When it comes to men‘s dress and casual shoes, few brands have the long history and reputation of Florsheim. Founded in 1892, Florsheim has been a go-to for generations of men seeking high-quality, stylish footwear for work, special occasions, and everyday wear.
As a fellow shoe enthusiast, I‘ve long admired Florsheim‘s classic designs and attention to craftsmanship. So I wanted to take a deep dive into the brand to help you decide if their shoes are worth a place in your closet.
In this comprehensive Florsheim shoes review, I‘ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- An overview of Florsheim‘s styles and offerings
- Detailed reviews of some of their most popular models
- Sizing, fit and comfort
- Quality and durability
- Pricing and overall value
- How they compare to other leading men‘s shoe brands
- Customer reviews and feedback
- Where to buy them
- Care and maintenance tips
…and much more. I‘ll also give you my verdict on whether I think Florsheim shoes are worth the investment. Let‘s step to it!
About Florsheim Shoes
With over 130 years in the shoe business, Florsheim is one of America‘s most iconic men‘s footwear brands. The company was founded in 1892 in Chicago by Milton Florsheim, a cobbler‘s son, and quickly developed a reputation for exceptional quality.
Throughout the early 20th century, Florsheim was a leading maker of fashionable and well-made dress shoes worn by businessmen, politicians, and Hollywood stars. They pioneered many styles that are still menswear staples today, like wingtips, cap toes, and tasseled loafers.
While the company has changed hands over the years (it‘s now owned by Weyco Group), Florsheim still produces a wide variety of classic and modern men‘s shoes—from dapper oxfords to casual slip-ons to rugged boots. Their mission is to offer stylish, comfortable and high-quality footwear to fuel confident steps.
So are Florsheim shoes still a smart step for the discerning modern man? Keep reading to find out…
Florsheim Shoes Style Overview
One thing I‘ve always appreciated about Florsheim is their wide range of styles to suit many different tastes and needs. Whether you‘re dressing up for a wedding or want a casual-cool look on the weekend, Florsheim has a shoe for that.
Their collection includes:
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Oxfords, in cap-toe, plain-toe, and wingtip styles. Perfect with a suit or dressed-down with slacks and a sport coat.
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Loafers and slip-ons, from classic penny loafers to modern drivers. Ideal for business casual and laid-back looks.
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Boots, from dressier chelseas to rugged chukkas and work boots. A masculine and versatile addition to any wardrobe.
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Sneakers and athletics that blend vintage cool with modern comfort. Great for athleisure outfits.
Within each category, you‘ll find a variety of colors and finishes—from rich black and brown leathers to oxblood and even navy suede. Some styles lean more traditional and understated, while others have trendy details like broguing, burnishing, and contrast stitching.
Overall, Florsheim provides an impressive breadth of options for building a well-rounded shoe wardrobe. But how do they perform in terms of fit, comfort and quality? Let‘s take a closer look at some of their most popular models…
Florsheim Shoe Reviews
To give you a taste of what Florsheim has to offer, here are my thoughts on three of their best-selling and most highly-rated shoes:
Florsheim Midtown Cap Toe Oxford Review
If you‘re looking for a quintessential dress shoe, the Midtown Cap Toe Oxford is a dapper choice. Made from genuine polished leather, this timeless lace-up features a cap toe, five-eyelet upper, and subtle stitching details.
Slipping my feet into these, I immediately noticed how soft and supple the leather was. There was no stiffness or break-in period—they felt great right out of the box. The leather-covered cushioned footbed provided nice shock absorption and arch support for all-day comfort.
Fit-wise, I found the Midtown true to size with a comfortably snug fit. It comes in medium and wide widths to suit different foot shapes. The leather sole had good grip and a rubber heel insert for added traction and durability.
Paired with a crisp suit, these oxfords looked sleek, sophisticated, and perfectly professional. But they also worked well dressed down with trousers and a sweater. The only drawback is that the leather sole isn‘t ideal for wet weather. But for a versatile dress shoe at this price point (~$155), I was impressed.
