My post was really about this: in terms of compactness, weight, and style, what are the best sneakers? If there is at all a pair of loafers that 'look right' with chinos and socks in winter on a young man, by all means lead me that way. I don't think they are a good look at all.
Sneakers are almost a philosophy these days. One day Puma is the rage, then Adidas, then NB, then Nike. I don't play. I wear Nike. At Nike ID you can design them yourself. Try it out you will like it.
In terms of compactness sneakers are not a good idea, as indicated above. In terms of weight, well, bring a scale to shop.
I was wearing Alden Cordovan loafers age 16. Hardly a man, but certainly young. It all depends on how you feel with it. Alden of Carmel makes some special loafers with a so-called commando sole. With a pair of thick wool socks (black) they will work in the winter as long as the rain is not pouring. You need more coverage then.
Originally Posted by
SectionChief
95% of the time I travel with one bag, means I wear a pair of black Cole Haan Slip-On Chukka Boots [with Nike Air Technology] and in the bag are a pair of Nike Free in all black.
This combination gets me through every walking, dinner, meeting, and workout situation I ever encounter [Weekly trips throughout Europe]. Since the boots have no laces they slip on and off whenever needed [primarily at US airports and on the plane for a long haul].
I usually don't wear those two pairs unless I'm traveling, meaning they are my travel only shoes even if I wear duplicates of them while at home.
Sectionchief, what you mean are probably Chelsea boots, not Chukkas. Chukkas are the desert boots with 2 or 3-hole laces. Also very comfortable but not quite as dressy. Chelseas are a half high boot with an elastic insert on both sides of the ankle. No laces whatsoever.
I agree, those are great shoes for traveling, PROVIDED you can take them off easily. I have a very chic pair (J.M. Weston, Beaubourg Single Cut). They are wonderful. Very comfortable, very stylish. But they fit so closely that to take them off I need to sit down and use both hands. Not practical in our times of TSA.
Another famous maker of single cut (there is only one seam in the upper leather, at the heel) Chelseas is RM Williams from Australia. I have yet to own a pair of those but one hears only good things.
A friend of mine recently showed me his Cole Haan Chelseas. They were a bit more on the rugged side, so wouldn't work with a suit. But a sleek pair will definitely work with a suit.
Till