Johnston and Murphy Shoes Review: 5 Things We Tested

Johnston and Murphy shoes are getting popular day by day, and it’s understandable why. These shoes are comfortable from day one, and look good for both work and weekends. But let us clarify that they are not for everyone.

But worry not!

In this Johnston and Murphy shoes review, we’ll share our own experience in detail. Plus, we’re also comparing them with Cole Haan.

Curious?

Stick to the end.

Johnston and Murphy Shoes Review

Johnston & Murphy shoes deliver strong comfort and timeless style at a mid-range price. Many models feature TRUFOAM®, giving cushioning from day one. Their full-grain leather feels premium and often comes from top tanneries.

While some models last for years with proper care, others wear faster than higher-end brands.

Here’s the complete Johnston and Murphy shoes review:

Comfort That Is Felt Immediately

When you first slip on a pair of Johnston & Murphy shoes, you notice the comfort right away. The TRUFOAM® and memory-foam footbeds do their job from the very first step. There’s no awkward breaking-in stage that leaves your feet sore. Instead, you get cushioning that absorbs impact.

This is why so many people describe Johnston & Murphy as some of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn.

From our experience, they feel supportive for long hours of wear. The padding doesn’t flatten quickly either. After a few months, it still holds its shape and gives the same soft step. That’s something we don’t see with cheaper brands.

We’ve also tested them with friends who have flat feet and wide feet. Both groups agreed that they fit without pinching or rubbing, which is rare in dress-style shoes.

Quality of Leather & Craftsmanship

The leather on Johnston & Murphy shoes has a certain feel you can’t fake. It carries that rich leather scent that tells you it’s the real thing. Many models use full-grain leather sourced from respected tanneries like Horween, which is known for producing hides that age well.

When we got our first pair from the XC4 line, we noticed how flexible the leather was right away. It bent naturally with the foot instead of feeling stiff. That flexibility makes walking easier from the start, but the shoe still holds its shape. After months of use, ours still looked polished after a quick brush and polish.

Even on more casual models like the Holden Wingtip, the stitching is clean and precise. You can tell the workers to take care in assembly.

Construction & Durability

Johnston & Murphy shoes are built with solid methods that help them last. Some styles, like the Forrester Chukka Boots, use leather welt construction. This allows the soles to be replaced when they wear out, which adds years of use.

In our own use, the construction has proven dependable. We wore a Melton cap-toe pair for over a year in different settings. The stitching stayed tight, and the heel wore down evenly. That’s what we look for in a shoe that’s meant to last.

Style Range & Value

Johnston & Murphy makes shoes for almost every occasion, from classic oxfords and loafers to casual sneakers and boots. The designs blend timeless style with subtle modern touches, so they look good whether you are dressing up or keeping it casual.

We have worn their penny loafers with a suit to a business event and then with jeans for a weekend lunch, and they looked right in both situations. That kind of versatility means you get more use out of each pair. Their sneakers also manage to feel sporty yet polished, which makes them a great choice for travel when you want to keep your packing light.

Price-wise, Johnston & Murphy sits in the middle ground. They are not as costly as high-end makers like Allen Edmonds. When cared for, their shoes can last years, making the price feel fair.

Fit Nuances & Occasionally Mixed Feedback

Most Johnston & Murphy shoes fit true to size, and many are available in both regular and wide widths. This makes them a good choice if you have struggled with narrow dress shoes in the past. The fit has been consistent across most of the models we have tried, which makes it easier to shop online with confidence.

That said, some shoes have their quirks. The Amherst 2.0 Knit Plain Toe, for example, can make a light suction sound on certain floors.

In our experience, it all comes down to choosing the right shoe for the job.

• If you need something durable for everyday wear, go for their full-grain leather or welted styles.

• If you want something lighter, their knit or casual options work well.

That’s all.

If you’ve decided to buy new shoes, then we’ve got another guide for you. Find out if Thursday boots are a good choice for you or not.

