Florsheim has been a staple American shoe brand for men since 1892. Known for their high quality leather dress shoes, Florsheim offers many classic and contemporary styles to choose from. Two of their most popular models are the Medfield and the Midtown. But which one is right for you?
In this detailed comparison, we’ll examine the key differences between the Florsheim Medfield and Midtown, including leather quality, fit, comfort, and style. We’ll also provide some frequently asked questions about Florsheim shoes in general. Let’s dive in!
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Medfield | Midtown |
| Style | Cap toe oxford | Bicycle toe |
| Leather | Smooth calfskin | Distressed full grain |
| Color Options | Black, brown | Black, tan, cognac |
| Fit | True to size | Runs large |
| Widths | D – Medium | D – 4E |
| Lining | Leather | Leather |
| Insole | Removable cushioned | Memory foam |
| Outsole | V-cleat rubber | EVA |
| Durability | Goodyear welt | Cement |
| Versatility | Formal wear | Business casual |
| Price | $$ | $$$ |
Overview Of The Florsheim Medfield
The Florsheim Medfield is a classic cap toe Oxford dress shoe. It features the signature Florsheim comfort technologies like removable cushioned footbeds and flexible soles.
Here are some of the Medfield’s highlights:
- Timeless style with sleek cap toe and lace-up design
- Smooth 100% genuine calfskin leather upper
- Leather lining for breathability
- Comfortable padded footbed
- Long-wearing V-Cleat rubber sole
- Goodyear welt construction for durability
The Medfield comes in classic black or brown, perfect for professional business attire. It has a medium width fit suitable for most foot shapes.
Overview Of The Florsheim Midtown
The Midtown is Florsheim’s modern take on the classic bicycle toe dress shoe. It has a more tapered shape and slimmed down profile.
Here’s an overview:
- Contemporary bicycle toe shape with 5-eyelet lacing
- Full-grain leather upper in versatile colors like tan, cognac, and black
- Memory foam insole for cushioning
- Low-profile EVA sole for lightweight flexibility
- Sleek, streamlined silhouette
The Midtown comes in widths from medium to extra wide, accommodating various foot volumes. The updated design makes it a sharp choice for casual office environments.
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Leather Quality Comparison
When it comes to dress shoes, leather quality is paramount. Both Florsheim models use genuine leather uppers and linings.
The Medfield features smooth 100% calfskin leather, known for its fine texture and durability. Calfskin has a refined appearance perfect for traditional suits and tuxedos.
The Midtown uses soft full-grain leather with a lightly distressed finish. Full-grain leather comes from the highest cut of hide and develops a beautiful patina over time. This lends the Midtown a modern, worn-in look.
Overall, the leathers are comparable in quality but different aesthetically. The Medfield calfskin is more formal while the Midtown full-grain is casual and rustic.
Fit And Sizing
Finding the right size is crucial for all day comfort. Both the Medfield and Midtown come in a range of medium to wide widths.
The Medfield runs true to size for most foot shapes. It has a medium or “D” width, ideal for low to medium volume feet. Order a half size up if you are between sizes.
The Midtown runs slightly large and wide. Size down half a size if you have narrow feet. The available wide widths (up to 4E) accommodate high volume feet well.
I recommend trying both models on in-store to find your perfect size. Florsheim offers free shipping and returns to ensure the best fit.
Comfort And Wearability
All day wearability is important in a work shoe. The Medfield and Midtown both utilize comfort technologies to keep your feet feeling fresh.
The Medfield’s removable padded footbed and flexible V-Cleat outsole provide comfort right out of the box. The smooth calfskin lining reduces friction for blister-free wear.
The Midtown features memory foam cushioning and a lightweight EVA sole for comfort. Its lower heel and more flexible construction enhances mobility.
For standing long hours, the Midtown may have a slight edge in all-day comfort due to the extra foam padding. However, the Medfield won’t disappoint either.
Both are designed to be worn comfortably for extended periods of business wear. Those with sensitive feet may want to add supportive inserts for extra cushioning.
Also watch the video of Florsheim Midtown!
Style Comparison
Florsheim is renowned for their classic men’s shoe styles that stand the test of time. The Medfield and Midtown reflect this heritage in different ways.
The Medfield Oxford embodies timeless sophistication with its clean cap toe and sleek silhouette. It’s a traditional and polished style, perfect to pair with suits in black or brown.
The Midtown has a more laid-back vibe with its distressed full grain leather and bicycle toe stitching. The tapered shape gives it a modern casual edge. It pairs well with chinos and button-downs for work or dressy casual occasions.
In summary:
- Medfield: classic, refined, traditional
- Midtown: casual, modern, relaxed
Choose the Medfield cap toe for formal business dress codes or special events. Go for the Midtown bicycle toe for updated casual office environments that allow stylish loafers and boots.
Both maintain the enduring quality Florsheim is recognized for. It just depends if you prefer traditional or contemporary menswear.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Florsheim shoes are still made with quality materials and craftsmanship, especially their dress shoes. Their leather uppers, linings, welted soles, cushioned footbeds, and construction methods are made to last. They may outsource some casual styles offshore, but their classic dress shoes are still manufactured in the USA.
Most Florsheim styles fit true to size, but some do run large or small. Try shoes on in-store when possible to get the right fit. If ordering online, check their fit guide, and don’t hesitate to exchange if the size is off. Go up half a size if you wear thick socks. Wide and extra wide widths are available on select styles.
Florsheim is classified as an affordable or mid-tier luxury brand. Their shoes are priced within reach for most consumers compared to ultra high-end designer brands. Yet they maintain luxury quality materials like full grain calfskin leather and fine craftsmanship. Their shoes could be considered “luxury” in the sense that they are well-made and will last for years with proper care.
Yes, Florsheim shoes are made with 100% real leather, not synthetic materials. Their dress shoes primarily use calfskin or full grain leather uppers, which develop a nice patina over time. Some casual styles may incorporate suede or nubuck leather. Trust that the leather will be of high quality coming from a heritage brand like Florsheim.
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The Verdict
In conclusion, the Florsheim Medfield and Midtown are both well-made, quality leather dress shoes for men. Which you choose comes down to your style preferences and wardrobe needs:
For a timeless, formal Oxford, go with the Medfield cap toe. Its sleek calfskin leather and polished design make it ideal for traditional business suits. Size down for a snug true fit.
For a modernized, casual look, choose the Midtown bicycle toe. Its distressed full grain leather and tapered shape work well for relaxed offices. Size up slightly for wider feet.
Review sizing charts and try shoes on in-store whenever possible. And be sure to maintain leather shoes properly for extended wear. With classic American craftsmanship and premium materials, Florsheim designs stand the test of time when cared for.
