Comfortable and good looking shoes

[Serialhorseplayer]

I'd like to get some suggestions for brand names of shoes that offer solid comfort at a reasonable (for me) price in the $200-$300 range. I'm sixty years old and, twenty years ago when I last worked in an office, I wore mostly Wright shoes and was quite satisfied with the comfort and looks. I still have three pair, one, black wing tips, is 36 years old, but they are looking somewhat worse for wear and age. I'm looking through a Wright catalog and the shoes look alright, but, I'm wondering how the quality has stood up over time. I'm looking for dress shoes, loafers, and casual lace ups, of different colors. If you made it this far, thanks for your attention. I'd appreciate your comments about the current state of Wright shoes and/or suggestions of other brands. Thank you.

 

[NoVaguy]

I assume Wright means ET Wright. I don't think they actually make anything these days - but just resell at a markup. I would probably stay away.

At retail - Allen Edmonds retails for about $300, comes in all kinds of sizes and widths.

on sale - AE's can be had from $100-150 (ebay), $129-$229 (AE outlets, DSW outlets, nordstrom outlets)

if you're comfortable with online purchases, your options in that range open up dramatically - C&J's from plal, various English shoes from pediwear, shopping from ebay.

 

[Artisan Fan]

For something sporty and a bit casual look at the pebble grain Geox driving loafers. I also like the rubber soled Santonis for kicking around town. Very comfy.

Some of my doctor buddies swear by Taryn Rose shoes but I have not tried them yet.

 

[Serialhorseplayer]

The Taryn Rose shoes are a little pricey for me. Also noted that the width is measured Medium, etc., rather than A through E as was customary when I was buying better shoes in days of yore. Is that the usual now?

 

[Artisan Fan]

Originally Posted by Serialhorseplayer

The Taryn Rose shoes are a little pricey for me. Also noted that the width is measured Medium, etc., rather than A through E as was customary when I was buying better shoes in days of yore. Is that the usual now?

The better shoes still use the A-E designations.

 

[GeorgePaul]

For loafers, you might like the Allen-Edmonds Walden penny loafer in black or (my preference) burgundy, which lists for $225, but is commonly available for less:

A good casual laceup would be the Alden plain toe blucher, which is on closeout now at aldenshop.com for $255: