Stacy Adams

Armond Cap Toe Monk Strap

Men's

It's not a bad shoe, but it's an example to be used in a manufacturing class, or on a shoe blog, of cutting corners: what would otherwise be a great less-expensive shoe is instead a cheap shoe. I thought when the price fell to $50 that I'd give this a model try, and that's the maximum I'd say they're worth, compared to similarly priced shoes or paying a little more for better construction. I'd have returned the pair without even trying them on, had I paid any more. The main corner-cutting, which I didn't notice in the pictures, is that the vamp isn't a single piece. The inside triangle is a second piece stitched together. This by nature isn't going to last as the shoe flexes, no matter how strong the stitching is, but I suppose this price is all right for several dozen wearings. The toe leather is also a bit soft, and after just a few hours of one wearing, there's already a noticeable crease on the left toe that goes past the brogue. The toes are wider than shoes with the unfortunately too-common "almond" point. This is a good thing so there isn't an inch of empty space in front of your toes, but this might make the shoes effectively a half size larger than what you're used to. The good: it's extremely comfortable, the sole is so slip-resistant that you'll trip if you shuffle your feet on industrial carpet, and it does shine beautifully. I'm known for putting a high polish on my dress shoes, and my initial 10 coats of wax put on what I'd like to think is as beautiful a gloss as is found outside the military.