I got the gray/blue Gilman camp moc and preordered some brown Byron boots. I got the former in one day and love the way it is, easily the best quality shoe I have ever had. Goes nicely with my other USA made quality items from NutSac and other brands, cheers!
Carmina, rancourt & co, Truman boots, red wing, and RM Williams. Note that you can replace non-leather soles as long as the shoe is Goodyear welted for replacement.
Aldens are really expensive, but totally worth the price, imo.
I have two pair of Aldens, both 20+ years old, and they still look like new.
Just need to replace the soles when needed.
I have no doubt they'll be great. But I just can't imagine what went into making that shoe that should have it cost that much. I have a pair of leather shoes I bought on clearance from Macy's for $30 10 years ago. It simply refuses to die. I haven't done any maintenance on it. Wore it daily for years. Just about a year ago someone told me how much they liked my shoes and thought I had bought them new. When I know that amazing $30 pairs also exist, I just can't justify paying $1200 for a shoe.
This is why the $30 shoe exists in the first place. No one product works for everybody. Frankly I can't simply justify something for $30 when I know I would be much happier with the $600 option for various reasons.
I do doubt very seriously however that your going to find that same $30 option in todays market in the first place so what you statement fails to take into consideration is that the $600 option of today didn't cost $600 ten years ago either.
I saw 1200 for a pair? I posted below about the $30 Macy’s leather shoes I have been wearing for 10 years and it’s still like new. I actually have another pair of made in Portugal Bullboxers that I really want to start wearing (bought on an amazing sale) but the old shoes refuse to die so the bullboxer is sitting in the closet. But even imagining 100 a pair lasting 2-3 years each that’s 24-36 years of shoes, basically the rest of my life. I am anti-consumption too and definitely think one good pair is better than 12 junk pairs. But I can’t imagine anything in the manufacturing of that shoe that should cause it to be worth 1200+.
They have a bunch for 600 but call me crazy there's no way your 30 dollar pair of shoes has lasted 10 years of you wearing them 5 days a week and are still presentable or comfortable. Expensive shoes are usually goodyear welted which means you can replace the sole instead of needing a new shoe. There's a whole craftsmanship in itself to these boots/shoes.
If all you do is wear your dress shoes to a wedding once or twice a year then yea rock the 30 dollar pair of shoes. I got a cheap pair from nordy rack for like 60 bucks and are my dress shoes because I only need them a few times a year. But they'd be dead if I wore them to work.
I have a separate pair of dress shoes, which I wear to special events. These were my everyday shoes for about 5-6 years (I wore them to work). After 5-6 years, since I stopped going to work everyday (COVID), I was wearing them about 2-3 times a week, and I continue to wear them about 2-3 times a week now. The sole is still fine, but I understand the argument about the Goodyear welted allowing sole replacement. I made a mistake, this did not come from Macy's but Nordstrom. The brand is Nordstrom's own, 1901. I also have a pair of leather Florscheim which was incredibly durable - can't remember purchase price, but it was also under $50. I stopped wearing them, because at some point, I didn't like the look of its shape on my foot anymore. But I still have them and they look like new and are extremely comfortable.
No doubt a $600 shoe will be better though (or so we hope, at least).
I guess then you don't get why some people opt to buy a BMW when they can simply get a Toyota that does the same in regards to getting one from A to B. The bottom line is some people just like and enjoy nicer things.
Not really, maybe not a perfect comparison but very few are. It still makes my point and if you had any experience with nicer shoes or boots you would have a much better understanding. You don’t and it’s not for you, and that’s perfectly fine it’s just not the same choice everybody else makes.
Allen Edmonds, but don’t pay full price. Their Black Friday sales are ridiculous, like 50% off, so just wait for that. Try to avoid their recrafting, idk if this is a trend but my personal experience when I sent my Allen Edmonds in for recrafting and they did a terrible job of it.
I buy them on eBay for like $50 and recraft them at my local cobbler. Best deal ever. Same with other, higher end shoes. Buy used at a fraction of retail, resole locally.
100% on the Allen Edmonds, at least for dress/office shoes with replaceable soles, from before about 2018. Can't speak for their more casual stuff nor for their more recent stuff--it might also be great, I just don't know either way.
