Best "Bang for Buck" Footwear Brand?

[Ebitdaddy]

Hey guys,

I have weird feet so am stuck buying shoes in-person. I can pick from the following brands, which would you recommend I go with? No real budget but I am definitely a "buy it once" kind of guy. Mainly wondering about how each of these hold up long term an if Lobb is worth the premium in the long run over some of the others.

Picking from:
Lobb
Allen Edmonds
Santoni
Scarpe Di Bianco

 

[OlafG]

Allen Edmonds factory seconds with extra discounts?

 

[Ebitdaddy]

Allen Edmonds factory seconds with extra discounts?

They don't seem to have any in the lasts that fit me in-stock right now.

 

[nmprisons]

Hey guys,

I have weird feet so am stuck buying shoes in-person. I can pick from the following brands, which would you recommend I go with? No real budget but I am definitely a "buy it once" kind of guy. Mainly wondering about how each of these hold up long term an if Lobb is worth the premium in the long run over some of the others.

Picking from:
Lobb
Allen Edmonds
Santoni
Scarpe Di Bianco

"Worth the premium in the long run" is a strange question. I've got Allen Edmonds shoes that are more than ten years old and have seen hundreds of wears. If you take care of them, they'll last. But I don't buy Allen Edmonds any more because I don't particularly like how they look. So I've filled out my collection with shoes I find more visually appealing (Vass, EG, C&J, etc.).

 

[7_rocket]

More info would help.

What sort of feet do you have? high or low instep? What does "weird" mean?

Premium doesn't mean much. I wear AE shoes daily, my oldest pair is going on 7 years IIRC.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

More info would help.

What sort of feet do you have? high or low instep? What does "weird" mean?

Premium doesn't mean much. I wear AE shoes daily, my oldest pair is going on 7 years IIRC.

Good point - I have really wide feet because they are super flat. Next to no arch.

 

[bdavro23]

Hey guys,

I have weird feet so am stuck buying shoes in-person. I can pick from the following brands, which would you recommend I go with? No real budget but I am definitely a "buy it once" kind of guy. Mainly wondering about how each of these hold up long term an if Lobb is worth the premium in the long run over some of the others.

Picking from:
Lobb
Allen Edmonds
Santoni
Scarpe Di Bianco

This is a very unusual collection of choices. Would you mid sharing how you came up with this set of options?

 

[dieworkwear]

In terms of build quality, they'll all hold up just fine. IMO, it's more about what will you be happy with in the long term. When it comes to clothing, the design often gives out before the build quality. You may find that you don't like the style in the end.

It's hard to say which will you be happy with because your taste may evolve.

 

[OlafG]

Good point - I have really wide feet because they are super flat. Next to no arch.

I would suggest trying Alden. Allen Edmonds boot lasts are not that wide even though they are EEE width.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

This is a very unusual collection of choices. Would you mid sharing how you came up with this set of options?

The only brands available within a reasonable distance other than the fast-fashion-y stuff.

 

[Ebitdaddy]

I would suggest trying Alden. Allen Edmonds boot lasts are not that wide even though they are EEE width.

No dealers in Utah

 

[bc78]

I think Vass is probably the best bang for the buck.

Carmina, Lof Tung, and J Fitzpatrick are good value.

 

[Proleet]

If that’s your consideration set I honestly can’t imagine Lobb being worth it for you....
(Given how broad it is - suggests at max only a modest amount of experience with better shoes)

 

[Ebitdaddy]

If that’s your consideration set I honestly can’t imagine Lobb being worth it for you....
(Given how broad it is - suggests at max only a modest amount of experience with better shoes)

Thanks for the hard hitting commentary. Very useful advice. 11/10.

Literally just trying to figure out where the drop off is in diminishing returns with the above brands because they are what I have easy access to locally and like to try before buying due to hilariously flat feet.

 

[papado]

I find JL to be some of the most comfortable shoes for my feet and as someone who likes dressing up I like their oxfords and dressier models in terms of styling and finish. Are they really worth the retail? (did I mention I mainly love the prestige line only...) Probably not but if the money truly isn't a big deal you may as well buy what you like the first time rather than constantly searching for cheaper shoes which do it almost as well. PS if you're not against ordering online you can save some coin by ordering from Skoak and even with 10% duty you'd be ahead

JL i've found have wider heels even in normal width, so that may help you if you've got wide heels as well in addition to your forefoot. Else I'd say AE would be your best bet to find some stylish shoes in sizes for wide flat feet.