DSW shoe surprise

[DocHolliday]

POSTSCRIPT: When I returned these, I found another pair that had seen more shopwear. The results, frankly, weren't pretty. As such, I can't recommend these, as much as I'd like to see a U.S. shoemaker prosper.


I stopped by DSW today to see if any of the remaining AEs had hit deep discount. No luck there -- only a few black Holts and Fairfaxes left, and still priced at $100. But while searching the sale rack I came across a brand I hadn't seen before, "Neil M." The pair that caught my eye was a plaintoe blucher in a whiskey color. I pulled them out and was surprised by what I found. The last was decent, with a slightly chiseled toe reminiscent of the Holt. The leather had a bit of character, lacking the plasticky shine of most of the DSW offerings. (The leather even smelled like leather, rather than chemicals.) And then I looked inside and read the label: "Made in the U.S.A."

Surprised, I looked around for some other models. I only found a few, and those appeared to be welted. I was impressed by this, so I tried on the bluchers and did my best to crease them. They held up pretty well, despite a good bit of walking and several deep bends to really stretch the leather.

So who here has seen this brand? I'd like to hear thoughts on these shoes, particularly from our shoe experts. I was very pleasantly surprised to see the "made in the U.S." label, particularly on a shoe that was selling (on clearance) for only $70. While I'm not suggesting they're the quality of AE, I wonder if they might represent decent value for someone looking to pay $75 or less for a pair of shoes. They seemed much nicer than anything else at DSW, other than the AEs.

I bought the bluchers to take a pic for this thread, and I hope to post it in the next day or two.

 

[gqreader239]

yes do please upload pictures. 75 dollars for a decent pair of shoes is not a bad price. I actually need a pair, wear them out and report please.

 

[DocHolliday]

This thread isn't worth much without pics, I suppose. So here they are.

Bear in mind that even the best of shoes tends to look manhandled after living the hard life at DSW. I've done nothing to these other than walk around in them -- no polish, no leather conditioner, no nothing. The leather is fairly supple, not stiff, like some of the lesser English makers. These even come with shoe bags, albeit somewhat flimsy bags.

With the RM Williams Craftsman, for comparison. The toe is less chiseled on the DSW shoe, so I know it won't be to everyone's taste, but that's not really my point here.

These next ones were taken outside just now. The setting winter sun makes the finish look more harsh and glossy than it really is.

Thoughts?

 

[drizzt3117]

They look fairly nice, certainly servicable. Did the other colors look nice as well?

 

[DocHolliday]

By the time I thought to check the other models, I was almost out of time. I just looked to see if they were welted and set them back down.

I hope I can stop back by later this week.

 

[DocHolliday]

Here's a small update. A Google search suggests that Neil M. is an Arkansas maker that has only recently created its own brand name. Previously they've done contract work for other labels. They appear to retail for about $200, and Nordstrom carries them.

Several of the pairs on Nordstrom don't look so nice, so this may shoot my find in the foot. I'll have to see more in person. But I'm still glad to see a U.S. shoe manufacturer making a go of it.

(Also, I have to say, this pair of bluchers seems much nicer than the offerings of its direct competition, J&M.)

 

[pcunite]

And their website:

http://www.neilmshoes.com/

 

[DocHolliday]

Thanks for the link, pc. I'll check it out now.

Interestingly, I think I found the pair I bought. This site claims they have "fine French calfskin uppers" and are from the signature collection.

http://site.mawebcenters.com/globesh...l?catId=132504

 

[Isaac Mickle]

I saw those shoes in the local shoe store that is our authorized AE retailer. That said, they carry about six kinds of AE and one of them was discontinued awhile ago. I don't think they really sell AE shoes at all.

They had the Neil M. shoes on the shelf below AE. I asked the salesman about Alden and he teared up a bit. Once upon a time he sold Alden shoes. Then he tried to sell me the Neil M. "Gentry" model saddle shoe in burgundy pebble grain. He said Neil M. was well known for making very good women's shoes.

I went home and looked up the brand and found the same few sites that you found. I did not buy the shoes.

 

[DocHolliday]

After reading the company's brochure, I wonder if the signature line is made to a higher standard than the others. I think I'll contact them Monday and see what I can find out. I very much like the idea of supporting a U.S. shoemaker, if the shoes aren't junk.

 

[Shoe-nut]

From the pics I can't see how you could have done wrong. As you say they are made in USA and a point worth considering in this purchase.

 

[JLibourel]

I saw some Neil M. casual Chelseas at an independent shoe store in Newport Beach a few months ago. They actually looked pretty good. However, I abstained from purchase for three reasons: (1) I had never heard of Neil M. and knew nothing about their quality (even though I was favorably impressed by the boots); (2) The price wasn't super--about $210 as I recall; (3) I don't need much in the way of this kind of footgear at this time.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Shoe-nut

From the pics I can't see how you could have done wrong. As you say they are made in USA and a point worth considering in this purchase.

I hadn't really planned on keeping them, as they're a bit too square-toed for my tastes. (I've been careful not to damage them or mark the soles, and they were already a bit shopworn.) Just sharing something I found interesting with fellow forumites. But if they were decent quality, I'd consider suggesting them as an option to folks looking for a relatively affordable shoe.

Unfortunately, I guess it will take a guinea pig to really find out how the shoes will hold up.