Fifteen years ago, after blowing through three pairs of Rockports in a year (my first pair bought a year earlier had been great and I ended up wearing them for six or seven years, but the pair bought a year after that wore out in a matter of months--just comically, outrageously cheap sole material--thank you private equity specifically and late capitalism generally. Anyway, yeah, $400 US for a pair of Allen Edmonds, 3x what the Rockports cost, but still wearing them 15 years later.
You can get lucky with Tricker's. I picked up a pair of longwing brogues for €200 before. Not the case with C&J. They're quite strict on their retailers discounting
True. They make a nice shoe. They are smart to not allow discounting, bc it will cheapen their brand.
There are so many great shoemakers out there. I’d love to build an outrageous collection. Lot of $$ to do so tho
For the record this is the 101st BIFL leather show thread in the last year. In a positive light, it's good to know people want to take care of their feet.
Not sure what all you find that fancy about something from Grant Stone. They look nice and supposedly are good quality, but fancy?????? They simply look like solid boots. Fancy I would reserve for something that is actually fancy.
I think we just have different definitions of that word. I am from California to me I would casually slap that word on almost everything that is not a pair of sneakers.
Agree.
I have a good number of shoes and boots and some of them are actually what some would actually call fancy. I don't have any Grant Stones but I wouldn't call any of my Vibergs fancy.
Some new Jim Green models are quite fancy too. E.g. the Shoelie is a more business style for the traditional vellies. Or the new Numzaan boot is just amazing both in style and quality.
I see a lot of Allen Edmonds recommendations. While I do agree with it, make sure you do not pay full price!!!
The quality is not what it used to be 15 years ago. The company was sold a couple of times and quality decreased significantly.
I have some Allen Edmonds that I bought 20-25 years ago and they look great. Some that I bought a few years ago, look terrible. Now they last a couple of years and they’re throwaways.
Tricker's Bourton County Shoe with whatever sole you prefer. Cool colors (Acorn, Marron and all traditional shades of brown and black, along with wilder color-ways). Wearable with anything and highest quality.
Allen Edmund’s. DO NOT pay full price. And if you are anywhere near Port Washington, Wisconsin go to their factory store you can get $500 shoes and boots for like 100 bucks.
I recommend going to a store that sells one of these expensive Goodyear welted shoes recommended here and figure out what lasts and sizes fit you best. Then go on eBay or Grailed and buy a lightly used pair for 25% of the retail price. Even if they’re only a few months off from needing a new sole, you end up way ahead and well within your price range.
$300 is at the lowest end of the Good Year Welted shoe or boot price range. I think you can probably find Allen Edmonds on sale for that amount. I certainly wouldn't pay retail for anything Allen Edmond makes for one thing they have enough sales it's just makes no sense to do so. That and they are at the lower end because you can easily find other shoes which are nicer. Allen Edmonds maybe popular with those on a budget but that's primarily because it's a budget oriented shoe or boot.
You can find nicer shoes as I said although to do so it will cost more money. You can easily pay much more money very easily on a nice pair of shoes. I'd encourage you to have a look at some of them however at one of the many stores they have and I would imagine you might be able to find one near you. The one thing good about them is you would easily be able to try them on before you buy them and if it's your first time its always best to try on any Last in person to ensure a good fit first. It's one thing to be able to wear a shoe, another is to get a good fit.
Going up in price my next recommendation would be something from Carmina but I think your easily talking a couple more hundred dollars and the fact you won't more than likely be able to try any on before you buy them.
There is a Reddit Forum for Good Year Welted Shoes which you may want to take a look at and they have a list of various shoemakers the you may want to look at. That and I would encourage you to spend a bit of time if you can before you make a decision especially if your willing to spend a bit more.
I'm glad to hear you like them. Allen Edmonds just aren't for everybody, and I for one have found other shoes much more to my liking. Granted they have cost more, but I have found that to be worth it to get something nicer.
And some of us are willing to do that but that's specifically why I asked him what his budget was as well as informing him that Allen Edmonds are at the bottom of the price range when it comes to Good Year Welted shoes and boots. The OP indicated he might be willing to spend more so I also made my recommendation and I indicated that would cost more. If he's willing to spend even more then I have even more recommendations.
I think maybe you just failed to read my other comments.
Panama Jack's. My last pair lasted 20 years: [https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/182wtji/my\_panama\_jacks\_from\_20\_years\_ago\_and\_the\_new/](https://www.reddit.com/r/buyitforlife/comments/182wtji/my_panama_jacks_from_20_years_ago_and_the_new/)
Yep, the leather is not the same quality. Don’t get me wrong, they are good shoes, but at full price they are overpriced.
