What do you prefer for formal shoes?

[Guest]

I mean, do you just use a perfectly shined black calf shoe, or better a polished calf or maybe patent leather?

I have to say, I do not like much Patent leather ...

[jcusey]

I have to say, I do not like much Patent leather ...

Neither do I. I have no doubt that patent leather has been used for formal lace-up shoes since at least the '30s, but they still look like plastic to me. Give me well-shined black calf any day.

[RWS]

Hmm. I suppose that we all know the meanings of "formal" (evening dress, or morning dress, etc.), for which I prefer patent-leather pumps, "semi-formal" (dinner jacket, etc.), for which, again, I prefer the pumps, and "informal" (town suit, etc.), for which I prefer polished black calfskin oxfords. As jcusey, I quite dislike patent-leather oxfords.

[RWS]

How does one cast a vote in this poll?

[zjpj]

calf for pumps and patent for lace-ups

[Will]

I agree with zjpj.

To me, visual balance on patent leather dress oxfords is achieved with silk laces. They break up the uniformity of the patent.

[manton]

Casting in my lot with zjpj and Will ...

[Collarmelton]

I concur with Manton. Just out of curiosity, would someone explain what, in a lace up formal shoe, is the traditional shape? I have always had the typical plain toe patent leather oxford (a very old pair of Church's), thinking this was exactly as it should be. I note that Crockett & Jones and other traditional shoe companies offer a cap toe patent leather oxford, which strikes me as odd, because I've always beenn led to believe that toe caps, broguing, decoration of any kind as business wear conventions, not suitable for formal wear. Please enlighten me.

Thanks!

[manton]

That is my understanding: a proper oxford formal shoe has no toe-cap (and certainly no broguing). My shoes are like that, and that's what I like.

[Concordia]

I now have cap-toe patent leather-- from Wildsmith, and I must assume from Crockett & Jones also. I don't at all mind the style, but my next pair will be plain-toe if I can find any that fit properly. A rule for which bending is possible, but not really worth any trouble.