Best Johnston and Murphy Shoes You Can Get

Johnston & Murphy is a brand people trust for shoes that feel good. If you want something for the office, weekends, or even travel, they’ve got a pair that works. Here’s a quick look at some of their best picks:

Are Johnston and Murphy high-end?

Johnston & Murphy is a mid-range shoe brand. It is not a luxury, but it gives you good quality and classic style. You get materials like full-grain leather and solid construction methods. However, you will not get the same level of handcrafting or exclusivity that comes with brands like Allen Edmonds or Alden.

The main benefit for you is the balance between quality and price. You can choose from dress shoes, boots, and sneakers that are well-made and look sharp. If you care for them properly, they can last for years.

Are Johnston and Murphy real leather?

Yes, most Johnston & Murphy shoes are made with real leather, and many use high-quality full-grain leather. Full-grain is the most durable type because it keeps the natural grain of the hide intact, which helps it age well and develop a patina over time. Some styles use corrected-grain or top-grain leather, which is still real leather.

It’s important to note that while the uppers are leather, some parts, like the lining or outsole, may use other materials. Still, for the price, the leather quality is a strong point of the brand.

Do Johnston and Murphy shoes have arch support?

Yes, many Johnston & Murphy shoes provide built-in arch support, especially in their comfort-focused lines like XC4 and TRUFOAM® models. These shoes often include cushioned footbeds, sometimes made of memory foam or lightweight EVA, which help support the natural curve of the foot.

Their dress shoes have a slimmer profile, but most still include a supportive insole. The level of arch support depends on the model. Formal styles may feel firmer underfoot. Casual or sport-inspired shoes usually provide more cushioning and better shaping around the arch.

We have worn some pairs for full workdays without feeling tired in the feet. Friends with flat feet or high arches have also found them comfortable for everyday wear. Many models have removable footbeds, so you can replace them with custom orthotics if you need extra support.

Who makes Johnston & Murphy shoes?

Johnston & Murphy is an American brand founded in 1850 and now owned by Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based retail company. While the brand began by producing shoes entirely in the United States, today its manufacturing is global. Depending on the model, shoes may be made in countries like Italy, Brazil, China, or India.

Johnston & Murphy makes shoes in different parts of the world, which allows them to offer a wide range of prices. You can choose a more affordable pair or spend more for premium materials. This means you have options that can fit both your budget and your style.

From our experience, the quality stays consistent no matter where the shoes are made. The stitching is neat, the leather feels good, and the sizing is reliable. This gives you confidence when buying, even if you are ordering online.

The main difference comes down to materials and construction. The higher-end models often use softer, better-quality leather and more traditional methods of making shoes. These pairs feel closer in quality to well-known heritage brands and can last longer with care.

If you want the best durability and finish, go for the top-tier options. If you are looking for something stylish, comfortable, and reasonably priced, their lower and mid-range shoes can still serve you well. Choosing based on how and where you will wear them will help you get the most value.

Are Johnston and Murphy shoes Goodyear welted?

Some Johnston & Murphy shoes are Goodyear welted, but not all. The Goodyear welt is a construction method where the upper, insole, and sole are stitched together through a welt, making the shoes more durable.

For example, certain boots and formal oxfords in their premium collections use this technique. These shoes tend to cost more, but they can last for many years with proper care.

Johnston & Murphy vs Cole Haan - Comparison

Johnston & Murphy and Cole Haan both target buyers who want stylish, comfortable shoes. However, they differ in style focus, construction, and long-term durability.

Here’s the Cole Haan vs Johnston & Murphy comparison:

But what about Bruno Marc? If you’re curious, then read Bruno Marc's review and find out if they are worth buying.

Final Words

After testing, we can say Johnston & Murphy delivers on comfort, quality, and style without charging luxury prices. Their premium leather models feel great to wear. Plus, they can last for years (if cared for), which is a big plus.

If you want shoes that feel good from the start, Johnston & Murphy is a smart choice.