Johnston & Murphy

Now headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and owned by Genesco since 1951, Johnston & Murphy continues to represent American footwear craftsmanship, offering products distributed through company-owned retail stores, department stores, and online channels.

The company traces its origins to 1850 when William J. Dudley, a European immigrant schooled in English shoemaking traditions, founded the William J. Dudley Shoe Company in Newark, New Jersey. Dudley specialized in producing durable work shoes for men, women, and children, applying Old World craftsmanship techniques to American market needs.

In 1850, President Millard Fillmore requested Dudley create custom-designed footwear, beginning a tradition that continues through the present day. This presidential connection established the company's reputation for quality and became a defining aspect of its identity and marketing.

In 1880, Newark businessman James Johnston joined the company as Dudley's partner, bringing a vision for expansion beyond utilitarian work shoes into higher-fashion footwear. This strategic shift proved successful, with the expanded product line gaining popularity. Following Dudley's death in 1881, Johnston assumed control, renaming the enterprise The James Johnston Company.

William A. Murphy, from a distinguished Newark business family, joined Johnston in 1882 after observing the local shoe company's success. Their partnership formed Johnston & Murphy, the name the company maintains today. This collaboration combined Johnston's manufacturing expertise and market vision with Murphy's business acumen and resources.

Genesco, then operating as General Shoe Corporation, purchased Johnston & Murphy in 1951. Following the acquisition, Genesco closed the Newark manufacturing facility and relocated operations to Nashville, Tennessee, where the company remains headquartered. In 2017, Johnston & Murphy discontinued United States manufacturing, marking the end of domestic production that had defined the company for most of its existence.

Johnston & Murphy's most distinctive feature remains its continuous service to United States presidents. Beginning with Millard Fillmore's 1850 custom order, the company has designed footwear for every subsequent president, creating a unique heritage unmatched in American commercial history.

This presidential connection transcends simple supplier relationships, representing validation of quality, craftsmanship, and appropriateness for the most formal occasions in American civic life. The tradition has provided marketing distinction while requiring the company to maintain standards befitting presidential use.

Johnston & Murphy offers comprehensive footwear collections including dress shoes in Oxford, Derby, and monk strap styles, boots ranging from dress to casual applications, and casual footwear including sneakers and loafers. The company's product development emphasizes versatility, comfort, and contemporary styling while respecting classic forms.

Beyond footwear, Johnston & Murphy expanded into apparel, offering suits, sport coats, trousers, shirts, and outerwear designed to complement its footwear aesthetic. Leather goods including belts, wallets, and luggage extend the brand into accessories, creating a comprehensive menswear offering.

In 2008, Johnston & Murphy introduced women's footwear, leather goods, accessories, and outerwear, expanding beyond its traditional menswear focus. This diversification reflected changing market opportunities and company growth strategies.

Throughout most of its history, Johnston & Murphy maintained United States manufacturing, with production facilities in Newark, New Jersey, until the 1951 relocation to Nashville. The company employed traditional construction methods including Goodyear welt for premium offerings, ensuring durability and the possibility of resoling.

The 2017 cessation of United States manufacturing represented a significant operational change, with production shifting to international facilities. This transition reflected broader footwear industry trends favoring offshore manufacturing for cost efficiency, though it ended the company's domestic production legacy.

Current product lines incorporate various construction methods and price points, from premium Goodyear-welted dress shoes to more accessible cemented construction casual footwear, providing options across market segments.

Johnston & Murphy operates through multiple distribution channels including company-owned retail stores, shop-in-shop arrangements within department stores, and e-commerce platforms. This multi-channel approach provides broad market access while maintaining brand presentation and customer service standards.

The company positions itself in the accessible premium segment, offering quality footwear and apparel at price points between mass-market and luxury brands. This positioning balances quality perception with market accessibility, targeting customers seeking reliable craftsmanship without luxury pricing.