Thank you for this. I grew up poor and my mother would always say “ poor people cannot afford cheap clothes”. She took us to the second hand store and understood how to pick quality. Lessons I never forgot.

10. Cole Haan 1:00 9. Bostonian 2:04 8. Aldo 2:30 7: Florsheim 3:20 6. Steve Madden 4:38 5. Kenneth Cole 5:18 4. Calvin Klein 5:47 3. Johnston & Murphy 6:52 2. Joseph Abboud 8:00 1. Stacy Adams 9:11 I'm going proper shoe shopping now that I'm 30; I realized I need proper shoe education now that I'm invest a bunch : )

"If you want to buy Calvin Klein, buy their underwear - not their shoes "😂

I obviously don't wear men's shoes but I still love your videos. It is so rare to see craftsmen at the top of their game who enjoy what they do. I also appreciate your honesty. Keep up the good work!

That top ten in short: 10. Cole Haan 9. Bostonian 8. Aldo 7. Florsheim 6. Steve Madden 5. Kenneth Cole 4. Calvin Klein 3. Johnston & Murphy 2. Joseph Abboud 1. Stacy Adams

Y'all went out on a limb here. I really appreciate your honesty and taking a chance. It needed to be done. You just elevated yourself a little. Cheers

Thank you for sharing this! I always see several reviews online and no one ever shares the business names. But to me that's the most important point of the review so thank you guys!

I am so happy I found your site! I have had huge issues with shoe buying for 20 years!

As a woman, we've had to deal with the concept of "disposable" shoes for a long time. It is often easy to justify buying a nice looking pair of shoes by trying to correlating price with quality - especially with names that we grew up associating with quality. Keep up the great work, gentlemen!

I used to polish my "Sunday shoes" i.e. dress shoes, with my Dad when I was a kid, but as I grew up and started wearing nothing but sneakers, Dr. Martens, and mostly casual one-time wear boots and shoes, I haven't polished a shoe in... 30+ years. Well, I recently became addicted to this KZfaq channel, (Ha ha!!!) so, I ordered some stuff from Potter and Sons: Saphir Renovateur, Creme 1925, Medaie, D'or 1925, Avel leather soap, a horse hair brush, some shoe trees, and a small soap brush. I still do not own any nice shoes, but last night, I sat down with my old trust pair of pretty busted up brown Dr. Marten's, and I followed a Trenton & Heath shoe shine video, and guys... even though my crappy Made in Vietnam Dr. Marten's were not exactly world class leather to begin with... these damn thing look amazing!!! It was a lot of fun. It was very satisfying to watch them come back to life, and even look much better than when I first bought them 20 years ago. My only regret is that I don't have another pair of dilapidated shoes that I can polish up and restore. Great products, great videos, and great help! Thanks guys!

Don't know how I ended up being recommended this channel but I love it. I never imagined shoe repair could be so interesting, subscribed now

Out of college in the mid 90s I sold Florsheim when they were still made in the USA. They were beautifully made. Still have a pair of Cordovan Lexingtons I bought way back in 1996 which sat in stock for two years. I couldn’t believe they were shutting down their production here and laying off hundreds of skilled professionals. Same goes with Johnson and Murphy, Cole Hahn, and Bostonian. Even todays Timberlands I regard as junk. In 1990 I bought a pair of their classic Chukka boots with Gortex. Still have them today, resoled three times. They were made in New England. Today I buy Allen Edmonds and Red Wing.

This video shows what the difference is between a company and a brand.

One of the reasons that your channel is exploding is because you share your honest viewpoints based on great expertise. That’s a huge value to all of us. Another great video - thanks! Hope you had a nice holiday season!

The list is spot on... I used to buy 1-2 pairs a year from these brands (Cole Haan, Bostonian, Aldo, Florsheim, etc), and they look fine for the average Joe, though a bit plastic looking, and they are comfortable with all of those foam insoles, but they fail within months or a year at most, not to mention the leather loses shape, gets scuffed etc... then I bought my first pair of Allen Edmonds... and only then I realized the huge difference...and its not just the look... the leather feels hefty, solid, stiff in a good way that it holds its shape, even how it creases is different from those shoes... it shines much better when polished, and I have had the pair for over a year now and it looks and feels like the day I bought it, robust well built and holding itself together firmly... so yeah if you can afford the upfront investment...get few pairs of AE and they will last you for years... not to mention they can be resoled... in fact they come out cheaper on the long term because you don't have to buy a new pair every 6 months or one year... also you can get great deals during sales or some gently used pairs on ebay or elsewhere...

Love your recommendation of Meermin! Was surprised to see they offer classic styles for women too and I got a pair of loafers. Been looking for quality ladies loafers for ages that don't break the bank and I always found myself scouting brands making men's shoes and taking the smaller sizes. Please do a video on quality women's shoes.

