatile enough to go the entire formality spectrum. Of course I could also be confused by your post and misunderstand your situation.

 

[Peak and Pine]

Get to the point and avoid expressing the inner dialogue and conflict.

I have the attention span of a butterfly and do not like overly, semi or kinda long posts. Skim 'em or skip 'em, my sorry motto. But there are a few exceptions. Mr. Rowley would be high among those.

 

[FLMike]

I have the attention span of a butterfly and do not like overly, semi or kinda long posts. Skim 'em or skip 'em, my sorry motto. But there are a few exceptions. Mr. Rowley would be high among those.

Perhaps surprisingly, I would tend to agree. For some reason, I find my allegedly neurotypical self strangely fascinated by his posts and forum persona.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

I have to be honest when I say that I am unclear as to your situation. If all you are asking is whether a pair of single monks is more versatile than a pair of Chelsea boots then my answer would probably they are equally un-versatile. There is really no single shoe that can be worn equally well with jeans and a double breasted pinstripe brown suit. The herring Barker Mansfield Chelsea boots in walnut calf (and other similar boots regardless of maker) are versatile pretty much up to (but not including) the level of suits and Blazers (not sport coats which I consider less formal.) The green waxy suede is not a shoe to buy with less than a dozen pairs in your rotation. A nice calf single monk in a dark brown or burgundy color will generally not dress down as far as jeans but can be dressed up to match most suits.

Thank you for delving in despite the confusion.

The suit is worn maybe a couple times a year, so then should be excluded. Which means if understanding correctly, a chelsea work for now, then a single monk for suits including the DB.

My bigger concern is the pictures of your old worn boots. Is this the only pair you have? Looking to replace? If this is the case then I believe I can advise with the entire thread behind me that you should be looking to purchase more than one pair of a cheaper shoe. You need to have at least a few pairs of shoes in your rotation preferably with shoe trees to put in between wears. If the most you can spend is $350 then I think you are better off buying 2 or even 3 pairs of $100 shoes be they Cole Haan on sale or maybe an Allen Edmonds (AE) for a little more from the shoe bank. Of course if you are willing to buy slightly used, there are plenty of options on EBAY for AE level shoes in very good condition for around $100. Might even be worth looking at a local thrift store and maybe saving a bundle if you get lucky.

I put in the request, will update if there is a change.

Oh and I do use shoe trees, though this Winter been so cold been wearing the chelsea boots every day and concerned putting in the trees not allow the shoe to relax. I been using trees since my first pair of Ecco loafers in about 2004 (when in High School).

If you are starting your shoe collection from scratch and don't have enough funds to really do it right, then you need to do it slowly but starting with more than one pair or that one will wear out too quickly. In addition, as I stated above I personally don't believe any shoes are versatile enough to go the entire formality spectrum. Of course I could also be confused by your post and misunderstand your situation.

My concern also wearing them every day, thus why was looking to add to the chelsea boots I already have. As I said, put in the request and will see where it goes.

I have the attention span of a butterfly and do not like overly, semi or kinda long posts. Skim 'em or skip 'em, my sorry motto. But there are a few exceptions. Mr. Rowley would be high among those.

Thank you! You made my week!

By the way, Adriel is fine.

Perhaps surprisingly, I would tend to agree. For some reason, I find my allegedly neurotypical self strangely fascinated by his posts and forum persona.

:laughing:

Can someone please get me some ice?

 

[215339]

I think a pair of chocolate suede chelseas would suit your aesthetic and also be fairly versatile.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

I think a pair of chocolate suede chelseas would suit your aesthetic and also be fairly versatile.

Thank you!

Could suede still be worn with sport coats and wool trousers?

 

[SG_67]

Thank you!

Could suede still be worn with sport coats and wool trousers?

Absolutely!

 

[Adriel Rowley]

Absolutely!

Thank you!

Guess that was short enough post for you?

Okay, will go have a look.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

With that how about these?

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/hockley_rubber-soled-chelsea-boots/oiled-suede

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/barker/mansfield_chelsea-boots/brown-waxy-suede

Also, what is the difference between the oiled and waxed?

Thank you!

 

[215339]

Thank you!

Could suede still be worn with sport coats and wool trousers?

Sure can!

Suede isn't as flashy as most leathers, but IMO it's much more versatile in today's casual ensembles.

With that how about these?

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/herring/hockley_rubber-soled-chelsea-boots/oiled-suede

https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/barker/mansfield_chelsea-boots/brown-waxy-suede

Also, what is the difference between the oiled and waxed?

Thank you!

Hmm, from what I know, both are a type of waterproofing finish, but I don't know the difference.

Hockley seems too bright of a colour to be versatile in your wardrobe, Mansfield is the right colour, but has a matted down finish and looks a bit more casual because of it.

If it's between these two, I would go for the second.

It's annoying that Loake won't sell to the USA, because they have a perfect pair on there for you IMO.

Are you open to chukkas, or pretty set on a chelsea? If the latter, I understand because I'm not a big fan of chukkas.

 

[Adriel Rowley]

Sure can!

Suede isn't as flashy as most leathers, but IMO it's much more versatile in today's casual ensembles.

Never thought of suede as flashy, just more casual. Some of those French and Italian patina are flashy.

Hmm, from what I know, both are a type of waterproofing finish, but I don't know the difference.

Okay.

Hockley seems too bright of a colour to be versatile in your wardrobe, Mansfield is the right colour, but has a matted down finish and looks a bit more casual because of it.

If it's between these two, I would go for the second.

I thought the same. Wonder if using a stiff brush could help the pile? The advantage of the Mansfield is they also have that green, so can get the size right on the brown and latter once have two or four, can add the green.

It's annoying that Loake won't sell to the USA, because they have a perfect pair on there for you IMO.

I know, I saw that and once again frustrated Herring teases. If I had a good friend in the UK, be tempted to pay the "up-charge" (VAT, handling fee, and shipping) to have them.

Are you open to chukkas, or pretty set on a chelsea? If the latter, I understand because I'm not a big fan of chukkas.

This might sound eccentric, though think well known I am... I find laces uncomfortable and a burden to getting dressed (do have some motor skill difficulty). Now, if I was regularly going to formal events where Oxfords were a must, I would wear them as there be a reason to going to the extra trouble to lace. The only lace up footwear is a pair of snow boots and a pair of boat shoes, the latter tied so they can be slipped on, which case the laces are loose enough not to be felt. Also, the vamp shape on the chukka bothers me for some reason.

By the way, I have had a want for a Jodpur for about a year or so. When looking for chelsea boots, found Carlos has a really nice one: https://www.herringshoes.co.uk/carlos-santos/4125_boots/guimaraes. And no, I would not wear it with a suit, unless a very casual tweed.

Daithi says time for fetch, hardly does, so posting without review...

 

[eagle2250]

^^
I would wear those Carlos Santos Jodpurs with a suit...just sayin!