entry level goodyear welt or blake stitch shoes $200 - $400

[MISAOK]

Greetings forum members,

I've decided that I need some real shoes. The mall bought glued shoes have served me well over the years, but we've all got to grow up sometime.

I know Allen Edmonds is a popular entry point for this level of shoe, but the style is just a bit too bulky for me.

Youtube reviewers (paid agents?) seem to rave about Ace Marks and Shoe Passion. Meermin gets mentioned a lot. Undandy has taken over my facebook feed. Does anybody have any experience with these brands? Anywhere else I should look?

 

[Andy57]

You should take a look at Skoaktiebolaget's new house brand Löf & Tung. First impressions are that the shoes are excellent value for the money, and a cut above the likes of Meermin. I have two pair (although one pair is so recently acquired that I have not worn them yet), and, for the money, they seem hard to beat.

 

[TheForeigner]

I’m also very eager to try Löf & Tung. As for other entry-level makers I can recommend Loake 1880. I have three pairs and find them an excellent value-for-money shoe.

 

[Patek14]

I know Allen Edmonds is a popular entry point for this level of shoe, but the style is just a bit too bulky for me.

Youtube reviewers (paid agents?) seem to rave about Ace Marks and Shoe Passion. Meermin gets mentioned a lot. Undandy has taken over my facebook feed. Does anybody have any experience with these brands? Anywhere else I should look?

Your budget is $200-400.

Suggestion #1- Loake 1880. Similar entry point to Allen Edmonds mainline with much better QC standards. Retails for a lot less. 1 US retailer is east dane if you have amazon prime...

Suggestion #2 - Shipton's models made by Crockett and Jones. Not made to the same standard as mainline crockett but a lot cheaper.

Avoids:

1. I detest Ace Marks. They are really expensive. Those people on youtube who hock thier crap seem seedy.
2. Meermin is a good deal but there QC has been noted to be too inconsistent. Return shipping makes it too risky.

Where do you live? That is a factor. And BTW if your budget is in fact $400 you might want to wait for a sale. you'd be able to grab something from a mid tier on sale for $400

 

[Caustic Man]

On the low end of that budget, Jack Erwin is okay.

You might also consider Rider Boot Company (they don't just make boots).

 

[Anubis]

In addition to those mentioned above, Herring Shoes also have some models within budget, and are good quality. Afinepairofshoes have Berwick shoes - I have 3 pairs of these and am very pleased with them, but note that they are quite narrow fitting (which suits me) - and as an SF member you will get a discount.

 

[jonathanS]

What about Cobbler Union - might be pushing your budget, but from the photos they look nice.

 

[Genericuser1]

Would the same manufacturers listed above hold true for 3E width? AE so far is the only one in that price range with a number of shoes available in 3E with a number of different lasts that I have found so far.

 

[j ingevaldsson]

Two good options from Sweden (where you can also deduct the 25% VAT):

Webstore Skolyx has just launched its own range of Goodeyar welted shoes made in Spain, leather from European tanneries like Annonay, thin city rubber soles, leather board heel stiffeners etc. I wear my regular size in these. Excellent quality for the price of $191 excl. VAT (€217 incl. VAT).

Some of Skolyx models:

Another brand in same price range is Myrqvist. Also Goodyear welted, made in Portugal with European full grain leather. These are a bit small in size, recommend to size up one size. Both these brands' shoes are comfortable and quite easy to break in.

One of Myrqvist models:

 

[MISAOK]

Thanks for the great pointers everybody! Many of these options look amazing.