I know we've had a thread on this once in the past. I'm in need of a good quality pair of oxfords. Actually two (brown and black). Johnson & Murphy don't seem to be it... Bought a pair and the (paint?) of the soles are peeling off and showing a much lighter color underneath which looks, terrible. I wore them only once. I'll be trying to return them.

I've heard Allen Edmonds is good. Anyone else?

Allen Edmunds

Research which 'last' is right for you.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/di...shoes-101/lasts.html

Shop their seconds through the shoe bank. You have to call the store that has the shoes but they will ship to you.

https://www.shoebank.com

I have three pairs, aged 9, 7, 5 years old. They get recrafted every couple years.

I have had 2 pair of Bostonians the higher end with leather soles and special insoles (custom flex or something like that). They were closer to $200.
That have been great. I need a new pair and it appears they have been bought by Clarks and have been crapped down so I'll be following here.

Allen Edmond's
or
Church's

I have odd shaped feet and wear perscription orthotics so finding dress shoes is a pain. I just spent several hours in an Allen Edmonds store trying on everything they make. AE is expensive, but they are 100% recreftable with more sole options than you really need.

I second AE. Expensive, but worth it.

J&M used to be a great budget dress shoe, but their quality has gone to hell over the last few years.

-Rob

AE for sure. I've also heard that Church's are great, but haven't tried them. Check out the outlet section http://www.allenedmonds.com/outlet/ Prior to AE I had tried a number of men's shoe brands because the German company I had been buying for had begun obviously outsourcing. I went to a local men's store and got a pair that fit from them. This confirmed my fit from an emergency pair I had bought in New Orleans a couple years before. Since then I've ordered from the online store/outlet.

Absolutely also look at Shoe Bank which lets you find shoes that are out of their production and discounted. It lets you see which stores have a particular shoe. You can then email or call the store and arrange delivery. I picked up a number of their shoes inexpensively this way. Email shoebank@allenedmonds.com or one of their outlet stores and ask if there will be an upcoming sale and for a list of shoes that will be available in your size and width. If there’s something there that catches your eye, and they have it in your size, that’s when you order by phone. Yes… the phone. Commerce via the telephone, very 20th century. When you use the WI store they are super nice, with that great Wisconsin accent and everything.

They also offer recrafting, so your shoes don't have to be disposable any more.

After my "favorite" pair of $100 department store dress shoes fell apart and could not be recrafted, I finally went into a stand-alone mens shoe store. Worked with the owner to find the right style which fit my foot. The "last" you hear people talking about.

Wore AE for a while but went over to Aldens. I still have the same Aldens, some going on seven years old, getting regular wear.

Regardless, for a really good-fitting shoe, you want to talk with a shoe shop owner-operator. Someone with skin in the game. Someone with a passion with shoes, who does not want to see you leave his shop with bad-fitting shoes.

Premium shoes feel better on your feet, and, with care, will last for decades. Run the numbers and you’ll see, it is less expensive to buy quality.

The next step, which I may never take, is to become acquainted with a good cordwainer.

AE, Church’s or Alden.

I've been a big fan of Johnston & Murphy since I got my first pair in law school. Wore J&Ms every day for years when I was practicing. Don't dress up very often these days but still have a couple pairs of J&Ms in the closet (probably about 10 years old and looking great). Just resole them as needed and recondition the uppers every few years and you will be good to go.

I actually like dress shoes that wear well and are comfortable. I like Eccos. Best sole on any dress shoe I have ever worn.

I have been out of the dress-up work force for quite a while, so it has been a long, long, time since I have bought dressy shoes, but back when I wore them every day, my first choice was Florsheim.

Allen Edmonds or Alden.

quote:

Johnston & Murphy

J&M fan here as well.

allen edmonds

After suffering plantar fasciitis in one foot after the other and having to go with orthodics, I found Rockport shoes. They offered a very dignified shoe in both black and brown, not expensive. I had been wearing Florsheims, AE, etc, expensive shoes. The Rockports have been terrific.

Alden shell cordovan; Goodyear welt, Horween Shell Horsehide. Yes, are very expensive, but properly cared for and they will last a lifetime.

I think I had the last thread on this and ended up with allen edmonds. Definitely find a store and try them on because the shoes I thought I wanted were way too narrow and did not fit right even in E width. The shoes I ended up with fit great and I wear them every day.

I have since bought three other pairs now in the same last, different style/colors. Once you find the last that fits you best you can buy online and they run great deals. My last pair were on clearance and only $200.

quote:

Originally posted by pedropcola:
I actually like dress shoes that wear well and are comfortable. I like Eccos. Best sole on any dress shoe I have ever worn.

Another vote for Ecco from me. Very comfortable shoes that can be resoled by NuShoe.

Cole Haan for me.