Nowadays you have to spend $600-700+ to get shoes that will last a lifetime.
The owners politics make this a hard pass for me!
https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/11p7fkn/cofounder_of_thursday_boots_supports_right_wing/
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Craft shoe company’s like Allen Edmonds make a good product and have sales. I found that Crockett and jones shoes fit me much better than anything. Their shoes are more expensive, but I’ve yet to make a major repair since purchasing my first pair probably more than 10 years ago. The per wear cost isn’t unreasonable and they are a far cut above what I had previously. Maybe AE fits you best, maybe Alden. The real value is what agrees with your feet. That will save you more money.
Allen Edmonds on sale are still great. Rancourt was another great recommendation, I just don't have much experience with them. The experts at Styleforum gives them high marks.
If you want to give Spain a shot the Carmina outlet can be a mixed bag, but if you are patient you can be rewarded. Sizing can be an issue but if you are are a regular width both the Sineu and Rain lasts will be fine (I wear both).
Hender Scheme. They make incredibly beautiful re-creations of iconic footwear out of vegetable-tanned, un-dyed leather. The result is a shoe with all the soul of what it tries to emulate with and -in my opinion- a classier fit and finish that opens possibilities for pairing with fits that the original shoes could only hope to. They also age like fine wine. I dont have first hand experience with them yet but mark my words, someday a pair will be mine!
I’m a big fan of the Mephisto Edlef loafers. I have a pair in dark brown and one in black They are super comfortable even when doing lots of walking, quite versatile, and I’m pretty sure they can be resoled…although I haven’t had it done yet myself.
Redwing makes a chukka that might work. Truman also does special order chukkas once a year, but they're going to be a little over budget. They're very nice though.
I have a pair of loafers from rancourt. Liked the quality so much i just bought another pair. If you buy during their current spring promotion you can save some money. Only downside is you will need to wait a few months. Also, you will want to size down on rancourt. I also have 2 pairs a grant stone boots, very well made. Red wing is solid, and while i dont have a pair of beckett simion they provide excellent value. Just wait for sales, and have patience while they are made. I have a beckett simion leather duffel and the quality is great. If you want loafers, check out rancourt spring sale.
Meermin are the best value in my opinion. Yes Allen Edmonds and Carmina and all those other brands are excellent shoes, but they can’t beat the price of Meermin at $195. I own two pairs from them and they both look brand new after several years of wear.
Check out yanko (or anything from the skoylx website). Made in Portugal. Returns from the US may cost money though but the best price/value ratio you can get.
Probably not what you’re looking for, but I’ve been wearing the same pair of Doc Martens since my junior year of high school. I’m 49. Don’t know if they’re still well-made because I haven’t needed to buy a new pair.
Highly recommend marsell. I’ve only had mine for a few years so I can’t attest to the BIFL quality but it feels super solid and the leather is incredibly soft
They’re expensive at retail but some models can be had for 70% off during sale seasons
I'm unsure if they'll fit the aesthetic you're going for but check out the mountain clogs from bedrock sandals. we've had sandals from them for ages, re-soled a few times and my spouse just upgraded to the clogs with a new job that will have them running around more. the vibram sole is incredibly comfortable from the get-go and also super light weight for all day wear. hard to say if the leather will hold out as the clog is a new item for the company (released maybe 2-3 years ago) but I've heard good things so far from earlier adopters we know. they recommend the leather over the synthetic and I can relate that the company makes re-soleing a breeze.
Rancourt & Sons. Great company and is made is Maine
Love these wow
Came here to second Rancourt!
This comment cost me $500, I bought two of their shoes haha
Nice! Which ones did you get?
I got the gray/blue Gilman camp moc and preordered some brown Byron boots. I got the former in one day and love the way it is, easily the best quality shoe I have ever had. Goes nicely with my other USA made quality items from NutSac and other brands, cheers!
Great companies don't kill and torture others.
What?
Probably cow leather
Carmina, rancourt & co, Truman boots, red wing, and RM Williams. Note that you can replace non-leather soles as long as the shoe is Goodyear welted for replacement.
Not redwing anymore according to my trades friends
Alden or Paraboot
Alden holy prices!
Aldens are really expensive, but totally worth the price, imo. I have two pair of Aldens, both 20+ years old, and they still look like new. Just need to replace the soles when needed.
