McTavish Lugged Wingtip Oxford (Men)

I thought this would be roomier in the toe, but turns out more narrow than Bond street. Leather is very good and I totally like it, craftsmanship looks ok, better than Bond street I have. Now, the heel needs repair and since I'm not in the US I need to spend extra time and money to get them done. I'm kind of curios why cheap shoes last for 20 years only on glue with the whole shoe. and Allen edmonds can't do it while new and on the only spot that glues matter (top lift without nail or welt), it failed. Therefore 3 stars. Should been 5 if quality control is there.

I am sorry that this shoe is being phased out, but very happy I was able to get one of the last pairs that was available. First off, it is beautifully made of Horween Dublin leather and looks rustic and dressy at the same time. The lugged rubber sole means it can go from dry to wet surfaces and not skip a beat. The fact that it is an oxford means it is versatile enough to go from jeans to dress occasions easily. A wonderful expression and comfortable to wear. Again, sorry to see it go.

This is my second pair of McTavish. I love the distressed leather with the lug sole. It works perfectly with my casual wardrobe. I receive many compliments....as long as I stand still. Both shoes have a very loud squeak that gets worse with every wearing. The first were factory seconds, so I figured buyer beware. The second came from the retail store and were fine for the first few wearings, but now exhibit the same problem. It took me awhile, but I finally determined that it is caused by the heel design. I am a long time AE customer with around 20 pairs spanning all styles. This model differs in that the back of the shoe is nearly vertical, whereas all of my other shoes ( Strand, Strandmock, Higgins Mill, Fifth Ave, etc...) have some curvature. I now know that the reason for that curvature is to stabilize the heel while walking. The vertical surface on the McTavish allows excessive relative movement between my heel and the shoe which results in the squeaking noise that I and others are experiencing. I have tried multiple inserts to no effect. I brought to my local cobbler who agreed that it was a very unusual deign. I plan to keep the latest pair, but I just know not to wear them on days when I plan to be walking a lot.

These are a heavier shoe with a solid sole. The leather has a very nice feel. I struggled a little with sizing, went down a half width and wider, but was happy once I got the sizing right. I had purchased the same style in brown, but the sizing wasn't the same on the more recent pair. That part was a little frustrating.