Are Johnston & Murphy Shoes Any Good?

[@franciscozamora4156]

I have over 30 J&M shoes! I absolutely love every single pair. I’ve had them for many years, and still look great. Like many things it’s all about how you care for them.

[@The_Kavalier]

"get what you pay for" is one of the best mantras for clothing.. Great video!

[@RealMenRealStyle]

Hey Brock - great to see you putting out these videos!!!

[@BrockMcGoff]

Thanks! Taking a page out of your book. Now just 3,000 more videos to go...

[@lukecage9836]

Real Men Real Style hey!!! I follow your page too!

[@lucasmantovani3400]

wow that's awesome

[@abtecgroup9842]

How about talking about the shoes’ construction.

[@rjvilla5228]

Bought some J&M's for the first time at Nordstrom Rack and I definitely agree with you that they are super comfortable. I have wide feet as well, and they fit like a glove the first time I put them on. A lot of bang for your buck, got mine for a little under $100. I got the Burgundy Conard Cap Toe Brogues and I'm really in love with the style and fit. I could wear them all day, my favorite pair right now.

[@BobHGarage]

I've been wearing J&M shoes every day for the past 3 years and I agree that their shoes are comfortable and good looking but as far as quality goes, every pair has started separating the sole from the upper shoe after about a years use. I originally started wearing them because older folks had told me they were a high quality shoe but I think that it's a situation where they used to be good shoes and now they aren't built to high standards any more.

[@kentuckybeardsman]

I would just have them resoled by a great cobbler and do them all leather and they will last much longer

[@MattMundane]

@@kentuckybeardsman wouldnt that cost more than just buying a new pair?

[@spicychinchin6597]

I found a pair of these worn once for 3 dollars at a thrift store. Honestly, I don't buy appearal at second hand stores, but I couldn't pass these up. Definitely quality for only spending a few dollars.

[@cole6378]

I have 2 pairs of Johnston & Murphy's and I love them great shoes and great quality

[@jonathanbellows113]

I’ve had nothing but positive results from my Johnson’s and Murray shoes.I personally own every pair of 12.5 XC4 they currently sell tremendous value for a great feeling shoes.

[@AurosOrion]

I have no reason whatsoever to subscribe to you, as I am neither short nor a man, but there's just something about you that I like? You're so pleasant to listen to.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

Did you just call him a manlet?

[@minimalistmusician4112]

My dad handed me some of his single black monkstraps and he has had them for 15 years and they have been well kept together

[@donnafield2616]

As a woman I have always admired a great pair of men's shoes! And this is one brand that I've always admired!

[@estevanperez6161]

I would recommended going with the unicorn leather shoes, I’ve had them for the last 10 years and have been holding up well!

[@johnborges5938]

Agree with your assessment. I consider these good mid-grade shoes. My experience is that they are well-made considering the price, they fit my stock-8-1/2D foot, and they are nicely styled. Good for maybe 5 years for my typical use. I don't think they are ten-year shoes. Still there's a place for them in the market; there are lots of men in a place where this price point is the upper limit.

[@irishwake8347]

I wore this brand of shoe exclusively for work for decades. Great looking shoes. Extremely comfortable. Perfect for business dress.

[@martintanz9098]

J & M is right up there with Florsheim for dress shoe brands I used to love, but won't touch anymore. In the case of J & M, when I was coming of age in the early to mid 80s, Florsheim was the brand everyone's Dad wore, and they were still accessible. J & M, on the other hand, was a higher end brand than Florsheim. I never owned a pair, but people who did swore by them. Fast forward to 2003. I already have 2 pairs of Florsheim wingtips, but I need a pair of every day brown lace ups, for the office and occasionally going to court. Coming out of law school and starting a second career, I need a pair of shoes, and find to my surprise that J & M are affordable, at my local Macy's. I think I paid maybe $150 for them. So I buy them. Mind you, they are part of a 3 to 4 shoe rotation, so they only getting used about once a week, and some weeks not at all. After less than a year, the shoes start falling apart. Water is seeping in, the sole is worn out, and the upper is separating from the sole. I take it to my cobbler, who tells me he can repair it, which I have him do, for almost as much as I paid for the shoes. Since the repair, they did hold up another few years, but I was disappointed that a once venerable shoe company had let their quality slip so far. And, I never bought another one of their crappy shoes, and probably never will.

[@eb4676]

What brand do you recommend for quality?

[@martintanz9098]

@@eb4676 Allen Edmonds, Alden, Carmina, Beckett Simonon. Even brands like Thursday and Helm are decent. But for me, 95% of my shoes these days are Allen Edmonds. Good balance of quality and price.

