Newbie to nice shoes. J&M for $365 ?

Hi,

I've recently started updating my wardrobe, and decided to invest in some more expensive shoes.  I ended up buying a pair of shoes at Johnston and Murphy for $365. (Canadian dollar is at par with US). 

They are the Ellard Saddle shoe - Made in Italy. I love the look of them - I've worn the shoes once and I can see some imperfections that are bugging me, (and possibly sole glue coming unstuck). I was thinking of just getting them replaced with a pair that didn't have the same problem - but the more I research - the more it seems that J&M isn't the place to spend big money on shoes.

Is there any chance that J&M'S more expensive shoes are better quality than their cheaper shoes - or should I take the back and replace with something from AE? Wish that AE had that style/colour.

Thanks for any opinions/info!

Thanks for the info...I returned them, and am going to pull the trigger on some AE shoes this week. I've also found a few pairs on ebay and Kijiji, too, so I think I'll be buying two pairs, and be on the lookout for more, now that I'm armed with some quality names.

I knew everyone would say return them - but because I love the style of those shoes, I was still hoping that J&M's handcrafted Italian shoes were of better quality.

I have to give some props to the salesperson at J&M. She was helpful, and let me return them with grace.

Chris

Goodbye JM Shoe.

Just to put an ending on this post - I took the money from returning the J&M shoes, and bid on a bunch of shoes on Ebay.

I've won, and received four pairs of (used) shoes:

    Allen Edmonds Lexington Cap toes. Brown (Similar to the Sanford) $100

    Allen Edmonds Milford slip ons Black    $80

    Allen Edmond Presidio Burgundy          $45

    Salvatore Ferragamo   Chukka Black    $66

Very happy with them all. Love the Lexingtons.  Was surprised at how near perfect all the shoes were.

I know a lot more about shoes now, and more about what I like, and I still have $70 to fire off at another pair.

Watch out 11.5 EE or 12E''s - I'm coming for you. :)

Chris

Here are some pics.

My only shoes.

Lexingtons. My favorite.

Ferragamo Studio Ankle boots. They look like they were only worn once or twice.

Presidio. These slip on easy, and are so comfortable. A bit too burgundy.

Milford Slip-on.  This one was too tight on the top of my foot. Need to stretch the stretchy fabric more.