Beef Rollin'

Whenever anyone asks me for an affordable option when it comes to classic men's shoes I usually start with Florsheim.  Let's face it, not everyone has the kind of money for Alden or even Allen Edmonds for that matter.  As much as I love Bass it's nice to give face time to another stalwart making quality shoes in timeless silhouettes for the under $150 crowd.  The Florsheim Berkley, despite lacking the "Weejun" stamp of approval, is still one of my favorite beef-roll penny loafers on the market.  For $90 it's the picture of perfection - leather sole, handsewn moccasin construction and beef-roll.  It's a simple all season shoe that comes in two colors, but that's really all you need.  Whether black or burgundy they will look as good sockless with your white jeans as they will dressed up with some argyle socks and deeply cuffed wool pants come winter.  Florsheim, like Bass, has since taken production overseas (India specifically I believe), but I still think they are a great shoe for the price - it's all relative in my eyes.  And for everyone out there keeping tabs on non sartorial brand merits, in 2002 Florsheim was repurchased by members of the Florsheim family.

-L.A.S