Quality shoes for under $250

[Fabian1]

Hello guys,

I know that there are several threads about this topic but most of them are older than two years.
Actually I'm doing my semester abroad here in the U.S.
Now I need some new shoes for the winter time and was thinking of a pair of goodyear welted captoe boots with a rubber sole.
What I found out so far was that AE has no good quality anymore, am I right with that?
Which brand offers a good quality for $250 and less?
I've heard about Cole Haan. Are they still recommendable?

Thanks

Fabian

 

[starro]

Not that much has changed in 2 years. Those threads are still valuable.

 

[Sactogeoff]

Just a suggestion for you. If you want to order from within the USA.

http://www.jackerwin.com/products/chester-espresso-full-grain

But compared to Allen Edmonds, I think its debatable. AE is still a good sturdy shoe. Alternatively I would recommend looking at Yanko boots on Skolyx or Patine.pl

Yanko represents a very good value. Although you are mail ordering and judging the size. Good luck!

 

[Murlsquirl]

Hello guys,

I know that there are several threads about this topic but most of them are older than two years.
Actually I'm doing my semester abroad here in the U.S.
Now I need some new shoes for the winter time and was thinking of a pair of goodyear welted captoe boots with a rubber sole.
What I found out so far was that AE has no good quality anymore, am I right with that?
Which brand offers a good quality for $250 and less?
I've heard about Cole Haan. Are they still recommendable?

Thanks

Fabian

Moved this to our Menswear Advice forum. Cole Haan..no. AE still makes a good quality shoe for the price.

If you would consider saving up just a bit more, I would recommend these https://us.skoaktiebolaget.se/collections/carlos-santos

 

[alolio]

LL Bean isn't some obscure brand that only seven people have heard about, but the Katahdin Iron Mountain Boot is made in the USA, is well constructed and is $239 in cordovan, $189 in black. It's Goodyear welted and Vibram soled. While not a cap toe, it meets your other criteria, and you'll be able to exchange or return it easily if the fit isn't quite right. The quality will be on par with a Wolverine or Red Wing Boot, but it'll cost $100 less.

 

[Fabian1]

Thanks guys! I'll see if I can find something.

 

[Alpha11]

Wait AE does not make quality shoes/boot anymore? I have not heard of this! You want a "quality" boot/shoefor under 250.00 and have have issues with AE...? This will be a very interesting quest please report back what you comes up with. For me my feet are one of the most important body part I have as if they are not feeling good then everything else is going down hill. This is why I do not go cheap on my shoes.

 

[SGTROCK]

I have discovered J.Fitzpatrick although it is in the 300+ price range.

 

[maxalex]

You're asking for estate-bottled vintage at a Gallo price, but you're not too far off from some good deals. Move up to $300 and you'll find nice welted shoes from Meermin, made in Spain.

 

[lodemia]

Wait AE does not make quality shoes/boot anymore? I have not heard of this! You want a "quality" boot/shoefor under 250.00 and have have issues with AE...? This will be a very interesting quest please report back what you comes up with. For me my feet are one of the most important body part I have as if they are not feeling good then everything else is going down hill. This is why I do not go cheap on my shoes.

Now that I'm officially an old dude, I depend on companies who stand behind their product and admit mistakes. In my experience, AE is one of those rare brands that does both, while providing an economical service. I have added 4 pairs in the last month based on various sales, etc. Their CEO has been known to post and reply..

My experience with Cole Haan hasn't been as favorable, but they make shoes for every budget, and perhaps I have had a bad run of it. I am also a recovering deal-aholic, so I probably bought the worst of the worst.

 

[Alpha11]

When I worked in men's high fashion when I young, the hardest thing to help men understand was the importance of a high quality shoe.

I was never surprised to see a man willing to spend 1k plus on a suit but was too cheap to invest in what good pair of shoes like AE. "At some point a fool and his money will be separated" is what a old-timer sales Rep used to tell me or he would say "I' m too poor to buy cheap shoes".

 

[Bower]

Meermin is a great option at that price range.

 

[shades9323]

Allen Edmonds is good quality. People swear by their seconds sold at shoebank.com. Go there and put your size in the finder and select the 201 last and snag a pair of the First Avenue boots. They are $237. They may be lowering in price at the beginning of March as well.

 

[vkn1]



  Alternatively I would recommend looking at Yanko boots on Skolyx or Patine.pl

Can you say why you recommend those web sites for ordering Yanko as opposed to the company's home site itself? Just curious.