Johnston & Murphy

The company began in 1850 when William J. Dudley opened a shoe business in Newark, New Jersey. In 1880, James Johnston joined the firm as a partner. After Dudley's death in 1881, the company adopted the name James Johnston Company. In 1882, William A. Murphy joined as a partner, leading to the adoption of the name Johnston & Murphy.

Genesco Inc. acquired Johnston & Murphy in 1951 and relocated the business to Nashville, Tennessee. Johnston & Murphy opened its first retail shop in 1971. The company introduced a direct mail catalog during the 1980s.

Johnston & Murphy products are produced by independent manufacturers. The company does not operate its own production facilities.

The brand has used leather from the Horween Leather Company in Chicago in its footwear. Leather is a primary material in its shoe construction.

Johnston & Murphy produces men's dress shoes, casual shoes, boots, and golf shoes. The company introduced a women's footwear line in 2008, including shoes and boots. Johnston & Murphy also sells clothing, leather goods, and luggage.

Johnston & Murphy provides a sizing guide for its footwear on its website. The guide includes information to help customers choose proper fit.

Johnston & Murphy publishes shoe care guidelines on its website. The company suggests using cedar shoe trees and advises against exposing shoes to direct heat. Instructions also recommend the use of a shoe horn when putting on shoes and advise applying paste or cream polish for leather care.