I was just looking around for some Chukkas and saw a pair made by Florsheim that I really like and they happen to be on sale. What is the general thoughts on the quality of Florsheim shoes? I would only be wearing them every once in a while, maybe twice a week. Are they shoes that are going to last me a year or are they a good investment? Any advice would be appreciated.
Florsheim Shoe Quality
- Thread starter CaderTheAlligator
- Start date
I had a pair of ~$400 Florsheims (still can't believe I spent that much for a pair of shoes) and they were super soft right form the get-go. Only problem I had was that the soles wore out too fast as I walked to work daily (~1-2km each way) and wore them out over a summer. The cost to resole was more than I could pick up a new pair at Bata for, so I stupidly threw them out instead of spending the extra $$ and haveing a great pair of shoes. *sigh*
I think Florsheims get mixed reviews. That being said, I bought a pair of Florsheim wingtips a couple of years ago and they are holding up beautifully. It's almost time to get them re-soled, but my local shoe repair shop should have no difficulty. They probably arent as well made or the same quality as an AE, Alden, or a higher end brand, but I have no complaints and they were about 1/3 the price of the AE wingtip
For $100, they are a decent shoe.
Don't expect the fit and comfort of AE or Alden.
Sizing is also a lot more restricted. If you take a B/C/D/E you're okay, but nothing narrow.
Don't expect the fit and comfort of AE or Alden.
Sizing is also a lot more restricted. If you take a B/C/D/E you're okay, but nothing narrow.
Back in the day, they were one of the finest shoes ever made. That's long gone. Pass!
For sure, once upon a time a pair of Florsheim Imperials was top of the heap. Built like a tractor and the craftsmanship was impeccable.
These days...if you have the resources-
All British...all silly expensive:
Crockett & Jones
George Cleverley
John Lobb
Glad I'm a boot guy....
Not sure about an investment. But my two working shoes are a pair of brown Bostonian and a pair of black Florsheim. Both are at least ten years old. Both have spent a lot of time in my closet until recently when I have been moved back into the office. Now they get worn daily in rotation. The only real input I can give is the Florsheim's are more comfortable and seem to have better fit and finish. I would not hesitate in buying another pair.
Johnny
Johnny
I own two pair of Florsheim wing tips; 1 black, 1 brown. I wear them on average twice a week, and have re-soled/re-heeled twice. If one properly cares for the uppers, they will last a very long time. I bought them in 1983.
- Thread starter
- #10
Thanks for all the input. I have them in the cart but am thinking about shopping around a bit before I pull the trigger.
Since we are both in the Southwest (one or two cities apart) I would suggest looking into custom made boots. I use Stewarts in Tucson, your initial investment will get you a pair of boots made to your specs, in the material you choose, fitted to your feet and walking pattern.
I would go with Alden or the British ones mentioned above.
- Thread starter
- #13
Show Time,
What are we talking price range and would they be able to make a Chukka style boot or something similar to the Wolverine 1000 mile?
What are we talking price range and would they be able to make a Chukka style boot or something similar to the Wolverine 1000 mile?
I've seen him make the Chukka Style with a side zip or a pull on. You should be out of there for about $500.00 or less, but that all depends on the leather you pick.
