Opinions wanted - which AE shoe for me

[jhe888]

I want some brown/reddish brown shoes for work - mostly with slacks and a shirt, but occasionally with a blazer or even a suit. These two appeal to me, as I have always liked a long wing:

McNeil

Regent Street


The McNeil is dressier, and if all else were equal, I would prefer the sportier Regent St. for semi-casual wear. But there is a pair of McNeils at the Shoebank in my size for $260, instead of the $340 that is the usual price for both models. Is the McNeil too dressy for my use? Would the McNeil look out of place with khakis or wool trousers without a jacket and tie? I like the redder color of the Regent St a little more (the McNeil is really not that red in person), but I like the all pebble grain of the McNeil more than the smooth finish on the wings of the the Regent St. Alas, buying both is not an option.

Thanks.

 

[Tim_McD]

I think that either works with trousers and a jacket, but I would find the pebble grain a little too casual for a suit. Those Regent St are sharp

 

[Doc4]

Not seeing them in person, I suspect they'd both work well for your intended uses. Maybe that $80 savings is the answer?

 

[cluelessdude]

Wait for the next AE sale I think around Thanksgiving. The shoes will be closer to $200 maybe even less from the Shoe Bank. Sorry I can't help picking between these two as I don't know much about them. Except I will say that both are good for casual wear because they are not balmorals.

 

[jhe888]

Thanks. Anyone else? Sway me. Make your suggestions.

 

[StillShaving]

Sounds like the Regent's may be your overall favorite, so that should probably decide it. If these were mainly for more causal wear, meaning a shirt without a tie then I would lean towards the Regent. If most days dress included a tie, then the McNeil would probably get the nod. (Take my fashion opinion with a grain of salt.)

 

[NCJack]

I love my walnut Strands, a bal semi brogue. In any event, I polish my AE walnuts with cordovan cream and polish, as I think they are a little too tan, and I like a redder shoe also

 

[framos242]

The Regent St. looks better IMO. Maybe it has a bit more red in it?

 

[Rudy Vey]

McNeil, I love the look of the grain leather. Have them in burgundy, brown and black. The burgundy ones were already once re-crafted and came back like new.

 

[Trouthunter]

McNeil. I have in burgundy Cordovan Leather (fabulous!) and in walnut (your pic). I wear with suits, shirt and tie, vests with slacks, jeans, etc. it is easier to dress these down than to dress up the pebbled leather.

That said - the Regent St is a nice look. I happen to prefer a more classic look than a "dressed down traditional" look.

My other favorite go to shoe for dress down is the McTavish in Black. It has a bronze contrast stitch and chili edge to the sole. Nice - and I receive compliments all the time when wearing with jeans.