End of an Era | Johnston & Murphy shuts down US production/factory/services

[rdstour]

Just a PSA.

Heard some rumblings about this and noticed they scrapped the refurbishment/recrafting section of their website, so finally gave corporate a call to confirm:

• Johnston & Murphy just shut down their sole US factory in Tennessee, which provided both refurbishment services, as well as production of "Crown Aristocrafts" and "Custom Select" shoes
• This is a huge blow honestly, as it leaves only Allen Edmonds at the mid-range tier, still offering reasonably affordable dress shoes, across a national distribution network, with recrafting services
• Also a sign of the times, but a sad, but probably inevitable end for Johnston & Murphy--whose American made shoes, through the last 150+ years (and for every president since the late 1800s) were top notch.

Granted, they shifted their shoes mostly to other countries a while ago (Mexico, then India and China now), but I always bought them because they were more affordable than AE, more comfortable (for me--I liked how they did the poron insole better than AE), and with the security of knowing they could be refurbished to original lasts.

I have a handful of vintage "Made in America" pairs from the 80s-90s, and the quality then was still exquisite. Older pairs are even better.

If anyone has recommendations for a cobbler who does great work with J&M, I would appreciate it. I know B. Nelson does great work overall, but if there's someone who specializes moreso with the J&M construction (given the Trampoline system and all that)--would greatly appreciate it.

Guess my business shifts to AE--let's just hope they can still retain their place in the market.

 

[Omega Man]

Well, I wonder whether (and when) AE will go down the same route....
While some of us do appreciate shoe re-crafting; buy it, wear it and dispose it is probably more prevalent in this day and age.

 

[rdstour]

Anyone else have any experiences/recollections to share?

 

[papa kot]

I liked JM shoes as they were always easier to break-in than AEs and Aldens. However, I've always questions the company's strategy as JM seemed to be everywhere: clothing, accessories, shoes. Add an interesting distribution network that involves stores at major airports and you end up with a company that, IMHO, is a bit lost.

By the way, buying an expensive pair of shoes from a company that does not offer re-crafting services is not an easy decision. This is why, in part, I default to Alden. JM just made the decision for me.

 

[rdstour]

Can anyone recommend a good cobbler who can do a good job with these shoes? Especially considering i have a mix of traditional cork soles and poron/cork/trampoline shoes?

Would like to get both types done really well.