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In addition to some of the other brands mentioned here, I have had good luck with Ferragamo, Alden, and Gucci. I have a pair of Tom Ford shoes that have also held up well, despite sometimes being worn in less than ideal conditions. For me, it depends upon the shoe and the quality of construction more than any one price range, though there is a drop-off in the quality and durability of some shoes.
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All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.
~William Shakespeare (As You Like It Act II, Scene VII)
It's actually more miser-worthy to wear the higher priced quality shoes for decades than to keep throwing out the cheaper ones that wont wear.
Here's another trick for the miserly:
Buy expensive oxford shirts, say from Brooks Brothers, and when the collars and cuffs fray, you remove them, flip them over and you have new collars and cuffs
It's an old European trick my ex used when he could only afford two suits and 2 pants and 2 jackets starting out his career. And he bought the best shoes he could afford and they lasted a decade.
He also had an idea to invent a shoe guard to keep the heels of the shoe from getting beat up driving. Years later we saw them in a catalogue!
Shoes polish the look and are really important - yep it will definitely apply.
If you have "casual" days meaning no suit you can also pick up a good pair of loafers - look for leather soles. They should last decades just like dress shoes. LOL here's the lengths people will go to to keep their favorite loafer:
Very crass & unfair. Personally, with shoes, I'd only buy them in-store, only as the fit differs with each pair. But, spending money wisely isn't something to be scoffed at. It's not the consumers' responsibility to pay a salesperson's wages... if the store owner doesn't offer the best price, then it's the consumers' right & responsibility to their own budgets to buy cheaper elsewhere.
To attack those who are spending their hard earned dollars wisely by inferring they have no integrity is nothing short of crude.
Consider this viewpoint-if the internet offers no way to try on the shoes, why would you shop there? You're implying...no, actually you said... that price is the only determining factor on where to buy something, rather than service.
I didn't infer. I said it outright. Using the resources of a B&M retailer when one knows they will be buying online is an excellent definition of integrity.
Please don't insult me or yourself by suggesting that one doesn't know if the store is going to be more expensive than the internet before one goes in. That's every bit as much a lie as the ones told to store employees so one can escape without buying.
Slightly more off topic, if people, rather than lying to store employees with lame reasons to not buy so they can go home and order online, would learn to communicate, they might be surprised what the store could do on pricing.
It is the consumer's responsibility to do business in the same manner they would like others to do business with them. But too many today can get away with showrooming, so they don't feel the need to do what is right. Integrity-they don't have it.
Here's the real test: Would you want people coming into a store you owned, enjoying what you offer, taking up the time of your employees, with those people knowing they will not be buying from you?
Well, I got back a few hrs ago with a swanky pair of AE's. I got the classic flagships...the Park Ave's in black. But, I was very tempted to get a pair of brown 5th Ave's also. They were really nice. Problem was that it's my first pair of nice shoes and I just wasn't ready to drop the coin on 2 pairs in one pop just yet, and thankfully, they didn't have my size of the 5th ave in stock. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting them within the next few weeks though.
The Park Ave's are pretty awesome I must say. They look great, better than any other shoe I've had and feel great when held. They are a bit stiff but I'm sure they'll feel nice after break in, what with the cork footbed and all. Anyway, I'm happy so far. I did stop in a Clark's shoe store before and after and the quality of Clarks and Bostonians in that store was noticeably less. It was never apparent to me though because I had nothing to compare it to.
Anyway, I'm happy and my wife is ecstatic so thanks to all. Even those who expressed opposing opinions.
Please don't insult me or yourself by suggesting that one doesn't know if the store is going to be more expensive than the internet before one goes in.
You have me confused with another poster... but, you like to twist words, so it's pointless to continue... it bores me.
Quote:
Here's the real test: Would you want people coming into a store you owned, enjoying what you offer, taking up the time of your employees, with those people knowing they will not be buying from you?
We all know the definition. You're assuming a lot on scenario. Again, you're confusing me with someone else. And, I don't & won't ever own a store, but know full well people can shop here, there or next door. Don't be naive & stop name calling.
Maybe your shoes are too tight... that's what's put you in your naff mood. Perhaps you should look for a nice pair of John Fluevogs. But, don't forget... if you try 'em, you better buy 'em, otherwise you have no integrity, yeah?
Well, I got back a few hrs ago with a swanky pair of AE's. They are a bit stiff but I'm sure they'll feel nice after break in, what with the cork footbed and all.
Congrats! A good cobbler can break in those shoes for you. If AE doesn't do it (I'm sure they could), there is a cobbler on Boylston in Copley... don't let the name fool you... they do good work:
I've also had him do handbag repairs on vintage bags. Excellent work & very reasonable cost.
I know people also like George's in the S. End near Albany St., but I've never gone. An ex-bf of mine used to drop off his shoes (he had only high end footwear) with George or sometimes, he does pickups, too.
But, I think I'd only trust my brand new leather to AE, since if there were any issues, they'd surely replace them.
You have me confused with another poster... but, you like to twist words, so it's pointless to continue... it bores me.
We all know the definition. You're assuming a lot on scenario. Again, you're confusing me with someone else. And, I don't & won't ever own a store, but know full well people can shop here, there or next door. Don't be naive & stop name calling.
Maybe your shoes are too tight... that's what's put you in your naff mood. Perhaps you should look for a nice pair of John Fluevogs. But, don't forget... if you try 'em, you better buy 'em, otherwise you have no integrity, yeah?
You deflected, deferred, and accused me of things I did not do, but didn't answer any of the questions I asked. Maybe you were too bored. Pshaw.
As for Fluevogs, I value comfort far more than trendiness and someone else's style. Nothing I read about his shoes suggests they would correct any perceived comfort issue I may have, but maybe I'd look more fashionable to those who care about such things.
I thought I bought good shoes but am amazed at how many buy high end men's shoes here. I have always had good luck with Johnson-Murphy, Cole-Haan ( have some Italian loafers at Neiman's 20 years ago and some sandals), and Rockports and Merrills that I wear to School. I also have some Bally's that are at least 30 years old that are for use with a tux. AEs looked great but I just could not see spending that much.
For a professional male. Conservative but not flashy work environment. Annual income is 115k/yr, household income about twice that. Other people I work with are often in a higher position and salary level. Don’t usually wear a suit but do dress nicely – wool dress slacks, nice button down shirt and tie, well fitting sport jacket.
I of course already have shoes that I’ve been wearing but just moved up the food chain a bit and the shoes I have are worn so I need new ones. What would be your price range?
I trust your speaking of a good pair of loafers or lace up shoes and not some cutting edge thing that's in a style mag. I think you can get a good pair of Allen Edmonds/Cole Hahn/Johnston Murphy type shoes for under $250. You can spend more, but I think you can get solid professional footwear for that price.
I should add my background is technical sales and marketing for the oil/chemical industry (20 years), mainly working mid-continent (lived in Houston and Chicago). What works for me, may be considered (dare I say) lower class if you are working in a more uptight image conscious atmosphere like banking/investing or on the East Coast.
Oh...if you live in an area where there is a lot of snow, so your shoes get salty, I'd have a pair of cheaper shoes I'd wear to/from work or use on days you didn't have to meet with management or customers.
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Congrats! A good cobbler can break in those shoes for you. If AE doesn't do it (I'm sure they could), there is a cobbler on Boylston in Copley... don't let the name fool you... they do good work:
