If you’re looking for a classic pair of shoes, Nunn Bush might seem like a strong contender. Their reputation for comfort, affordability, and sleek design has made them a go-to for many men over the years.
You can find Nunn Bush shoes in most major department stores, as well as popular online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and the Nunn Bush official website.
While they might look appealing and provide some level of comfort, a deeper look at real customer experiences shows that these shoes may not be as long-lasting or reliable as you might hope.
Let’s walk through the key aspects of Nunn Bush shoes, including their pros, cons, and how they compare to other brands on the market.
My Experience With Nunn Bush Shoes
At first glance, Nunn Bush shoes, particularly their oxford styles, give off a refined and professional appearance. The faux leather upper, available in several shades, offers a sleek, polished look.
However, as many users have pointed out, the durability of these shoes often doesn’t live up to expectations. While the design is appealing for those seeking a smart, office-ready shoe, the long-term performance falls short for frequent wearers.
I was initially attracted to these shoes because they promised comfort and slip resistance. The slip-resistant outsole is indeed a nice touch, especially for those working in environments like restaurants or hospitals where floors can be slippery.
But does that make up for the other shortcomings? Not quite.
- Comfort: Memory Foam and Dual Cushioning
One of Nunn Bush’s selling points is their Dual Comfort footbed, which includes memory foam and EVA layers.
On paper, this sounds like a recipe for extreme comfort. In reality, it’s a mixed bag.
On the one hand, I found that the cushioning does provide immediate comfort, especially when standing still or walking short distances.
My feet felt supported, and I could definitely feel the memory foam adapting to my steps.
However, after longer periods of wear, the cushioning seemed to lose its effectiveness. Many users have complained of foot fatigue, and I could relate to that.
After a full day of walking or standing, I noticed soreness that I don’t usually experience with other brands like Clarks or Rockport.
If you plan on wearing these shoes for short, occasional outings, they might work fine. But if you’re on your feet all day, they may not hold up as well.
- Durability: A Major Drawback
This is where Nunn Bush shoes really start to fall apart—literally. Several customer reviews highlight a common problem: the soles of the shoes separate from the upper after just a few months of use.
In my experience, I didn’t encounter this problem right away, but the stitching on the sides began to show wear faster than I expected.
One user mentioned that their soles began to detach after just a few wears, which echoed the concerns of others who found that the glue used in the shoe construction didn’t hold up over time.
As someone who relies on my shoes to last through daily commutes and occasional long walks, this was a dealbreaker. I’ve had shoes from other brands, like Dr. Martens, that last years without any significant wear, and unfortunately, Nunn Bush didn’t match up in that regard.
- Maintenance: Easy Care?
Nunn Bush shoes boast an “Easy Care” upper that’s designed to resist spills and stains. I’ll admit that this feature is handy—cleaning the shoes was as simple as wiping them down with a damp cloth, and they retained their polished look.
However, while they may be easy to clean, they don’t necessarily withstand wear and tear well. The faux leather can start to crack after just a few months, especially if you’re wearing them daily.
In contrast, other brands like Johnston & Murphy offer real leather options that not only last longer but also develop a nice patina over time. The synthetic materials in Nunn Bush shoes, while functional in the short term, simply don’t offer the same long-lasting durability.
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Pros of Nunn Bush Shoes
Now, it’s not all bad news for Nunn Bush. There are a few pros worth mentioning.
- Affordable: One of the most attractive aspects of Nunn Bush shoes is their price. For someone on a budget or looking for a temporary solution, these shoes can fill that gap.
- Slip-resistant: The Truecontrol Mark II outsole provides excellent slip resistance, which is great for work environments like restaurants or hospitals where slick floors are common.
- Lightweight: Unlike some more robust leather shoes, Nunn Bush shoes are incredibly lightweight, making them easy to wear for short trips or casual outings.
- Style Options: Nunn Bush has a wide variety of styles available, from oxfords to loafers, which gives you some flexibility in finding a look that suits you.
Cons of Nunn Bush Shoes
However, the cons seem to outweigh the pros for anyone considering these shoes for daily wear.
- Durability Issues: The most significant problem is the lack of durability. Many users, myself included, experienced issues with the soles separating from the upper after just a few months.
- Comfort Fades: While the Dual Comfort footbed is a nice feature, the comfort seems to wear off after prolonged use, making them less ideal for long workdays or extensive walking.
- Faux Leather Cracking: The synthetic materials used in the shoes are prone to cracking and peeling after just a few months of wear.
- Short Lifespan: If you’re someone who needs a pair of shoes to last more than a few months, Nunn Bush likely won’t meet your expectations.
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Comparison With Other Brands
Let’s talk about how Nunn Bush stacks up against other brands. When it comes to style, Nunn Bush competes well with brands like Florsheim and Clarks. They have a wide variety of styles, from oxfords to loafers, that cater to different tastes.
However, where Nunn Bush falters is in longevity and build quality.
- Clarks: Known for their durability and comfort, Clarks shoes use higher-quality materials. While they may cost a bit more upfront, they last much longer. I’ve worn a pair of Clarks for over a year with minimal signs of wear, something I couldn’t say about Nunn Bush.
- Rockport: Rockport shoes are another great alternative. They also focus on comfort but offer superior durability. Rockport’s use of truTECH technology helps absorb shock, making them a better option for those on their feet all day.
- Johnston & Murphy: If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, Johnston & Murphy offers high-end leather shoes that, while pricier, provide superior quality and craftsmanship. Their shoes are known to last for years and develop a rich look over time.
While Nunn Bush offers an affordable and stylish option, you may find that spending a little extra on one of these brands will provide a better long-term experience.
Maintenance Tips For Nunn Bush Shoes
If you decide to go with Nunn Bush shoes, here are a few tips to help extend their life:
- Rotate Shoes: Don’t wear the same pair every day. Give them a break between wears to reduce wear and tear.
- Use Shoe Goo: As many customers have mentioned, shoe goo can help extend the life of Nunn Bush shoes by reinforcing the sole when it starts to separate.
- Keep Them Clean: Wipe down the faux leather regularly to prevent stains and maintain their appearance.
- Add Insoles: If you find the comfort fading, consider adding a more supportive insole to prolong their wearability.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nunn Bush is a reputable brand known for providing affordable, stylish shoes. However, their durability is often called into question, especially for daily wear. While they offer great initial comfort, the shoes may not last as long as other brands.
Yes, most Nunn Bush shoes are manufactured in China. This helps the company keep production costs low, allowing them to offer more affordable footwear.
While Nunn Bush shoes are designed in the United States, they are primarily manufactured in China to reduce production costs.
Conclusion: Should You Buy Nunn Bush Shoes?
While Nunn Bush shoes offer an affordable and stylish option, the durability and long-term comfort leave much to be desired. If you need a pair of shoes for occasional use or a temporary solution, these might be a viable choice.
However, if you’re looking for something to wear daily, especially in environments that require a lot of walking or standing, you’re better off investing in brands like Clarks, Rockport, or Johnston & Murphy.
In my experience, while the initial comfort was impressive, the shoes didn’t hold up for long. For that reason, I wouldn’t recommend Nunn Bush shoes for heavy-duty use.
They look great for a while, but don’t expect them to last more than a few months with regular wear. For a similar price point, you can find shoes with better durability and longer-lasting comfort from other brands.
