Should I buy leather dress shoes that can be repaired instead of replaced?
What are some benefits/drawbacks of buying leather dress shoes and having them repaired rather than replaced? Any recommended brands?
Shoes should be a timeless investment. Buy the best (classic) pair you can afford, treat them well (shoe trees, conditioning, a little rubber on the leather soles), and repair when necessary.
8 Answers
Buy Allen Edmond shoes - they are a little more expensive than other brands, but if you take care of them they will last forever. In addition, you can send them back to the factory every five years or so and they will restore them back to their original quality - for about $100. As opposed to buying new shoes every two or three years, buy Allen Edmond shoes once, restore then every five years, and they will last you a life time - and money too.
I've purchased at least 10 pairs of shoes ranging from $20 but not more than $60 gently used from eBay. My favorite brand is Cole Haan of which there are many in great condition on eBay. My current Cole Haan eBay collection include penny loafers, bit loafers, 2 pairs of driving shoes, cap toes, and dirty bucks all purchased in what I would rate as 8/10. My cap toes and penny loafers are about 2-3 years old now and could use some cleaning and polishing (which I have never done) since I use them everyday for work (which I only started 7 months ago, I'm 23) but at the price I paid for them and with the abundance of gently used ones on eBay, I may just buy a new (used) pair instead of having to deal with the maintenance!
Mephisto dress/business-casual type shoes that I purchased were one of my best investments. Prior to these I was killing a pair of Doc Martins every year; these have lasted long enough that they are cheaper than the old "system" of new Docs once a year.
For $50 I can send them back to Mephisto and they will completely refurb the shoes as well.
I have two pairs of dress shoes, they are both Allen Edmonds. They are the best leather dress shoes I have ever owned.
That completely depends on your style. If you're one to change styles frequently then buying a cheaper pair of leather shoes would be your best bet, and selling/replacing them when needed. However if you find shoes that you could see yourself wearing 5+ years from now and you have your style dialed in then go for the repairable leather shoes. I have a pair of AE (Allen Edmonds) that are legit and I don't worry about them wearing out because I can send them in and get them completely reconditioned for about a benjamin.
Styles change. A pair of expensive shoes today may look trendy and out of style in 18 months. Buy shoes YOU like at a price you can afford to replace. I like Zappos, www.zappos.com
Many Many quality brands, low prices.
Shoes should be a timeless investment. Buy the best (classic) pair you can afford, treat them well (shoe trees, conditioning, a little rubber on the leather soles), and repair when necessary.