Dress shoes

[Matt Deckard]

Allen Edmonds and Alden are the two brands of Dress shoes I like, does anybody know any other good dress shoe companies?

[Andykev]

A pair of Johnson & Murphy's...they are good quality, but I am an Allen Edmonds person.

I found a pair of two tone oxfords, the chesnut brown /white saddles...no longer made. I'll post a photo .......

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid97/pc865ec8e8727065eae240b3c8103ef70/fa0e30f5.jpg.orig.jpg

These were made for the Olympic team in what was it? The XXV Olymics Barcelona 1992 designed for the U.S. Team "America's Best" by Henry Grethel Made In USA is written inside the shoes.

[Sergei]

Yeah, Johnston & Murphy is another great American shoemaker. That is the brand I wore prior to Allen Edmonds.

My boss and me frequently get into debates on who is better. I think at one time J&M was better, but in my opinion the AE shoes are better. The AE shoes fit better and last longer given my experience with these two brands. But J&M is not chopped liver. Very good set of shoes to have in your stable.

http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/

-Sergei

[Matt Deckard]

I'd like to try Church's shoes, they have some great leather colors and a good reputation from people I have talked to who have worn them.

Too bad There are no stores near me that carry Church's. I'd like to try them out for size

www.churchsshoes.com

[fedoralover]

I bought a pair of cap toe Stetson shoes that were new old stock. I'm pretty sure they don't make shoes anymore. they are the most comfortable dress shoe I have. I do have a pair of Allen Edmonds and a pair of Hickey Freemans which are excellent too. While not as classy looking, Mephisto makes a very comfortable shoe, I have several pair of the cap toe variety and wear them both for dress and casual.

fedoralover

[Pyroxene]

Here's some welted shoe makers to research. I pulled them from my book on Grooming & Style. Some have already been mentioned.

Church's http://www.churchsshoes.com/
Allen-Edmonds http://www.allenedmonds.com/
Alden http://www.aldenshoe.com
Tricker's http://www.shoesinternational.co.uk/compinfo.cfm?manID=18
Foster & Son
Edward Green http://www.edwardgreen.co.uk/index.htm
John Lobb Paris
Ludwig Reiter http://www.ludwig-reiter.com.sg/
Crockett & Jones
Cheaney
Lotusse

Italy
Gucci
Moreschi http://www.moreschi.it/eng/new_home.htm
Gravati http://www.gravati.it/
Fratelli Rosetti http://www.rossetti.it/
J. P. Tod's

Regional
J. B. Weston in France
Wildsmith in England
Harai in Germany

Others
Sebago http://www.sebago.com/

[Matt Deckard]

Those are some great links, Trickers has some nice looking wingtip boots. http://www.trickers.com/

I used to wear a pair of brown wingtips daily, they were my signature shoe, Allen Edmonds Fairhaven wingtips in Chili. Those are no longer in production, though I think I am looking for a change as it is.

I think I'll go for some dark Brown Alden wingtips next time, unless I find a place where I can try on different pairs of Church's.

Too bad Fredrick's is no longer in service. He tought me to buy my shoes shorter and wider, I am addicted to my Alden style 86 boots because of the fit... I really need a good pair of brown wingtips that fit.

[Pyroxene]

I just ordered the Alden Wing Tip Blucher Oxford in Burnished Tan Calfskin #966.

http://www.aldenshoe.com/images/966.jpg

I just love the color. The CEO and some of the upper brass wear similar colored shoes and they look nice.

I too have a pair of 86's. Very nice boots. I get them shined at a shoe clinic near me and they make look like military dress.

[Matt Deckard]

I still have a pair of those same wingtips from Alden, I used to wear them swing dancing all the time.

they are a 10 1/5 e. I should sell 'em

I wear a 10 ee now and but I have not bought a new pair becuase I want a darker brown and preffer closed lacing.

They were a bit long on me it made me a bit off balance dancing.

Here is another book I own that has alot of good info on shoes, unfortunately it is out of print.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/3895089281/103-9642082-9823049?v=glance

This is a company that sells deadstock vintage shoes, they primarily have womens shoes, but if you tell the owner your size he'll go in back and pull out what he has from the 30's and 40's. It is luck of the draw regarding what he has at any particular time. You see alot of swing dancers wearing vintage shoes from Remix. http://remixvintageshoes.com/

[Matt Deckard]

https://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/AllenEdmonds/images/database/1_69_I.jpg

Just bought myself a pair of these Allen Edmonds in Chili color 9 1/2 eee.

been wearing them for a few days and I love the fit. Great for swing dancing.

anybody else here polish their shoes?

[Pyroxene]

Those are my next pair. There are a few on Ebay right now.