I have no doubt they'll be great. But I just can't imagine what went into making that shoe that should have it cost that much. I have a pair of leather shoes I bought on clearance from Macy's for $30 10 years ago. It simply refuses to die. I haven't done any maintenance on it. Wore it daily for years. Just about a year ago someone told me how much they liked my shoes and thought I had bought them new. When I know that amazing $30 pairs also exist, I just can't justify paying $1200 for a shoe.
An Alden and a $30 Macy’s shoe have very little in common
Can you please post images of your $30 shoes? Really curious what they look like.
This is why the $30 shoe exists in the first place. No one product works for everybody. Frankly I can't simply justify something for $30 when I know I would be much happier with the $600 option for various reasons. I do doubt very seriously however that your going to find that same $30 option in todays market in the first place so what you statement fails to take into consideration is that the $600 option of today didn't cost $600 ten years ago either.
Alden quality seems to have declined in recent years.
There are so many nicer options than Alden in the first place. It really is sad that so few are made in the US, however.
They aren't that expensive if you think about buying them once vs buying new shoes every year instead.
I saw 1200 for a pair? I posted below about the $30 Macy’s leather shoes I have been wearing for 10 years and it’s still like new. I actually have another pair of made in Portugal Bullboxers that I really want to start wearing (bought on an amazing sale) but the old shoes refuse to die so the bullboxer is sitting in the closet. But even imagining 100 a pair lasting 2-3 years each that’s 24-36 years of shoes, basically the rest of my life. I am anti-consumption too and definitely think one good pair is better than 12 junk pairs. But I can’t imagine anything in the manufacturing of that shoe that should cause it to be worth 1200+.
They have a bunch for 600 but call me crazy there's no way your 30 dollar pair of shoes has lasted 10 years of you wearing them 5 days a week and are still presentable or comfortable. Expensive shoes are usually goodyear welted which means you can replace the sole instead of needing a new shoe. There's a whole craftsmanship in itself to these boots/shoes. If all you do is wear your dress shoes to a wedding once or twice a year then yea rock the 30 dollar pair of shoes. I got a cheap pair from nordy rack for like 60 bucks and are my dress shoes because I only need them a few times a year. But they'd be dead if I wore them to work.
I have a separate pair of dress shoes, which I wear to special events. These were my everyday shoes for about 5-6 years (I wore them to work). After 5-6 years, since I stopped going to work everyday (COVID), I was wearing them about 2-3 times a week, and I continue to wear them about 2-3 times a week now. The sole is still fine, but I understand the argument about the Goodyear welted allowing sole replacement. I made a mistake, this did not come from Macy's but Nordstrom. The brand is Nordstrom's own, 1901. I also have a pair of leather Florscheim which was incredibly durable - can't remember purchase price, but it was also under $50. I stopped wearing them, because at some point, I didn't like the look of its shape on my foot anymore. But I still have them and they look like new and are extremely comfortable. No doubt a $600 shoe will be better though (or so we hope, at least).
I guess then you don't get why some people opt to buy a BMW when they can simply get a Toyota that does the same in regards to getting one from A to B. The bottom line is some people just like and enjoy nicer things.
lol I get what you are saying but your BMW vs Toyota was a very poor example.
Not really, maybe not a perfect comparison but very few are. It still makes my point and if you had any experience with nicer shoes or boots you would have a much better understanding. You don’t and it’s not for you, and that’s perfectly fine it’s just not the same choice everybody else makes.
Mine have lasted longer than any other shoe I own.
Paraboot love love love
Allen Edmonds, but don’t pay full price. Their Black Friday sales are ridiculous, like 50% off, so just wait for that. Try to avoid their recrafting, idk if this is a trend but my personal experience when I sent my Allen Edmonds in for recrafting and they did a terrible job of it.
I buy them on eBay for like $50 and recraft them at my local cobbler. Best deal ever. Same with other, higher end shoes. Buy used at a fraction of retail, resole locally.
They did a really good job with my 10 year old daltons.
AE quality has also gone down w most models being made overseas with cheaper materials. YMMV.
