As someone who appreciates classic men‘s style but values all-day comfort, I‘ve long been on the hunt for the perfect dress shoes. I want a pair that looks great with a suit or business casual outfit but feels as comfortable as my favorite sneakers. This challenging quest led me to discover Wolf and Shepherd, a footwear brand that promises to deliver just that.
In this comprehensive Wolf and Shepherd shoes review, I‘ll take a close look at the company and its products to help you determine if investing in a pair is right for you. I‘ll cover everything from the brand story to materials and craftsmanship, showcase several of their most popular styles, share customer feedback and more.
By the end, you‘ll have all the information needed to decide if Wolf and Shepherd‘s unique hybrid dress shoes are the Holy Grail of men‘s footwear you‘ve been searching for. Let‘s step to it!
About Wolf and Shepherd
Founded in 2015, Wolf and Shepherd is a newcomer to the men‘s footwear scene but they‘ve quickly made a name for themselves. The brand was born out of founder Justin Schnieder‘s frustration with uncomfortable dress shoes. As a former Adidas designer, he knew there had to be a way to blend the comfort of performance athletic shoes with the sophisticated look of nice dress shoes.
Wolf and Shepherd‘s mission is simple: "to marry the style and quality of Italian leather shoes with the all-day comfort and support of modern sneaker technology." By combining old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge materials and design, they aim to create the most comfortable dress shoes ever made. It‘s an ambitious goal but one the brand seems to be realizing based on their devoted (and rapidly growing) customer base.
Wolf and Shepherd Shoe Collections
Wolf and Shepherd offers a curated selection of men‘s footwear styles, with a focus on dress shoes. While not as extensive as some other brands, they hit all the essential categories:
- Oxfords and derby shoes
- Monk straps
- Loafers
- Chelsea boots
- Wingtips and brogues
- Casual and dress sneakers
The styles cover the gamut from traditional and professional to modern and smart casual. Whether you‘re suiting up for a formal occasion, dressing for a day at the office, or want a pair of versatile shoes for after hours, Wolf and Shepherd has options to fit your needs.
Within each style, you‘ll find a range of colors from classic black and brown to bold cognac and honey tan. Materials also vary, with smooth and pebbled Italian leather, suede, and even water-resistant leather options available.
In terms of aesthetics, Wolf and Shepherd strikes a nice balance between time-honored silhouettes and contemporary touches. Expect clean lines, tasteful broguing, burnished toe caps, and hand-finished leather. The styling is handsome and refined but not overly trendy.
Across the collection, Wolf and Shepherd incorporates their signature "Glide-Rite" comfort system which borrows tech from athletic shoes. It includes lightweight EVA foam, high-density memory foam, sheepskin linings and flexible outsoles. The goal is to cushion every step for a glove-like fit that molds to your foot over time.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Premium materials and quality construction are hallmarks of Wolf and Shepherd shoes. Let‘s take a closer look at what goes into a typical pair:
The uppers are made from full-grain Italian leather or suede. Full-grain leather is prized for its durability and will develop a rich patina with age. All of Wolf and Shepherd‘s leather is finished with natural oils and waxes (no synthetic coatings) for enhanced suppleness and sheen.
Insoles are crafted from a combination of memory foam and sheepskin. The memory foam compresses and conforms to your foot‘s shape, while the sheepskin adds softness and moisture control. With wear, the insole adapts to your unique foot contours.
Outsoles consist of lightweight EVA foam and rubber pods. The EVA provides responsive cushioning without adding bulk. Underneath, rubber pads in high-wear areas offer traction and durability. Some styles also feature Italian leather outsoles with rubber foreparts for grip.
Construction techniques include Goodyear welting, Blake rapid stitching and cementing. Goodyear welt is the gold standard whereby the upper is sewn to a welt, which is then sewn to the outsole. Blake rapid foregoes the welt, directly connecting the insole to the outsole via a midsole. Cementing uses adhesives instead of stitching. All three yield durable, water-resistant shoes.