Good choice

[Ken]

James Bond 007 wore Church shoes if I recall correctly. Cant think of anyone who epitomises contempary style better than that!

Ken

[Scandinavia Jones]

James Bond 007 wore Church shoes if I recall correctly. Cant think of anyone who epitomises contempary style better than that!

True, but word has it that since Church were bought by Prada, they now sell sub-standard products with the Church logo on'em...
Word's pal, rumor, has it that the clerks at Church's London shop protested against the Prada overtake by starting to wear Crockett & Jones shoes at work! A subtle, yet straightforward protest (also very British...)

Hi there folks, my first post btw... from Sweden, art historian specializing in historical/vintage clothing... when I found this forum, I was happy as ever... at last a group of people with thorough understanding of the word style!

/M

[Matt Deckard]

Welcome to the lounge Madhatter.

[AlanC]

Thanks to Matt Deckard who invited folks from the AskAndy forum to come over.

Speaking to men's shoes, I would recommend taking a look at the AskAndy site where there are a seemingly endless number of threads discussing them.

I'm not a particular expert myself, but Allen Edmonds and Alden are universally recognized as the top manufacturers of shoes in the US, with a slight nod going to Alden over AE. Church's is generally viewed to rely mainly on reputation and is not a particularly quality product these days. Most endorse Crockett & Jones, particularly the Handgrade line, as the English shoe of choice before you start getting into "real" money with Edward Green, Lobb, etc. C&J Handgrade would generally be a tad more expensive than Alden or AE. BenSilver.com has a nice selection of both Alden and C&J, although perhaps not the best place to buy price wise.

[Matt Deckard]

Welcom to the lounge Alan.

I just bought this pair of AE shoes. in black from the AE company store in Burlington NC. They are factory seconds so I paid $222.00 for them.

I needed a good pair of black dress shoes. I usually wear Alden style 86 boots. I needed variety.

https://www.allenedmonds.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/AllenEdmonds/images/database/1_45_I.jpg

[AlanC]

Those AE's are nice. I've seen pics of them before, and admired them. Which are the Alden 86? Is it a chukka?

I'm starting to build a quality shoe wardrobe. I have a pair of black Alden captoe dress shoes. I'm about to shoot the moon and buy some Crockett & Jones Handgrade brown dress shoes. I've been saving for these and expect them to be a long term investment.

Another shoe that I recently tried is Trask. They make casual/dress casual shoes mainly out of bison. I like the pair I have and they run cheaper than AEs. Take a look at Sierra Trading Post's website, which often has AEs, Trask and sometimes Alden on closeout.

I'm pondering some AE tan bucs down the road.

[Matt Deckard]

Here is the Alden 86. It is a 1920's style ankle boot that has very close lacing. Only available in black. It is one of there orthopedic styles and feels good on my feet.

Lately I have been wanting to show off my socks.

Do you have any Crocket & Jones shoes?

http://www.aldenshoe.com/images/trub86.jpg

[Nathan Flowers]

Woah, the AE store is in Burlington, NC? That's like 1.5 hours from my house. I sense a trip in the near future. If any of you guys are interested, I'll take my digital camer and snap some pictures.

[Matt Deckard]

Allen Edmonds Company store
Burlington Manufacturers Outlet Center
1238 Plaza Drive
Burlington NC 27215

I dealt with a Lisa Kelly. I don't know if it would be to exciting, I think it is one of many outlet stores.
If you go do take pics, and try on many sizes... they will have the right fit for you.

I wear a 9 1/5 eee, in Allen Edmonds. It took me alot of wrong sizes before I learned, and different AE styles fit differently so pick what feels right off the bat.

If you are not planning on buying right away, have fun finding your size and Say high to Lisa. They have sales every so often and sometimes you can get a real deal.

[AlanC]

Very sharp shoes, indeed. You don't see those in the typical Alden catalog. Do their orthopedic shoes run more than the regular line?

This will be my first pair of C&Js. I've heard such good things about them that I've decided to take the plunge. These are the ones I'm leaning toward, the Belgrave in chestnut:

http://www.edjones1192.com/crockett/images/103member.jpg

[Pen Collector]

Matt, great looking shoes. Those that you pictured are the Allen Edmonds Bradley - Calf. I have a pair in black. They are one of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. I like the thick leather sole. I also have 2 cap toe Allen Edmonds. One in black and the other in a burgandy color. Great Shoes and very durable.

[Matt Deckard]

Originally posted by AlanC
Very sharp shoes, indeed. You don't see those in the typical Alden catalog. Do their orthopedic shoes run more than the regular line?




Actually, I think they cost a slight bit less.

I am trying to decide whether I want to get a pair of C&Js or Church's... I was all for Church's but with what I have been reading around the web, they are not what they used to be. I'll wait a while either way before I decide, gotta stow some money away.

Congrats on the C&Js and tell us how you like em after you get them, and a few days break in.

[AlanC]

I would really suggest you check the archives at Ask Andy on Church's. It sounds like you may have already. I know they have the name and reputation, but a lot of those guys are longtime shoe horses. None of them that I've seen recommend the modern Church's shoes. I'm new at this myself, and like you have to save to make that kind of outlay. I think when that's the case it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Chamorro]

I just won these on eBay for $90. Sweet deal!:)

http://i15.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/74/25/57_1_b.JPG
http://i3.ebayimg.com/02/i/01/74/02/fd_1.JPG

Allen Edmonds Sanford Oxfords.

[Andykev]

You are lucky to get those on ebay! I got mine at Nordstroms for $189. They are just like mine. Chesnut color, same toe...
I love them...They are the LEXINGTON.

I also have two other pairs of Allen Edmonds, one oil finish Johnson & Murphy..and a black cap toe J & M that are sweet.

I also have an old pair of chuka boot in brown made by Florsheim, and a black wing tip from them also.....humm I l.l have to check ..the chuka boot with zipper sides may be another brand.


Great shoes...


My next pair will be the black and white Allen Edmonds...

[Chamorro]

I LOVE those!

The guy on "The District" on CBS wears them all the time. Can't find anybody who carries them for less than $270 though ...:(

They are called "The Broadstreet" style.

http://www.onlineshoes.com/images/18729lg.jpg

[Matt Deckard]

Originally posted by Chamorro


The guy on "The District" on CBS wears them all the time. Can't find anybody who carries them for less than $270 though ...:(

They are called "The Broadstreet" style.

Try calling here,
336-227-1146

It is the # for the NC store and so far I notice no imperfections in their seconds, in fact the pair of Byrons I recieved has straighter stitching and the leather is cut better than the pair I saw at Nordstrom's and I liked the coloring job better too, the Byrons at Nordys looked washed out.
They may have your Broadstreet size in seconds.

[SHARPETOYS]

Matt Deckard said he liked Aldens boots this is there new ones for this year.

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/webart/Fan/AF60-view06.jpg

http://www.alden-of-carmel.com/Catalog/Fan/

The price $515.00

[Pyroxene]

I really like those new Aldens.

I would like to see them do a closed lace version. That would be Really nice.

Pyro.

[Max52]

Don't buy church's anymore. Sinse Prada took them over there has been nothing but complaints about church's shoes. A common complaint is that the leather upper splits. C&J is a much better choice.

[PADDY]

I am the sort of gent that if I find something that works for me, then I stick with it. So...Over the past 20 years I have worn RM Williams boots (I like the support a boot gives me), and on a more formal shoe, I wear Loakes (English brogues) who have been making shoes/boots for the last few centuries (like Churches/ Trickers). For some reason Loakes come in price wise more competitively than the latter two manufacturers.

The pair of Loake brogues in the pic I have had for 20 years, and they just grow in character like an old friend, with the more bruises and stains they get on them, as that saddle leather burnishes to a patina that only time can bestow.

My work horse boots are 7-years-old, with chunks out of them that then welcome the next coat of polish. Guys...I LOVE these boots and cannot praise RM's highly enough! These ones are Gardeners (model), if you like this model.

But, I love to be open to suggestions and try new things, so keep your good work up! This site is proving a real education for me!

[PADDY]

see attached:

[Canadave]

I don't think anyone mentioned Cole Haan. Any experience?

David

[Matt Deckard]

Here are the best fitting shoes I have ever worn... They are Alden orthotics and are very comfortable (at least on my foot).

Ordered them at an Alden trunk show... The dealer pulled out a chart with foot shapes and my foot is odd enough to work with the Trueflare last.

I have a reddish brown pair and will try to post pics soon.

http://www.aldenshoe.com/cat_ortho_truf_639.htm

[MK]

Really? You like them better than your Allen Edmonds? How much?

[Matt Deckard]

Remember, it's all in the fit.

They are part of the orthotic line and cost around $265.00
I like them alot better than the Allen Edmonds because they fit my feet like a glove and i can walk in them all day long without pain. First pair of dress shoes I've had like this.
Unfortunately I got the last pair... They discontinued everything in that last shape. Apparently I have rare feet.

Alden are generally made better than Allen Edmonds.

[Matt Deckard]

Well I have had my Alden Wingtipes for about 2 years now and they are holding up better than any pair of shoes i have ever had in the past, even the heels are little worn. I give them little rest.