The Case For (semi) Crummy Shoes

I firmly believe that quality should take a back seat to nothing usually. But as with everything, there are some minor exceptions, at least in my book. Rainy days like the one we just had in Boston will get your feet wet, and likely wreck a good pair of shoes. Overshoes, especially expensive ones,  are something I just don't have time for, personally, kinda like overly precious loungewear. Enter the crummy, but acceptable, penny loafer.

In many ways, this pair isn't so bad. An old pair of USA made Sebagos, found at a thrift store for less than ten dollars. The construction and styling are actually pretty good, but the plastic like corrected grain leather, with it's somewhat unearthly permanent sheen is something I could live without. However, on a really rainy day, I don't mind if they get wet. Being rather unbreathing, they actually do a fair job of keeping the water out. Being all slick and plastic like, they wipe clean with a wet paper towel, and being cheap, I won't really care if they get ruined. Stylistically, they blend right in with my general sartorial aesthetic, and paired with the trousers from my poplin suit, which are fairly quick drying, they make a pretty good option in a heavy rain, without sacrificing too much in the way of style. Up top, a Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece navy blazer, pink oxford and repp tie make up for what I feel is, under the circumstances of a heavy rain in June, a forgivable lack of quality down below.

Believe me, I never would have thought I'd find myself singing the unexpected praises of corrected grain leather shoes, but I guess we learn something new every day. A decent pair of crummy shoes is a good to thing to have in a pinch.