# OK, women: buy me some shoes. **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 25, 2012, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206 "2012-06-25T02:09:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/21 "2012-06-26T05:47:39Z")
> [@holmes](#): > > …first all why are you wearing jeans to a bar? I know they’re a staple, but for digging ditches or going to Walmart. lol ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/22 "2012-06-26T06:15:04Z")
> [@holmes](#): > > …first all why are you wearing jeans to a bar? I know they’re a staple, but for digging ditches or going to Walmart. Dump the jeans. What would you recommend instead? Fashionable jeans have been standard bar apparel since I became a legal drinker almost 7 years ago. Khakis generally lend a douchey, wannabe, trying-too-hard air. Anything dressier is flat-out pretentious, unless you’re a rich bastard and wear a suit or tux everywhere you go (in which case the OP wouldn’t have needed to create this thread). From [this site](http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/93/Do-you-wear-anything-other-than-jeans-to-the-bar-1490897/1): > [@](#): > > \*Do you wear anything other than jeans to the bar? \* > > [ul] > [li] I have a buddy who always wears khakis when we go out to the bar. We all rip on him but he doesn’t seem to care. Says he “stands out” because of them[/li][li]Who still wears khakis? Let me guess, they’re also pleated?[/li][li] Nothing says standout like Khaki pants…[/li][/ul] ---
**Author:** ![holmes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/23 "2012-06-26T13:53:20Z")
> [@rachelellogram](#): > > What would you recommend instead? Fashionable jeans have been standard bar apparel since I became a legal drinker almost 7 years ago. Khakis generally lend a douchey, wannabe, trying-too-hard air. Anything dressier is flat-out pretentious, unless you’re a rich bastard and wear a suit or tux everywhere you go (in which case the OP wouldn’t have needed to create this thread). > > From [this site](http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/93/Do-you-wear-anything-other-than-jeans-to-the-bar-1490897/1): Uh…ok. No offense, but I can’t see taking any advice from those guys. A person’s sense of style, which is different than fashion, is unique to them or should be. We all have different body types and goal as to what we want to project and our clothing should represent that. Also I think a bit of this is generational. What I wore and would consider to be ‘douchey’, was a lot different when I was 28 than when I was 50. Although I confess, I never wore jeans to bar/club when I was 28 either. If he had to wear jeans, he could wear a colored jean which comes in the same fit and cuts as demin and would give a little ‘jazz’ to what he’s wearing and allow him to be seasonal. Most importantly a person doesn’t have to be a ‘rich bastard’ to dress well, what they do need however is a sense of style and that is something money can’t buy. ---
**Author:** ![holmes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/24 "2012-06-26T14:03:14Z")
> [@Taomist](#): > > Nice username/post combo. 😛 > > Apparantly it’s a shoe that looks like this: > > [http://www.bestylish.org/blog/index.php/shoes/be-different-with-monk-strap-shoes](http://www.bestylish.org/blog/index.php/shoes/be-different-with-monk-strap-shoes) That’s a double monk, I don’t think that’s casual enough for him. I was thinking more like [this](http://compare.ebay.com/like/251089406837?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y), I wore something similar back in the day. In fact Dr. Marten has quite a few interesting styles, which may go well with a slim cut pant. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/25 "2012-06-26T14:07:57Z")
> [@holmes](#): > > Also I think a bit of this is generational. What I wore and would consider to be ‘douchey’, was a lot different when I was 28 than when I was 50. Although I confess, I never wore jeans to bar/club when I was 28 either. With all due respect, if you’re past 50 and you’re not, say, Simon Doonan, you may not be the right person to advise the OP on what to wear to a bar. ---
**Author:** ![holmes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/26 "2012-06-26T14:17:18Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > With all due respect, if you’re past 50 and you’re not, say, Simon Doonan, you may not be the right person to advise the OP on what to wear to a bar. None taken, I assure you I don’t wear my pants up to my chest, ride a scooter or wear coke bottle bottle glasses. Though I confess I do wear linen pants. The OP is free to ignore anything advice I provide. I promise I won’t tell Hebert Hoover, who I am personal friends with. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/27 "2012-06-26T14:22:06Z")
I’ve been looking for a nice pair of linen pants for years. ---
