Is it really worth it to buy expensive shoes?

[suitforcourt]

I'd respect an answer that investing in a AE pair is a big step up from plasticky leather shoes that can ruin an otherwise decent or professional looking outfit, and upgrading from AE is indulgence.

I will agree with this.

 

[Nobilis Animus]

I will agree with this.

I shall abstain from agreement or disagreement.

 

[josepidal]

Respect and agree are not the same FWIW.

 

[Boggis]

I shall abstain from agreement or disagreement.

I agree with this.

 

[VRaivio]

As for the subject of this thread, yes. It's worth buying expensive shoes -- but only from certain makers who offer more durable leathers instead of inflated prices due to extensive marketing. I must have owned more than 150 pairs from all the relevant factories so far, and the pairs which have held up best and looked the part are the more expensive ones.

Ultimately you just have to decide on a breaking point, and not buy things above it outside of sales or used pairs. Edward Green and Gaziano&Girling are worth their salt, but most likely too dear for most SF members.

 

[JFWR]

I'd respect an answer that investing in a AE pair is a big step up from plasticky leather shoes that can ruin an otherwise decent or professional looking outfit, and upgrading from AE is indulgence.

As I've said elsewhere:

Once you reach full grain calf skin shoes with a GYW, leather liners, etc - in other words, a quality pair of shoes - the difference is between smaller and more about the fine details.

A Nann Bush you can get at Sears is far less of a good shoe than an Allen Edmonds, than an Allen Edmonds is less of a good shoe as an Edward Green.

I also think there's a certain point where I don't see any reason to invest in a pair of RTW shoes instead of Bespoke at a certain price point. Why would I want to buy a 2,500 dollar pair of Berlutis when there are 3,000 dollar bespoke options, which would after the first lasting, go down even lower than Berluti's off-the-shelf price?

I'm even somewhat suspicious of whether a full-price Edward Green or JM Weston are worth it, though I definitely say BUY THOSE SHOES if you see them on sale.

 

[Bertrand]

Respect and agree are not the same FWIW.

I agree and respect.

 

[Bertrand]

As for the subject of this thread, yes. It's worth buying expensive shoes -- but only from certain makers who offer more durable leathers instead of inflated prices due to extensive marketing. I must have owned more than 150 pairs from all the relevant factories so far, and the pairs which have held up best and looked the part are the more expensive ones.

Ultimately you just have to decide on a breaking point, and not buy things above it outside of sales or used pairs. Edward Green and Gaziano&Girling are worth their salt, but most likely too dear for most SF members.

Any brands (other than Edward Green and Gaziano&Girling) would you recommend?

 

[josepidal]

I thought Edward Green was considered an entry level SF brand...

 

[BPL Esq]

I thought Edward Green was considered an entry level SF brand...

Just go barefoot until you have the means to get some Lobbs, and save yourself the humiliation of being seen in lesser shoes.

 

[bicycleradical]

For years, I wore Rockport, Florsheim, and other clunky, cemented shoes as my dress shoes. In 2016, I decided to give something higher quality a try and bought some AEs. Since then, I have built up my collection to 8 pairs. I have had to resole a pair once due to heavier use than others and they are still great.

The main reason I've stuck with AE is because they offer wider sizes than most manufacturers and I've been pretty happy with them. Perhaps one day, I'll try a pair of G&Gs or EGs if the last actually fits my foot.

I think it's worthwhile to have some pairs of more expensive shoes. They round out a CM outfit quite well.

 

[pasadena man]

I've purchased 80 + pairs of shoes over the years. I have purchased about 15 high quality shoes (Church's, AE, Vintage Florsheim, C & J, Edwin Clapp, etc.). I have never regretted any of the higher price purchases. I still have and wear most of them, even though some were purchased 30 + years ago.

 

[haloitsme]

Ohhh are you referring to expensive as: G&Gs or EGs et al?
I fully agree those are defiantly worth their price.

When I hear expensive shoes I was with those brands: Kiton, Silvano Lattanzi, Berluti, John Lobb, etc.

 

[Nobilis Animus]

The muddling about with price comparisons and wear-to-value ratios is thoroughly odd. They're just clothes, after all.

At a certain point all shoes are more-or-less made well. So then you're paying for stylistic details anyway. No one said this hobby was rational.

 

[JFWR]

The muddling about with price comparisons and wear-to-value ratios is thoroughly odd. They're just clothes, after all.

At a certain point all shoes are more-or-less made well. So then you're paying for stylistic details anyway. No one said this hobby was rational.

Yes. It's style and quality of materials, not the basic level of good, solid, "wear for years" craftsmanship.