Need a shoe for everyday wear

Alden penny or tassel loafers (not the Cape Cod). Durable and one of the last remaining quality American manufacturers.

 

I wish I could be of more help to you, but my own recent shoe experiences have been limited to Crockett & Jones, Church, and Alden. I do remember a recent post favorable to Paraboot (as opposed to the less "everyday" brands like Lobb, Green, Grenson, and Vass that are more frequently discussed here).

 

Alden's make several good, casual shoes. The "country walker" is a model with a crepe rubber sole and probably the single most comfortable shoe I've ever owned, including a several-thousand-dollar bespoke pair. You'll find it too casual to wear with a business suit, but it could look right at home with a sportcoat or jeans.

 

Take a look at the Allen Edmonds auctions on ebay. AE itself has an ebay store where they liquidate overstocks, seconds, etc. I've purchased from them and been quite satisfied. You can get quality merchandise from the manufacturer itself in a wide range of styles. They might have just the sort of thing you're looking for.

Remember, buy shoe trees for your shoes. You'll thank yourself later.

 

Sounds like you're a college student, so I assume you're looking for something pretty casual in the grand scheme of things. Please forgive me if that assumption is wrong.

I would check out Ecco -- they make a wide range of styles from very outdoors-casual to almost business, and are *very* comfortable (for me at least -- be sure to try on several pairs). If you're looking for something more traditional, Alden, as recommended by others, is a good choice but on the expensive side. Allen-Edmonds is another quality Americal manufacturer. Finally, see if you have a "discount designer" store near you like Filene's Basement or Nordstrom Rack -- you can find great deals on generally quality shoes in a variety of styles (along with a fair share of junk, of course). Good luck.