Everyday Dress Shoes

[illinoisguy74]

I am not sure if this is the right place to post (I am brand new to the site) but am looking for some advice on new dress shoes. My work is business casual (I typically wear khakis and polo/dress shirt/sweater). In the past I have mainly bought shoes from Kohls (Bass, Dockers, etc) but am looking for better quality/appearance. Unfortunately I can't afford Allen Edmonds as I would like to keep price around $100 or less. Ideally I need both a black and brown pair (brown pair first). Any suggestions?

 

[S.R.M. 1977]

Go to thrift stores and look for something good (usually, Made In Italy, Made In America, or Made in England).
You can also go online to used marketplaces and find something there. There's a lot of material on this forum on what shoes are a smart buy. Welcome!

 

[illinoisguy74]

Thanks! For those of you that buy used shoes, where do you shop? Ebay? What do you look for? What brands? Do the shoes you buy ever smell?

 

[mph57]

I buy vintage shoes mainly from a few goodwill stores. I've found that there are some nice finds out there which are very easy on the pocket book. I've only been looking at goodwill for roughly 6-8 months or so. To answer your specific questions: (1) I look for shoes that are gently used...think of the individual(s) who've bought a nice pair of shoes for a wedding or special occasion, never use them again and subsequently turn them into goodwill. (2) Brands that I look for are Florsheim (1970s) Nettleton (1970s) Allen Edmonds (1980s-90s) and Alden (any year). There are many more brands out there, but those are a few. I've found that older, made in USA shoes generally have nicer leathers, craftmanship, stitching, insoles, etc. than you will find at your aforementioned store Kohls. (3) Usually the shoes have a little dust on them, some with no shoe laces, and sometimes a musty smell.

I invested in a shoe brush, edging dressing, conditioner, cream, and polish. For the interiors, I wipe with isopropyl alcohol. With a little work, they come back to look in "almost new" condition. I took a photo of four of the shoes that I have found in goodwill. On the left side are two pair of Allen Edmonds (Berkley & Sanford). On the right is a Florsheim 93602 LWB and Nettleton LWB. The Florsheim was $4.99, Nettleton $8.99, AE Sanford $12.99, & AE Berkley $24.99. Total of $51.96. These shoes might not fit your style, but whatever you're interested in, I'm sure you might be able to find something similar. Cheers!

 

[Paul902]

If you are not into DIY, places like this offer outstanding value on reconditioned, ready to go vintage shoes. Excellent quality at prices way lower than new shoes today.

https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/ScotkinVintage?ref=l2-shopheader-name

 

[S.R.M. 1977]

Thanks! For those of you that buy used shoes, where do you shop? Ebay? What do you look for? What brands? Do the shoes you buy ever smell?

I shop at Goodwills and thrift stores called The Hope Chest. I usually look for brands I recognize or shoes made in the places I mentioned. I am looking for shoes with relatively good uppers, as the sole can be resoled later. I am looking a the creasing and making sure that it is at least wearable as is.


I don't buy shoes that smell.

I usually find lot of Allen Edmonds.