Many auctioneers require somewhat traditional dress shoes for their more formal events.
In interviewing numerous men in the auction business, we’ve consistently heard the same five or so companies mentioned. We note the top five here.
We’ve pictured here our most revered brand as worn by Darron Meares, MBA, CAI, MPPA, BAS.
Allen Edmonds holds our top spot. They started handcrafting shoes in the United States in 1922 and sell shoes around the world today. Allen Edmonds is known for quality leather, classic styles and as well as their painstaking (212 step) manufacturing process.
Johnston & Murphy began in New Jersey as the William J. Dudley Shoe Company, founded in 1850. Since outfitting President Millard Fillmore that same year, Johnston & Murphy has become the “Official Presidential” shoemaker, personalizing shoes for U.S. Presidents ever since.
Alden Shoe was founded in 1884 by Charles H. Alden in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Known for quality construction and innovative designs, Alden Shoe company has many fans.
Cole Haan Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan began Cole Haan in 1928. Cole Haan is known for collaborations with designers, athletes, and tastemakers. They manufacture worldwide and are known for their durability and craftsmanship.
Florsheim In 1892, Milton Florsheim began producing shoes in a small factory located in Chicago, Illinois. By 1971, Florsheim had over 500 retail locations in the United States and is still a household name in shoes.
In interviewing numerous women in the auction business, we’ve not consistently heard any particular companies mentioned. However, other surveys we found noted that three brands have routinely stood out for formal and/or dressy women’s shoes.
Cole Haan Trafton Cole and Eddie Haan began Cole Haan in 1928. Cole Haan is known for collaborations with designers, athletes, and tastemakers. They manufacture worldwide and are known for their durability and craftsmanship.
Stuart Weitzman started by its namesake’s father began making shoes in the late 1950’s. Stuart Weitzman shoes are known for craftsmanship, comfort, quality, design as well as unparalleled fit, and are sold worldwide.
Salvatore Ferragamo started by its namesake began making shoes in Italy. Soon after (1914) he moved his operations to Boston, Massachusetts and then California. A shoemaker for celebrities for decades, and known for high quality, innovative designs.
There’s certainly one issue men and women in the auction business seem to agree on … the right shoes make a difference. Considering some shoes for that upcoming formal auction event? Maybe one of these brands mentioned herein would be a good choice.
Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, CAI, AARE has been an auctioneer and certified appraiser for over 30 years. His company’s auctions are located at: Mike Brandly, Auctioneer, Keller Williams Auctions and Goodwill Columbus Car Auction. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at Hondros College of Business, Executive Director of The Ohio Auction School and Faculty at the Certified Auctioneers Institute held at Indiana University.
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