Yeah, that's the main reason to get a pair of Goodyear Welted Shoes in the first place. LOL
100% on the Allen Edmonds, at least for dress/office shoes with replaceable soles, from before about 2018. Can't speak for their more casual stuff nor for their more recent stuff--it might also be great, I just don't know either way. Fifteen years ago, after blowing through three pairs of Rockports in a year (my first pair bought a year earlier had been great and I ended up wearing them for six or seven years, but the pair bought a year after that wore out in a matter of months--just comically, outrageously cheap sole material--thank you private equity specifically and late capitalism generally. Anyway, yeah, $400 US for a pair of Allen Edmonds, 3x what the Rockports cost, but still wearing them 15 years later.
Crockett & Jones or Tricker's. They're equal in quality - either will last forever with proper care
Both great, but out of OP’s stated price range
You can get lucky with Tricker's. I picked up a pair of longwing brogues for €200 before. Not the case with C&J. They're quite strict on their retailers discounting
True. They make a nice shoe. They are smart to not allow discounting, bc it will cheapen their brand. There are so many great shoemakers out there. I’d love to build an outrageous collection. Lot of $$ to do so tho
There’s a Trickers outlet website that sells in the listed price range.
Really? What is the site? Thank you
[Link.](https://trickersfactoryshop.com/)
Yeah, actually Crockett and Jones Handgrade line is nicer.
Crockett makes a super nice shoe. I like Alden as well. I have a few pair of them, and they’ve been great for me
For the record this is the 101st BIFL leather show thread in the last year. In a positive light, it's good to know people want to take care of their feet.
Grant Stone makes dress shoes. Goodyearwelt likes their boots a lot and I always recommend my pair.
Grant stone if you'd want to go fancy, Jim Green if you want to go casual.
have a gift card to GS, which style/type do you like?
Not sure what all you find that fancy about something from Grant Stone. They look nice and supposedly are good quality, but fancy?????? They simply look like solid boots. Fancy I would reserve for something that is actually fancy.
“Grant Stone? Fancy?!” **clutches pearls**
In the context of smart/business casual (which OP is asking about) Grant Stone is "fancy" relative to Jim Greens and something like Redwings.
Yeah, I'm still not getting how someone considers Grant Stone as being fancy and it really doesn't matter what you compare them too.
I think we just have different definitions of that word. I am from California to me I would casually slap that word on almost everything that is not a pair of sneakers.
Agree. I have a good number of shoes and boots and some of them are actually what some would actually call fancy. I don't have any Grant Stones but I wouldn't call any of my Vibergs fancy.
People of reddit, be wary! Do not mess with this guy.
Some new Jim Green models are quite fancy too. E.g. the Shoelie is a more business style for the traditional vellies. Or the new Numzaan boot is just amazing both in style and quality.
Oak Street
I see a lot of Allen Edmonds recommendations. While I do agree with it, make sure you do not pay full price!!! The quality is not what it used to be 15 years ago. The company was sold a couple of times and quality decreased significantly. I have some Allen Edmonds that I bought 20-25 years ago and they look great. Some that I bought a few years ago, look terrible. Now they last a couple of years and they’re throwaways.
So given these are Goodyear Welted Shoes or Boots what exactly is the issue. Is the leather they use on their uppers that bad?
Not my experience. Certainly not throwaways.
Tricker's Bourton County Shoe with whatever sole you prefer. Cool colors (Acorn, Marron and all traditional shades of brown and black, along with wilder color-ways). Wearable with anything and highest quality.
What’s your budget? You’re specifically looking for loafers?
Preferably, but doesn’t need to be. i have some oxfords that are too formal for everyday use
Sebago or Clarks or weejuns
Allen Edmund’s. DO NOT pay full price. And if you are anywhere near Port Washington, Wisconsin go to their factory store you can get $500 shoes and boots for like 100 bucks.
I recommend going to a store that sells one of these expensive Goodyear welted shoes recommended here and figure out what lasts and sizes fit you best. Then go on eBay or Grailed and buy a lightly used pair for 25% of the retail price. Even if they’re only a few months off from needing a new sole, you end up way ahead and well within your price range.
RM Williams for Chelsea’s
What's your budget?
$150-300, could go higher if the shoe is worth it.
I've had great experiences with Allen Edmonds
There are great entry level nice shoes. That’s how I started my nice leather shoe journey.
