Boss vs Johnston Murphy

Hey all, this is my first post on this forum.

I've read a lot of posts and I know you guys don't like J&M, but this is the area of shoes I can afford at the moment, and I like a more modern look than the AE brand, so I really wouldn't be those if I can afford them, just personal preference.

As far as quality goes, how do J&M compare to Boss Black? They are roughly the same price point and I like how the Boss shoes look. I own 2 pair of J&M and I can't complain.

Thanks for your help.

How much are they?

$200 range...some large online shoe store (don't know if I can post the name) has a lot of both brands on sale in the mid 100s as well..

I own a few J&M's and have been pretty pleased, but I think you're overpaying for them. Maybe it's a regional thing, but I've never paid over $130 for a pair of J&Ms. I know you don't like them, but for $200 you can get a pair of AEs with significantly better quality.

I honestly just don't like how the AEs look. Can't justify buying them if I don't like the look..I know their construction is great.

I too do not like the way AEs look and I do not own a pair. Actually, I only own Alden boots as I find their shoes clunky too.

Both Boss and J&M are crappy shoes to be honest. At least the Boss' have full leather soles. I had a pair that I threw away after about eight months as the leather looked like crap. Besides, I hate anything with a visible logo and Boss puts that on the side of their shoes which adds to the cheap look. I have had J&M years ago when their quality was better and those actually lasted me about two years. However, with their new "comfort" soles that are half rubber who is to say.

I would keep looking and perhaps get some C&J on sale for $350 or so. In the end, it is money better spent and a shoe that will last you for years.

So you're saying the quality of Boss and J&M are pretty much the same?

6 in one half dozen in the other. get what you like. it's pretty simple

Boss gets a lot of hate, but by and large the product isn't that bad, just overpriced. I have a pair of Boss shoes bought on sale and they're comfortable, have a sleek desing and the branding is discreet. Not all Boss is junk, they actually make some decent pants in a pretty wide selection of cuts.



JTP1000 said:

Boss gets a lot of hate, but by and large the product isn't that bad, just overpriced. I have a pair of Boss shoes bought on sale and they're comfortable, have a sleek desing and the branding is discreet. Not all Boss is junk, they actually make some decent pants in a pretty wide selection of cuts.

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While I'm not one to jump on the hate Boss bandwagen as I have a Made in USA suit of theirs, a couple shirts, and a jacket and coat, their shoes leave something to be desired. All of their shoes that I have seen are glued with very thin soles, corrected grain leather, and logo on the side. I uesed to buy their shoes until I bought "real" shoes and now I would not put them on my feet. They cannot be resoled and the leather ages and looks terrible. There are much better shoe options out there for your price point or slightly higher on sale.

As a comparison, I purchased a pair of BB house brand light weight wingtips made in Italy about three years ago at around the same time I purchased a pair of Boss shoes at Nordstrom. The BB were on sale for $250 and the Boss were around $199. The boss hit the trash can about 2.3 years ago while the BB are still an active part of my rotation and even survived a few all night benders dancing in South Beach night clubs on New Year with drinks and glass aplenty on the floor.

I hate to sound like a total idiot here, but what are BB shoes? I'm new to the shoe world, so pardon the novice question

Brooks Brothers.

Brooks Brothers. Their Peal shoes on sale are an excellent deal.

Hmm..I don't see any peal shoes on sale on the website.



KObalto said:

Brooks Brothers. Their Peal shoes on sale are an excellent deal.

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Yes, their Peal shoes are--since they are always from known makers. However, the wingtips referenced above are not even Peal. They are just their house brand "Hand made in Italy".