[@GarageBuiltHondas]

Awesome shoes! Great fit, styles, and price point. You cannot go wrong with a great pair of J&M's!

[@couchsofa2977]

you can go wrong if you buy the chinese made products J&M sells.

[@cswann8]

I picked up a pair of J&M today. I wanted some Allen Edmonds, but it's not convenient for me to drop $400 on shoes right now. The pair I left the store with are nice, and the size 11 seems to be on par with everyone else's 11. There are some flaws though which I guess is to be expected in a sub $200 shoe.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

Allen edmonds seconds can be had for $200 easily

[@60zeller]

AE has decent price reductions during the holiday season.

[@ManoloVintage]

I like this brand. I've got a pair of Chukkas by them. They fit true to size and they are extremely extremely comfortable. I love their dressier boots with a rugged sole. Dressy but rugged and comfortable fits my style.

[@lonestarsy99]

Very well stated. Own several pairs of Johnson and Murphy's along with several pairs of Allen Edmonds. Both fit very well and great quality.

[@zive4029]

do they have the same fit?

[@rusty358]

I have worn them for 30 years. Most comfortable shoe ever. Superb fir and quality.

[@arthurc1971]

I bought a pair of J&M Optima shoes, tan with reddish tint, I got them in 1997 and wore them often until 2006. I just found them in my closet and they still look nice. One sole is starting to seperate but that is easily fixed. Great video.

[@yogibearstie]

Their trampoline system is crazy comfortable and the shoes will last a very long time. I never wear the same shoes on back to back days, for a crazy probably not true idea that the leather will do better with a days rest. Wingtips and Captoe rotation. Also, buy their shoe trees, they make great shoe trees. Remember this company has been making shoes since 1850, so they know shoes. They must pay their salesmen well, because I see the same guys in the store for over a decade. They are very helpful and will ship shoes to you no charge if they don't have your size. I am a big fan of J&M.

[@bce5726]

I just scored a pair of their sheepskin boots today from a thrift shop that appear as if they were only worn once or twice. Gave them a good cleaning & some TLC with leather conditioner & mink oil & they look brand new... only cost me $12. Thank you for reassuring me on my thrifting skills & that I didn't fall victim to buying some cheap crud that was thrown out for a good reason. Cheers!

[@chipblock2854]

I just bought the same shoe as the Melton you are showing from a trusted seller on Ebay for $10 plus shipping. I took a chance and came out on the deal. They fit very well and do not look or feel used. I did polish them and got a nice mirror shine on the toe. So for $24 I got a shoe that will last a very long time since I will only wear them about four to six times a month.

[@Myrslokstok]

A bougt one pair for less than 150$ on sale and they are nice, a black oxford as first dressshoe would probably be ok but then you have to move up in quality, like loake or allen edmond, for your daily brown ones.

[@bubbie23jw]

I have a ton of J&M I love all of them

[@jimmiebrown4769]

Best review I've ever heard for a shoe was from a Mormon who wore his J & M for missionary work. Can't beat a review from a guy who is wearing a shoe for 8 hrs of walking or bike riding in church clothes. He and I agree J&M are the best affordable shoe. They last for years with resoling. Just make sure your first resole is with a Goodyear rubber cap to avoid water/snow infiltration from the bottom.

[@lostinspace1719]

I love Murphy's I own 3 pairs and love them ..and they are comfortable I got some John Varvatos and it's like walking on rocks.

[@Ayixlia]

surprised my boyfriend with a great pair of J&M model Tabor. Retail at 110$ they look like a upraded version of the famous Stacy Adams model with a nice padded rubber out sole. He loves them very much.

[@initialisms2970]

Just picked up a pair at the Thrift store for 13 bucks! My exact size too 10.5 I will say one thing.. they are really comfortable! I was surprised and I couldn’t pass that up lol

[@Orlanzepol123]

What were the cons?

[@maclen5172]

Brock, very good review. I've had a pair of black J & M classic wing tips for over twenty years that are made well, comfortable, and durable. Highly recommended. Randy

[@06Crf250rider]

Yes buy quality! I'm looking into some of these as my next pair, but I've had a pair of clarks for 7 years (worn 2-3 days a week).

[@DalesLeatherworks]

I had a couple pairs of J&M's before I discovered Alden. They were alright for the price, but one thing I disliked about the physical store is when you walk in you get hassled like you're at a used car lot, and they really try to get your bill as high as they can before you walk out the store with all the added accessories. Also, the quality is fine, but like you said, you get what you pay for! Aldens are pricier but the quality far exceeds J&M, plus, you can't beat made in America!

