New canvas "brogues" from Tom's Shoes

**Tobus** · 11th September 13, 06:59 AM

Don't know if this has been posted before...

These aren't really my cup of tea, but I thought some of you might find it interesting. Tom's, known for casual shoes, has introduced a new style of canvas shoe that they call a "brogue". It's a bit of a strange hybrid between a traditional looking leather dress shoe and a canvas casual shoe. It doesn't actually have the holes that really define a brogue, but it does have the wingtip style shape on the upper, along with a strangely angled Oxford style cap on the toe. Two things I really don't like about this shoe is that it has a big logo on the heel (though that can be removed by cutting the stitches out), and it has no defined heel. I can't stand shoes with a completely flat bottom like this, as it really gives it an odd shape. Especially for a shoe that's trying to somewhat emulate a traditional dress shoe.

http://www.toms.com/mens/shoes/brogue/c?view=all

Anyway, even though I don't see myself wanting a pair of these, I thought some of you might find it a good alternative for a more casual daywear look. Not dressy by any stretch of the imagination (don't try polishing these!), but would at least be a nod to a traditional look while still being VERY comfortable for walking around all day at a Highland Games or festival. They even have an elastic tongue strap so it can be worn without laces. Most of the models have a fugly white sole, but there is one model called the "Aviator" that would probably work.

They're priced at $98. Seems a little high for a canvas shoe.

**Blupiper** · 11th September 13, 07:46 AM

Tom's has a nice philanthropic business model, which donates shoes to those in the developing world for each pair you buy. That is certainly a plus. My wife saw the pictures above and had the same thought I did. "Kind of a cross between an Oxford and a desert boot." Still, compared to some things I've seen as footwear at Games, these wouldn't be so bad. My two cents worth.

JMB

**CMcG** · 11th September 13, 07:47 AM

Those are pretty funky. Not quite my style either, but I could see them going with a smart-yet-casual contemporary kilt outfit

**English Bloke** · 11th September 13, 07:55 AM

I like 'em. I could see meeself in a pair of those... And they do 'em in half sizes. They are 70 quid over here.

**HippieLee** · 11th September 13, 08:01 AM

I wonder if there's a mechanical/structural reason for the heel not being defined...I really like the shoe and the idea of canvas (some of the other colors there were pretty cool) but the heel turns me off too.

**Mudge** · 11th September 13, 10:01 AM

APT 9 oxford.jpg

I found these at Kohls on sale for $37.99 (orig. $75).

**Tobus** · 11th September 13, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by HippieLee

I wonder if there's a mechanical/structural reason for the heel not being defined...I really like the shoe and the idea of canvas (some of the other colors there were pretty cool) but the heel turns me off too.

I usually see that "no heel" sole on a particular style of work boot, meant for folks who work on flat concrete surfaces all day. In that case, I think they're intended to provide more surface area for traction and may perhaps be more comfortable to walk around in. I've heard roofers like to use them too. I like a heel, though, for many functional reasons (not the least of which would be climbing a ladder if I were a roofer!). Plus, a completely flat sole just looks strangely primitive to me on a boot - like a clunky moccasin. On a shoe like this, it looks strangely modern, although it fits right in with the look that one would normally associate with canvas shoes like Vans or Converse.

In this case, they may have to leave it flat because the soft squishy sole material isn't strong enough to go unsupported under the arch of the foot. Stiffening it up might increase cost and decrease comfort.

I could almost see myself wanting a pair of these if they had a traditional sole with a heel. With my sweaty feet, it would be a blessing having a more breathable material on my feet than leather. The tops look good enough to pass for casual daywear, but I just couldn't live with the soles unless they provided an option for a normal heel profile.

**HippieLee** · 11th September 13, 11:31 AM

even this fakey kind of sculpted heel looks better than the straight edge:

tomboot.jpg

but I have other problems with this boot lol...looking through their site I see all kinds of shoes that are almost great but something keeps annoying me about each one...I'm gonna keep my eye on them though - I like the idea of buying a pair and another pair getting sent off to people in need - I suspect with so many very near misses they will eventually give me a hit.