Looking for classic office shoe, mid-ish to 'affordable' range. First post!

[peterparker20]

Hello guys, I've lurked every now and then, but finally decided to post because my current shoes are in disrepair, and I need dress shoes for an upcoming interview.

Mind you, I'm currently 24, and I've only been working in a real office for about a year, so my experience is limited.

Also, I'm not very highly paid, and so am probably looking at something a bit more affordable than the typical styleforum member. However, I also know that buying a high-quality shoe that lasts 2-5 times longer may ultimately be the more practical choice in the long run.


So for my current job, in October I purchased $160 Johnston and Murphy closed-lace cap toe at DSW (so retail was probably higher; I don't know). Anyway I wore it pretty much daily (I know that's not the best idea) -- trudged through the heavy snows, beat them to hell, etc .... and probably didn't take care of them too well (no polishing or shoe trees).

Nevertheless, they took quite a beating and I've learned my lesson, but the soles are absolutely destroyed, and altogether, the inner sole became unglued quickly --- I wasn't too 'blown away' by their quality.

I've been looking to upgrade a bit to something that I will take care of. And that will last more than 8 months like these last ones.

Again, price is a huge factor for me --- so I'm really looking for the best bet in the $200 to low $200's range.


Here's what I'm looking at, tell me your thoughts:

Contender #1.
http://www.johnstonmurphy.com/product.aspx?c=1623&pid=81703&VID=81714



$200 -- Italian Calfskin, close-laced, Bondwelt construction (adhesive? not sure how much an issue this is).



Contender #2.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/to-boot...gin=category&fashionColor=TAN&resultback=5000



$200, made in Italy. Unsure of leather type, bondwelt vs goodyear welt --- how can I tell what construction it has if I have the shoe in hand? Also, the bran is To Boot New York - not familiar with them. Might be a good sleeper pick here, thoughts?


Contender #3.
http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCat...ort_by=lowestPrice&sectioncolor=&sectionsize=



$260, french calfskin, goodyear welt. These are obviously a degree above in price range, which gives me pause. You throw in taxes there and they are nearly $300, a price that might be hard for me to justify given my current income. But if they will really last significantly longer than the above picks (ie last more than 30% longer) - then perhaps it is justified.


Contender #4:

Any and all of your ideas, considering I'm really looking for a $200 - $220 shoe, ideally. Obviously I prefer the balmoral/ close-laced type in color black as well. Other than that, go nuts.

Let me know your thoughts and thanks!

 

[cptjeff]

Bondwelt sure sounds like a fancy word for "cheaply glued". That's a pretty big issue- glued shoes will fall apart. I certainly wouldn't pay more than $100 for a pair.

If you've got a little time, call Allen Edmonds and ask about the shoe bank. You should be able to get a pair of seconds near or in your price range, and unlike the J&M, they'll actually be a quality shoe. Welted, the insole will be leather, not cardboard, good leathers, so on. And the second quality stuff is often indistinguishable from firsts, from the experience of many here. With the preferences on styling, ask about the park avenue or the fifth avenue.

 

[peterparker20]

Sounds like a good idea.

Is the 'shoe bank' a common thing in these stores? (aka shoes with slight factory defects or whatever).

if a store is near my office downtown, can I just stroll in the store and ask about it?

Sounds like the best idea.

 

[KObalto]

BTW, those BB shoes are made by Allen Edmonds I believe.

 

[peterparker20]

BTW, those BB shoes are made by Allen Edmonds I believe.

Well what do you think of them for the price?

Are there better avenues for what I want, or are they a good value for what I'd pay ($260)?

 

[cptjeff]



Sounds like a good idea.

Is the 'shoe bank' a common thing in these stores? (aka shoes with slight factory defects or whatever).

if a store is near my office downtown, can I just stroll in the store and ask about it?

Sounds like the best idea.

You can't just stroll in. They run it out of a central facility and mail them to you, it's not something they really publicize. The people at the store may be able to help you, but they won't have the shoes there. Which is why that only works if you have some time available.

Though I missed the brooks shoe link, skimmed right over it. Yeah, those would be made by Allen Edmonds, and that's a good price. The preattached topy on the sole isn't normal for AE, nor is the dovetail heel. Those are special details Brooks ordered, and perfectly fine ones. Allen Edmonds typically charges ~300 retail, and those go a little above and beyond (though the materials and workmanship will be the same), so $260 is pretty fair.

 

[peterparker20]

Update:

I called their Shoe Bank, and the prices are decent --- not a huge steal, but decent.

The shoe of theirs I'm most interested in --- the Fifth Avenue --- a balmoral close to the Park Avenue, but a little funkier --- is about $220, or $200 for something called the "Brooks Fifth Avenue."

Funnily enough, I'm pretty sure the $260 Brooks Brothers shoe above I listed ---- upon close inspection of the images --- actually IS the Fifth Avenue.

I wonder if the "Brooks Fifth Avenue" that they list is the same thing. Also, why is it $20 cheaper? (I actually just asked them the difference via email).


Depending on shipping costs/ timing, I may just grab the Brooks $260 in store --- I'll have it in time for a job interview Thursday (interview for a promotion at work) ---- I'll be able to pick the right fit more easily as well.


But if shipping is fast and cheap enough, I may elect to save myself the $40.

I don't know --- but the fact that I sort of 'liked' the same model shoe twice without realizing right away ... well that must be a sign.



$260 isn't that much really --- the $160 on the J&M that lasted me but 8 months was more of a throwaway.



Of course once i make a purchase, I must scour these forum for how to actually care for shoes, for once. Might have to break out a shine box for the first time in my life .

 

[Larson McCord]



Update:

I called their Shoe Bank, and the prices are decent --- not a huge steal, but decent.

The shoe of theirs I'm most interested in  --- the Fifth Avenue --- a balmoral close to the Park Avenue, but a little funkier --- is about $220, or $200 for something called the "Brooks Fifth Avenue."

Funnily enough, I'm pretty sure the $260 Brooks Brothers shoe above I listed ---- upon close inspection of the images --- actually IS the Fifth Avenue.

I wonder if the "Brooks Fifth Avenue" that they list is the same thing. Also, why is it $20 cheaper? (I actually just asked them the difference via email).


Depending on shipping costs/ timing, I may just grab the Brooks $260 in store --- I'll have it in time for a job interview Thursday (interview for a promotion at work) ---- I'll be able to pick the right fit more easily as well.


But if shipping is fast and cheap enough, I may elect to save myself the $40. 

I don't know --- but the fact that I sort of 'liked' the same model shoe twice without realizing right away ... well that must be a sign.



$260 isn't that much really --- the $160 on the J&M that lasted me but 8 months was more of a throwaway.



Of course once i make a purchase, I must scour these forum for how to actually care for shoes, for once. Might have to break out a shine box for the first time in my life .

Brooks bros is having a sale now, that is a good deal on new first quality. It is the 5th ave with a couple of minor modifications BB asked for

 

[PunkinDonuts]

I'm resurrecting this thread a bit, but if the OP is still in the market for Allen Edmonds, be sure to check out the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It is going on right now if you are a Nordstrom card holder (I picked up a pair of black McTavishes that are regularly $295, but were marked down to $197). If you aren't a Nordstrom card holder, you can buy them beginning July 20th.

http://global.syndeca.com/nordstrom/catalog/anniversary-2012/

Page 76 is where the men's section begins.