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Johnston & Murphy - how long have they been bad?

Daytona John

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My general perception from the online sartorial community is that J&M shoes are to be avoided. At what point did J&M "jump the shark"? I assume a change in ownership of the company caused this? Are there any pockets of their production which still earn the respect of this community?
 

NoVaguy

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Since whenever they closed down their last USA factory.
 

AlSailor

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J & M still has a U.S. factory for their Crown Aristocraft shoes, at least allegedly.
 

TCN

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I thought the aristocrafts were still US made, but nothing else. Plus, re: the aristocrafts, I'd rather go with AE than J&M. Their Italian wares that I tried (and I confess that I haven't tried anything since about 2001), were really bad, even given the modest price.

Too bad, I guess J&M's used to be great shoes (from what my father tells me). Now, their products and stores are kind of cheesy and second-rate. :-(
 

imageWIS

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Originally Posted by TCN
I thought the aristocrafts were still US made, but nothing else. Plus, re: the aristocrafts, I'd rather go with AE than J&M. Their Italian wares that I tried (and I confess that I haven't tried anything since about 2001), were really bad, even given the modest price.

Too bad, I guess J&M's used to be great shoes (from what my father tells me). Now, their products and stores are kind of cheesy and second-rate. :-(


It's a mall brand; I mean how good can it possibly be?

Jon.
 

Tarmac

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I don't know the specific years, but their vintage Aristocrafts are great value. Just check if they say Aristocraft, they are welted soles, nailed heels, full grain leather. They usually sell for $50 or far less.
 

TCN

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Originally Posted by imageWIS
It's a mall brand; I mean how good can it possibly be?

Jon.



Hey, watch it. If it weren't for mall brands, how would we know the suit was back!?!?!?!?!
 

AlSailor

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As far as I know, Aristocrafts are not made in the U.S. anymore, only the Crown Aristocrafts are.
 

JLibourel

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I have heard it claimed in these fora that what really "killed" J&M was the opening of the Saturn factory in 1990--that they found it almost impossible to compete for semi-skilled manufacturing labor in the area.

Some forumites have claimed that the high-end J&M shoes were better than anything A-E or Alden ever produced. I don't know if that dictum applies only to their ultra-expensive handmades or to their less pricey offerings as well.

My wife told me that her first husband considered he had really "made it" when he could afford J&M shoes. He died in 1988, shortly before J&M's decline began.
 

Daytona John

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Interesting information folks - I'll keep it mind as I troll ebay.
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shoefan

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Originally Posted by AlSailor
J & M still has a U.S. factory for their Crown Aristocraft shoes, at least allegedly.
I believe these are still made in the USA, but not in a J&M plant. They closed down their last US facility in 2002 -- check the Genesco (J&M's parent) SEC filings for confirmation. I guess they are outsourcing them from either A&E (my guess), Alden or perhaps Footjoy.
 

SoCal2NYC

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When they started using Lyle Lovitt as a poster boy.
 

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