Split Toe Derbys Timeless or Not

[Dogrescuer]

So another question for you guys about shoes, more accurate the Split Toe Derbys. Do you feel that these shoes are a Timeless style or not?
Also for those of us beginning our collection, what would your top 5 recommendations be:
For me
#1 Black Cap-Toe Oxford
#2,3,4&5 Not sure.
Stay Sharp friends.

 

[La Malice]

Top 5 recommendation .... man why are you doing this to me. I to have decided to revamp my wardrobe but a tad on the casual side I would say compared to you seeing the few post you have put out.

So now that you have the black dressed shoe down, I believe your next color should be brown, much more versatile. Also you might need to have some more casual shoe in the mix

1 ) Brown cap toe (to be acquired)
2 ) Service Boots (in use already , Thursday Captain dark brown)
3 ) Moc Toe boots (to be acquired and must likely the next one to be bought for me, will provide a dress down pair of boot to use on the week end this winter)
4 ) Black dress shoes (I just don't have a need for those that much at the moment so not an urgent need and I have some older black shoe in a pinch)
5 ) brogue brown shoes (to be acquired, missed the recent sale on off5th for Allen edmonds at close or above to 50% off, there is always next time)
6 ) Boat Shoe (to be acquired, next summer is still a way away

 

[tankerjohn]

Yes, split toes are totally timeless. Not my favorite style, but I do like that they are a little more interesting the plain or cap toes and are safely well away from the hype train (although, I would have said the same thing about loafers a year or two again, and now they're the new hotness, so you knows what's going to catch fire with the #Menswear Instagram crowd)

Top 5? Tough to say. My personal tastes are in a constant state of flux and suspect most people change over time as well. But I'll give it a whirl.

1. Black or dark brown formal shoe, appropriate for wearing with a suit. Plain or cap toe. Maybe a little brogueing on the toe cap, but nothing extreme. Black might be more versatile since it can be pressed into service with a tux, but brown is probably better for routine wear. Ideally an oxford, but honestly, in the Year of Our Lord 2023 I think bluchers/derbies are just fine. No one will care or notice. Unless your social circle will notice, and in that case stick to oxfords.
2. Versatile semi-casual shoe. Color 8 or dark brown longwing would be my choice. But the split toes work here. Or a derby in pebbled grain leather or suede. Maybe a chukka.
3. Versatile boot for fall/winter. Service boots are an excellent option. Chelsea boot and Alden Indy-style moc toes work too, if you prefer any of those styles.
4. Casual warm weather shoe. Loafers and boat shoes fit here. I'm a fan of camp mocs and moc toe bluchers.
5. Tan/light brown shoe. Any style, just something to mix it up and wear with lighter/warmer colored outfits. I am personally in love with my Alden cognac wingtip bluchers.

 

[Dogrescuer]

What are " service boots " that keep being mentioned? Like military?

 

[Tirvine]

1.). Tassel loafer in No. 8
2.). Medallion brogued cap toe in tan
3.). Unlined LHS in Chromexcel
4.). Camp moc in Carolina brown with red sole
5.) Quoddy Maliseet in brown with black sole

Four and five are interchangeable. I have both because most days I wear this sort of shoe and like to give them a rest. Add a pair of Tretorns, and you are set for everything but black tie. Add a pair of calf western boots and a pair of snuff suede loafers and remove the tan cap toes (which I do not have but would love to have), and you have my entire collection.

 

[Tirvine]

Yes, split toes are totally timeless. Not my favorite style, but I do like that they are a little more interesting the plain or cap toes and are safely well away from the hype train (although, I would have said the same thing about loafers a year or two again, and now they're the new hotness, so you knows what's going to catch fire with the #Menswear Instagram crowd)

Top 5? Tough to say. My personal tastes are in a constant state of flux and suspect most people change over time as well. But I'll give it a whirl.

1. Black or dark brown formal shoe, appropriate for wearing with a suit. Plain or cap toe. Maybe a little brogueing on the toe cap, but nothing extreme. Black might be more versatile since it can be pressed into service with a tux, but brown is probably better for routine wear. Ideally an oxford, but honestly, in the Year of Our Lord 2023 I think bluchers/derbies are just fine. No one will care or notice. Unless your social circle will notice, and in that case stick to oxfords.
2. Versatile semi-casual shoe. Color 8 or dark brown longwing would be my choice. But the split toes work here. Or a derby in pebbled grain leather or suede. Maybe a chukka.
3. Versatile boot for fall/winter. Service boots are an excellent option. Chelsea boot and Alden Indy-style moc toes work too, if you prefer any of those styles.
4. Casual warm weather shoe. Loafers and boat shoes fit here. I'm a fan of camp mocs and moc toe bluchers.
5. Tan/light brown shoe. Any style, just something to mix it up and wear with lighter/warmer colored outfits. I am personally in love with my Alden cognac wingtip bluchers.

