Mumsnet Talk

I realise that having to ask marks me out as a fashion amateur but still need to know... I fancy a pair to wear with some slim fit trousers.

I think it's more lace-up Oxfords, loafers and 'Monk shoes' now. There are some nice Oxfords at Gap. Brogues are dreadfully hard and uncomfortable, at least my Russell and Bromley ones are.

All DD2s lot wear black Brogues to school, so I have trouble thinking of them as adult footwear.

They make really good school shoes, way more waterproof than stupid pumps.

Ah thanks. Oxfords are slightly more delicate looking than brogues perhaps? Not keen on loafers.

So would I look like an overgrown schoolgirl in something like these ?

If you want comfortable brogues try the Clarks ones. I wore them all day the first day I got them and they were so comfortable.

The ones you link to are perfect.

Depends on your clothes if you would look like an over grown school girl.

Second the Clarks recommendation -- very comfortable. My mother tried mine on and wanted some. We are both happy with the brogues.

Monks strap shoes, especially double monk straps are the work of the devil. Avoid.
Oxfords are the same shape as a brogue but don't have any of the gimping (the hole punch-out detailing)

Personally, I think that if you like something, buy and wear it with pride. Brogues are timeless, classic and chic, what can be wrong with that? Two-tone brogues are also worth considering.

If you are prepared to spend money, avoid Russell and Bromley as their brogues/Oxfords aren't well made/worth the money and to my knowledge, not even made in the correct way either. (Actually, avoid R&B full stop as it's over-priced, badly made rubbish.)

Another vote here for Clarks brogues. Even the patent ones are soft enough to wear without socks if required.

Apparently it is all about the loafer atm but I like brogues

The Clarks brogues are butter soft, I also can wear them without socks. And they come in a wide fitting without looking remotely clumpy.

So are people saying that these are a good balance of style and comfort?

If so, which would you recommend as being currently on trend and suitable for going directly from an office to a muddy park?

Has anyone tried the new Gap ones? (the brogues, not the oxfords) They look really nice ...

I have to ask. What is the difference between a brogue and an Oxford please?

I think it's that brogues have the little holes punched in them, and oxfords don't

If you want to be all fashion you need

Nan shoes

I've already explained it but will do so again!

Brogues have a punched-out trim on them, actually known as 'gimping'. The sole is also stitched on, and can be totally replaced.

Oxfords (occasionally known as Derbies) are lace-ups shoes much like brogues but without the decoration, much like these

Any other queries?

I like the look of the nude and the mushroom brogues in clarks

Anothet vote for the clarks ones. I have the dark tan ones and really like them. they have gone up a whole fiver since I bought them about 4 months ago. Inflation gone mad! I would also wait for a 20% discount code as they do those a lot. They are very good quality though.

I think I might get the bodkin bone ones they look more summery and smarter than my normal converse types. I will wait for the % discount too

No I'm putting you in detention, school shoes must be black

I quite like those, even though I always wear boots so I can wear any old socks.

Ha I was just thinking about the socks problem i will have to get some pretty summer ones all I've got is boring black

I do boots in winter and sandals in summer, I never know what to do when people have ballet pumps and deck shoes in in spring. Shoes without socks rub.

I end up in trainers and light coloured socks.

The DDs wear ballet pumps, DD1 carefully chosen ones because she's almost as bad as me. DD2 jazzy cheap new look ones. I'm they are colourful and fun, but they hurt my heels.

Apologies Sansucre must stop skim reading threads. Thanks for the detail.