[@loganguitars3588]

Their loafers are out of this world for the price. They really have comfort figured out

[@csmcilwain]

I have a couple of pairs from their italian made line. Excellent quality in those and you can see and feel the difference. They are more expensive though.

[@normanbradley2536]

I switched to J&M years ago from Bostonian. As they have discontinued all but the Melton in EEE width Im leaving J&M for another brand.

[@TrioPack2222]

Alden > Allen Edmonds > J and M > Florsheim > Dexter 5 of the most iconic American shoe brands!

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

Cole haan are better than florsheim

[@marvinrandolph4008]

Thanks Brock for straightforward, opinion in your video. Enjoyed it😀

[@WayofTheZach]

I snagged a sweet pair of cognac brown J&M Newell boots on Etsy about a year ago for $40, brand new! You've got to love finds like that.

[@kaidonspare6416]

great shoes! my favorite are the plain toes.

[@phly007]

For the quality, style and mileage, the price is reasonable. You can mix and match with just about anything

[@BgbadWulof]

Yeah I have 2 pair. One is a pair of Chelsey. Very good wearing shoes. Plus they shine very well and easily.

[@19AGJ86]

They had very nice shirt designs back in 2010-2012!

[@TheActiveAssault]

Some of the strongest Marines I served with were the smallest

[@dustinb4286]

Johnston and Murphy are stylish, comfy, and reasonably priced. If you spend your day on your feet and you don't want to drop $400 on a pair of Mephisto's, Johnston and Murphy is the way to go. I have several pairs from both companies and I can tell you that the Mephisto's are more comfortable but the JMs look better. Which will last longer - the Mephisto's - by far. I expect a typical pair from J&M to last me 250-300 wearings. Roughly a year of constant use. My black Melchiors went well over 500 before needing to be resoled.

[@TheBooban]

dustinb42 J&M shoes last one year? You cant be serious.

[@dustinb4286]

TheBooban how long are you getting out if them?

[@TheBooban]

dustinb42 Im sorry, I didnt mean to imply that I have any. I just want to buy them because the ones I tried earlier were so comfortable! that trampoline system or whatever is incredible. Most comfortable chukkas ever; copeland. Unfortunately the sole is not for winter. But I cant believe any shoe would just last one year.

[@dustinb4286]

TheBooban YMMV I spend a huge chunk of my day walking on concrete and blacktop. if you spend most of your time in an office with carpeted floors, I'm sure you'll get much better life out of them. I only spend about $120 per pair, so 300 wears is a great value.

[@awakeningwolf]

great video Brock. By the way, i just got lucky to bought a J&M boots from a thrift shop which cost me 57 usd here in Dubai UAE! I'm a 5'7" Asian guy with 9 US foot! The fit is just like they are custom made for me hehehe!

[@malaquiasalfaro81]

Since I have bad Judgement in shoe quality, how long would you say a pair of these would last you with proper polishing, show tree usage and proper storage. I wear dress shoes almost everyday but only for about 3 hours. I obviously am going to need more than one pair.

[@BrockMcGoff]

If you only were them a couple of times a week for 3 hours, they will last many years (assuming you take care of them).

[@malaquiasalfaro81]

@@BrockMcGoff Hey Brock. I was probably only 16 going on 17 when I first started watching your videos. For one, thank you, as you have made my life a lot easier from a sartorial point of view. Secondly, I wanted to give an update. I purchased Johnson and Murphy shoes about 2 years ago. I've not worn them a whole lot, as they were black Oxfords, so meetings and weddings. I will say however that they are wonderfully loveable and they are by far the most commented on pair of shoes I own, I believe because of the trim shape as well as the shine. Thank you for your advice good sir, I'll be using it for the rest of my life. Have a great day 👍

[@ismaelsalinas2823]

I love their belts as well

[@mgtowp.l.7756]

Thank You Very Much For Sharing.. I Find The European Danish Shoes "ECCO" The Most Comfortable Shoe I Have Ever Worn.In My Life.. What Do You Think Of Ecoo Shoes? Ecco Has Got Sizes For Men's Shoes From 5 1/2 ( 39 ) To 13 1/2 ( 47 )...I Wear a 44 In Shoes, And 45 For Boots.. Please Reply..

