Johnston Murphy vs. Cole Haan vs. Kenneth Cole (Shoes) - Page 2

Hmm, I have the last reiteration, with the oak sole. Definitely not light in the hand The broguing is what it is and the leather "warms up" after some wearings.

Hmmm. I had thought about getting a pair of Cole-Haan 'Air Jackson' (but in a cap toe), as I spent a couple hours trying on shoes at Nordstrom and came away with a really good fit with the Jacksons. It's Napa leather, so it was very soft. But, I can't say I really say I studied the shoes quality, or would truly know how? Do you guys think they would suck? Should I suck it up and find a good fit in an Allen Edmonds (or other suggestions). The shoe would be my primary black oxford shoe, so it would be important. Again, the fit was like a glove, but sounds like I should be concerned about quality. Thoughts would be appreciated.

^ If it was an important shoe, I'd invest in a better one. And those are derbies, not oxfords regardless what it says.

This is like asking whether it's better to make out with your sister or your mother.

Totally. I mean, obviously your sister is better.

Depends on how old she is errrrrrr....

I have some J&M aristocrafts which have held up nicely with regular care. I probably wouldn't buy any of their new stuff though. I had a pair of Kenneth Coles I bought in college and they lasted for 5 months before being unwearable. Biggest waste of $70 ever.

Never had any Cole Haans, however most of the ones I see on their website look to be pretty horrid. However the Traftons edmorel speaks of seem nice. Beautiful soles.

I just picked up some Cole Haan Madero's as my interview shoes, and now I'm beginning to regret it...they fit well too! they were 50% off and AE's are 3x as much, but I'm not sure what to do?

Cole Haan Collection is fine deeply discounted (goodyear welted etc etc). It's not amazing, but it's not the nightmare people are making it out to be. The lasts aren't particularly elegant, but they're not hideous either. If you buy the lower priced cemented/rubber soled shoes, that's your own fault.

How would I know if the Air Madero is cemented? I think it's their lower-end line, and is the most recent model. Thanks!

Cole Haan = Crap.

Only shoes I have owned in my entire life that developed a hole in the sole after light wear as well as a heel beginning to tear off.

I actually like J and M. Lots of misses but a few good hits from time to time. I know, I know. Cemented soles and shoddy construction, but honestly, I have more than a few pairs of mid-range shoes (AE, J and M, Magnanni, Florsheim Imperial, and a few other brands) so durability isn't that much of an issue. I only buy at deep discount (less than $50) so it's a value to me. My thought on J and M is that it is a perfectly good shoe for where I am in life - transitioning into more refined styles. Until I am more comfortable (and wealthier), I'm fine with them. And, now, let the bashing begin ...

For a few extra bucks you can get a nice pair of AE's that will last much longer. Shop around, and you can most definately get a good deal.

Eh, we all have to make up our own minds about what consitutes good value for our money. But here's what put me off them:



That's my one and only pair of mainline J&Ms, purchased on sale for $50. And here's how much wear they received to end up in that condition:



That's $50 wasted, in my book. They live in the back of my closet, awaiting donation.

Cole Haan are my dress shoes of choice. For me the price to comfort and looks ratio is right on.