Black brogues/oxfords: plain or patent leather?

So I got the Clarks Hamble Oak in a wide fit! I had to get them in black because they are for work (retail, all-black uniform), but I've been told I can get away with patent if I want to, as long as it's dressy and black (there are girls wearing keds and buckled booties, but whatever). I would like to wear the shoes outside work, too, especially since I'm hoping I'll find more suitable for me job soon.

So, I gravitate towards patent stuff. I just do, I guess I like the shine. But I wonder which of the two pairs is going to be more practical (get less scratched, be more durable, lower maintenance) and which one is going to be more versatile.

My experience with patent shoes so far is only with court shoes and ballet flat, but I have the feeling they would look better with lighter jeans and pants than plain leather would. Is that correct? Please enlighten me!

Yes, I bought both pairs because I'm (indecisive) cool like that, but I can only keep one, because even cool people like me are broke sometimes.

http://www.sarenza.pl/clarks-h.....0000045682
http://www.clarks.co.uk/p/20346713

YAY: Patent
NAY: Leather

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11 years ago

rabbit

Veteran

I feel like patent added to a black oxford style (very classic) makes it feel younger and more adventurous. I like it, I also like that the texture will contrast with flatter black outfit pieces so it adds more interest than a plain leather shoe.

Patent can get scuffed (or it's harder to hide/repair the scuffs, although if not deep, sometimes dark marks can be wiped off with a solvent). I went to try to restore some patent shoes and they basically said they couldn't do it because the shiny film on the surface prevented it, so I'd be more leery if it was a several year investment or something. On a black shoe though I think it would be a lot less noticeable.

Aziraphale

You know, you can buff the non-patent ones up to a very high shine, if it's good leather, and they are nearly as shiny. And I think it looks classier. Patent can have a plasticky look. Plus, as rabbit says, you can't alway repair scuffs. I'd go with the normal leather and keep them highly polished.

As for whether the patent would look better than the normal ones with lighter pants -- I don't know. I think it's a matter of preference.

I really like the shoes, by the way. I love oxfords.

Deborah

I am a sucker for patent! There is something so cool about it. Definitely patent.

Irene

Two suckers for patent oxfords, and one opting for the plain ones.
Thank you!

Firecracker (Sharan)

The patent ones just look so much more stylish to me. They'll look very cool outside of work, too, with jeans or even skirts. Patent shoes can be hard to maintain, as others note, and I find I scuff up my shoes a lot, working in retail.

CocoLion

(website)

I also prefer the patent ones from a style standpoint. But, from a practical standpoint, I'd get the leather ones. Work shoes get a beating, if you are in retail you are standing and walking several days of the week or more. If you only think you'll be in the job for a month or so, get the patent because they are more fun for non-work outfits. But if you will hold the job for 3 or more months, I agree that the leather might hold up better.

Astrid

I'd get the leather ones. How do both pairs fit you? The plain leather ones will break in much more nicely, for long days of standing and walking.

i think I'm going to keep the plain ones and buff them a lot like Aziraphale suggested! I tend to scuff my shoes a lot -I knock my feet against each other, so the inside of each shoe is damaged all the time and if I wanted to keep them pretty (and patent only looks good when perfect) I would have to spend all day polishing them-. I haven't mentioned that I have a pair of tan leather oxfords that could work better for casual spring outfits anyway, and nice wedged mary janes in shiny black patent so I'll just be practical this time around, maybe buy some cute ribbon laces for this pair so that they look less dull!

I think that's a good decision, especially with the other shoes you already have. I like the idea of adding cute laces!

kkards

just chiming in to say while i personally like the patent leather ones, the "regular" leather ones are fab as well. and the ribbon laces sound like a great idea!

Laurel

Active Member

I love the patent, although sometimes I feel like patent leather is not always as comfortable (stretchy) as leather. Whenever the topic of patent leather comes up, I'm reminded of my grandmother Opal, who lives near me and just turned 100 in January. A very stylish woman, in her day. A few years back I bought some patent wedges at the Nordstrom sale, and I knew she would love them and also be wistful because she can no longer sport heels. She took one look at the patent and reminded me, "You know, you can polish patent leather with a biscuit and it will really shine". I'm sure she's right (she always is) but I've never tried it. Keep it in mind!

Irene, I remember reading a men's fashion website once (not sure why; I was obviously web surfing!) and the author of the article considered patent leather to be 'cheating'. Really nice men's dress shoes are meant to be polished to a high shine, so they are glossy like patent. I don't know if I agree with him about the cheating, but I thought it was interesting. And for what it's worth, I do like patent sometimes -- it doesn't always look like plastic -- but it does have a few more problems, like lack of repairability. Laurel is right, too, about the lack of stretchiness.

rachylou

I always have one pair of patent shoes. They spiff outfits up. That said, I'm off of patent right now. Am completely feeling flat matte only.

Sharon

I love the patent, but I think the best choice for work is the plain leather.

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