A little history and a request for assistance from my fellow gentlemen here with better taste than myself -
The past 12 years or so I've been able to get by with Army boots or some form/fashion of boots. Two years ago upon separating from the Army I moved into a position where my employer bought me work boots, so I took the liberty of getting some Red Wing boots for the first time. These were exceptional boots, but I have very large feet (size 15 mens, E/EE), and just about all of the nicer styles they have in the store do not fit me. This was not a problem when my position did not require a more professional/fashionable presentation, however, I have since been moved into the downtown corporate setting and find myself struggling with my attire. Recently, I was pulled aside and informed that things are going exceptionally well for me and that I will be looking at some nice perks and promotions coming my way, however, it's time I start looking the senior/managerial part. I already revamped my wardrobe and that department is coming along nicely, but the shoes are killing me.
So far, I have been balancing cost and value and have shopped mostly at Nordstrom Rack for my shoes. I've now torn through three different pairs of shoes, all seemingly well made, but I tend to just be rough I guess and am a big guy, so I put some strain on these shoes. I tried rotating, then gave that up as the first two pairs broke around the same time, this last pair has lasted me for a while now but is starting to show signs of wear. The seam between the leather near the heels and the sole of the shoe just seem to disintegrate on all of them, regardless of brand.
I don't know if it's the shoes or me, as I also tend to destroy my socks. Ergo, I continue to shop at Nordstrom Rack since the cost is not too bad, but find myself lacking in selection and I am not satisfied with this.
I know I am not the only big guy who needs nice shoes, so I am wondering if anybody out there in a similar situation with larger feet can recommend to me brands/styles available that they have had success with. Also, I'm looking at better quality construction vs the mass produced glued shoes that are sold at the rack.
As far as styles go - I have always been an oxford type when I dress up, partially due to them being the uniform requirement, however, I am not against trying out chukkas or maybe some slip on six inch boots. Really what I'm trying to get at is lasting quality, particularly where in the event that I did have to go somewhere to repair the shoe, the money to fix the shoe at one of the local shoe hospitals would actually be worth it.
When I do searches online for size 15 shoes, I either get work shoes or I get ugly thick loafer style oxfords with sneaker lasts. These cannot be my only options. Here's hoping that someone in this community can share some wisdom and guidance. Many thanks in advance.
The past 12 years or so I've been able to get by with Army boots or some form/fashion of boots. Two years ago upon separating from the Army I moved into a position where my employer bought me work boots, so I took the liberty of getting some Red Wing boots for the first time. These were exceptional boots, but I have very large feet (size 15 mens, E/EE), and just about all of the nicer styles they have in the store do not fit me. This was not a problem when my position did not require a more professional/fashionable presentation, however, I have since been moved into the downtown corporate setting and find myself struggling with my attire. Recently, I was pulled aside and informed that things are going exceptionally well for me and that I will be looking at some nice perks and promotions coming my way, however, it's time I start looking the senior/managerial part. I already revamped my wardrobe and that department is coming along nicely, but the shoes are killing me.
So far, I have been balancing cost and value and have shopped mostly at Nordstrom Rack for my shoes. I've now torn through three different pairs of shoes, all seemingly well made, but I tend to just be rough I guess and am a big guy, so I put some strain on these shoes. I tried rotating, then gave that up as the first two pairs broke around the same time, this last pair has lasted me for a while now but is starting to show signs of wear. The seam between the leather near the heels and the sole of the shoe just seem to disintegrate on all of them, regardless of brand.
I don't know if it's the shoes or me, as I also tend to destroy my socks. Ergo, I continue to shop at Nordstrom Rack since the cost is not too bad, but find myself lacking in selection and I am not satisfied with this.
I know I am not the only big guy who needs nice shoes, so I am wondering if anybody out there in a similar situation with larger feet can recommend to me brands/styles available that they have had success with. Also, I'm looking at better quality construction vs the mass produced glued shoes that are sold at the rack.
As far as styles go - I have always been an oxford type when I dress up, partially due to them being the uniform requirement, however, I am not against trying out chukkas or maybe some slip on six inch boots. Really what I'm trying to get at is lasting quality, particularly where in the event that I did have to go somewhere to repair the shoe, the money to fix the shoe at one of the local shoe hospitals would actually be worth it.
When I do searches online for size 15 shoes, I either get work shoes or I get ugly thick loafer style oxfords with sneaker lasts. These cannot be my only options. Here's hoping that someone in this community can share some wisdom and guidance. Many thanks in advance.
