A New York-based company, Paul Evans shoes are built with style, comfort, and quality construction in mind. They’re a relative newcomer to the footwear scene, but their designs are nothing short of timeless.
These shoes are handcrafted by skilled artisans in Naples, Italy. They’re made using the Blake rapid-stitch manufacturing method to ensure maximum flexibility, easy break-in, and the ability to have them resoled. This also extends the life of your shoes, saving you considerable cash in the long run.
Monk straps, especially ones like these, in my opinion, are the most versatile of dress shoes. To show off their wide range of wearability, I’ve put together three looks I think you’ll enjoy.
Look 1: Power — Meet Style
Here, I’ve taken my blue power suit from SuitSupply and added a twist with a brown and blue spotted tie. Brown, I think, is a highly underrated accent color in menswear, particularly in the business world. Walk the hallways of law firms everywhere and you’ll see an army of black oxfords. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it gets kind of… plain, after a while. Throw a curveball with brown monks straps and, not only are you in business, you’re the boss.
Look 2: Date Night Transition
We’ve kept with a blue and brown theme, as they’re go-to colors in my wardrobe. They boast versatility and they compliment my skin tone very well. For a casual Friday to after-work drinks, consider double monk straps, some fitted (Note: slim, not tight) dark denim, and a patterned sports jacket in the same color family. These subtle details allow you to flex your sartorial muscle and encourage your date to look a little closer.
Look 3: Fall Tones in Full Swing
For this one, let’s think layers, textures, and, cue the buzzword, comfort!
Up top, we’ve got a denim jacket and a favorite broken-in OCBD from J. Crew Factory. For added interest, I’ve thrown on a waistcoat. Mine is a fine pinstripe, but a glen plaid or houndstooth would play nicely here as well.
The key to this look is on my legs. Burgundy is a quintessential fall color. A burgudy corduroy trouser stands out, sure, but it’s also plenty versatile. Also, these aren’t Grandpa’s plush cords. That wide weave makes them too casual for the sleek curve of the shoe. Selecting a thinner wale and tapered ankle keeps the look clean and balanced equally for at home in a creative office or a weekend coffee meeting.
Two Final Notes to Consider
First, check your size. Much like many of the Italian fashion houses, the Paul Evans models sit on long, elegant lasts. Paul Evans suggests a full size down from your normal dress shoe size. I’d recommend at least that. Depending on the brand, I’m wear 10 or 10.5 in dress shoes but in the Paul Evans Burton, I wear a 9. The brand has a detailed description on their sizing page. If you do happen to order the wrong size, the company offers complimentary shipping and returns.
Second, these will run you around $400. Though a higher price point, consider this — Paul Evans isn’t competing with the Cole Haans or Johnston & Murphys of the world, they’re taking aim at Santoni, Gucci, Berlutti, and other fashion houses which routinely charge $800+ for a similar pair of shoes. Having held both of these in my hands, I can’t tell the difference.
This is luxury footwear, and I’m okay with that. I believe, more than any part of your wardrobe, your shoes should be the best you can afford. They simply look better and last longer. When it comes down to numbers, a pair costing $150 that you’ll have for two to three years ultimately costs more than a $400 pair you’ll wear for decades.
