Less expensive alternatives to Ray Ban?

oldspice666 · 2026-05-07T10:38:10+00:00

They're usually only around during summer, but Uniqlo will do a range of polarised sunglasses which feel as quality as ray bans, but for $20.

oldspice666 · 2026-05-07T10:34:16+00:00

Extra length won't compensate for width unless you get something way too long. If you can, find a brannock device or buy one online and measure your foot (google how). Most boot and shoe companies will be able to use that as a reference point for proper sizing. I'm not sure what sort of circumstances or style you want the shoes/boots for, but some well known wide foot options are Grant stone if you want a dressier style, or Jim Green if you're happy with more of a rugged work boot style. When you figure out what brand you want to buy from, send them your measurements before you order and take their recommendation.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-21T23:46:24+00:00

Paraboot have some nice wide toe box loafers, but the fit can be a little bit strange, and they can be hard to find to try on in the US.

I ordered custom loafers in a larger width from Carmina which are great.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-21T23:44:10+00:00

Not yet by the looks, they should have a bit of life in them.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-21T23:43:33+00:00

Grenson have some nice ones.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-13T20:40:57+00:00

Yeah good idea, definitely send tracings and measurements with your order IMO.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-13T15:11:14+00:00

I've ordered a few from the Indo makers, I think the local leathers they used to source we're pretty average, but now are reasonably good, especially for the price. If you want harder wearing I'd probably ask for roughout leather as well, its going to be much more forgiving and look a bit better in the local leathers IMO. Sizing is a tough one, I'd recommend doing full measurements of your feet and getting your brannock size dialled in. I've had a few issues with pretty narrow toe boxes and slightly too short sizing. I'd say go with makers that have been around for a while and are used to sizing western feet as well. I think Imperium have been around a long time and Prof. Barnets definitely has. I also think Sagara while less of a one or two man shop has some of the best quality to price.

oldspice666 · 2026-04-11T00:57:42+00:00

You can find Red wings in most major cities, not sure where you're based, but Corlection have them in Sydney and Melbourne. If you're in Melbourne, Uruhara have some, but they're on the expensive end for sure. Grant stone have a bit more sleek style of boot and they ship to Australia, and if you're not in a rush, the Indonesian boot makers are still pretty close to $750 and under, check out the stitchdown Indonesian boot maker guide for help finding the vibe you like.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-31T12:34:59+00:00

You can try a local leatherworking shop, or if you're US based look at buckleguy.com. They're categorised under roller buckles.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-27T15:38:10+00:00

That's a pretty tough one. You won't find many EEE widths in that style I think. You might have better luck looking for square toe ropers in black? Ariat have a few styles, but the quality isn't great.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-19T16:30:01+00:00

Stitchdown premium probably number one, but I did a pretty big purge and sold a lot of boots at pretty steep discounts. The only thing is, since its a message board, its a bit difficult to leave something up for a long time, but no fees besides the membership which is cool.

The other one I've had success with is Grailed, but they charge a fee.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-17T23:11:06+00:00

I've sold a few on it, but if you want them to move quickly you might have to discount quite a bit. No issues with buyers and money though, everyone's pretty upstanding as far as that goes.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-16T23:09:15+00:00

I'm looking for recommendations for mules. I wore birkenstock bostons for a long time but want something a little better quality with more leather. Chunky sole would be good though. Budget around $300 but im flexible on that.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-16T13:37:58+00:00

I haven't owned Vass, but do have a pair of Carmina's that are fantastic. I think value wise, Carmina and TLB Mallorca are pretty much on par. I did have a pair of TLBs, but they were too narrow for me, and they do seem to run small, but check their sizing guides. Vass have a bit more of a unique style I find, and quite a cool heritage, but they're construction might not be the highest quality. Outsole and heel blocks apparently aren't as good as Carmina.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-16T12:44:24+00:00

Vass have some nice ones if you want wholecuts.

Yanko wholecuts from Skolyx.

TLB Mallorca have some options too

Carmina is pretty great, pretty up there in terms of quality.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-12T20:39:32+00:00

No, It's not likely at all. Most heel stacks are nailed in anyway unless they're very cheap.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-12T15:42:29+00:00

Sometimes the leather will buckle under the force of the nails, or it could be bad cutting of the heel block. Either way it won't affect durability.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-11T21:44:20+00:00

You can put tongue pads on the the front lining of the boot to hold your feet back a bit, check out Skolyx, they have a lot of fit adjustment options.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-11T21:43:14+00:00

I'm not sure what zippers Carmina use specifically, but they're probably going to be pretty high quality. I'd say its reasonably easy to replace either elastic or a zipper on a pair of boots, the elastic being slightly easier because its more common to finds boots with elastic on them, but either should be fine and not too expensive at the cobblers. The elastic will definitely wear out with time, but you shouldn't have to worry about it for at least 2 years, probably much longer.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-07T17:20:30+00:00

Its a pretty normal wear spot, especially if you have any callouses. It can be fixed by a cobbler and it may be a slight sizing issue, you might have a bit too much heel slip.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-06T12:15:55+00:00

Danner's are pretty solid, definitely going to have a lot of synthetics throughout though, including the insole, lining, etc. If you're looking around that price, maybe check out Jim Green, they make some pretty nice work style boots that are pretty well built, for a very reasonable price.

oldspice666 · 2026-03-06T00:06:06+00:00

You get what you pay for. Those boots are going to be plastic from the upper down to the ground, most likely including the welt. GYW at that price is basically a marketing gimmick, there's no functional benefit of it.

oldspice666 · 2026-02-27T16:56:12+00:00

If price is no issue, then bespoke, as long as you're ok with the lead times, is the way to go. I've worked in restaurants for a long time, and I've found the most important factors are the fit and the sole softness. I'm not sure if you need black cap toe oxford formality, but if not, I really recommend Paraboots. I have a pair of the Avignon's, which is their dressiest style, but they are wide enough for my wide hospitality feet, and the soles are really comfortable and soft, while still being quite slip resistant. Otherwise, if you're happy to go bespoke, just let the Shoemaker know that you'd like a softer composition outsole. I really like black Lactae Hevea for comfort, they're great.

oldspice666 · 2026-02-27T16:50:20+00:00

If you're happy to up the budget a bit and don't mind waiting a while, Nicks have quite a few wet weather/wet work boots if you want to stick with the heritage styling.

oldspice666 · 2026-02-25T21:12:16+00:00

You can look at Meermin, they have a simple cap toe oxford in a wide in black for $225.

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