Show Notes: RealMenRealStyle.com/Episode88

Do you have a hard time determining what type of dress shoe to choose? You’re not alone.

There’s a lot of choices to go with. I always suggest that you stay away from glued soles, as they just don’t last as long and are made from a cheaper process. They are fine for athletics, but when it comes to a good dress shoe you want some quality.

So in the end your two best option are going to be the English (or American) style, or Italian shoes.

Both of these are made drastically different, using different leather, stitches, and all around construction. On this episode of the Real Men Real Style podcast we take these two show types toe to toe in a battle of the best.

Download this episode now to hear all the areas where one is better than the other and finally decide which is right for you.

5 Rounds to Determine a Winner:

1. Upper leather: Italian is calfskin. American/English is cow hide.

Winner: Draw.

1. Stitching: Most Italians use Blake Stitch. American/English us Goodyear Welt.

Winner: Draw

1. Comfort: American/English are thicker. Italian don’t take as long to break in.

Winner: Italian.

1. Durability.

Winner: American/English.

1. Value: Blake stitch is cheaper to make. Goodyear welt is more expensive.

Winner: Draw

Overall winner: Draw

Highlights:

• The opinion between the two is still subjective.
• Calf skin is lighter.
• Cow hide is thicker and stronger.
• Stitching mean a higher quality shoe.
• Blake stitch is done from the inside.
• Goodyear welt is uses two stitches.
• American shoes are heavier and harder to break in.
• A black stitch costs more to be resoled.
• No dress shoe made from leather is waterproof.
• Wear water resistant shoes when traveling.

Mindset Takeaway:

The shoe that you choose is going to be dependant upon your needs.

Resources:

Dress Shoe Construction Explained.

Shoe Construction Infographics.

Show Notes: RealMenRealStyle.com/Episode88