**Author:** ![Plumpudding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/edb3f5/32.png) [@Plumpudding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plumpudding)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/28 "2012-06-26T15:59:49Z")
I’m a younger man going to a lot of bars and supermarkets, and I wear either some brown malboro boots, some worn down, checkered, yellow/brown things I found once that I don’t really know what is apart from being shoes, and a pair of snakeskin boots I found on sale. Hope that helps! ---
**Author:** ![Heart\_of\_Dorkness](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/4bbf92/32.png) [@Heart\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Heart_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/29 "2012-06-26T16:08:54Z")
TL;DR: I care way too much about shoes. > [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](#): > > I’m basically vacillating between something very much like these two options. The only reason I didn’t start this thread with links very similar to those and say “which one” is that I wanted to try to get a bigger picture. So you think the Chucks are the way to go. I don’t know, man. Ahem… _woman._ I emphasize this only because you say you’re looking for women’s opinions, and specifically that you “want the people who look at my feet to not decide never to have sex with me based on what they find there.” So speaking as a woman, if I see a guy wearing either Converse or (with the right outfit, chukkas), I think something along the lines of, “Not a slob, but not a fashion victim or a narcissist, either. Has style and knows how to look put-together. Self-confident, easygoing and unpretentious. Yes, I’ll chat with this guy.” They don’t _have_ to be Converse; other, similarly-cut sneakers can fit the bill, for instance: > [@mnemosyne](#): > > Shoes like [these](http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/men/shoes/sneakers/89395503-washko/22) I do like a lot of [Skechers](http://www.zappos.com/skechers-odesa-goredo-gunmetal), [adidas](http://www.zappos.com/adidas-originals-samba-suede-grey-blend-tan-blend-matte-gold), and [Pumas](http://www.zappos.com/puma-puma-suede-elephant-grey), as mentioned above. But many of their styles look too [chunky](http://www.zappos.com/puma-esito-finale-it-black-white-puma-red) and [clunky](http://www.zappos.com/skechers-urbantrack-browser-black?channel=4&si944584=&mr:referralID=e713f5fe-bfa0-11e1-8e16-001b2166becc), in my opinion. What appeals to me about Converse (and their ilk) and chukkas is that they’re slim and sleek, not adding bulk to the foot, while still having structure. > [@rachelellogram](#): > > Converse tennis shoes are (IMO) only suited to someone of high school age, although a hipster/scenekid wearing skinny jeans could pull them off in their late 20s. Or if you’re going for the classic stoner look, they’re good. Oh, I’ve got to disagree. Converse are a total classic. They go with _any_ casual outfit. For instance, here’s Converse with: [Blazer, hoodie, and jeans](http://apocalypstick.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/hoodie_jacket.jpeg) [Yer basic jeans and a t-shirt](http://g-lvl3.nordstromimage.com/imagegallery/store/product/Large/0/_6991680.jpg) (NB: I don’t think chukkas would work with this particular outfit) [Same, with a track jacket](http://ny.racked.com/uploads/2008_10_andrew.jpg) [Sweater, dress shirt, and khakis](http://images2.chictopia.com/photos/lordofthecakes/7135094004/converse-shoes-h-m-jeans-old-navy-sweater-club-monaco-shirt_400.jpg) [Funky suit-ish look with t-shirt](http://images.asos.com/htmlpages/2011_05_23_H-Men-Tailoring/skinny-main-01.jpg) (I don’t love the super-skinny pants, but they don’t have to be) [Blazer, dress shirt, and jeans](http://thestantonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/IMG_5224.jpg) In each case, I think the Converse really make the look. If they were wearing oxfords or loafers, they’d look a lot more staid and conservative. If they were wearing “running style” sneakers, they’d just look sloppy. Observe: [This look totally works for me](http://fashionbyme.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/foto_835.jpg) [This (almost identical) look totally fails](http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Martina+Klein+Cesc+Fabregas+Presen+New+Angel+k-zC0EsKcJ0l.jpg) Yes, the jeans are also a lot dumpier in the second pic, but what really jumps out at me is the shoes. The flat sole and sleek fit of the Converse make a _huge_ difference. You can wear chukkas with many of the same kinds outfits: [Blazer, scarf, dress shirt, and jeans](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-az45hs4Zw1I/T5BRLeU4a3I/AAAAAAAACy4/G_3VdREL-uc/s1600/jesse-williams-john-varvatos-street+style-semi+formal.jpg) [The Basic](http://assets.denimblog.com/7/7d/7dc407c1_DSCF2159.jpeg) [Dress shirt and jeans](http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lv2ke5LtSd1qdzt6do1_500.jpg) [Same, with a sweater and tie](http://m15.tmstatic.com/e/f/ml2/1495806-8-cross-weave-pullover.jpg) [Dress shirt, tie, and casual cotton pants](http://thedapperstyle.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/page-1.jpg) The difference is that Converse give off a more quirky, casual vibe than chukkas. Compare these almost identical outfits - slim fit black sweater and classic chinos - with: [Converse](http://lh4.ggpht.com/_gvdVjSq_XB8/TX9VYzvVhYI/AAAAAAAADVM/brUgN7NsE3A/7.jpg) [Chukkas](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1358/5104764819_1852043017.jpg) My conclusion, then, is that you need a pair of each. That way, you can dress your look up or down a bit just by changing your shoes. You essentially double your casual wardrobe. ---
