How versatile are these Derby Grant Stone Shoes (Brown/Crimson)? Also looking 4 black Derby Recs
Considering potentially buying the Grant Stone's "Plain Toe Crimson Chromexcel". I already own their Service Boot in the same color, so wondering if this is even worth investing in.
https://www.grantstoneshoes.com/collections/derbys-oxfords/products/leo-plain-toe-crimson
For background, I'm trying to close the loop on Americana/classic MFA styles and was wondering if this would be versatile in most outfits or if it's TOO GoodYearWelt and would stand out.
Additionally, I'm looking for black Derby Recommendations, I'm trying to find Derbies that are (1.) has wide width (EE or EEE preferably) (2.) all black, and (3.) durable and if possible good year welted. I'm looking at the Grant Stone Diesel in black as it's all black, but not sure if a black derby would be more versatile given temperature ranges.
Goal: The goal would be to find black shoes, derbies, or boots that would match streetwear, Americana, Korean/Japanese style. Not sure if anyone has had experiences.
Grant Stone
Plain Toe Crimson Chromexcel
We developed a natural edge finish to accent the crimson upper, giving a casual feel. This is a "hot stuffed" leather that ages well due to the fat liquors and oils that are infused into the leather during the tanning process. Components Goodyear-welt construction Leo last Chromexcel from Horween Full-grain kip leather
8 Replies
It's a pretty versatile shoe but if you have the exact same color in their boot then it seems very redundant to me - there are very few outfits where the derbies work that the boots don't and vice versa
Oh, in that case, I'll stick with the Boots, much more of a boot guy!
What about black Derbies and Black Sneakers?
Is it reccomended to have both in my capsule? Also looking for Black Derby Reccomendations if any (for wide feet)
Nobody needs black derbies or black sneakers, I get along without either. I think you should try and figure out what styles of clothing you want to wear first and then decide on a footwear wardrobe
It’s definitely a versatile shoe, though my preference goes to bluchers for welted shoes - I’d second that you could probably stand to go for a slightly different color if you have boots in the same leather.
That said, in terms of keeping most things consistent, I’d suggest taking a look at Grant stone’s selection of loafers. Loafers as a genre are generally pretty good for Americana, and doubly so if you’re going for the Ametora sort of Japanese style. I’m sure you could find a way to make some streetwear work, but that’s out of my wheelhouse.
As for Black shoes — are you just looking for an everyday shoe, or something more formal? If an everyday shoe (and your preference for boots now that you’ve said the above mid-my-typing) I tend to prefer the GS Edward over the diesel.
Do you wear a lot of black in general? I don’t, and find that I wear my black shoes or boots maybe 1-2 times a year.
If you’re leaning for sneakers, then there’s quite a few options on the market that someone more knowledgeable than me can point to. Chucks are fairly Americana, though
The reason I focus on footwear is because I've lost 40 pounds in the last 1.5 years and should be losing another 10-15. the next year, so my size may change in 2024, but my shoe size has yet to change. As for style, I'm targeting Americana and East Asian (think Korean inspired outfit), and I believe both heavily use all-black footwear
Thanks for your earlier comment. Curious, by logic, does that mean if I already own all-black boots that I can use them as an alternative to any outfits that I was going to pair with Black Derbies?
Thinking mostly the oversized, "college" student with a mid-part type of style that you see in Korean Dramas etc.
It really depends on the boot. Sleek boots or derbies from Grant Stone will look different than chunky combat boots or docs
Thanks for your detailed explanation, I'll take your word for it and look for other shoes as needed as both you and DSH have mentioned that it's a bit redundant. As for the black shoe comment, yes, 80% of my wardrobe is black haha, I've been purposely doing all black outfits with (black shoes/white outsole) and all white sneakers. Hence the need for black sneakers.
For the black shoes, I will eventually get Black Diesels from GS since the Edwards only come in Wax, which would be less versatile for the asian inspirations that I'm looking into.
Trying to get one pair of semi formal black footwear, then potentially a casual black sneaker (i.e. Stan Smith/AF1)
Have a high preference to GS's Diesel Black boots right now. My Kangaroo/#8 fit super well, so it's likely I'll get a black one on the next BF sale/B-Grade. Combat and Docs don't fit my feet as well for some reason (wide and instep).
If you’re open to second hand, you can probably find some black shell Alden PTB on eBay for less than GS. Wides aren’t super common but the Barrie last is pretty forgiving.