Let’s be real—Johnston & Murphy is a name that’s been around longer than most of us. We’re talking over a century of crafting shoes that supposedly hit the sweet spot between form and function. But I’ll admit it, I didn’t know about them until a random layover at Denver International Airport.
With time to kill, I wandered into their store and found myself face-to-face with shoes that looked far too current for a brand boasting over a century in the game. Intrigued, I started inspecting the lineup, from the stitching to the soles, and quickly realized there was something different going on here.
After digging deeper into their catalog and seeing how they’re built to handle everything from office commutes to airport sprints, I put together a list of the top 10 Johnston & Murphy shoes worth knowing about.
Here are the shoes that made the cut.
1. Johnston & Murphy Briggs Perfed U-Throat Shoes
Price: $129.99
The Briggs Perfed U-Throat takes business casual up a notch with hand-finished Italian leather or suede that feels as good as it looks. A lightweight XL Extralight® EVA sole ensures comfort, while a perforated design adds sharp detail.
2. Johnston & Murphy Amherst 2.0 Embossed U-Throat Shoes
Price: $139
The Amherst 2.0 Embossed U-Throat fuses embossed leather with casual sophistication, offering a polished option for the office or off-duty hours. With temperature-regulating tech and a memory foam footbed, these shoes keep you sharp and comfortable all day.
3. Johnston & Murphy Amherst GL1 Sport Hybrid Shoes
Price: $149
The Amherst GL1 Sport Hybrid isn’t just waterproof—it’s designed for life in motion, thanks to a knit upper and seam-sealed construction. A hybrid TRUFOAM® sole gives you flexibility and bounce whether commuting or teeing up after work.
4. Johnston & Murphy Amherst 2.0 Knit Plain Toe Shoes
Price: $149
The Amherst 2.0 Knit Plain Toe offers a breathable sport-knit upper paired with J&M’s temperature-adapting tech for an easy office-to-weekend transition. With a memory foam footbed and flexible sole, this pair will move with you as you navigate between meetings.
5. Johnston & Murphy Miles Knit Lace-Up Shoes
Price: $99.99
With a sock-like fit and TRUFOAM+™ cushioning, the Miles Knit Lace-Up Shoes feel as light as they look. Reflective accents and a contoured footbed make them equally ready for long commutes or an impromptu coffee meeting.
6. Johnston & Murphy McGuffey Lug Lace-To-Toe Shoes
Price: $89.99
The McGuffey Lug Lace-To-Toe blends waterproof leather with a rugged yet polished design. A lug sole handles unpredictable city streets, while the padded collar keeps you comfortable from the boardroom to the bar.
7. Johnston & Murphy Oasis Lace-To-Toe Sneakers
Price: $89.99
The Oasis Lace-To-Toe pairs a cushy memory foam footbed with a TRUFOAM+™ sole for all-day comfort that feels like walking on clouds. Breathable mesh linings and a lightweight build make them a no-brainer for business travel.
8. Johnston & Murphy McGuffey T-Toe Shoes
Price: $99.99
Textured leather and suede meet in the McGuffey T-Toe Shoes, delivering low-key refinement in a flexible, cushioned sneaker. A contrast heel detail gives a little extra attitude for your next casual Friday.
9. Johnston & Murphy Kinnon Perfed Jogger Shoes
Price: $155
The Kinnon Perfed Jogger mixes retro flair with today’s comforts, offering perforated leather uppers and a memory foam footbed that molds to your feet. Switch up the look with stretch or classic laces and step confidently into your day.
10. Johnston & Murphy Daxton Knit Lace-Up Shoes
Price: $99.99
The Daxton Knit Lace-Up feels like a sneaker but looks office-ready with breathable mesh, TRUFOAM® cushioning, and antimicrobial lining. Its lightweight build and dependable grip make it ideal for staying on your feet all day.
Signature Features of Johnston & Murphy Shoes
Johnston & Murphy shoes bring more to the table than just good looks. Across the board, they excel in delivering comfort that doesn’t quit, thanks to TRUFOAM® cushioning, memory foam footbeds, and lightweight EVA soles. These aren’t shoes you kick off under your desk by noon. Instead, they keep your stride supported—whether you’re pacing through an airport or locking down a deal in the boardroom.
Materials are where Johnston & Murphy flex their legacy muscles. Think hand-finished Italian leather, perforated uppers for breathability, and knit fabrics that wrap your feet like a second skin. Even details like antimicrobial linings and padded collars show they’re playing the long game. This isn’t throwaway footwear; it’s designed to handle daily commutes, unexpected rain, and long stretches on your feet without missing a beat.
Then there’s the craftsmanship. It’s in the little things, like contrast heel accents, embossed textures, or dual lace options that give you flexibility to switch up your look. Every pair balances practicality with a thoughtful nod to aesthetics, making Johnston & Murphy shoes a smart investment for anyone who values substance with their swagger.
Table: Comparing Johnston & Murphy Shoes
| Shoes | Key Material or Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Johnston & Murphy Briggs Perfed U-Throat ($129.99) | Italian leather or suede | Business casual and meetings |
| Johnston & Murphy Amherst 2.0 Embossed U-Throat ($139.00) | Embossed leather, memory foam | Office wear and casual events |
| Johnston & Murphy Amherst GL1 Sport Hybrid ($149) | Waterproof knit, hybrid sole | Travel and active lifestyles |
| Johnston & Murphy Amherst 2.0 Knit Plain Toe ($149) | Breathable sport knit, memory foam | Office-to-weekend wear |
| Johnston & Murphy Miles Knit Lace-Up ($99.99) | Sock-like knit upper, TRUFOAM+™ | Commuting and relaxed looks |
| Johnston & Murphy McGuffey Lug Lace-To-Toe ($89.99) | Waterproof leather, lug sole | Rugged city use |
| Johnston & Murphy Oasis Lace-To-Toe ($89.99) | Memory foam, recycled mesh | All-day wear and travel |
| Johnston & Murphy McGuffey T-Toe ($99.99) | Textured leather and suede | Casual Fridays and errands |
| Johnston & Murphy Kinnon Perfed Jogger ($155) | Perforated leather, dual laces | Retro looks and daily comfort |
| Johnston & Murphy Daxton Knit Lace-Up ($99.99) | Breathable knit, TRUFOAM® | Casual and semi-formal wear |
Johnston & Murphy might’ve flown under my radar, but now that they’re on it, there’s no going back. These shoes don’t just get the job done—they do it with a quiet confidence that feels refreshing in a world of overhyped trends.
From boardrooms to airport lounges, they’re built for the guy who needs his footwear to keep pace with everything else. If you’re ready to upgrade your shoe game without overthinking it, give these a shot. You might find yourself joining a legacy without even trying.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Brito
Michael Brito is the editor-in-chief for Athleisure Wear for Men (AW). He launched this site in 2024 as a hobby. He’s a TEDx speaker and leads global analytics for Zeno Group, an integrated communication agency. Connect with him on social media.
