[DapperOneDay]

Will wearing pair of dress shoes on a loose, fluffy, sandy beach destroy the mirror wax shine that I've spent hours building? I'm debating whether or not I need to find a backup pair of shoes to swap into for the beach portion of an event that I'm attending vs wearing a pair of AE 5th aves the whole time. Also not sure how the sand will agree with the brogues....

Curious to hear what you experienced folk think. My options are to go barefoot, wear the AEs, or find some back up shoes for the beach portion. Event attire is "formal - no tuxedos".

 

[fishertw]

Just can’t imagine actually going back to the car or such to change shoes in the middle of an event. Possibly wear other shoes that you are not quite so particular about.

 

[eagle2250]

The sand will demolish the mirror shine on your AE Fifth Aves. My advice would be to kick the shoes off and wiggle your toes in the sand. Otherwise, take member fishertw's sound advice.

 

[Andy]

DapperOneDay:

Can you give us more info on the day's agenda for this event. Can't imagine that if they are including a beach portion that the remainder of the program isn't less dressy! ??

 

[Howard]

Yes they will, you'll wind up having to polish them again.

 

[some_dude]

I'm guessing this is a wedding?

Personally, I wouldn't. I would probably find some shoes that I am less concerned about, and wear them. I might even buy a cheap pair. Barefoot is the best option (weather permitting), but make sure your pants are on the shorter side.

 

[DapperOneDay]

DapperOneDay:

Can you give us more info on the day's agenda for this event. Can't imagine that if they are including a beach portion that the remainder of the program isn't less dressy! ??

I'm guessing this is a wedding?

Personally, I wouldn't. I would probably find some shoes that I am less concerned about, and wear them. I might even buy a cheap pair. Barefoot is the best option (weather permitting), but make sure your pants are on the shorter side.

Yes - it's a wedding. Not my affair so I can't dictate but yes it does seem a bit odd. Anyway... thanks to all for the great suggestions. I'm not sure what I'll do, but since you've confirmed my fears that my shoes will be wrecked (or at least the mirror shine will be wrecked), I'll probably either go barefoot or throw on a pair of older shoes that sadly don't look as good but will still be decent...

 

[Matt S]

I say change your shoes. There’s nothing unusual about a woman changing her shoes on her wedding day, so you can do the same. And when you change your shoes, change your socks too to prevent tracking sand into the better shoes. You’ll be much more comfortable if you do that. And I hope your trousers don’t have turnups!

 

[FiscalDean]

This image comes to mind!

 

[The Irishman]

Interesting dilemma!

I identify with the suggestion that if they are shoes you are particularly fond of then yes, maybe have an alternative pair for the beach. It's not that big a deal to change, as one person noted it's something women do all the time.

Going barefoot strikes me as probably at odds with the advice that the dress code is "formal"? But I've never been to a wedding on the beach, maybe this is normal for them.

 

[London380sl]

I'm assuming the wedding will be on the beach and the reception will be off the beach. Walking 50 ft on a sandy beach to watch somebody take their vows might get the shoes dusty but it won't wreck the finish. Just wipe them with a napkin after the service.
I went a marriage like that years ago and my shoes survived without incidence.

When's the wedding? I would think it would be getting a little cool in Indiana now for an outdoor wedding.

 

[estolano]

I guess I wouldn't wear dress shoes on the sand, maybe some boat shoes, black leather sneakers in a pouch to switch for the dress shoes.

 

[some_dude]

I wish I could see a higher resolution version of that iconic Nixon on the beach photo to see what kind of shoes he is actually wearing. Given that he lived in a beachfront home, presumably he had shoes for walking on the beach.

 

[Dhaller]

Since you mention "beach portion" I assume the entire event isn't on the beach?

I would wear my dress shoes off-beach, and then remove the shoes and socks and roll up my trousers for the beach portion (I mean, I want to stand in the surf at some point!)

Walking barefoot on sand is good for you, ironically, for the same reason it's bad for your shoes: it's abrasive.

Exfoliation of feet? Good. Of shoes? Bad.

DH

 

[FiscalDean]

I wish I could see a higher resolution version of that iconic Nixon on the beach photo to see what kind of shoes he is actually wearing. Given that he lived in a beachfront home, presumably he had shoes for walking on the beach.

I recall reading somewhere that he was wearing wingtips

 

[Andy]

I recall reading somewhere that he was wearing wingtips

I recall reading somewhere that he was wearing wingtips

According to the movie Frost/Nixon, the 2008 historical drama, it was not Gucci loafers, but definitely oxfords!

 

[some_dude]

"Wingtips" is what people say, even people who have no idea what "wingtip" means in a shoe context. It doesn't look like a cap toe, and could possibly be a loafer, although it sort of looks like it has laces. If it's a loafer, I'm all for wearing it on the beach!

 

[jackmccullough]

I think a beach wedding is inherently somewhat informal, even given the stated dress code. You might consider something like a linen suit and dirty bucks. Dressy, yet consistent with the beach setting.

 

[DapperOneDay]

Ha thanks everyone for the great replies. Luckily my trousers are not cuffed so no sand to worry about there. I think I'll just kick off the shoes and suck it up with the bare feet... It might be a little chilly but the wedding is coming right up here so hopefully it will be above 50F... if it is, I'm sure I can handle cold feet for the 30 min or however long it will be. I appreciate all the lively discussion.

 

[eagle2250]

Ha thanks everyone for the great replies. Luckily my trousers are not cuffed so no sand to worry about there. I think I'll just kick off the shoes and suck it up with the bare feet... It might be a little chilly but the wedding is coming right up here so hopefully it will be above 50F... if it is, I'm sure I can handle cold feet for the 30 min or however long it will be. I appreciate all the lively discussion.

Good choice...at least that is what I've seen a fair number of people doing at the two beach weddings that I have attended in my life! Enjoy the moment and the pure jor of a warm sand massage for your feet.