How about a top 10 of best shoes brands to buy.

I hope Rose Anvil is watching this--he's always on the lookout for something to cut in half.

My first pair of real dress shoes were black, cap-toe Johnston & Murphy ones I got at the fine menswear store in my town. Very attractive, comfortable, and well built, they have stood up to a lot of wear for years without any issues and are still great shoes. I saw their logo in the Macy's shoe section one day some time later, and wandered over to see if there was a pair I liked in brown to add to my wardrobe. I pick them up and was surprised to find that they were direct-molded, plastic-soled crap. I hadn't realized when I bought my first pair that the brand only offered a tiny selection of decent Goodyear-welted shoes, and everything else they made was overpriced throwaways. Made me sad.

Oh my gosh!! I've owned all of those brands at one time or another, but I'm happy to say I've graduated to Beckett Simonon and haven't looked back!!

Glad that they acknowledged how cheaply made designer shoes are.

“Kenneth Cole.....if you’re looking at them, skip over them: Save your pennies.” Lol......Love it!

When my father was growing up, he was very interested in fashion and loved the little things about brands such as how they were stitched together, and the quality of materials used. My mom was a very fashionable person growing up. I learned from both of them how to identiy quality clothes that looked good, and I spend way more time shopping through thrift stores or buying things online second hand based on their quality. The clothes I learned how to buy will last generations.

My dad really never taught me fashion / dress to impress. But when he got older I realized he knew quality as he had old Florsheim or Johnston and Murphy shoes and shoe trees. Plus little things like YSL ties or London fog overcoat. I would have kept his shoes when he passed but they were too small for me.

We’ve touched a nerve with many of the J&M owners, so let us reiterate. This video focuses primarily on the shoe brands that are no longer turning out higher quality shoes (material quality, craftsmanship quality & the ability to be refurbished). Those were the judging factors we looked at. In regards to J&M, we think the higher priced Goodyear welted ones are still pretty good shoes. In summary, today’s shoe market has NEVER before had so many other options outside of these mall/DSW brands. Newer and smaller online brands are producing outstanding quality shoes at very competitive pricing. Instead of sticking with these traditional brands, you may be better served in the long run with many of these newer brands. 👍🏻

This video just came up on my feed at the perfect time! I have a pair of Aldo that I bought 10+ years ago and have worn just about every work day in the last 10 years. They are the most comfortable dress shoe I've ever owned and they are still in great shape. Stopped the other day to pick up a black pair, brought them home and compared the quality and it's like night and day. I put them right back in the box to return them.

Thanks for the words of wisdom about the names of shoes to avoid. You about killed me when you mentioned on the front end about Cole Haan. I have 4 pairs of Cole Haan loafers that are all about 15 + years old and 3 pairs ( brown, burgundy and black) have been reworked locally. I think that I got these at Dillards. But, the last time I looked I began to notice that these same loafers had changed in terms of their construction. The newer shoes do not seem to be able to be resoled, or at least without destroying the shoe. On the good side, I have a pair of Alan Edmonds wing tips that my mother bought for me for $ 175.00 when I was 40 yrs old. I still have them in the closet in shoe trees and they still look great. I am now 69 yrs old and although I do not wear them regularly any more, it would be close to $400.00 + to replace them.

Bought a pair of Bostonian a month ago, Vibram outsole, and the sole crumbled within two days.

A video on how to inspect a shoe for quality when you’re shopping is something that would be great.

For the first time someone actually got the entire list right. My compliments to you for being a team of professionals.

Completely agreed with you on Johnston & Murphy. That was my go to brand for years. My purchases over the last 7 years are very disappointing. I have a pair of Aristocraft which are over 30 years old and look and feel great. I had them recrafted just prior to Genesco discontinuing this service. I have since moved my allegiance to Allen Edmunds. Great shoes made in Wisconsin.

I was sad to hear about Florsheims reduced quality. My dad worked for Brown Shoe Company in the St. Louis in the QC department. At the time BSC and Florscheims were part of the same company. My dad spoke highly of their brand.

Thanks to you guys I now have a collection including Allen edmonds, ariat, magnanni and di bianco. Keep it up!

As a Brit living in the US I totally agree more, totally fed up with the low quality shoes in wide circulation and at high prices too!

Fantastic video! I haven't become the shoe gurus you guys are, but I have worked in shoe repair a fair bit, and I could not agree more with some of your assessments. Most of the shoes I wear now are over 30 years old because I can't even find shoes to match the quality of a Hartt, Dack's, Allen Edmonds, etc, from 30 to 40 years ago, and thank God, men's classic style is timeless.