[@MAMP]

I have a pair of J&M that I've worn about 6 times now. I find them still to be uncomfortable. They fit but they are still stiff. Not sure if this will go away. I also find them to be dangerously lacking traction on any smooth surface as compared to a rubber sole shoe. (for example the marble floor of a train station)

[@havefunandbikestuff]

exactly what I needed. just subbed. I'm 5ft 7 and I'm looking forward to your videos

[@skylerzhung8434]

These shoes looks gigantic!

[@danieliddoaberabalcha8315]

I genuinely feel that I got a soft spot for short guys. Just love them.

[@ElderHiker]

That was a nice testimonial; but I was hoping for more technical information such as leather quality, construction methods, durability, etc. I appreciate your basic insight; it was helpful, but incomplete. Thank you.

[@BrockMcGoff]

You're right. This is one of my first videos, and it's not a great review. To be honest, I wouldn't recommend J&M as a top pick these days. If you a classic look, go with Allen Edmonds. If you want a newcomer that offers a lot of value, check out Beckett Simonon.

[@thefoxdoctor1072]

I love my J&M's and would take them over Edmonds any day...

[@glennvannijevelt1133]

I am not sure why I ever spent 1300 USD on a pair of Tom Ford ankle boots, given the fact that I could get something of similar model and as comfy as J&M for a mere 300 USD 🙈……..

[@josediaz-ortega6405]

I was a store manager for Johnston and Murphy. We got so many complaints on the quality. I decided to leave. The quality has gotten worse and worse each year

[@chicagophx]

Like J & M, but prefer Cole Haan. Comfort of insoles are better on the Cole Haan shoes. Leather dress shoes

[@liamr2664]

I got a pair for free so I'm not complaining. I'm enjoying them so far

[@baberoot1998]

Johnston and Murphy...for the most part...are cemented, cheaply made shoes. However...I have been impressed with some of their "top of the line" models. Variously comparable to Thursday Boots brand, and To Boot New York. With that said...just remember, a low cost J&M pair of shoes...are likely cemented construction and will not last very long. Just pay attention to their construction, and you likely will not go wrong. A 360 Goodyear welted, or Blake stitched sole...is a decent shoe. Some J&M's are just that. Leather quality...in most seems adequate, but some are not. Good luck.

[@Reignunlimited]

Stick with the JM "Tyndall wingtip or captoe" series very sharp classic looking and comfortable.

[@blindhydra]

One of the best i've had. 10/10!

[@kingKDtheboss123]

Keep up the good work and I don't know if you can talk a little bit more about clothing for teenagers with not much money that would help a lot thanks

[@bev.disgrace]

What are your thoughts on them not having Goodyear welting and having to send them to J&M to get them re-soled vs a regular cobbler?

[@scootertrasher1369]

Where are they made? What construction method? Materials ?

[@classyshoes8504]

Great vid!

[@60zeller]

They do not have a lot between 250 and 400. Just a few, most between 100 and 200. Decent comfortable work shoe for the money.

[@edspencer87]

Link to the Unicorn Leather shoes?

[@plustax9158]

I got 3 pairs love them..

[@greggfacey8043]

I have 8 pairs of Jhonson & Murphy shoes comfortable fit well good price genuine leader I have cap toes wingtips plain toes penny loafer.

[@obsidianjay8877]

people johnston and murphy shoes are great. dont shy away because they are "budget" budget is great people. save for your family and children's colleges or a family vacation.

[@dapetik]

Where are they made now

[@ThunderMonkeyProds]

I purchased the winter wingtips boots from J&M and two months in the heel pulled apart? For $250+tax that un-cool.

[@airborneranger-ret]

Very nicely done :)

[@johnt4266]

Great looking dress shoes but comfortable they are not. I bought three pairs and had some foot issues already the foot issue got worse and worse and now these great looking shoes kill my feet.

[@warrenginmartini]

What about size 15?

[@nunsandcanssailingadventur9951]

Is that unicorn leather humanely harvested?

[@Mac_tanakorn]

Are these shoes run true-to-size or i should drop half size and extend more on width? My feets size are 9.5US (27.5cm) on brannock. Any suggestion? thank you :D

[@ava9oh1282000]

nice to see a video about J&M. but this isnt a review. this is a lame overview... do better.

[@FMykal]

What do they use as filler before putting on the sole? Allen Edmonds uses ground up cork mixed with glue.

[@Stan_sprinkle]

cork is typical for quality shoes that can be re-soled

[@FMykal]

Does that mean Johnston & Murphy shoes can't be resoled?

