What's With Florsheim?

What's up with Florsheim men's footwear? I used to see a lot of Florsheim outlets in many cities - in general downtown areas but also upscale shopping areas. Pretty sure I saw Florsheim shoes in shoe departments as well. I thought of the shoes as fairly classic, traditional styles following the standard trends - on the expensive side but not really a luxury brand. Some years back I saw the Florsheim shops close one by one until every one around Cleveland was gone. I have from time to time seen Florsheim shoes - I believe mainly in places with discounted shoes. And I notice Penney's sells them, because I found a Florsheim pair of slippers last night for (only) $46 reduced to $29-something) - stated to be all leather but made in China (low price for any all leather....).
Bernhard Roetzel, in the 2009 edition of his "Gentleman Style" book, still includes Florsheim with the premium American shoe manufacturers. Anyway, what happened with the company and what can any of you say about recently made Florsheim footwear? Have you seen the brand in any of the "better" stores? Still any all-Florsheim outlets left? I know I could look up the facts but some of you guys are so quick in being able to respond to these inquiries....

A shorter version: How good is the Florsheim men's shoe line today? All the stores I used to know are gone but I occasionally see the brand - in not such topnotch places like Penney's shoe department. And the prices not what they used to be, though I see some on the 'net fairly high. Quality? Who makes Florsheim now? What happend to the Florsheim of, say, 15-25 years ago? Bernhard Roetzel still finds them worthy of mention in his oh-so-opinionated new tome....

It's very hit-and-miss, I have a pair of Kenmoors that are decent enough, especially for what I paid. The contruction is pretty good, the leather is so-so, but still. Edit for pic:

Saks is now carrying a premium line of Florsheims for Fall.

My Florsheim Kenmoor (black pebble grain makes it harder to detect if it CG or not, I don't want to know ) is my favourite shoe. I also have a crap Florsheim with cardboard soles, canvas lining and burgundy CG and 1 heel clicks louder than the other (sigh) from the 60s/70s (another user's guess) that I don't like.

Originally Posted by Lafont

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A shorter version: How good is the Florsheim men's shoe line today? All the stores I used to know are gone but I occasionally see the brand - in not such topnotch places like Penney's shoe department. And the prices not what they used to be, though I see some on the 'net fairly high. Quality? Who makes Florsheim now? What happend to the Florsheim of, say, 15-25 years ago? Bernhard Roetzel still finds them worthy of mention in his oh-so-opinionated new tome....
Weyco is the manufacturer and owner of Florsheim, Nunn Bush, etc. The Florsheim family recently bought back into the group, but as far as I know, they have no control. I may be wrong on that, but that was my info about a year ago. Their top model is the Kenmoor. Kenmoor wingtip is available in Black, Pebbled Black, Pebbled Cognac & Burgundy. They retail for about $225 (US) Not quite matching Allen Edmonds MacNeil or McClain, but at $125 less (retail) the Kenmoor is still a great buy even today for that price. In 1996, if memory serves, Florsheim began Out-sourcing their production to India. I have several pair of Kenmoor's (different vintages) and all are serving extremely well. Last year I bought another Florsheim model called 'Wexford'. It is a short wing with a high toebox, almost like a Budapestor. Made in India. Box Calf leather upper, Goodyear Welt, Leather sole. but synthetic insides. I was rather suprised the Wexford is as good as it is for the $90 (CDN) I paid. Do a search for Florsheim here and you'll see all the other info you would ever want. There is apparently a new line from Florsheim called 'Duckie Brown', but I have never seen them in Canada. Perhaps USA only? The Duckie Brown wingtips are re-badged Kenmoors i think, but with nicer leathers. If Teacher is lurking, he will know all the Florsheim details you would ever want to know.

I paid $159 US for my Kenmoors thru an outlet. They sent it to me in Canada. $230 CAD total.

Originally Posted by Steven Aver

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Saks is now carrying a premium line of Florsheims for Fall.


Is this the duckie brown colloboration? Do they have any shell florsheims at all?

Originally Posted by srivats

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Is this the duckie brown colloboration? Do they have any shell florsheims at all?

Apparently so.

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/0...-duckie-brown/

The problem with wearing today's florsheims is that you will then have to wear them.

They are clunky, ugly shoes. Just look at the picture axe posted.

Originally Posted by Grayland

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Apparently so.

http://www.stylelist.com/blog/2009/0...-duckie-brown/

Are they? Anyone seen them at Saks? How much $?

Originally Posted by Intelligent Design

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The problem with wearing today's florsheims is that you will then have to wear them.

They are clunky, ugly shoes. Just look at the picture axe posted.

fail...

stick with your sleek Mark Nasons

?? Axe's photo is basically what a classic wingtip is supposed to be IMHO.
As for Saks, I can't believe our one Saks would carry them - too small a collection and not upscale enough. At least not in their regular display stock. Sometimes they bring shoes out for a special sale, but very rarely. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Intelligent Design

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The problem with wearing today's florsheims is that you will then have to wear them.

They are clunky, ugly shoes. Just look at the picture axe posted.
Hyperbole much? They are a bit clunky, yes, but not much more so than your typical AE or Alden. They're a good bang for your buck.

I do find the leather a bit hard, but it's also very tough. Mine are burgundy.

The Duckie Brown calfskin Florsheim wingtips are in the Saks Men's Catalog. They look decent enough but they cost $395. I'd buy Alden or AE longwings 100 times before I tried those.

Originally Posted by AnGeLiCbOrIs

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The Duckie Brown calfskin Florsheim wingtips are in the Saks Men's Catalog. They look decent enough but they cost $395. I'd buy Alden or AE longwings 100 times before I tried those.

If all 3 were the same retail price, I'd give the Florsheim x Duckie Brown a try instead of AE or Alden. I believe Nick Horween posted (here) that the sample leather that passed through his hands was pretty nice. Don't know if it's that dope Horween Chromexel leather used on my Red Wing GTs.