Totally agree with you. Johnston & Murphy was my only dress shoe for over 25 years. I’ve moved my loyalty to Allen Edmunds due to JMs changes and value for the dollar. They make awesome shoes here in the states which for the most part are recraftable. Don’t forget to use your shoe trees and rotate what you wear! I have a pair of Johnson Murphy Aristocrats that I bought in ‘97 and had them redrafted by JM and they still look good.

I'm young, working on my Master's degree, still trying to work my way up in the economy, and own some cheaper Florsheims and a pair of Moc-toe Abbouds. At first, I was kinda curious because I thought there's no way that those shoes are cheap; granted, I barely wear these shoes except on special occasions. After watching your guys' videos, as well as Kirby Allison's and Elegant Oxford's, I've gotten into shoe care and am now starting to understand more about quality shoes. I started using Saphir Renovateur and will soon invest in their other MDO products, especially their creme polishes, in order to protect my current "investments" and make them last even longer; not only that, I plan on investing in a good pair of shoes in the future. Thank you guys for what you're doing. I love learning new things whenever possible. Cheers from California!

10. Cole Haan 9. Bostonian 8. Aldo 7. Florsheim 6. Steve Maden 5. Kenneth Cole 4. Calvin Klein 3. Johnston & Murphy 2. Joseph Abboud 1. Stacy Adams

Man, some of these do hurt a bit... so many classic American brands seem to have fallen by the wayside. I still remember growing up in Arkansas in the 70’s and 80’s when I got my first pair of Florsheim penny loafers. Talk about saving up! Was quite the style at the time. In adulthood I’d say that 75% of my shoes are now Allen Edmonds. Once you learn their last system, it’s incredibly easy to find a solid fit. Even got married in a pair. Being a professional brewer I rarely get to wear them, but they are like collectible works of art.

Thanks for the information gentlemen. Happy New Year!

Great video. I agree with all of these! You guys need to do a "peek inside our shoe closet" type video. We'd love to see which pairs you guys DO own and hear you talk about why! I think that would be interesting. Love your channel ♥️

A shoe cobbler is a dying art, impossible to find a decent one in my area.

As a Brit' it's good to see Loake mentioned in the worth buying list. Indeed, the pair of Loake grained brogues I was wearing today are English made and around 25-30 years old and still look great. But I also have more recent Loakes which were made in India and they are not to be recommended for the same reason you have guided your countrymen away from some long standing American brands. So it's caveat time: Loake shoes that are goodyear welted and made in England are excellent. They come in ranges including "1880". But Loake Design range is another thing entirely. I've actually had shoes from this range delaminate. I just hope they don't devalue the brand further by taking all production offshore.

Loving these videos. Learning so much. Thanks.

I have a pair of modern floresheims that are my "it looks like rain" shoes lol. Great idea for a video guys! Thank you, both! Joe D.

Haha. Other than my sneakers, I’ll be donating all of my dress shoes after watching this. Thanks. Let’s do a top 10 list for shoes to buy in 2020.

Happy 2021! I’d love to see a video of shoe brands you DO recommend

Thanks for adding the list of recommendations too. I have AEs and have been interested in Thursday but did not know of these others. Gonna check em out. Thanks,

My Grandfather was a boot maker (& shoemaker) in Hungary in the early 1900's. He made shoes and boots for Royalty before he came to the USA with my grandmother. There was no market here for hand made boots at the time, but they kept a Shoe Repair Shop in the family for decades. It is good to see your work. Live long and prosper, Don

Quick list: 10. Cole Haan 9. Bostonian 8. Aldo 7. Florsheim 6. Steve Madden 5. Kenneth Cole 4. Calvin Klein 3. Johnston & Murphy 2. Joseph Abboud 1. Stacy Adams

i bought a pair of Kenneth Cole dress shoes back in 2009 and they still look new after continuous use over the years

Broke my heart with Floresheim, lol. Thanks so much for the knowledge, and there is no better advice I feel than by people who actually work on the product on a day-to-day basis.

Please Sirs, we need a list of women shoe brands to avoid, as soon as possible. Thank you .

I agree with all of this. As I have become educated in shoe construction, I’ve learned which brands are bad and which are worth the money.

this is good stuff guys! Love the channel

I just bought three pairs of Thursday boots shoes. Will be my first time having Goodyear welted shoes. I'm so EXCITED! All I've been buying in the past or Steve Madden or Calvin Klein shoes. What an eye opener!

Video suggestion: the different foot shapes and the shoe shapes that fit them. Also, brands for wide feet

As a former shoe salesman(at a independent, family owned men's wear store that's been in business for 95 years)...it was shocking to see how many of the brands on the list I used to sell. I always knew Aldo was crap, but not some of the other brands. Thank you for an informative video, gentlemen.

This is fantastic information. Thank you.

I appreciate your videos. Thanks!!

Thanks for your views. Very useful.

Watching you guys has made me realize that investing in high quality over brand is more important for the well being of my feet and pockets. Time for me to save money for a nice pair of sneakers, "dress shoes", and boots!

