What Is Stitchdown? - Stitchdown

Stitchdown was founded on the idea that fantastic shoes are one of the most important investments any person can make: one that can make you feel legitimately amazing—and wise, and stylish, and pretty darn pleased with yourself—with every single step.

But finding that perfect pair that will last a decade or more, feel amazing, fit your aesthetic style, and remind you every day that you made the right choice? That’s tough.

Which is exactly why Stitchdown was created: to provide deeply researched information, and recommend quality footwear brands and models for every buyer—buyers who are as discerning in their taste as they are with their dollars.

So, what does Stitchdown consider to be “quality footwear”?

Stitchdown’s primary focus is on leather footwear built using processes like Goodyear welting, Blake stitching, Norwegian welts, and yes, stitchdown construction, all of which can be resoled to extend their life—five, 10, or in some cases 20 years or more, if they’re treated correctly and properly maintained.

We feature all varieties of dress shoes, from loafers to longwings, and also higher-end boots. While some sneakers will make it into the mix—especially beautiful leather sneakers inspired by the standards of the world’s finest shoemakers—you won’t find Jordans here, or anything else considered athletic or streetwear.

The bulk of those shoes we cover are crafted by dedicated footwear companies. Some big-name fashion brands make excellent shoes, but others sadly charge sky-high prices for an inferior product—nobody wants to spend big on dinner at a Peter Luger knockoff that’s serving salisbury steak. Additionally, many of their designs follow trends, which means they will…go out of style. Stitchdown recommends shoes that will keep you happy over the long haul.

There are countless ways to make the right decision, but far more ways to go wrong. Stitchdown is here to help, through:

Long Term Wear Tests

The only way to truly understand any shoe is by wearing it—and seeing how it evolves over time. We’re constantly updating our long-term test articles (check them out right here) so you can make your next footwear investment with confidence.

Brand Guides

With hundreds of companies making quality footwear, you need to understand the history, values, sizing, materials, and build techniques of each—and understand their range of offerings. Stitchdown’s Brand Guides expertly navigate all those things and more.

New Shoe Releases

Once you find a brand you love, it’s hard to not want more of their shoes (often: many, many more). Every day we let you know about exciting new styles and makeups from our favorite trusted shoemakers.

Sales

Because you’re not Elon Musk (probably), you likely love an amazing deal on a quality product— Stitchdown is here to ensure you know about the best sales before anyone else.

Education and Awareness

Expert articles highlighting the finer details of shoe construction methods, information on how different leathers are sourced, created and best cared for, the distinctive calling cards and histories of various shoe styles, and oh so much more.

Profiles of Shoe People Who Matter

Everyone from leaders of classic brands, to bespoke shoemakers crafting only a few pairs per month, to people with shoe collections that will make you go completely, exuberantly insane with jealousy.

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And Other, You Know, Stuff

As time goes on, we’ll constantly be adding new ongoing series and one-off features like this guide to the best men’s shoe stores in New York City—plus getting into very fun things like video reviews and exclusive collaborations with fantastic brands. And probably some things about socks. I like those too.

And Don’t Forget…

…to follow Stitchdown on Instagram at @stitchdown, and sign up for our newsletter below. And if you ever want to reach out about anything at all, always feel free to contact us right here, or shoot us an email at hello@stitchdown.

Stitchdown was founded on the (very true!) idea that fantastic shoes are one of the most important investments any man can make: one that can make you feel legitimately amazing—and wise, and stylish, and pretty darn pleased with yourself—with every single step.

But actually finding that perfect pair that will last a decade or more, and remind you daily that you made the right choice? That’s tough. You have to triangulate fit and comfort, materials and construction that result in durability over time, and aesthetics—no easy task. While the right $300 or $600 or even $1000 pair of shoes will always prove itself to be 100% worth its price, sinking that kind of cash into the wrong shoe can be a disaster.

That’s exactly why Stitchdown was created: to provide information on, demystify, and recommend quality footwear brands and models for every buyer—men who are looking for varying styles of shoes, at a range of price points, with different uses in mind.

So, what does Stitchdown consider to be “quality footwear”?

Stitchdown’s primary focus is on leather footwear, generally of the welted variety—shoes that use processes like Goodyear welting, Blake stitching, Norwegian welts, and, yes stitchdown construction—that can be resoled to extend their life, so you can feel confident that your investment can last 10, 15, or in some cases even 20 years or more, if they’re treated correctly and properly maintained.

We focus on all varieties of dress shoes, loafers, boots, and some sneakers, but nothing that would be considered athletic or streetwear—no Jordans here. Stitchdown will also spend the bulk of its time focused on shoes crafted by dedicated footwear companies. While some big-name fashion brands make excellent shoes, many sadly charge sky-high prices for shoes that simply aren’t constructed very well, or use inferior materials—nobody wants to spend big on dinner at a Peter Luger knockoff that’s serving salisbury steak. Also, a good portion of their shoe designs follow trends and therefore, unfortunately, will go out of style. Stitchdown is focused on shoes that will keep you happy over the long haul.

There are countless ways to make the right decision, but far more ways to go wrong. Stitchdown is here to help, through:

Long Term Tests

The only way to truly understand what any shoe is about is by wearing it—and seeing how it evolves over time. We’ll be constantly updating our long-term test articles so you can become ever more informed about different brands’ footwear, and make your next footwear investment with confidence.

Brand Guides

With hundreds of companies out there making quality footwear, you need to understand the history, values, sizing, and materials and techniques of each—in addition to understanding their range of offerings, from styles to leathers to unique customizations. Stitchdown’s Brand Guides will expertly navigate you through all those things and more.

New Shoe Releases

Once you find a brand you love, it’s hard to not want more of their shoes (sometimes, many, many more). Every day we’ll be letting you know about exciting new styles and makeups from our favorite trusted shoemakers.

Sales

Because you’re not Elon Musk (probably), you likely love an amazing deal on a quality product— Stitchdown will be here to ensure you know about the best sales before anyone else.

Education and Awareness

Profiles of Shoe People Who Matter

Everyone from leatherworkers, to bespoke shoemakers crafting only a few pairs per month, to people with shoe collections that will make you go completely, exuberantly insane with jealousy.

And Other, You Know, Stuff

As time goes on, we’ll constantly be adding new ongoing series and one-off features—plus getting into very fun things like video reviews and exclusive collaborations with fantastic brands.