Does anyone notice demographic differences in major shoe brand wearers / buyers?

[style_geek]

Of the major shoe brands, anyone notice any demographic / age differences in different shoe brands.

I've noticed in the stores Carmina shoppers leaning much younger IMO and Alden shoppers all looking pretty old.

Bigger Brands: AE, Alden, Carmina, C&J, Meermin, Vaas, EG, John Lobb, G&G

 

[Shoeguy57]

I would think price has a lot to do with it. I don’t think a ton of people in their 20s and 30s are in a position to be spending $1,500 or more on EG and GG for example.

 

[Ypuh]

Well for starters, US peeps can have 'free' imports under $800, whereas EU countries love their taxes.

This means importing Alden, Allen Edmonds, Truman, Nick's etc. across the pond is a no-go where US customers can import Carmina, Northampton brands etc. freely. Only fitting and returning is an obstacle, but offset by having to pay little to no taxes.

Meermin, Carlos Santos, TLB, Carmina and all Italian brands have the benefit of being in the EU, where UK decided they would be better off leaving, so Northampton brands are 33-50% more expensive in their respective quality price points.

In the EU people do tend to navigate to the Northampton made brands though since the quality/value is still there. I think Italy is even more popular as those offer many blake stitched shoes which are slightly cheaper in general.

 

[style_geek]

I would think price has a lot to do with it. I don’t think a ton of people in their 20s and 30s are in a position to be spending $1,500 or more on EG and GG for example.

fair but isn't it better to compare within a price class (ie alden Carmina c&j ae are largely in the same price tier).

 

[NORE]

I think it could have something to do with ignorance. I didn't really get into "good" shoes until my 30s and even then was only made aware of quality brands on sites like this.

You almost have to be a agent to find out about many of the "big names" we toss about freely. Like a hidden secret. No ads.

Now, do I say cap or no cap?

 

[comrade]

Is also a matter of geography. Here in Silicon Valley we see many tech bros getting out of their
$ 100k Porsches or more expensive Astons wearing Allbirds or Nikes. Many wouldn't know "good"
shoes from mid range dress shoes at Nordstroms.

 

[style_geek]

Is also a matter of geography. Here in Silicon Valley we see many tech bros getting out of their
$ 100k Porsches or more expensive Astons wearing Allbirds or Nikes. Many wouldn't know "good"
shoes from mid range dress shoes at Nordstroms.

to be fair I think some tech bros also go all out on sneakers. $500 kois or common projects.

 

[comrade]

to be fair I think some tech bros also go all out on sneakers. $500 kois or common projects.

Very true.

 

[jack webb]

Yes, Bruno Magli doesn't seem to have caught on yet with the homeless downtown.