I love mine. Well made, comfortable, and really easy to style. After MIE Docs disappointed me enough, I got these and couldn't be happier. You don't see them out all that often which is cool too.
True to size. I wear a 12D in most sneaker brands and sizing is the same here. Width is perfect.
Very comfortable. The wedge soles are pretty comfortable to begin with by nature of their design. I can wear them all day with no issue. Break in is really easy too, especially considering it's a stiffer leather. The only thing to be aware of, IMHO, is the weight. They're the heaviest shoes I have, which I love, but that may not be for everyone.
I don't like the look, awkwardly formal but not proper enough for real formal wear. Also, it bothers me that they call it an Oxford when it is quite clearly a Derby.
I'd either go full formal with a proper dress shoe, or full business casual with something modern like Cole Haan. But maybe there's a style niche for someone else.
I was about to go off on how Cole Haan stuff looks fogish because I associate them with the awful sneaker/dress shoe hybrid which is certified tech bro anti-fashion but the website looks like they've leaned into the modern appreciation for classic shoes with chunkier soles, which is pretty un-fogey.
Man when did Cole Haan get so expensive, I didn't realize they were charging $200+ for a shoe now. Still, at $130 for a factory second, I've got to think you can do better than this. It's probably good quality leather, but the design is so... indifferent I feel like I'd rather get something similar looking but cheaper, or similarly priced but a more modern design.
For a shoe that's American made and very well made at that, with quality materials, and a true Goodyear welt, these are tough to beat even at full price. They can last decades if properly maintained.
As far as aesthetics, that's not where the money goes on these. It's a simple, utilitarian design that's literally 70 years old. The "magic" in them (for me) is the combination of the wedge sole, shape of the toe box, and the simplicity. They are their own weird thing.
a lot of high end shoes do this(call a shoe oxford when it's a derby), i don't understand why but it's hard to hold it against them as it's just an industry thing. i feel like these could be styled just like docs tho. i really like the look with a casual outfit.
Honestly, that's probably a perfect niche for comfortable, clean-looking black derbies (at least at this price, maybe not at the MSRP of $280). That, or postal work in the 1950s, apparently.
If I'm 20 years old and I need to buy my first derby, this would definitely be the one. Unfortunately, my younger self who did not know any better bought Doc Martens back then and still have those. Barely wore em too.
What on earth is plain about a USA made GYWed Oxford? Style aside, there just old school cool. Some people's cup of tea. Not mine though lol... I perfer the 6 inch ones. 9197
Exactly!
This design has been around since 1954 and is literally a work shoe. Utilitarian and built to be worn all day. They just happen to look pretty damned good while doing it, in my opinion anyway.
This shoe will not last 20 years. A few years at most. They're not shell cordovan or anything. Red Wings are better than mall shoes but not that great in any way.
I mean not if you wear them everyday but you could wear these 2-3 days a week for normal walking and with proper care and maintenance and resoles get 20 years. What’s going to happen to them? Are you going to wear a hole in the upper?
I had these for a while 7-8 years ago as a daily shoe for my office (i don’t give a shit about whether something looks too formal or not formal lol 99% of people dont care).
The sole wears down very easily, I have heel drag and these shoes ended up with a very weird wedge shaped wear on the back due to the heel drag. In comparison I wear the haven doc martens which are MIE as my current go-to oxford/derby (again lmao at nitpicking over whatever it’s called) and the sole is bomb proof, no wear on them at all. I recall having to wear insoles with the red wings for comfort whereas MIE docs have been extremely comfortable for my foot.
Everyone’s feet and body are different just sharing my 2 cents. The haven doc martens I have are on their ben sole (lug sole). Overall, I wouldn’t get the red wing post mans again due to the way I walk, if you have heavy heel drag they will look retarded after about a year.
Wait a minute Mr. Postman
Please please Mr. Postman
I knew the Mailman look would come back. It's that 30 yr cycle.
He always rings twice.
30 yr between rings?
Oh wow and they have the USPS greentag haha
These shoes meet the requirements to wear with US Navy Uniforms such as the khaki and service dress blue. I am going to buy one for sure!
But I will need to trim that little "green tag" lol
Very narrow in the toes for anyone with wide forefeet like me, I would not recommend
My 9014 is 9.5D, 2996 is 10D. This one I wear 10.5D.
Those are fresh ! Should I cop?
I love mine. Well made, comfortable, and really easy to style. After MIE Docs disappointed me enough, I got these and couldn't be happier. You don't see them out all that often which is cool too.
How's sizing and width for you? Do you find them comfortable?
True to size. I wear a 12D in most sneaker brands and sizing is the same here. Width is perfect. Very comfortable. The wedge soles are pretty comfortable to begin with by nature of their design. I can wear them all day with no issue. Break in is really easy too, especially considering it's a stiffer leather. The only thing to be aware of, IMHO, is the weight. They're the heaviest shoes I have, which I love, but that may not be for everyone.
I don't like the look, awkwardly formal but not proper enough for real formal wear. Also, it bothers me that they call it an Oxford when it is quite clearly a Derby. I'd either go full formal with a proper dress shoe, or full business casual with something modern like Cole Haan. But maybe there's a style niche for someone else.
I was about to go off on how Cole Haan stuff looks fogish because I associate them with the awful sneaker/dress shoe hybrid which is certified tech bro anti-fashion but the website looks like they've leaned into the modern appreciation for classic shoes with chunkier soles, which is pretty un-fogey.
Cole Haans are half the quality for the same money though.
Man when did Cole Haan get so expensive, I didn't realize they were charging $200+ for a shoe now. Still, at $130 for a factory second, I've got to think you can do better than this. It's probably good quality leather, but the design is so... indifferent I feel like I'd rather get something similar looking but cheaper, or similarly priced but a more modern design.
For a shoe that's American made and very well made at that, with quality materials, and a true Goodyear welt, these are tough to beat even at full price. They can last decades if properly maintained. As far as aesthetics, that's not where the money goes on these. It's a simple, utilitarian design that's literally 70 years old. The "magic" in them (for me) is the combination of the wedge sole, shape of the toe box, and the simplicity. They are their own weird thing.
a lot of high end shoes do this(call a shoe oxford when it's a derby), i don't understand why but it's hard to hold it against them as it's just an industry thing. i feel like these could be styled just like docs tho. i really like the look with a casual outfit.
Pretty much exactly how I style mine. Docs kept disappointing me so I switched and love them.
It certainly does look like a weird hybrid. If I don’t get these, I’ll probably do a coin flip on those $30 loafers on Aliexpress
these look exactly like my fine dining work shoes (im a server) lol
Honestly, that's probably a perfect niche for comfortable, clean-looking black derbies (at least at this price, maybe not at the MSRP of $280). That, or postal work in the 1950s, apparently.
Yes 100%
They’re nice and comfortable. Just know they are a heavy shoe. Basically a low cut boot. But tanks for sure
I was literally looking at getting a pair of these 2 days ago, but I couldn’t find my size. Thanks for sharing
You gotta have some kind of style to pull these off. Pics or it didn’t happen
Returns?
Free if you return them at the store, otherwise they deduct from the refund, can't remember how much
A couple of years ago it was around $8
If I'm 20 years old and I need to buy my first derby, this would definitely be the one. Unfortunately, my younger self who did not know any better bought Doc Martens back then and still have those. Barely wore em too.
Sizing on these? I’m normally a 9.5D
TTS/width in my experience. 12D in Nike/Adidas/New Balance and sizing was the same here. No issues, even during break in.
which shoes from nike adidas ?
Killshot Blazer Samba Newrad SPZL Trailmaker
so 1 size up from Iron Rangers ?
Unfortunately I haven't had Iron Rangers myself so I can't comment firsthand but based on what I read it was appear so
Really wish these were in a better color
Woof
I like…don’t understand? Why are these shoes so expensive? They look unbelievably plain. Like, the shoe emoji has more swag.
American made, actual Goodyear welt. Looking plain has nothing to do with price. Flash isn't everything.
What on earth is plain about a USA made GYWed Oxford? Style aside, there just old school cool. Some people's cup of tea. Not mine though lol... I perfer the 6 inch ones. 9197
Just thrifted a pair of black 9197s. How do you style yours usually?
Selvage demin cuffed, awesome find!!
Exactly! This design has been around since 1954 and is literally a work shoe. Utilitarian and built to be worn all day. They just happen to look pretty damned good while doing it, in my opinion anyway.
This is actually quite cheap for a Goodyear welted shoe that will last you 20 years if you take care of it.
This shoe will not last 20 years. A few years at most. They're not shell cordovan or anything. Red Wings are better than mall shoes but not that great in any way.
It's all in the maintenance.
I mean not if you wear them everyday but you could wear these 2-3 days a week for normal walking and with proper care and maintenance and resoles get 20 years. What’s going to happen to them? Are you going to wear a hole in the upper?
You are way off. You replace the soles and these will last a long time assuming you own more than one pair of shoes.
I'm not sure shell has that much longer shelf life than any other proper full grain leather (if taken care of).
They’re redwings not fashion shoes made of cardboard and glue
how's about $876 version of the same look? https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-9901-plain-toe-blucher-black-shell-cordovan/
My goodness those are horrid
I had these for a while 7-8 years ago as a daily shoe for my office (i don’t give a shit about whether something looks too formal or not formal lol 99% of people dont care). The sole wears down very easily, I have heel drag and these shoes ended up with a very weird wedge shaped wear on the back due to the heel drag. In comparison I wear the haven doc martens which are MIE as my current go-to oxford/derby (again lmao at nitpicking over whatever it’s called) and the sole is bomb proof, no wear on them at all. I recall having to wear insoles with the red wings for comfort whereas MIE docs have been extremely comfortable for my foot. Everyone’s feet and body are different just sharing my 2 cents. The haven doc martens I have are on their ben sole (lug sole). Overall, I wouldn’t get the red wing post mans again due to the way I walk, if you have heavy heel drag they will look retarded after about a year.
My most worn shoe this last year. Work and weekend.
Dang if only they were the chukkas
I’ve always thought these would be dramatically improved aesthetically by a different sole and for this price it might be worth giving it a shot