You just crossed out five brands that are in my closet thanks though for the knowledge and I actually agree with you

Excellent. This needed to be said.

I never knew cobbling could be an entertainment show

Appreciate the insights given you guys have worked on a million of shoes -- so I trust your experience, and judgement. It's a bold call on the 10 brands but we appreciate this type of educating vid!

I love this video 👍🏾 thanks guys

Love the channel keep up the great videos

It would be helpful to have a list of women's shoes to avoid.

I really appreciate the honesty of this video my favorite video of 2020. Keep up the amazing content, would like a review and thoughts on Magnanni.

Thanks guys, this is great info!

Enjoyed this posting and appreciate your honest comments!

So sad great American shoemakers have lost their craftsmanship

I have a few J&M shoes. They were a good entry level dress shoe. Now that I'm more educated, I go mostly with Allen Edmonds and Beckett Simonon.

Very useful and informative! Thanks!

I bought Church's years ago and they have lasted me. I would prefer a rubber heel, however. Since the original owners have sold the brand, I have not needed any more so I have no experience with them. Very nice video. Boots to avoid might be a great topic considering that we need something in the Midwest to keep us dry and stylish during the winter.

Agree with each of the brand on your list. Having used many of these brands like J&M, Aldo, Stacy Adams, Kenneth Cole, etc. I agree that they are just not well put together shoes. Was a little surprised with the inclusion of Joseph Aboud, but not having used their shoes, I was perhaps swayed by the impression I had of the brand from their clothing line.

I use to wear nothing but Stacy Adams back in the 80's, even then, I always considered them one time wear.

thanks guys for your professional opinions. i appreciate this channel.

Good video - great list!

I still own a few pairs of Cole Hann and donated several pairs that I have not worn to a clothing place which helps men dress for a job and interviews. However, I stepped up my shoe game by ordering two pairs of shoes from Beckett Simonon and currently own three pairs from Thursday Boot Company.

After watching these videos for the past few weeks I’ve realized what crap I’ve been buying for a 30+ year career. I honestly never paid attention other than shine and comfort. I just threw them away after a year or two. A convert now. Thanks for the education guys.

Great video guys. The last pair of dress shoes I bought were Johnson and Murphy, the year I retired, 2004. I actually got them at a J&M store. However, since I retired I have not worn dress shoes but twice. I am now a New Balance guy.

These guys really dissect, analyze, and know their shoes!

Thanks for this list! Agreed with all, but I admit that I have never bought Stacy Adams (not actually classic styling). Cannot go wrong with Allen Edmonds and Cobbler-Union. It is good that you are pointing at the elephant in the room and calling these brands what they, unfortunately, are/have become--makers of throw-away shoes. A man will save money by buying a few good AE shoes instead of buying 10 from a cheap brand that will not last.

Florsheim is a brand I haven't thought of in years. When our last locally-owned department store went out of business back in '97 or '98, they still had their Florsheim sign up, and that was simply what you bought if you wanted quality. The two guys who ran the shoe department went on to start their own standalone shoe shop, which lasted until 3-4 years ago. Disappointed to hear that Florsheim has gone down the tubes a bit. So many of the once-great names have done the same.

You guys are great. Thanks

Thank you for your video. Very informative.

I have to agree about Stacy Adams. Bought a pair off of Amazon for $75. The return window closed after 30 days. However, after six weeks, the insoles had completely flattened out, and the toe cap started to pop the stitching and the sole was already wearing down on the toe. It was a whole lot of money spent on a pair of shoes for a month and a half wear.

This is the year I have decided to upgrade my fashion game, if that makes any sense to anyone LOL, so having said that thank you for the informative video. You have saved me from wasting money on substandard brands.

Very nice recommendations in the info section!

great advice!!!

I love my Ferragamo’s even more now. I’ve owned them over 12 years and they still look new. They were worth every penny.

I still have a pair of Cole Haan that I bought back in 97 when I worked for them and I must say the quality of their show is in the toilet compared to the quality of their shoe 23 yrs ago. Great video and new subscriber here.

Thanks very much for the information

I was glad you didn't mention Ecco, by far my favorite brand

When I was first getting into dress shoes maybe 2-3 years ago, I thought cole haan was luxury. While I haven’t upgraded yet from them, I learned quickly through research that their quality (my shoes among) them just aren’t at what they were. Looking forward to stepping up to some better brands in the future.

I agree with all of these except Johnston & Murphy. I bought a pair of Johnston & Murphys recently and they have become one if my favorite pairs of shoes. They are Goodyear welted, the leather looks fantastic, and they fit like slippers.

"I think it's going to be an exciting year" no kidding. Great video

Thanks guys for posting this video. New to your channel and I’m hooked. Good information! Cheers