Are you on the hunt for high-quality dress shoes that are as stylish as they are comfortable? If so, you can‘t go wrong with Johnston & Murphy. This iconic American footwear brand has been a personal favorite of mine for years, thanks to their perfect blend of classic designs, premium materials, and top-notch craftsmanship.
As a self-professed shoe lover, I‘ve tried countless brands over the years – but I keep coming back to Johnston & Murphy again and again. Their timeless styles and unmatched quality make them a go-to choice for everyone from U.S. presidents to discerning fashionistas like myself.
In this comprehensive review, I‘ll share my honest thoughts on several of Johnston & Murphy‘s most popular shoes for men and women. I‘ll also provide some insights into the brand‘s fascinating history, reputation for excellence, and overall value proposition. By the end, you‘ll hopefully understand why I‘m such a passionate Johnston & Murphy fan – and why you might want to become one yourself!
A Legacy of Presidential Proportions
Johnston & Murphy‘s story began way back in 1850, when English immigrant William J. Dudley started a modest shoe business in Newark, New Jersey. In those early days, Dudley and his small team focused on crafting custom shoes for local customers. But over time, the company‘s reputation for quality started to spread.
In 1886, the business took on its current name, Johnston & Murphy, after two of Dudley‘s associates. And by the early 20th century, the brand had become known as the "go-to for understated elegance," as one fashion magazine put it. Their specialty? Dressing some of the most powerful and influential men in the world.
Starting with President Millard Fillmore in 1850, Johnston & Murphy has created personalized shoes for every U.S. president. From simple lace-up boots for Abraham Lincoln to stylish cap-toe oxfords for Barack Obama, the brand has a long legacy of outfitting our nation‘s leaders in and out of the Oval Office.
But it‘s not just presidents who have embraced Johnston & Murphy over the years. The brand has also been popular with countless artists, musicians, and actors, including early jazz icons like Nat King Cole and swing legends like Johnny Cash. I like to think wearing these shoes puts me in some pretty cool company!
Today, Johnston & Murphy has expanded its reach far beyond Newark, with retail locations and loyal customers across the globe. And while their product offerings have grown to include everything from sneakers to women‘s heels, their commitment to impeccable quality and timeless style hasn‘t wavered. So, how do some of their most iconic shoes actually stack up? Let‘s take a closer look.
These Boots Were Made for Complimenting
I have to start with what‘s arguably Johnston & Murphy‘s most famous style: the Copeland Chukka Boot. This rugged ankle boot is based on the "desert boots" first worn by British soldiers in Africa during World War II. But trust me, there‘s nothing military-issue about the luxurious look and feel of these kicks.
Each pair is crafted from premium European leather, with a soft sheepskin lining and a memory foam footbed that basically molds to your foot. The natural crepe rubber sole not only looks cool, but provides great traction and a pleasantly springy feel. I own the Copeland in both tan and dark brown, and I can‘t tell you how many compliments I get whenever I wear them!
Pros:
- Buttery-soft leather
- Memory foam insole for a custom feel
- Goes with everything from jeans to wool trousers
- Suitable for all-day/all-season wear
Cons:
- Require some breaking in at first
- Crepe sole can wear down quickly with heavy use
- Pricey at $159 per pair
The Loafer, Perfected
For a slightly more polished look that‘s still an absolute breeze to wear, you can‘t beat the Holden Penny Loafer. This classic slip-on style was inspired by shoes worn by Norwegian farmers in the 1930s (fun fact!) – but Johnston & Murphy‘s take is 100% modern prepster perfection.
The first thing you‘ll notice about the Holden is the leather. It‘s just as buttery-soft as the Copelands, but with a gorgeous sheen that elevates any outfit. The shoe‘s contoured footbed and shock-absorbing sole make them so comfortable, you‘ll actually forget you‘re wearing loafers. And of course, the iconic penny keeper detail is just plain charming.
I tend to wear my black Holdens with dark denim, a crisp button-down shirt, and a sport coat for a look that‘s casual yet devastatingly dapper. But they also pair amazingly well with shorts and no-show socks in the summertime. Versatility? Check!
Pros:
- Supremely soft, high-shine leather
- Lightweight construction and cushy footbed
- Wear with or without socks
- Look great dressed up or down
Cons:
- Lighter colors prone to scuffs/stains
- Toe box is a little narrow for some
- At $139, they‘re an investment
Oxfords for the Corner Office
Let‘s say your office dress code is a little more "buttoned up." If you‘re looking for a sleek and sophisticated dress shoe, feast your eyes on the McGuffey Plain-Toe Oxford. With its minimalist silhouette, subtle stitching, and high-quality leather, this is a shoe that means business.
I was impressed by how light and flexible the McGuffey oxfords felt right out of the box. The glove-leather lining and perforated footbed keep your feet cool and dry, while the sturdy leather soles and rubber heels offer excellent durability and support. In classic black or rich cognac brown, these definitely give off strong "executive realness."
While I didn‘t find the McGuffeys quite as cushy as the Holdens or Copelands, they definitely became more comfortable with a few wears. The fit is spot-on and the quality is clearly built to last. If you‘re climbing that corporate ladder anytime soon, start here.
