Shopping: Quality "Business" shoes for men?

[russch]

Soon-to-be (US) expat here deciding what footwear I should have shipped to Singapore vs. put in storage here at home.

In a perfect world, I'd prefer to bring one pair of really nice business-appropriate shoes, a pair of trainers, and a pair of casual "knock-arounds"...then buy anything else I need locally as I need to.

The question: Can I find quality professional shoes there (in Western sizes) without restoring to high-end luxe brands that will cost me big bucks? Since I'll only be there for 2-ish years, perhaps the smartest answer is "Buy lower quality alternatives that look good but will blow out in a couple years, then throw them out".

Your thoughts appreciated!

Russell

[JR8]

Depends on how you judge 'value'.

Buying cheap shoes and having to replace them each year or two. Or buying ''''expensive''' shoes, taking care of them, and them lasting 50 years.

I own four pairs of Church's, and have done for 30+ years. I don't get to wear them as much as I used to, but it's a joy when I do. Last time was when I wore my 20+ year old still immaculate roe-bucks at my wedding

Shoes, ties, and a good watch. Everything else comes and goes, but the bell-weathers of craftsmanship and quality outlive all of that.


p.s. If you have 'larger' sized feet, vs Asian sizes, bring shoes, as there is a dearth here. Arguably in Asia, gentlemens attire is less recognised, so what with the brutal weather, there might be a case for the $50 wear, destroy, chuck, cheapo shoes.

[russch]

These are beautiful shoes - I actually was not familiar with the Church's brand. Now owned by Prada, I see -- and there is a store in Singapore. Looks like I can bring the credit card.

I'm rather average in terms of shoe size (43/44) - Assuming that won't be too much of a challenge?

[JR8]

These are beautiful shoes - I actually was not familiar with the Church's brand. Now owned by Prada, I see -- and there is a store in Singapore. Looks like I can bring the credit card.

I'm rather average in terms of shoe size (43/44) - Assuming that won't be too much of a challenge?

Hmmm... I didn't know about the Prada connection. I've always thought of them as similar to Barbour, at the top of their game, British, private company. So, unexpected to see the Italians went barging in there...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church's
My shoe size is 46, and I never seemed to have a problem.
p.s. Remember to keep them with a good pair of shoe-trees!

[nakatago]

Remember to keep them with a good pair of shoe-trees!

There's a scene in a show that changed what shoe trees imply for me forever. Two children (about 5 and 7 years old) were talking about some ceremony in a temple:

Meelo: "Smells like shoe tree."
Ikki: "Sandalwood, Meelo."