**Author:** ![Taomist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/30 "2012-06-26T16:44:11Z")
As a \ female, who doesn’t wear heels if she doesn’t have to, even _I_ say that any kind of ‘sneakers’ with anything not jeans or sports or hiking related screams “I didn’t finish getting dressed this morning”. Nothing wrong with that, but…there ya go. ---
**Author:** ![Taomist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/53a042/32.png) [@Taomist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Taomist)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/31 "2012-06-26T16:51:55Z")
Wait…[these guys pulled it off!](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-x2fWKbmo) 😃 (Hey, I’m an 80’s kid, I can make fun of it!) Also, linen pants in there! Just needs some monks or somthing to go with them. ---
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/32 "2012-06-26T16:53:53Z")
Some great pics there, **Heart of Dorkness** , but I still disagree about the Converses. They’re too informal and young for adult social occasions (and plus they’re pretty uncomfortable and offer no arch support, at least when I used to wear them in high school). I believe all those models would look better, all eles being equal, in Pumas. ---
**Author:** ![purplehorseshoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/purplehorseshoe/32/2996_2.png) [@purplehorseshoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/purplehorseshoe)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/33 "2012-06-26T17:01:30Z")
> [@holmes](#): > > …If he had to wear jeans, he could wear a colored jean which comes in the same fit and cuts as demin and would give a little ‘jazz’ to what he’s wearing and allow him to be seasonal… Colored jeans. Sweet zombie cats, no. Just … no. (Plus, the “seasonal” part made me think of bad Christmas sweaters.) ---
**Author:** ![holmes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/34 "2012-06-26T17:33:05Z")
> [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > Colored jeans. Sweet zombie cats, no. Just … no. > > (Plus, the “seasonal” part made me think of bad Christmas sweaters.) Basic colors like Tan, [White](http://menfashiondresses.blogspot.com/2011/06/white-color-slim-jean-american-eagle.html), [Greys](http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/245053-Pierrot+le+fou-pink-brooks-brothers-shirt-silver-levis-501-pants-green-gap-jacket-blue-na) and so on are more than acceptable in a jean and a good substitute for tradtional Khakis. As I noted because they come in different cuts, you can fit them to to the existing style that you wear Denim in. Seasonal because you want to wear brighter colors in the Spring and Summer and darker in Fall and Winter and the color selection allows for that. That being said, there’s nothing wrong with going with stronger colors if you have the confidence to carry them off. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/35 "2012-06-26T19:37:26Z")
> [@holmes](#): > > Basic colors like Tan, [White](http://menfashiondresses.blogspot.com/2011/06/white-color-slim-jean-american-eagle.html), [Greys](http://www.chictopia.com/photo/show/245053-Pierrot+le+fou-pink-brooks-brothers-shirt-silver-levis-501-pants-green-gap-jacket-blue-na) and so on are more than acceptable in a jean and a good substitute for tradtional Khakis. As I noted because they come in different cuts, you can fit them to to the existing style that you wear Denim in. > . I appreciate that you have your own personal style, but WHITE JEANS? White jeans are not only never more acceptable than dark blues, they are never acceptable, period\*. I mean, gag me with a spoon, 1987 called, they want their jeans back. \*Wait, are you WHAM-era George Michael and/or Boy George an/or the lead singer for Duran Duran? If you answered no to any of these questions, you cannot wear white jeans. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you can wear white jeans. If you live in the West Village with two pugs and your boyfriend, Anderson Cooper, then you can maybe wear white jeans. ---