While much of the design happens at Wolf and Shepherd‘s headquarters in Los Angeles, all of the shoes are made in Portugal. The brand partners with multi-generational family-owned factories that leverage decades of shoemaking expertise. Many of the artisans have been honing their craft for 30+ years.
From laser cutting and hand skiving to 360° Goodyear welting and hand finishing, each pair of Wolf and Shepherd shoes undergoes a rigorous 100+ step process. An individual shoe passes through the hands of over 50 different craftspeople, ensuring the highest level of quality.
Sizing and Fit
Wolf and Shepherd offers a wide range of sizes, with most styles available in US 6-16. They use standard "D" width across the line. According to the brand, their shoes run true to size. They recommend ordering your normal dress shoe size for the best fit.
However, several customers report that certain styles run slightly large and suggest going down 1/2 a size. Wolf and Shepherd doesn‘t offer narrow or wide widths, nor do they have half sizes above 12. They say their "generous instep and toe box" can accommodate wide feet.
The shoes are designed with comfort and natural foot movement in mind. The soft leather and knit uppers have some give to conform to your feet. Memory foam insoles compress to provide a custom fit. And flexible outsoles promote easy flexing and striding.
Wolf and Shepherd offers free shipping and returns, so you can easily exchange sizes if needed. They also have a no-hassle return policy within 30 days if you‘re not fully satisfied with the fit, style or quality.
Customer Reviews
Wolf and Shepherd has amassed thousands of positive reviews from happy customers. On the brand‘s website, their bestselling styles consistently earn 4.5+ out of 5 stars.
At the time of this Wolf and Shepherd shoes review, here‘s how some of their most popular models stacked up:
- Crossover Longwing: 4.9/5 stars from 470+ reviews
- Closer Cap Toe: 4.9/5 stars from 230+ reviews
- Gunner Driver: 4.8/5 stars, 370+ reviews
- SwiftKnit Derby: 4.8/5 stars, 540+ reviews
- Glider Sneaker: 4.7/5 stars, 120+ reviews
Comfort is the most commonly praised aspect in customer feedback. Many reviewers say Wolf and Shepherd shoes are the most comfortable dress shoes they‘ve ever worn. Even those who spend long hours on their feet — like doctors, sales reps and wedding photographers — rave about the all-day wearability.
Compliments on the shoes‘ style and quality are also frequent. Customers appreciate the versatility to wear them for both professional and social occasions. Several highlight the Italian leather‘s softness and rich color. Others are impressed by the durability, especially in the outsoles.
Less favorable reviews tend to focus on fit issues and break-in time. Since Wolf and Shepherd doesn‘t offer wide sizes, those with wider feet sometimes find the shoes too snug. A few people also experienced rubbing and blisters during the first few wears until the leather loosened up.
Overall though, Wolf and Shepherd has a loyal and enthusiastic customer base. Many buyers end up purchasing multiple pairs and eagerly await new product launches. The brand has a referral program and it seems word-of-mouth is strong.
How Wolf and Shepherd Compares to Other Brands
In the world of men‘s dress shoes, Wolf and Shepherd occupies a unique space. They‘re more affordable than ultra-premium brands like John Lobb and Berluti, but more expensive than entry-level options from Florsheim or Johnston & Murphy.
Their closest competitors are probably Allen Edmonds, Magnanni and Salvatore Ferragamo. All offer well-made dress shoes in the $300-500 range. However, none put as much emphasis on comfort technology as Wolf and Shepherd. If you want the dressiest shoes possible and don‘t mind a stiff break-in period, go with one of those legacy brands. But if you need something you can wear comfortably all day right out of the box, Wolf and Shepherd is hard to beat.
Wolf and Shepherd also stands out from direct-to-consumer startup brands like Beckett Simonon and Moral Code. While the quality and prices are comparable, Wolf and Shepherd has a wider range of sizes and styles. Additionally, their shoes tend to be lighter and more flexible due to the athletic-inspired construction.