Florsheim Brookside Penny Loafer Review
Penny loafers are a staple of the business casual wardrobe. And for that niche, Florsheim‘s Brookside model is a reliable go-to. It sports classic details like a moc toe, beefroll stitching, and of course—a penny keeper strap.
The full-grain leather upper looked polished yet not overly formal, while the lightweight rubber sole provided good flexibility and cushioning. I liked that the insole was treated with Suedetec, an antimicrobial lining that wicks moisture. It kept my feet dry and fresh, even after several hours of standing.
Comfort-wise, these loafers felt great either barefoot or with dress socks. The fit was roomy and accommodating—perfect for slipping on and off. They looked sharp with jeans and chinos but could also work with a casual suit.
At around $120, these penny loafers are an excellent value. With proper care, they could easily become your trusty everyday work shoes for years to come.
Florsheim Lodge Plain Toe Gore Boot Review
For a boot that‘s both office-appropriate and weekend-ready, consider the Lodge Plain Toe Gore Boot. This ankle boot combines rich leather with stretchy elastic gore panels, plus a durable lug sole.
Walking around in these, I found the flexible gore panels made them easy to slip on and off, while the grippy rubber sole provided sure footing on uneven terrain. The smooth leather lining and memory foam footbed made these boots remarkably comfortable for extended wear. The clean, minimalist silhouette also made them super versatile—they looked equally handsome with slacks or jeans.
My only nitpick is that they might not stand up to really harsh weather. But for an urban or office boot, the Lodge model delivers on both style and wearability. At $150, they‘re a solid investment boot that will pay dividends in your wardrobe.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Florsheim prides itself on using premium, responsibly-sourced materials and time-honored shoe construction techniques. Many of their shoes are handcrafted and hand-finished, with each pair going through over 100 separate steps.
The majority of their uppers are made from genuine leather, including calfskin, Horween Chromexcel, and suede. These high-quality leathers age beautifully, developing a richer patina over time. You‘ll also find some models made from lightweight, breathable knit and canvas for a sporty look.
Florsheim‘s in-house technologies like Ortholite foam and Comfortech insoles provide responsive cushioning and impact absorption for happy, healthy feet. And their durable soles—whether leather, rubber, or a combo of both—are securely stitched or cemented to the upper.
While some of their shoes are still made in America, most styles are now manufactured overseas to keep prices competitive. But from what I‘ve seen, the attention to detail and build quality is still top-notch. Florsheim has managed to balance affordable prices with premium materials and craftsmanship.
Fit, Sizing and Comfort
Florsheim shoes come in a wide range of sizes, from US 6-16 in medium (D) and wide (3E) widths. In my experience, their shoes fit true to size and are very comfortable right out of the box, with no unusual rubbing or pressure points.
Of course, comfort is subjective and depends on your unique foot shape. But Florsheim offers several features to customize the fit, like removable insoles to accommodate orthotics and combination lasts for a roomier toe box and snugger heel.
Many customers rave about how comfortable Florsheims are for long workdays on your feet. That‘s thanks to shock-absorbing footbeds, supportive steel shanks, and breathable leather and fabric linings. However, I‘ve seen a few reviews mentioning that some styles run a bit narrow.
If you have particularly wide feet, definitely opt for the 3E width. Florsheim also offers free exchanges to dial in your size. And to prevent blisters, I always recommend wearing dress socks with leather shoes and using a cedar shoe tree between wears to maintain the shape.
Pricing and Value
Florsheim shoes occupy that sweet spot between entry-level and luxury footwear. You can expect to pay between $100-$300, depending on the style and materials. While that‘s not cheap, it‘s quite reasonable for the quality and longevity you get.
Their mainline dress shoes and loafers average around $120-$160, which is on par with other leading men‘s shoe brands like Cole Haan, Johnston & Murphy, and Rockport. And in my opinion, Florsheims are a cut above in terms of materials, craftsmanship and timeless style.
On the higher end, Florsheim does offer some premium Italian leather models for $200+. But even their entry-level shoes under $100 provide great bang for your buck. With proper care and resoling, a pair of Florsheims can easily last 5-10 years.