Pros:
- Sleek, professional silhouette
- High-quality European leathers
- Breathable glove-leather lining
- Solid craftsmanship and durability
Cons:
- Needs a couple wears to break in
- Padded footbed is a little thin
- Pricing varies by color ($129-$179)
Traction à la Italian Stilettos
I couldn‘t write this review without showing some love to Johnston & Murphy‘s spectacular women‘s line. If you‘re a shoe-obsessed lady who demands comfort AND style, get a load of the jaw-dropping Laina Heels.
I mean… that laser-cut floral pattern! That trend-right block heel! Those walkable rubber soles! I‘m in love. When I slipped on my Italian leather Lainas in classic black, I felt like I could take over the world – or at least dance all night without blisters. The stretchy buckled strap and memory foam footbed definitely didn‘t hurt either.
At $169 a pop, Lainas are admittedly a splurge. But in terms of sheer "wow factor," you just can‘t do better. I‘ve dressed mine up with a sexy cocktail dress and down with rolled boyfriend jeans – and racked up dozens of compliments either way. Trust me: these are a worthy addition to any shoe lover‘s collection.
Pros:
- Showstopping floral cutout design
- Stable block heel you can walk in
- Comfortable memory foam and sheepskin lining
- Transitions seamlessly from day to night
Cons:
- Priciest style on this list at $169
- Delicate cutouts can snag on things
- Ankle strap not adjustable
The Bottom Line
So there you have it: my totally honest, thoroughly researched, and blessedly non-sponsored take on Johnston & Murphy shoes. I‘ve been wearing this brand loyally for years now and I can say this with total confidence: they NEVER disappoint.
Yes, Johnston & Murphy‘s shoes are pricier than some. You can easily drop $150+ on a single pair. But I firmly believe that you get what you pay for. The leather quality, comfort technology, and timeless-meets-modern aesthetic of these shoes is simply unmatched by other brands in this price range.
If you ask me, investing in a few go-to Johnston & Murphy styles is one of the smartest wardrobe moves you can make. Their classic styles and durable construction mean you‘ll be wearing them for years (if not decades) to come. Of course, it‘s always wise to read reviews and size charts carefully to find your ideal fit.
One of my favorite things about Johnston & Murphy, besides the heavenly shoes, is their customer-friendly shopping experience. The brand offers free shipping AND returns on all orders over $50 – so you can try out a few sizes/styles risk-free. And if you‘re not happy with your purchase for any reason, you can send ‘em right back for a full refund.
Plus, I‘ve personally found Johnston & Murphy‘s customer support team to be super helpful and easy to reach. They‘ve helped me track down hard-to-find sizes, processed lightning-speed exchanges, and answered all my nerdy questions about leather care. What more could a shoe geek ask for?
At the end of the day, I know spending $150-$200 on dress shoes isn‘t doable for everyone. Designer footwear is definitely a "treat yourself" kind of purchase. But if you appreciate fine craftsmanship and believe in building a timeless wardrobe, Johnston & Murphy is SO worth the splurge.
After all, there must be a darn good reason why presidents, pop stars, and CEOs have sworn by this brand for almost two centuries! So go ahead and add a few of these beauties to your shoe rotation. I have a feeling you‘ll be just as smitten as I am.
Your friend and fellow footwear fanatic,
The Shoe Maven
More Johnston & Murphy Intel
Just in case you‘re craving even more of the nitty-gritty deets, here‘s a handy chart comparing the key specs of each Johnston & Murphy style I reviewed:
| Style | Price | Material | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copeland Chukka Boot | $159 | European leather | Memory foam footbed, sheepskin lining |
| Holden Penny Loafer | $139 | Italian leather | Contoured footbed, shock-absorbing sole |
| McGuffey Plain-Toe Oxford | $129-$179 | European calf leather | Glove-leather lining, leather/rubber sole |
| Laina Heels | $169 | Italian leather | Floral cutouts, memory foam, rubber sole |
And because I know purchasing expensive shoes online can be daunting, I want to give you a quick rundown of Johnston & Murphy‘s shipping/return policy:
- Free ground shipping on orders over $50 (arrives in 4-7 business days)
- Expedited/next-day shipping available for an added cost
- Free returns/exchanges within 90 days if shoes are unworn (original shipping fees not refunded)
- All returns processed within 7-10 business days of receipt
Last but not least, here are the various ways you can get in touch with Johnston & Murphy‘s friendly customer support squad:
- Call: 1-800-424-2854 (Monday-Friday 7am-7pm CST, Saturday 9am-2pm CST)
- Email: Using the contact form on their website
- Live chat: On their website Monday-Friday 7am-11pm CST
See? I told you I was thorough! At the end of the day, I just want you to feel confident and informed before clicking that "add to cart" button. Because every hard-working fashionista deserves a fairytale shoe shopping experience, if you ask me.
Happy shopping, my friend! And don‘t forget to strut your stuff once your fancy new kicks arrive. You‘ve earned it!