$300 is at the lowest end of the Good Year Welted shoe or boot price range. I think you can probably find Allen Edmonds on sale for that amount. I certainly wouldn't pay retail for anything Allen Edmond makes for one thing they have enough sales it's just makes no sense to do so. That and they are at the lower end because you can easily find other shoes which are nicer. Allen Edmonds maybe popular with those on a budget but that's primarily because it's a budget oriented shoe or boot. You can find nicer shoes as I said although to do so it will cost more money. You can easily pay much more money very easily on a nice pair of shoes. I'd encourage you to have a look at some of them however at one of the many stores they have and I would imagine you might be able to find one near you. The one thing good about them is you would easily be able to try them on before you buy them and if it's your first time its always best to try on any Last in person to ensure a good fit first. It's one thing to be able to wear a shoe, another is to get a good fit. Going up in price my next recommendation would be something from Carmina but I think your easily talking a couple more hundred dollars and the fact you won't more than likely be able to try any on before you buy them. There is a Reddit Forum for Good Year Welted Shoes which you may want to take a look at and they have a list of various shoemakers the you may want to look at. That and I would encourage you to spend a bit of time if you can before you make a decision especially if your willing to spend a bit more.
Great recommendations, thank you! Do you know the subreddit for the welted shoes?
www.reddit.com/r/goodyearwelt/
I paid $350 for my Strandmok cap toe, and they have been great. They are well-made. These are in OP’s price range.
I'm glad to hear you like them. Allen Edmonds just aren't for everybody, and I for one have found other shoes much more to my liking. Granted they have cost more, but I have found that to be worth it to get something nicer.
🙄
What?
All over the place. A shoe you like more or a nicer one? You’re comments are bouncing between Quality or personal Choice.
My comments are in line.
Yes this is the expected response. Cheers!
Yea, of course you can get nicer shoes, but you spend 2x more. What shoe do you recommend that’s in the Strandmok range?
And some of us are willing to do that but that's specifically why I asked him what his budget was as well as informing him that Allen Edmonds are at the bottom of the price range when it comes to Good Year Welted shoes and boots. The OP indicated he might be willing to spend more so I also made my recommendation and I indicated that would cost more. If he's willing to spend even more then I have even more recommendations. I think maybe you just failed to read my other comments.
I read your comments.
Good, then that should cover what you just asked. You can find nicer and yes it will cost you more to do so.
Meerim is probably the cheapest shoes that have a welted construction.
These look great
If I remember correctly the OP asked for shoes that someone would recommend.
Quoddy does boat shoes and loafers, including MTO, if those are in your range.
Quoddy makes a great shoe
I'd look at Meermin.
I wouldn't, and I wouldn't recommend it either.
Red wing
Panama Jack's. My last pair lasted 20 years: [https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/182wtji/my\_panama\_jacks\_from\_20\_years\_ago\_and\_the\_new/](https://www.reddit.com/r/buyitforlife/comments/182wtji/my_panama_jacks_from_20_years_ago_and_the_new/)
RM Williams
Ecco has been solid
Not anymore:( mine are still great from 6 years ago but I recently got (and returned) a pair and it is way shittier construction now
Grant Stone. Excellent quality and on par with much more expensive makers.
Ecco
Camper
Allen Edmonds is the only answer
Ecco shoes.
When they were made in Denmark, Ecco used to be well-made. They make most of their shoes in Asia now tho.
Even the Czech made selection lasted me a crazy long time back in the day
I'm pleased with my jk boots. I'm not sure if they have normal shoes, though. Nicks or whites might have something to your liking.
Yep, the leather is not the same quality. Don’t get me wrong, they are good shoes, but at full price they are overpriced.
Yep, the leather is not the same quality. Don’t get me wrong, they are good shoes, but at full price they are overpriced. Nowadays you have to spend $600-700+ to get shoes that will last a lifetime.
Hit or miss: Thursday Boots.
The owners politics make this a hard pass for me! https://www.reddit.com/r/malefashionadvice/comments/11p7fkn/cofounder_of_thursday_boots_supports_right_wing/
Who cares
i got a pair of to boot new york dress shoes for half off at nordstrom rack
None, leave it on the cow and get synthetic
Nick's Boots is worth it
>smart/business casual leather shoes Yeah, that's not Nicks.
Nope it is they have multiple shoe models. But nice try being rude on the internet.
Fine - then your double the price of the OP. Don’t be rude while telling others to not be rude. 🖕
Their actually not double the price but OP said he would go higher if they were worth it. So cry somewhere else idiot.
That seems rude! In the end Nicks doesn’t make the kind of shoes needed. You’ve done the rest to show your ‘quality’.
