Shoes: What Are the Best Options?

When it comes to footwear, what are the best choices for someone working in finance? I want to find shoes that are comfortable for long days but still look professional. Are there any brands or styles that people prefer?

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some recommendations for shoes suitable for someone working in finance:

General Advice:

  • Invest in Quality: Avoid cheap dress shoes and overly trendy fashion designer shoes. They are generally not worth the money and won't last long.
  • Comfort and Professionalism: Look for shoes that balance comfort for long days and a professional appearance.

Recommended Brands and Styles:

  • Mid to Upper Tier Brands: These brands offer a good balance of quality and durability. While specific brands aren't mentioned in the knowledge base, it's implied that investing in a higher-quality pair is advisable.
  • Classic Styles: Stick to classic, timeless styles that are always in fashion and appropriate for a professional setting.

Additional Tips:

  • Save Up: It's better to save up and buy a nicer pair that will last longer rather than frequently replacing cheaper shoes.
  • Avoid Trends: Trendy shoes might look good initially but often don't stand the test of time in terms of both style and durability.

For more detailed guidance, you might want to check out the "Ultimate Shoe Guide" on Wall Street Oasis, which provides a comprehensive overview of maximizing value for your money when purchasing business shoes.

Sources: Are these appropriate shoes?, Ultimate Shoe Guide., Women’s work shoes, Leaving Shoes at Work, Best Dress Shoes in the Office

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Depends how much money you are looking to spend. I like on the cheaper end cole haan's they look decent enough and can take a beating, get a plain pair of black laceup oxfords and don't go for anything too pointy and flashy. As an intern your options are limited so do not go for the gucci/Ferragamo loafers or the more expensive ones. No square toed shoes. Make sure you have black socks and belt too to match don't go for white or crazy socks. Keep it simple. 

 

You really need to provide a budget or target price here. There are good options from $150/pair to $2,000/pair. 

Commercial Real Estate Developer
 
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In terms of brands, I would go something like Meermin (~$200) -> Carmina ($500-700) -> John Lobb (non-bespoke) / Gaziano and Girling / etc ($1,000-2,000).

Meermin and Carmina are basically just two sides of the same family. Basically any shoe from either of those brands will be good. They can easily cover all your needs.

Now, if you are working with a phat budget, any of the Lobb/G&G/etc level shoemakers are good. At that level, it really just comes down to preferences. The quality will all be outstanding

 

I am pleased to say I just picked up my  first pair of Park Ave's from Allen Edmonds for my entry level interviews  based on you and others  recommendations.   

They even gave me $60 (to be used in 3 months or less) off my next purchase. I suppose I will need a quality belt to match based on what another poster said.  Thank you

I looked into Meermins but the thought of spending money on shoes that were made in China seemed unappealling.  

Whether its running running shoes from New Balance or lifetime dress shoes... I'd rather spend a little more money to have American quality and keep the money in America where it will have a greater economic and employment multiplier than zero... which is the multiplier I can expect to get when I send money out of the country... especially when its sent to potential foreign adversaries like China.

Bobby the Baboon - Leader of the Next Great Market Chimpout
 

Check out Alden. American-made. Men’s shoes for signaling you’re a serious person who can be trusted with serious matters. Expensive but well worth it. 

 

Can you wear (black) R.M Williams (leather)? I'm not from the U.S., so I think it's actually acceptable to wear R.M. Williams in the office in my country.

 

Have you ever seen those plain white New Balances? If not, they're often featured on "To Catch a Predator." I'd highly recommend those for anyone that's strange enough to care about their footware and hold the misguided belief that it's a defining personality trait. 

 

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Bobby the Baboon - Leader of the Next Great Market Chimpout

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