Top 14 list of shoes under $500 for newbies

[Spinster Jones]

Without further ado, here are your top 14 shoes under $500......

Surely a good list, but there are no shoes posted here, only brands. Would be even nicer if this could become a discussion on what pairs or styles each brand is known for, and what one should focus on. Who has the "nicest" boot, for example? Or who provides the best cap toe oxford? What would you order from Cheaney?

I would for example argue that the most important shoe for Paraboot is the Michael. And either in maroon or nubuck.

 

[clee1982]

Yeah, Alden basically never goes on sale as far as I am aware, or goes on sale for like 10% once a year.

That being said, CJ and EG both have pretty mediocre sales, too.

I guess the difference is that Alden is more or less direct-to-consumer because it seems the majority of them are MTO.

can’t think of a reason to call Alden DTC though?

alden only had authorized retailer right? Other than factory visit don’t ever recall it has its own store.

Also I got to think MTO is just a representation from SF, bulk of Alden is just same PTB/LWB/chukka boot/cap toe boot/Indy etc, like same LWB is always available (without some minor tweaking) from JCrew/Shoemart and all the Alden authorized retailer etc

 

[JohnMRobie]

So Cavour sells it, and it's that price, but Luxeswap sells it, and it isn't?

Comparing retailers carrying something at a price you can get any day of the week to a consignment store auction on eBay that may have some stock every once in a while makes no sense. So no, it isn’t.

I guess the difference is that Alden is more or less direct-to-consumer

What are you talking about? I could go to 3 stores today within 5 miles of me and buy Alden.

 

[bicycleradical]

AE. There was a lot of debate about this one. The inconsistency in finishing, dated lasts, and subpar leather combined with how much better the other brands were in comparison was a too tall a task to overcome.

I disagree with the exclusion of AE from this list. Their wide varieties of sizes and widths with reasonable quality shoes makes them a decent retailer, imo. For those of us with duck feet, AE makes it possible to buy decent dress shoes that actually fit.

 

[clee1982]

I guess other than AE it’s really hard to get multiple width for cheap

 

[johng70]

I would have a hard time excluding AE but including Rancourt. I wear Alden, C&J, Carmina, Trickers, AE, Rancourt and Rancourt is definitely below AE in my experience. Their uppers are fine - but certainly no better than AE; but their soles are terrible. On my 2 pairs - one has been re-soled and all 3 soles have worn worse than any other shoe whether leather or non-leather sole. Granted it's a small sample size, but it's my impression. At least in the U.S. what makes AE a very good option is you can see them/try them on in person all over the country. They have wide widths and while they make some very questionable shoe styles they make standards as well.

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

Surely a good list, but there are no shoes posted here, only brands. Would be even nicer if this could become a discussion on what pairs or styles each brand is known for, and what one should focus on. Who has the "nicest" boot, for example? Or who provides the best cap toe oxford? What would you order from Cheaney?

I would for example argue that the most important shoe for Paraboot is the Michael. And either in maroon or nubuck.

View attachment 1778714 View attachment 1778715

It's a coincidence that you brought that up because brand models were compared against other brand's models. Give me a few moments to put that together. I only work off my phone on this site haha.

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

I disagree with the exclusion of AE from this list. Their wide varieties of sizes and widths with reasonable quality shoes makes them a decent retailer, imo. For those of us with duck feet, AE makes it possible to buy decent dress shoes that actually fit.

When AE was compared against the other brands on the list, the sizing variety was a positive. Additionally, the fact you can find brick and mortars everywhere in the US made them extremely accessible (as @johng70 mentioned) which earned them points.

Used for comparison, Rancourt offers sizing flexibility when you communicate with them directly. You can MTO a fair number of models with minimal upcharge or typically none at all. I've never been charged. Comparatively, you'd have to pay full price for AE plus additional fees.

Rancourt's also feel more comfortable than AE, to me anyways. They provide a distinctive style advantage (if you like that style) over AE while offering about equal upper leather quality (to @johng70's point).

Not that this had any bearing on inclusion but deserves mentioning, Rancourt is fully made in the US.

AE was absolutely considered they just fell a little short.

 

[clee1982]

Rancourt are all Blake? Think there are probably some preference for GYW (so point to AE)

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

Rancourt are all Blake? Think there are probably some preference for GYW (so point to AE)

Yes it is Blake constructed but as hardy as Rancourts are made, other than probably the sole needing replacement, I couldn't "feel" lesser construction.

In fact, the addition of the midsole being stitched to the outsole does provide more durablity than your standard Italian Blake.

That said, if a customer were indeed looking for a GYW'd shoe then AE would be preferred.

 

[norMD]

@BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes

Loake 1880 and yanko?

 

[biscuitnoir]

I'd throw in Septième Largeur in the list. Good looking lasts and custom patinas offered which is quite rare at this price point.

 

[clee1982]

You can only buy Loake through their US distributor in US right (east Dane)? That makes the Loake US pricing kind oh well (vs say CJ you could buy from UK or EU ship to US ex VAT for quite a bit cheaper)

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

@BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes

Loake 1880 and yanko?

I didn't feel like Loake offered something different, perhaps better, than Cheaney. I certainly didn't feel that their lasts justified inclusion over the Spanish brands listed.
That said, I do believe that they offer an excellent value proposition.

Loake seems more interesting than Yanko. Speaking of, Yanko doesn't aesthetically please more than the Spanish brands listed nor offer any superior features compared to what's on this list.

 

[BColl_Has_Too_Many_Shoes]

I'd throw in Septième Largeur in the list. Good looking lasts and custom patinas offered which is quite rare at this price point.

They were considered and I mentioned overlap coming from the Spanish brands and Spanish made shoes. SL were a victim of "more of the same".