Considering how versatile and well-made they are, I think Florsheims provide excellent value for the price. They‘re an accessible way to get a high-quality shoe that punches above its weight.
What Other Customers Are Saying
But you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Florsheim shoes get consistently positive reviews from customers, with many praising their:
- Classic good looks for both professional and casual wear
- Exceptional comfort, even after long hours on your feet
- Sturdy craftsmanship using quality leather and hardware
- Excellent fit, with wide width options for tough-to-fit feet
- Affordable prices compared to other quality dress shoes
On Florsheim‘s website, most of their popular models average between 4-5 stars. The same goes for reviews on Amazon, Zappos, and Nordstrom. Here‘s a sampling of what customers had to say:
"These are the most comfortable dress shoes I‘ve ever owned. The leather is soft and supple, yet still looks polished. I can wear them all day with no aching feet."
"Florsheims have been my go-to work shoes for over a decade. They hold up year after year, and only look better with age. Well worth the money."
"I have hard-to-fit wide feet and thought I‘d never find dress shoes that worked for me. Florsheim‘s 3E width oxfords fit like a glove. Game changer!"
Of course, no shoe brand is perfect. A few reviewers did note that some styles were narrower than expected or took some breaking in. Others wished the insoles had more arch support. But overall, the vast majority of customers were thrilled with their Florsheims.
How Do They Compare?
So how do Florsheim shoes stack up against other popular men‘s footwear brands? Here‘s my take:
Compared to entry-level brands like Dockers, Stacy Adams or Steve Madden, Florsheims offer significantly better materials and construction. You‘ll get full-grain leather uppers, leather linings, and durable welted or stitched soles—details you won‘t find on cheaper shoes.
In the mid-tier price range, Florsheim is very comparable to brands like Cole Haan, Bostonian and Johnston & Murphy in terms of style and quality. What sets Florsheim apart is their consistency—they don‘t chase trends and I find their collection to be more well-rounded.
Now, Florsheims probably won‘t have the sleek, fashion-forward designs of upscale brands like To Boot or Allen Edmonds. But for most guys who want a classic, reliable dress shoe, Florsheims are an unbeatable value.
Longevity and Maintenance
With proper care, Florsheim shoes can last for many years of regular wear. Here are my tips for getting the most mileage out of your Florsheims:
- Get a shoe horn to avoid crushing the heel counter when putting them on
- Rotate between a few pairs to let the leather rest between wears
- Use a cedar shoe tree to absorb moisture and maintain shape
- Polish and condition the leather every few months
- Resole leather bottom shoes at a cobbler when they wear down
- Use a leather protector spray to guard against water and salt stains
- Stuff tall boots with newspaper to prevent creasing
If you treat them well, Florsheims can be a staple of your shoe collection for the long haul. I‘ve had several pairs for over 10 years that are still going strong.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Florsheim Shoes?
So are Florsheim shoes worth it? If you‘re looking for high-quality, comfortable and timeless footwear at reasonable prices, I say absolutely yes.
With Florsheim, you‘re getting:
- Genuine leather crafted into iconic men‘s shoe styles
- Robust construction that holds up to daily wear
- Premium details like full leather linings and welted soles
- Customizable fit with wide widths and removable footbeds
- Made by a trusted, 130-year-old American brand
- Affordable prices that deliver serious bang for your buck
No matter your lifestyle, Florsheim shoes offer something for every well-dressed man. From polished oxfords for the office to casual loafers for weekends to rugged boots for adventures, their collection covers all the bases.
In my opinion, every man should have at least a couple pairs of Florsheims in his closet. They‘re a fantastic foundation for building sharp, sophisticated looks that will carry you from work to the weekend.
While there are certainly higher-end shoe brands out there, I really think Florsheims hit that sweet spot of exceptional quality at accessible prices. Shop confidently knowing you‘re investing in classic shoes that will never let you down.
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What about you? Have you worn Florsheim shoes? Let me know about your experience in the comments.
