Russell and Bromley

[shoohoo]

I'm starting a new job and need some smart shoes. I quite fancy treating myself and have seen a few on R&B that I like, but I would be interested to hear what people's thoughts are regarding the quality (because they're quite dear for me so I'd expect them to last) and how comfortable they are... I'll be standing for long periods so comfort is important. Here are some pairs I'm interested in:
https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/beau/237053
https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/brewster/123913
https://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/chester/120509

In general, R&B are good quality but still overpriced IMO. I like the Brewster loafers you found but £250?

In my experience they were not hard wearing which is why I stopped buying from R&B about 35 years ago so am probably hopelessly out of date.

Smart smart I like Ferragamo but they are ouch price wise but they last.

It depends what suits your feet. Independent shops are best imo but I like Gabor, some Jones own brand, Bobbies and occasionally Clarks.

Gabor are usually good quality, I have some loafers for them which broke in quickly and have been going strong for over s year now.

R &B prob a step up in quality though

When DC was young I used to buy all our shoes in R& B and I still have a pair of snaffle loafers I bought 25 years ago. Can you last a few weeks as the sale will be starting soon.

Grenson are more stylish IMO and have lots of loafers and brogues on sale at the moment:

www.grenson.com/featured/womens-footwear-sale/?sort=priceasc

Personally if I were having to do a lot of standing I would go for comfort brands such as Gabor, Geox, Ara, Tamaris.

quite good quality. got their double strap mary janes.

They are not especially hard wearing and I also find them quite narrow.

I have also had the Chesters that I wore for work about 7 years ago, blisters galore!

Ooh lots of replies on this thread and mixed opinions. Think I'll go into the shop and at least have a look, I have an R&B outlet nearby so maybe I could get them a bit cheaper if I choose them. Thanks everyone for your recommendations.

I love Russell & Bromley & shop there a lot. I have shoes & bags that are 10 plus yrs old. Very good quality but it costs.

I have the 2 loafer styles you mention & they are hard at first to break in.

@WatermelonRaindrops ive been eyeing those up.

I've got a black pair of their Charming shoes/ ballet flats which I've had for around 12 years. I've worn them loads, they still look new and I still wear them.

Pricey but worth it.

My favourite, most comfortable court shoes are from R&B. I can’t really speak to durability as they were so expensive that I am very careful with them

I have some derby shoes from R&B. They're fine but they aren't a recent purchase and my shoes tend to last anyway. None of the styles in the OP appeal to me.

I will defend the Chesters until the day i die - very hard wearing in my opinion and very versatile. They are a bit '10 yrs ago' but i dont care. I bought my last pair on vinted for £50 - only been worn once. I first bought them for about £150 so thr current price is a bit hard to swallow - but in terms of ££ per wear i certtainly get my moneys worth.

Yes mine are really old but still good for work. I have a chunkier pair of loafers from R&B that are a bit more in

'I will defend the Chesters until the day i die - very hard wearing in my opinion and very versatile. They are a bit '10 yrs ago' but i dont care. I bought my last pair on vinted for £50 - only been worn once. I first bought them for about £150 so thr current price is a bit hard to swallow - but in terms of ££ per wear i certtainly get my moneys worth.'

Been buying them in black, navy and tan/brown for 20 years.
Be prepared to have them soled and heeled, the heels don't last that long.
Spray them with water repeller in the winter to preserve them, and buy some shoe trees for when they are not in use, and they should last years.
As with all leather, don't wear them with a thick sock if you intend to wear with tights. They will stretch.

Brand alley has some lovely loafers atm lots of quality brands ralph lauren etc. Also hobbs sale also has good similar shoes