Shoes brands that compare to Allen Edmonds (in quality and same price or LESS preferably) NOT ALDEN

[packbs]

I like the value that Allen Edmonds offer for quality and price and while I know I can pay more and the shoe might be made better I don't really think I personally need a shoe that is better made. With my limited knowledge I doubt I would notice and I know 99.9% of the population wouldn't notice. I know most on this forum recommend Alden, but I am looking for something the same price as Allen Edmonds or less preferable. I am OK with buying seconds from companies, but I don't want to hunt ebay or the thrift stores. Thanks!

 

[jkingrph]

I honestly don't know today of anything that meets that criteria. Years ago I could get Florsehim (sp) Imperials that were well made. Today I simply have not been able to find them and stick with Allen Edmonds. To me they are very well made and best of all they have many styles available in very narrow widths which I need and are difficult to find in other brands

 

[Shawl Lapel]

If you're looking at full retail for AE, then I'd direct you to Justin Fitzpatrick or Carlos Santos.

 

[johng70]

I missed - why aren't you considering AE seconds? Heck, even on firsts, AE has had sales all month on various shoes. If you like AE, you just need to get on their mailing list to see when the sales are and what models are on sale - and check their seconds.

For more casual side, I've got shoes from Rancourt and Company - still American made and quality is up there with AE. A little less money but not the same opportunity for sales. If you need dress shoes there aren't as many options there.

 

[packbs]

Thanks for all of the responses so far.

I haven't looked at Justin Fitzpatrick or Carlos Santos previously. I will have to take a look at those.

I own a pair of Allen Edmonds and will probably buy another pair. The prices on their seconds are very reasonable. I just wanted to see if their are any options that I was missing. As you mentioned it appears their aren't that many options.

I did some more research and it appears Meermin and Carmina might be good options. The downside of those is that they don't seem to be readily available in US stores to try on and not have to deal with returns. Since there are limited options I may just have to deal with returns.

Does anyone have thoughts on Shoepassion or Cobblers Union?

 

[norcaltransplant]

I'll try to limit my recommendations to the $400-500 range which I have personal experience (either ownership or handled in store).

In no particular order:
1) Cheaney: lesser known cousin of Church's. Sturdy English made shoes
2) Alfred Sargent Premier or Exclusive: AS has struggled due to inconsistent supply. Their shoes were quite attractive at the $500ish price point for Exclusive.
3) Loake 1880: similar to AS premier
4) Carmina: contemporary lasts as compared to AE. Rain and Simpson are both nice
5) Yanko: slightly inferior leather to Carmina. Less expensive than Carmina

 

[madhat]

Thanks for all of the responses so far.

I haven't looked at Justin Fitzpatrick or Carlos Santos previously. I will have to take a look at those.

I own a pair of Allen Edmonds and will probably buy another pair. The prices on their seconds are very reasonable. I just wanted to see if their are any options that I was missing. As you mentioned it appears their aren't that many options.

I did some more research and it appears Meermin and Carmina might be good options. The downside of those is that they don't seem to be readily available in US stores to try on and not have to deal with returns. Since there are limited options I may just have to deal with returns.

Does anyone have thoughts on Shoepassion or Cobblers Union?

If you're wanting higher quailty than AE avoid Meermin. It's hard to beat playing $250 for regular sales and seconds from AE, especially if you're not a D width.
Some other options are buying vintage NOS florsheim/Hanover/etc. You'll need to like classic long wing and PTB styling. https://www.styleforum.net/threads/...nance-and-advice.526196/page-256#post-9138502 for info.
There's also Grant Stone; I'm seeing really good quality for very competitive pricing.

 

[up1911fan]

On the casual side Grant Stone and Oak Street Bootmakers.

 

[packbs]

All, thanks for the responses. I will research all the brands mentioned and if I end up making any purchases other then AE I will post my thoughts. Thanks