For wear with a dinner suit, these are inexpensive, look correct, and do not torture your feet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B74R863X/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0B74R863X&pd_rd_w=qzuKh&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=BWTAYPYPJTXSJXS8CF2Y&pd_rd_wg=wrUfy&pd_rd_r=a0ef20b2-d9fc-4b9a-be37-1b66158ce0d4&s=shoes&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw

 

[La Malice]

1. Black or dark brown formal shoe, appropriate for wearing with a suit. Plain or cap toe. Maybe a little brogueing on the toe cap, but nothing extreme. Black might be more versatile since it can be pressed into service with a tux, but brown is probably better for routine wear. Ideally an oxford, but honestly, in the Year of Our Lord 2023 I think bluchers/derbies are just fine. No one will care or notice. Unless your social circle will notice, and in that case stick to oxfords.

Except the color, I think close enough ...

https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/allen-edmonds-brady-cap-toe-oxford-shoes-0400016896105.html?dwvar_0400016896105_color=WALNUT

 

[something better]

I like split toes. I’m selective. I don’t care for shoes with tassels or wing tips.

 

[tankerjohn]

Except the color, I think close enough ...

https://www.saksoff5th.com/product/allen-edmonds-brady-cap-toe-oxford-shoes-0400016896105.html?dwvar_0400016896105_color=WALNUT

Agreed. Style is fine. Color is too light for my #1 recommendo, but would work for #5.

 

[tankerjohn]

What are " service boots " that keep being mentioned? Like military?

Yeah. Think WW2 Army boots. Sometimes called derby boots or ankle boots. Nowadays, they're often referred to as "heritage" work boots. Essentially, the most basic style of lace up leather boot. If you close your eyes and think of a generic "boot", that's it. Examples:

Service Boot®

The Service Boot® is our foundational product which dates back to the 1930s. This pattern is a classic ankle derby boot which is one of the most versatile patterns available.

viberg.com

Field Boot - Everyday Boots - Footwear | Oak Street Bootmakers

Based on the WWII USN N-1 Boot. True Goodyear Welt construction with Barbour® welt. Quadruple-stitched quarters and counters with a partially-structured toe. Brass eyelets with waxed cotton laces. Fully recraftable. Handcrafted in the USA.

oakstreetbootmakers.com

MP-Sherman Toe Cap (Half Lug): White's Boots, Inc.

Classic 2.0 6" Lace Up | Chippewa Boots - https://www.chippewaboots.com/en/classic-2.0-6-inch-lace-up-21088.html?dwvar_21088_color=Wood

Men's 1000 Mile Vintage Boots | Wolverine

Official Wolverine Site - Shop the Wolverine Men's 1000 Mile Collection vintage Boots and Shoes and receive everyday free shipping on all orders.

www.wolverine.com

 

[Dogrescuer]

Thanks Tankerj

 

[tankerjohn]

Thanks Tankerj

anytime!

 

[dojpros]

A. I do not think the split toe is timeless relative to a cap toe or plain toe
B. First 5 "quality" shoes:

1. Black Cap Toe
2. Tan Cap Toe
3. Cordovan Tassel Loafer
4. Brown Chelsea Boot
5. Leather deck or driving shoe.

 

[AimlessWanderer]

I had to do a search to see what split toe derbys are, and they don't look like timeless classics to me. They're not something that I would personally wear.

As to the five pack, a black plain toe derby, a pair of brown brogues, and then forget style and conformance, and focus on your own personal lifestyle for the other three.

For me, I want a good all weather walking boot, some brown slip ons, but not the penny loader type, and either deck shoes or canvas cupsole trainers with a decent cushioning sole. I care far more about keeping my feet and knees happy, than keeping style fixated onlookers happy.

 

[Dogrescuer]

Tan Cap Toe

Worn with What color trousers/suit?

 

[dojpros]

Today, earth tones blue and even gray. Tan, IMHO, has displaced cordovan as the shoe color of choice after black for daily jacket/slacks & jacket/tie application.