Alden shoe question….

Alden is better than AE - both in construction and materials. Right now I cannot think of a good company to compare Alden to - perhaps C&J (not handgrade)? I'm almost positive they are above Ferragamo, Tod's, Bruno Magli, etc construction-wise.

I think you'll find the general consensus to be that Alden is better than Allen Edmonds, the debate is how much. Both are quality shoes at that price point. AE will give you a better selection of styles and the possibility of finding bigger discounts, usually. My understanding is that the Cape Cod collection is priced slightly below the regular Alden line, perhaps in the low $200s. Check ebay where I've seen Cape Cods for sale for cheaper.

A/E and Alden both employ the same construction, with the exception being that all A/E feature a 360 degree welt while most Alden are welted 'breast to breast'. Meaning the welt begins and ends at the heel breast. Alden uses a better outsole, A/E uses a better insole. The uppers are, for the most part, the same exact leather from the same 3 tanneries. The handsewn group from Alden is sub-contracted to a firm in Maine - although this changes as the factories there are just about gone. A/E bought the largest, The Maine Handsewing Company, a few years ago. Now they make the A/E handsewns, obviously, as well as Foot-Joy. I am not sure who now is making the Aldens.

Rider, do they make all Foot-Joys? I recently picked up a couple of pairs on ebay at shoefan's recommendation. They're quite nice as casual/"dress" casual shoes. Nice looking and comfortable.

the handsewns, yes. Foot-Joy still operates the welted factory for their better golf shoes, and a little production of street shoes. How much longer? Anyones guess.

I have two pairs of the Foot Joy dress casual saddle oxfords from a couple of years ago. I would like to GIVE them away. Not very comfortable. From what I understand they have gone downhill in recent years. But then again I got the recommendation to buy from a friend who thinks the Bostonian Made-in-China, plastic-leather shoes are great.

Sorry you've had a bad experience with the Footjoys. I'm quite pleased with mine. I prefer my Allen Edmonds and Aldens, certainly, but these are quite fine and comfortable shoes for me. They are more casual (Vibram soled), but are great with khakis, etc. Perhaps your problem is actually a fit or last issue and not a problem with the shoes themselves.

Could be. I decided to list each pair on eBay at $1 to see if they can find a good home. Trouble is I wear orthotics and I think it is a matter of finding the right fit.