mfad•9mo ago

Basic Bastard shoes questions

White Sneakers
Are plain black sneakers an acceptable alternative? I feel like white stands out more than I like, and my white shoes always seem to immediately look dirty all over.
Are slip-ons fine?
Example: Vans Classic Slip-On Perforated Leather Shoe

Brown Boots
I’ve never used boots so I’m lost as to what to look for. Plus I’m worried about spending $200+ for something I don’t personally think I can pull off, so I’d like something on the cheaper end. I’ll normally wear these dark jeans and flannel/sweatshirt/polo. Chukkas or Chelsea boots catch my eye, but would Oxford/derby shoes also work? I attached some pics of boots/business casual shoes I found very reasonably priced ($40-70) from Bruno Marc and Nordstrom, any general advice or recommendations?

beans•4/9/25, 5:32 PM

What draws you to the black leather sneakers? I think ~all of these shoes look pretty bad tbh

beans•4/9/25, 5:33 PM

white sneakers look better once they're a bit dirty and beat up anyway imo.

If you want something that's not white I'd go with vans authentics, chucks, converse, etc. just in a different color

beans•4/9/25, 5:35 PM

Here is a recent discussion thread that might be helpful
topic-of-the-dayThe Case For/Against: White Leather Sneakers - Topic of the day 4/1/25

bstormo•4/9/25, 5:37 PM

The cheap leather on a lot of those is going to look bad quickly. If you’re interested in trying out a derby or a boot you’d be better getting something used on eBay for the same price.

RobureOP•4/9/25, 5:37 PM

Those Vans are really popular around me, and I find the faux leather more comfortable than canvas while not being overly chunky

RobureOP•4/9/25, 5:45 PM

Is the white version better?

beans•4/9/25, 5:46 PM

The best version of those imo are the old black and white checkered ones but that's just me (and not my style)

beans•4/9/25, 5:46 PM

If you like them then go for it

Tandy•4/9/25, 8:28 PM

On the topic of boots look for the the general construction specifically the method to attach the boot upper to the midsole. Anything that is stiched down/goodyear welted/storm welted/norwegian welted/the william lennon brass wire method/naildown construction is better than straight up cemented construction. Also if the boots are described as resolable in the description that tends to point to a higher quality boot.

Also the leather used, if they don't say where the leather is sourced that is gonna be a cheaper boot. Boot sizing is also psychotic in general so preferably try on in person, if not get it somewhere with an easy to use return policy. If you have really weird feet then you might have to go custom but that gets $$$$.

For boots if you want a quick tie then get one with speed hooks at the top, saves time tieing them, and slip on boots can fit weird depending on your general foot shape.

TTandy On the topic of boots look for the the general construction specifically the met...

beans•4/9/25, 11:55 PM

nah just buy shoes that look cool

zeometer•4/10/25, 11:54 AM

i think boots are a significantly different shoe to oxfords/derbies personally; you'll find in #waywt or #inspiration plenty of people who wear both because of how different they can be (in shape, in height, etc.)

zeometer•4/10/25, 12:04 PM

with sneakers i'd argue off-white > white > black, but that is a matter of personal preference. i wear a pair of (painted) vans eras regularly with lots of things

TTandy On the topic of boots look for the the general construction specifically the met...

Walmart the Conqueror•4/10/25, 12:05 PM

No need to recommend GYW, etc. to someone who’s just starting out, especially when they’re concerned about spending $200+ on something they might not like

Walmart the Conqueror•4/10/25, 12:05 PM

+1 to off white shoes. Big fan of those

zeometer•4/10/25, 12:06 PM

while i don't know your relative budget for sneakers i do think with vans it's worth just buying a pair and seeing how they look with your clothes; there's not much difference in white, off-white, or black imo

zeometer•4/10/25, 12:07 PM

for boots it would be worth trying them on in person - nordstrom, macys, whatever clothing store you can find - just to get used to sizing and feel and looks. you might find you aren't a boot person, and that's okay; the basic bastard is a guide (outdated at that) but it's not a rulebook for your specific life

Tandy•4/10/25, 2:06 PM

Eh you can find welted boots for like a $100 at this point

Tandy•4/10/25, 2:08 PM

Clark’s are stitch down and they’re a $100 and under

beans•4/10/25, 2:13 PM

Clark’s are fine but don’t buy them bc they’re “stitchdown” lmao

Walmart the Conqueror•4/10/25, 3:07 PM

Nobody buying sub $100 boots is worrying about their construction and whether they can be resoled