Beckett Simonon vs Iron Boots

Black Oxford, brown Oxford or derby (maybe brogue) and brown derby boot or loafer - Alden, allen Edmonds on sale are still decent, Thursdays on a budget, or Beckett Simonon all work.

Plenty of good brands out there. You can start at brands like Thursday, Helm, Beckett Simonon, Red Wing, Blundstone, Allen Edmonds and a ton of others.

Parent context: Just purchased 2 shoes from Beckett Simonon for $329. They normally go for $229 each. Only downside is they are made to order and I have read can be 6-8 weeks before I receive (if not longer). I don't need them now but wanted to give them a try because of the made to order and they appear to be high quality shoes and have read they give you good bang for the buck. Reply: They are worth the wait.

the best leather sneakers I’ve found for its price is the Beckett simonon ones which gives a deal for two pairs.

The best quality under $200 is going to be Allen Edmonds, Thursday, Beckett Simonon, BLKBRD, TLB Mallorca, and CNES.

Iron Boots make EE and EEE MTOs

I'd lean a bit toward IB from a comfort perspective -- they use nicer insoles, their boots tend to be easier to break in than Sagara, and they have a better track record when it comes to sizing.

there's no reason to look at machine made options from Trickers or PNW makers or whatever; they'll never match the amount of handwork and the attention to detail that IB and the top Indonesian makers can offer.

Iron Boots makes a killer product as another splurge option.