**Author:** ![MichaelEmouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/michaelemouse/32/101_2.png) [@MichaelEmouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelEmouse)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/36 "2012-06-26T19:42:31Z")
> [@Turble](#): > > I’m reminded of a line I heard many years ago from a very beautiful and very intelligent female friend who was talking about a very average looking guy she was dating: > > “His loafers may be old, run down, and horrible, but they’re Gucci.” I’m sure she was very beautiful. ---
**Author:** ![holmes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@holmes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/holmes)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/37 "2012-06-26T19:49:06Z")
[White Jeans](http://www.thesartorialist.com/photos/white-jeans-in-the-front-row/) are perfectly acceptable and fashionable…but everyone has their own sense of fashion. ---
**Author:** ![Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a183cd/32.png) [@Barkis\_is\_Willin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barkis_is_Willin)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/38 "2012-06-26T20:01:04Z")
I’m a guy, but I like to stay current with what I’m wearing. If you’re at a pretty casual bar in your jeans/t-shirt or whatever and you feel like sneakers are appropriate, you can’t go wrong with [Nike Shox](http://www.zappos.com/nike-shox-roadster-black-anthracite-wolf-grey-black?zfcTest=fw:1). And black goes with just about everything. If you want to step it up a bit, the Aldos linked below are a nice choice. They make quality shoes. > [@mnemosyne](#): > > Shoes like [these](http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/men/shoes/sneakers/89395503-washko/22)or [these](http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/men/shoes/dress-loafers/78960853-robey/22)look rather good with jeans. … I personally avoid Chuck Taylors and Sketchers. ---
**Author:** ![Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jimmy\_Chitwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jimmy_Chitwood)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2012, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/39 "2012-06-26T23:45:42Z")
My continued thanks, everyone. The conversation about whether or not sneakers are appropriate or childish is getting right at the dilemma I have. It’s just occurring to me now that last summer I got kicked out of a jazz bar in the ghetto while wearing suede New Balances because “no tennis shoes.” Maybe all my shame and confusion stems from that incident. It wasn’t a nice place, mind you - there was a guy wearing a basketball jersey. **HoD** , I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to call you _a_ man. I recall your series of pregnancy threads. Over time, based on those, I formulated an opinion that you are not male. Two things: one, a pair of falling-apart Sambas is what I need to replace, so you’re already the best for inadvertently congratulating me, and two, I think you have mostly convinced me that your way of thinking is correct, which is to say instead of just getting chukkas like I was probably always going to do, I’m probably going to do that and get some lowtops, too. Still unsure about all that white rubber, but I’m attempting to come around. I might be a shoe racist. I really think in every one of your pictures the guy in the boots looks better, but it’s great to hear other points of view. So thanks for that and for all the time you must have spent. Bro dog. > [@holmes](#): > > …first all why are you wearing jeans to a bar? I know > they’re a staple, but for digging ditches or going to Walmart. Dump the jeans. Sneakers are for children or the gym…or Walmart. I appreciate the advice. When the Eagles get an interception and some portly local sloshes wing sauce on the imaginary Canali I’m going to start wearing to bars from now on, you’re getting the bill. > [@](#): > > 2nd, one pair of shoes won’t cut it. You need at least two, most likely three or four to change when the seasons do. As it happens, I own as many as or more than two pairs of shoes. I just want to buy a new pair to be my default shoes in non-dressy social situations. Incidentally, I’ve heard red jeans are the new thing. Your thoughts? [QUOTE=Plumpudding] I’m a younger man going to a lot of bars and supermarkets, and I wear either some brown malboro boots, some worn down, checkered, yellow/brown things I found once that I don’t really know what is apart from being shoes, and a pair of snakeskin boots I found on sale. Hope that helps! [/QUOTE] It obviously did not, but it’s my favorite thing I’ve read or heard today. ---
**Author:** ![thirdname](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Post date:** [June 27, 2012, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206/40 "2012-06-27T00:15:22Z")
Is this shoe acceptable, in the brown “rust” color? [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H73Y36/](http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H73Y36/) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-women-buy-me-some-shoes/626206.md?page=3)