[@Stan_sprinkle]

hm... good question. My statement above was a little off. I guess what I meant was that corked shoes is in general considered to be a sign of quality construction. The "able to be re-soled" part really has nothing to do with it. My mistake. I understand that at least some Johnston & Murphy shoes use glued on "bond welted" soles. These types of shoes can be re-soled, but potentially with limits to the number of times you'd be able to do that (the better the cobbler, the better chances you have of keeping them in good condition). J&M does offer a "refurbishment service" that takes 3-5 weeks, if you're unsure about the skills of your local cobblers. (AE offers a similar re-crafting service). But "goodyear welted" soles, for example, are famous for being "re-craftable". The way they're constructed makes it possible to resole them very reliably.

[@Stan_sprinkle]

They can be resoled. Most dress shoes can be.

[@the0to1smell86]

I got some double strap Brown same as the ones you showing ..i bought them at Dillards for 150.bucks but they made in china

[@pokemercenary6511]

…nothing wrong with being under 6 foot.

[@maduran31]

Great shoe for the price!

[@JCSOLD1]

The quality has gone down over the years but when customer service see how many pair you've owned they make it right.

[@flyingjeff1984]

When was the last time J&M actually made a shoe? I bought my Aristocrats at the factory about 25 years ago. That plant has been closed for YEARS.

[@GentlemenOfSport]

How tall are you

[@sm-bd1bz]

Hi I found a pair but they are made in India 🇮🇳 are they fake?

[@ConestogaCreek]

Never tried J&M. I have been a Rockport customer for many years. Great comfort for a good price.

[@JeremyJamesDec15]

What is your favorite brand of high quality dress shoes?

[@TVC15185]

I live at J&M.

[@bannor216]

Price isnt a limiting factor for me...I'm rich. Unicorn leather all the way

[@BrockMcGoff]

Only if it's tanned all naturally, with puppy tears.

[@jroark101]

The darn Melton cap has too much shine!

[@waynewang8904]

I am concerned that they are not breathable because too much shine paint they put on the shoes.

[@WalkingTheNarrow]

where was all the objectiveness we were promised?

[@BrockMcGoff]

+Anthony Matadi Any specific feedback?

[@WalkingTheNarrow]

you promised this review was not only going to be honest honest but objective (which it wasn't). Therefore in this case your love and opinion for shoes was bought with free J&M shoes. You sounded like a J&M fanboy all way through

[@WalkingTheNarrow]

I simply expected cons to be weighed against pros on this pair because i'm 2-3 days away from buying it

[@BrockMcGoff]

I hear you. I'd say the "cons" for J&M shoes, in my opinion, are that they're very classic. They don't have that sleek, modern aesthetic like Italian inspired brands. And they're relatively affordable, which means you can definitely buy higher quality shoes. But they're a good value for most guys (if you like the way they look). Another con is that they don't come in super small sizes. Said all of these things in the video...just saying ;)

[@davidgess221]

Too bad they are not made in the US anymore.

[@AggiePhil]

Camera keeps going in and out of focus.

[@BrockMcGoff]

This was like the second video I ever made 😏

[@AggiePhil]

Well it's a pretty popular topic. Time for a remake?

[@edf2953]

Never would have guessed this was your second video. Excellent job! Thanks for taking the time to provide your objective thoughts and comments. Much appreciated.

[@KILLJOY375]

I must say that J&M are not what they use to be and will most likely not be what they were for a long time. When you say you get what you pay for your review should have stopped there! What J&M offer are not anywhere near companies like Allen Edmonds, Alden, Peal & Co and Edward Greens. The fact that their use of material is so sub par, the construction and manufacturing is just as bad as Florsheim, Bostonian, and Cole Hann. I am sorry but I would rather save up the money and get a pair of good shoes that will last me much long than any of the shoes I listed as bad. As far as a shoe " breaking in" there is be little to no break in when it comes to quality well made shoes. Knowing what " Last" the shoe was made on and what type of foot it was made for is key. This is something lesser quality shoe manufacturers fail to supply to their customer. This often leads to shoes that do not fit comfortably and take a long time to "break in".

[@STILLNIGHTPEARL]

A Rivera I agree, I’ll pass on J&M, rather just save up for some AE, Tricker’s, Alden. At the $200 range I rather pick up some Thursday boots, Goodyear welt, made in Leon, Guanajuato which is known for leather and shoe making, a better buy at that price point.

[@hondagame7069]

are these made in usa?

[@Rmon_34]

Honda Game There are a few that are.

[@clothestravel]

Decent shoes, but quality has declined. Allen Edmonds is much better. Disclaimer: I own 7 pairs of Allen Edmonds, and 2 pairs of Johnston and Murphy.