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what are good brands for dress shoes?

J

jonnyjack

Platinum Member
i need to get a pair because of weddings and formal outings this summer...what are some good brands and about how much should i spend? i went to macy's today and saw rockport, kenneth cole, bass, even some skechers...also what style do you guys have? lace or the strap? TIA
 
I got Kenneth Coles...worked a whole week to afford them but they'll last me a long long long time.

Whatever dress shoes you buy, make sure to get a pair of shoe trees with them.

-GL
 
Allen Edmonds makes some of the best shoes on the planet. Lifetime replacement policy of only $35, how can you argue with that? Pay them, $35, send them back your shoes, they send you a new pair. Not to mention they are as comfortable as Rockports, but look dressier.

If you want an affordable/comfortable shoe, Rockport is the way to go. If you want something that is timeless, buy a pair of Allen Edmonds.

dm
 
daftha, if you think Bruno Magli shoes are "cheap stuff" then you've never owned a pair. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Sure, they cost upwards of $250 (regular price on mine was $300, I paid $120), but they are the most comfortable and durable dress shoes I have ever worn -- look fantastic and feel like slippers.

I'd also recommend taking a look at Johnston & Murphy. I have a pair of wingtips from them, and they are terrific. They have held up very well and are quite comfortable.

On styles, if you are only buying one pair, go with basic, plain cap-toe black, lace up. Laces are more conservative than the "slipper" or buckled types, and black goes with nearly everything (obviously depends on your wardrobe -- if you have nearly all brown items, go with brown). Johnston & Murphy has a very nice pair that I've been eyeing for about $140.

As for saving money on these, remember two things. First, cheap dress shoes HURT LIKE HELL. I bought some bad ones several years back in an emergency and regretted every second I had to wear them (they went into the dumpster soon thereafter). Second, a quality pair of dress shoes, with proper polishing and care for the sole, will last for years. I fully expect my Bruno Maglis to last for many more than the six years I've already had them (had the sole replaced once already). They look as good as the day I bought them.

On the other brands mentioned, I've worn Nunn Bush (pretty nice), Allen Edmonds (quite comfortable), Florsheim (can't recall my impression), and Rockport (exceptionally comfortable, but not always the best styles -- great for "business casual" though).
 
Another vote for Allen Edmonds. If you ever go to a shoe shine place with AEs they will tell you how good they are.

Also Salvatore Ferragamo has some awesome shoes. I had a pair that lasted me 10 years. Granted they are expensive but they look good and they are built to last.
 
I'm wearing a pair of Cole Haan right now -- pretty decent brand, but I like them most of all because they're very comfortable (the inside is covered with with what appears to be 70s style shag carpeting 😉 ) I'll also throw in another vote for Johnston & Murphy -- a very durable, well made shoe IMO. As far as style, I prefer simple, lace up styles without too much stitching, etc, but that's just me.
 
I have a pair of Florsheims that are older then most of you, and still in nearly perfect condition.

Russ, NCNE
 
If you are looking for the high end brands (Ferragamo, Bruno Magli, Gucci, etc.), then head to Saks 5th Avenue, but wear nice clothes and expect to pay through the nose. 🙂

If you are lucky enough to have one of their outlet stores nearby, DEFINITELY head there. It's not knock-off stuff, just whatever the stores didn't sell in season. That's where I found my Bruno Maglis along with a couple dozen other items (including a suit, two sportcoats, five or six pairs of pants, several shirts, and a few pairs of other shoes).
 
jonnyjack

Shoe trees are these wooden inserts that fit into the shoe so that when you're not wearing them, the shoes retain their shape. Trust me on this, they're well worth it. When you go into a dress shoe store, they've already got shoe trees in the shoes usually...that's why the shoes always look good.

Russ

My dad wears Florsheim's 😉 Don't worry...my dad's smart!

-GL
 
I own some Rockports, and while they are extremely comfortable, they wear out pretty quickly. I'm sure that my current pair wont last for more than 1.5 - 2 years. I do wear them 5 days a week, I guess it depends on how much wear and tear you'll give em. I'm saving up for a pair of Allen Edmonds or Ferragamo's, but they're a bit out of my reach for now. I like Mephisto shoes as well, but I just hate that stupid tag that they have on them hehe.

--Ben
 
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