re: Why Cole-Haan shoes are crap.

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AE quality has been in a nosedive for 5+ years, I think. It's still probably the best American traditional style shoe for business in the 150-300 dollar range, but the workmanship is largely gone.

AE still has a few good loafers, but a lot of junk too. I have one of the traveler collection (forget what it's called) loafers that someone else referenced, but the leather is closer to what CH uses (probably because it's lighter) and the styles are questionable at best. For some reason I don't think AE even makes a tan/medium brown beefroll penny anymore, which I just don't get.

Rancourt is a much better shoemaker these days at some similar price points, but overall despite being higher quality, it's pretty limited to business casual.

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Some of this so-called quality decline is because people are ordering shoes online sight unseen. Shoes in stores have to get past a salesman or manager first, not to mention the customer probably will not buy them

I have the Road Warrior shoes. They are lightweight and a cheaper calfskin but damn they are comfortable. I need them for removable inserts an dyes, I wish AE would make a nicer shoe with removable inserts. However, those shoes are made for a specific purpose.

Having said that, the boots are damn good. I've got the Higgins Mill and bellevues. Very well made and comfortable as hell. Bought the Higgins as a 2nd, me and the cobbler can't find the flaw. I love the Bellevues. Get compliments all the time on them. I have the Leeds and Badlands, very well made as well and comfortable. My nephew has that cap toe tate, like a Timberland shoe but unlike timberland, it won't fall apart because the glue failed after a couple of years. Just got a pair of cordovan macneils off ebay, immaculate and very well made.

I've yet to get a bad pair of shoes from AE. Of course for 2nds, I call either the Nola or Charleston stores, speak to someone, and order. The salesman or woman eybeballs the shoe for me and tells me if I should get it or not. THAT is the difference from ordering online.

Sorry, but I must disagree somewhat with your comment.