For the price, how do Dexter shoes stack up?

[WatchGuy]

I think Dexter used to be a pretty well thought-of shoe a long time ago. Since they moved China (I believe their equipment moved there too), are they any good anymore?

Their prices seem pretty decent. Here are some Goodyear welted brogues for $152.95.

http://www.shoeline.com/asp/dcpitem.asp?style=IDS1016-2

 

[The Devil's Hands]

For that price, look for AEs on ebay or at Filene's Basement and Nordy Rack.

This is what I've been told. You're probably going to hear that AE is the minimum acceptable quality standard here. You probably know more than I do.

 

[NoVaguy]

My gut would say that the $175 Dexter 1957's are made to roughly J&M Optima standards. Although they do say fully leather lined, goodyear welted, french calfskin, etc.

I noticed that a lot of the loafers are made in the USA. Those might be worth taken a flyer on.

take a look at these:

http://www.shoeline.com/asp/dcpItem.asp?style=IDS1005-2
and
http://www.shoeline.com/asp/dcpItem.asp?style=IDS1001-1

 

[FLMountainMan]

I've owned a few pairs and haven't been too impressed with their quality. However, no pair I purchased cost anywhere near $175.00.

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

Dexter is in Payless now. They must have bought the name. The shoes look like they are worth $10.

 

[The Deacon]

I come across vintage brown and black Dexter double leather soled wingtips and Dexter weeguns all the time for very short money. Those vintage Dexters are built very similarly to vintage Florsheim imperials. I let them sit because they don't sell well on ebay. A shame, they are battleships.

I can't speak for the current Dexter line.

 

[suitforcourt]

I come across vintage brown and black Dexter double leather soled wingtips and Dexter weeguns all the time for very short money. Those vintage Dexters are built very similarly to vintage Florsheim imperials. I let them sit because they don't sell well on ebay. A shame, they are battleships.

I can't speak for the current Dexter line.

Do you own a pair? Just bought a NOS on eBay.

Are they really at same level of Florsheim (made in USA)?