Doing this helps me see the profile and how thick or thin they look and allows me to easily compare them to what I already own - in the burgundy box at the bottom. Also, I can easily see which pairs clearly lean more brown and which are closer to the rich burgundy I’m after. From there I like to list out the different construction points so that I have them for easy reference and figure out which will be the best for me. Since the pair I have was purchased as an introduction to this category, I didn’t mind some lower end finishings.
For example, the pair I have has basic rubber soles rather than Dainite rubber soles which are considered to be the best. That, plus considering a standard leather sole for a sleeker fit are all things I’m weighing before making a choice. Also, the leather isn’t the top of the top and as a result, they still look great but definitely have more visible creasing after wearing them for a few years.
And finally, since my objective is to add a pair to my closet that’s slightly dressier than what I already have, things like broguing are worth considering, as well as the thickness and style of the laces and grommets. Below you can see a quick overview of the 4 pairs I’m considering and I’ve linked them all under the picture if you’re interested in any yourself.