I’ve own a half dozen pairs of Allen Edmonds but am wondering if there’s a similar company (American made and sourced) that are better/more comfortable/better value/ etc.
Haven’t bought a pair of shoes in 5+ years so I suspect the market has changed.
Specifically for American made… Look at Cobbler Union. Not as widely available as Allen Edmonds or Alden, but very good.
Also Aldens are super well designe,db ut they’re too expensive new.
Aldens are pretty highly regarded for quality. People seem to like Grant Stone as well. I don’t own either, but I have a couple pairs of Rancourt & Co and love them. A few years ago they were doing at cost sales of limited styles, so if you’re in no hurry it might be worth getting on their mailing list and seeing if any more come up.
Grant Stones are made in China.
Aldens are pretty good quality, but their prices have run away in recent years, and they never really competed on price in the first place.
I don’t have any brand recommendations, but you’re probably going to be looking for a pair of Goodyear Welted shoes. There are plenty of other construction techniques, and not all goodyear welted shoes are high quality, but there is a strong correlation between it and quality.