Resolable, rebuildable work shoe

[mecc69]

I guess I'm middle management now, which comes with all of the attire requirement one loathes as a former field goer.

So, I'm used to wearing rebuildable/resolable shoes/boots like Whites that are super comfortable and can be rebuilt. Whites has a shoe that might fit the bill but it runs ~$400, which is a little out of my price range to run a computer.

I figure I find something I can rebuild and is comfy, or something cheap and semi comfy, but don't want to end up dropping $150 on a pair of shoes that is throwaway like a pair of running shoes.

Or, suggest a shoe for a semi casual office setting. IE - I can't wear my trail runners to the office.

Sorry OldLarry, loafers need not apply.

[dunfree]

Red Wing makes a couple that can be rebuilt in their "heritage collection" - made by the best Goodhue county methheads. I know the boots can be resoled and rebuilt, I assume the shoes can be as well. STP has some of them on occasion for less than the steep retail price.

Note: don't buy the cheaper Red Wing shoes. They suck balls and wear out quickly.

[iceman]

Old Larry doesn't like them much but Allen Edmonds makes good shoes at a pretty reasonable price, like $150-$200.00. Me and Larry both like Alden Shoes but they're on the expensive side of expensive pretty much. But I have a pair of Alden loafers that are 30 years old and look great. Alden is bomber quality for sure but maybe wait until you get promoted again.

[Mazderati]

There are exceptions but a Goodyear welt generally means resoleable. The aforementioned Allen Edmonds (AE) and Alden are good choices. So is Brooks Brothers which often rebrands AE and Alden. AE and Brooks have occasional sales. Alden sales are fewer and further between. Rancourt is another good option. They used to make some of the higher end RL shoes. No idea if that's still the case.

[dunfree]

how many resoles depends on what the midsole material is - I've had several boots pronounced dead by the cobbler because the midsole died and it becomes uneconomic to repair.

[highangle]

$60 Clark's?

[DJSapp]

I picked up some thorogood's. very, very comfy

[Mazderati]

Something to be said for shoes like Clark. Resoleable may generally be a nicer shoe but isn't necessarily cheaper in the long run. Mephisto is another option if leather sneakers work, albeit more expensive.

[ski-wpk]

I’ve had several pair of Allen Edmonds for more than a decade. Reconditioned and resoled by AE every few years, they’ll last forever.

[stfu&gbtw]

I sprung for a pair of Whites several years ago and had nothing but problems with them. Luckily, I bought them through Baker's Boots, and they did everything possible to resolve the issues. After two botched attempts, the Whites were scrapped and I ultimately ended up in a pair of Nicks. They're what the Whites should have been. If you go that route, skip Whites and go straight to Nicks. A bit more money, but once you're sinking $450-$500 into a pair of shoes, what's another $50-$75? They can also take a while. I think mine were 6 months or so - but totally worth it, especially after I'd already burned nearly a year screwing around with Whites. In the long run, good shoes are far less expensive than cheap shoes.

[Flyoverland Captive]

Don’t overlook Doc Martins. Durable and comfy, without looking like fucking loafers.

[Viva]

Last time I visited White's HQ in Spokane, all the cobblers, I far as I could see, were Mexicans. iOle!

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[Cruiser]

Wolverine 1000 mile, Redwing heritage, Allen Edmunds, and Frye are all brands I've been happy with for casual work wear. All should be available for less than $400.

[Meadow Skipper]

I clicked in to suggest Whites shoes - they are spendy, but as pointed out above they're likely to last a lifetime. Allen Edmunds are expensive too. You might try Johnston & Murphy, I think some of theirs are rebuildable. I got some from shoes.com and they have 25-30% discounts available most of the time.

[doebedoe]

You supposed to be wearing workboots or something more "office"?

If workboots -- well you already have experience White's. Nicks are a good alternative. Otherwise, Red Wing 2nds from STP often come up for <$200. They are solid boots. Not on the level of whites/nicks, but more consistent build quality than Wolverine in my opinion. Plus went you send shoes in for rebuild they do a heckuva a job for the price, new cork, new welt if necessary, rebuilt on the original last. A Redwing heritage ain't gonna get looked down on by anyone, and splits the price/quality difference well. But they are workboots through and through and look out of place with any pants nicer than heavy khaki material.

If more office, Allen Edmonds is the american staple quality shoe. Shoebank.com offers their seconds/closeouts -- free returns on anything you don't like from there. Rancourt is another good suggestion if you're in a more casual environment -- they are the classic moc maker from the NE. Beefroll penny loafers have their place.

If you're interested in a little more Euro look (guessing not from your description) Meermin makes solid, rebuildable shoes.