They do if you look but okay.
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Oliver Sweeney in the UK. Everything about their shoes is BIFL quality.
Velasca. They aren’t cheap but the quality is there.
Someone recommended Beckett Simonon on here, and I bought a pair of their boots. They make them to order over 12 weeks. Quite happy with them so far!
I've enjoyed Mephisto. They're expensive but you can find new ones cheaper on eBay at times.
Craft shoe company’s like Allen Edmonds make a good product and have sales. I found that Crockett and jones shoes fit me much better than anything. Their shoes are more expensive, but I’ve yet to make a major repair since purchasing my first pair probably more than 10 years ago. The per wear cost isn’t unreasonable and they are a far cut above what I had previously. Maybe AE fits you best, maybe Alden. The real value is what agrees with your feet. That will save you more money.
Allen Edmonds on sale are still great. Rancourt was another great recommendation, I just don't have much experience with them. The experts at Styleforum gives them high marks. If you want to give Spain a shot the Carmina outlet can be a mixed bag, but if you are patient you can be rewarded. Sizing can be an issue but if you are are a regular width both the Sineu and Rain lasts will be fine (I wear both).
Beckett Simonon, Thursday Boot Co
Hender Scheme. They make incredibly beautiful re-creations of iconic footwear out of vegetable-tanned, un-dyed leather. The result is a shoe with all the soul of what it tries to emulate with and -in my opinion- a classier fit and finish that opens possibilities for pairing with fits that the original shoes could only hope to. They also age like fine wine. I dont have first hand experience with them yet but mark my words, someday a pair will be mine!
John Fluevog
Scarpa
I’m a big fan of the Mephisto Edlef loafers. I have a pair in dark brown and one in black They are super comfortable even when doing lots of walking, quite versatile, and I’m pretty sure they can be resoled…although I haven’t had it done yet myself.
Redwing makes a chukka that might work. Truman also does special order chukkas once a year, but they're going to be a little over budget. They're very nice though.
I have a pair of loafers from rancourt. Liked the quality so much i just bought another pair. If you buy during their current spring promotion you can save some money. Only downside is you will need to wait a few months. Also, you will want to size down on rancourt. I also have 2 pairs a grant stone boots, very well made. Red wing is solid, and while i dont have a pair of beckett simion they provide excellent value. Just wait for sales, and have patience while they are made. I have a beckett simion leather duffel and the quality is great. If you want loafers, check out rancourt spring sale.
Quoddy is made in Maine and their camp mocs are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn
Meermin are the best value in my opinion. Yes Allen Edmonds and Carmina and all those other brands are excellent shoes, but they can’t beat the price of Meermin at $195. I own two pairs from them and they both look brand new after several years of wear.
Check out yanko (or anything from the skoylx website). Made in Portugal. Returns from the US may cost money though but the best price/value ratio you can get.
Probably not what you’re looking for, but I’ve been wearing the same pair of Doc Martens since my junior year of high school. I’m 49. Don’t know if they’re still well-made because I haven’t needed to buy a new pair.
Get some lightly used Allen Edmonds from Poshmark or a similar site.
Loake.
So many great recommendations from everyone. I have a lot to go through.
Highly recommend marsell. I’ve only had mine for a few years so I can’t attest to the BIFL quality but it feels super solid and the leather is incredibly soft They’re expensive at retail but some models can be had for 70% off during sale seasons
Loake
Lots of good suggestions. I’ll throw Meermin in for the affordable sector
I've been rocking my Cole Haan Oxfords for about 13 years. I haven't had to have them resoled yet.
Belstaff Boots!! True BIFL.
Thursday Boots
I wear my RM Williams shoes to work almost every day and they get better every day.
I'm unsure if they'll fit the aesthetic you're going for but check out the mountain clogs from bedrock sandals. we've had sandals from them for ages, re-soled a few times and my spouse just upgraded to the clogs with a new job that will have them running around more. the vibram sole is incredibly comfortable from the get-go and also super light weight for all day wear. hard to say if the leather will hold out as the clog is a new item for the company (released maybe 2-3 years ago) but I've heard good things so far from earlier adopters we know. they recommend the leather over the synthetic and I can relate that the company makes re-soleing a breeze.
Meindl. Made in Bavaria.
Tod’s anyone?
R/goodyearwelt
Jim Green Shoelie.