Wolf and Shepherd Pros and Cons
To summarize, here are the key advantages and drawbacks of Wolf and Shepherd shoes based on my research and experience for this review:
Pros:
- Exceptionally comfortable right out of the box
- Lightweight and flexible construction
- Premium full-grain leather and suede from Italy
- Memory foam and sheepskin insole
- Shock-absorbing EVA midsole
- Durable Goodyear welt construction on many styles
- Stylish and versatile designs for work or play
- Broad size range from US 6 to 16
- Free shipping and returns
- 30-day risk-free trial period
Cons:
- Relatively expensive at $225-$450 per pair
- Only available in standard "D" width
- No half sizes above 12
- Leather can be stiff at first and may require break in
- Some styles run slightly large
- Limited brick and mortar stores to try on in-person
- Lineup changes frequently and popular styles sell out
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wolf and Shepherd‘s shipping policy?
Wolf and Shepherd offers free standard shipping on all US orders. Expedited and international shipping is available for an extra fee. Most orders ship the same or next business day.
What is Wolf and Shepherd‘s return policy?
Wolf and Shepherd accepts returns within 30 days of delivery. Customers receive a free prepaid return label and full refund, no questions asked. Final sale and custom items are not eligible for return.
Does Wolf and Shepherd ever have sales?
Yes, Wolf and Shepherd offers occasional promotions and discounts. In the past they‘ve done tiered sales ($50 off $300, $100 off $400, etc.), holiday specials, and clearance events. However, markdowns are rare, so if you see a style you like it‘s best to buy it at full price.
Where can I buy Wolf and Shepherd shoes?
The best place to buy Wolf and Shepherd shoes is on their website. They offer the full range of styles and sizes, as well as free shipping/returns. Wolf and Shepherd also sells through Nordstrom, Bloomingdale‘s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, both online and in select stores. However, availability is more limited compared to the brand‘s own site.
How long do Wolf and Shepherd shoes last?
With proper care and rotation, Wolf and Shepherd shoes can last several years. The Goodyear welt construction on many models means they can be resoled when the bottoms wear out. Conditioning and polishing the leather regularly — every 10-20 wears or so — will keep it supple and extend the lifespan.
Are Wolf and Shepherd shoes worth the price?
Whether Wolf and Shepherd shoes are worth it comes down to your priorities and budget. If you want the pinnacle of comfort in a dress shoe and are willing to pay a premium for it, they‘re definitely worth considering. The quality and craftsmanship are also very good for the price compared to other brands in the $300-500 range. However, if you only wear dress shoes occasionally or are on a tight budget, there are less expensive options that will get the job done.
The Bottom Line
After thorough research for this Wolf and Shepherd shoes review, my verdict is that this up-and-coming brand delivers on its promise of style and comfort. Their innovative approach successfully combines the best elements of dress shoes and sneakers into a unique product. While the shoes are expensive, the quality of materials and construction is commensurate with the price.
Most importantly, Wolf and Shepherd shoes live up to the hype when it comes to wearability. The memory foam, EVA and flexible leather make them legitimately comfortable for all-day wear right out of the box. They‘ve quickly become my go-to shoes for long days at the office, weddings, and walking-heavy city trips. I also appreciate the free shipping and returns, which makes it easy to find the perfect size and style.
Of course, no shoe is perfect for everyone. The lack of wide sizes is a drawback for some. Availability can also be spotty as popular models sell out frequently. And the price point is admittedly high if you‘re used to cheaper high street brands.
However, if you‘ve been searching for that elusive combination of comfort and style in a dress shoe, Wolf and Shepherd is absolutely worth a try. The 30-day risk-free trial means you have nothing to lose. Once you experience the blissful union of Italian leather and sneaker-like cushioning, you may never go back to traditional hard-bottomed dress shoes again.
For all these reasons, I recommend Wolf and Shepherd to any guy who wants to look sharp and feel great from sunup to sundown. These really are the most comfortable, versatile and well-made dress shoes I‘ve ever owned. While it‘s a significant investment up front, the cost per wear will end up being very reasonable. Wolf and Shepherd isn‘t just selling shoes — they‘re selling a more comfortable way of life.
Treat your feet to a pair and step into the future of men‘s footwear. Your dogs will thank you!
