Shoe advice? Any help would be appreciated!

[KMCMICHAEL]

Just one guys personal opinion -

I dislike the ubiquitous Ghillie Brogues. To me the tongue in shoes is to protect the top of the foot from the laces digging in.

So I wear normal Brogues. What in N. America are called "Wing tips". I prefer the wider, rounder toe found in the older style.



And now a bit of trivia -
If the bottom of the laces are closed as in the photo above the shoe is called an Oxford style.

If the bottom of the laces are open it is called a Blucher style.



You do not have to have smooth leather soles. Many shoe makers offer a rubber insert on a leather sole. I know that Allen Edmonds, my shoe maker, does.

Allen Edmonds has numerous sales throughout the year and 2nds are at times available. Their rubber soles are referred to as danite(sp?) they also make a boot like this if one is in bad weather.

I am unable to post pictures but they have a website. These shoes will last a long time.

[Macman]

I think for the level of formality you're shooting for, you have lots of choice in footwear. I wear suede shoes a lot for casual wear, as well as ones that look the ones Steve posted. Just one piece of advice on the hose - I don't think calf length looks very good, especially when you've got everything else covered and you're going to have a nice casual look. I would get a pair of kilt hose, even inexpensive ones, rather wear regular socks.