Got their catalog for the first time in years. Was mildly interested until I read their Guarantee which says, in essence, you have 120 days to send the shoes back (shipping is non-refundable) and they will refund money or exchange shoes.
(Now comes the good part): "Returned items must be in their original and unworn condition"
Many years ago, there was a Mason shoe dealer that came to the paper mill where I worked at the time, to fit every one that was eligible with safety shoes at company expense. I recall that the shoes were well made at the time, and the prices were quite reasonable, but I have no idea what they're selling these days. As far as their return/exchange policy goes, I'd think that as long as the shoes are in resalable condition, they would accept them. As a guarantee though, it does seem that they should accept responsibility for manufacturing defects that may not show up until the shoes have been worn for some period.
Years ago I used to use them almost exclusively. Had both good and poor results. When they failed to stand behind a pair of hiking boots that came apart at the soles I dropped them. No idea what they are doing today.
I've never owned a pair, but many years ago they enjoyed a good reputation.
I once owned and managed a shoe store. (One of the many things I did when I didn't know any better.) It was an upscale family shoe store with a little of everything. The work and hiking boots were Sheboygans (obviously made in Sheboygan, WI) and were extremely well made... and pretty spendy.
I only had one pair of Sheboygans brought back in the 6-7 years I had the store, and they were literally falling apart at the seams. They were sopping wet, like they'd been removed from the washing machine before the spin dry cycle -- except they were also caked with mud. When I initially picked them up I dropped them, because instead of their normal weight of maybe 3 pounds, they probably weighed 10 pounds.
It was the wearer's wife who brought them back. I'd sold them about 6 months earlier to them, and she said he'd worn them every day and they were usually in that condition (water soaked). I told her all leather boots would rot if they never get a chance to dry. She said that's what they were discovering -- that her husband had always bought cheaper work boots before, but since they never lasted long she'd talked him into buying these, thinking they'd not rot.
I called Sheboygan and described the boots to them. They instructed me to issue a full refund or replace the boots at no charge. I gave the refund, as I knew if I gave them new boots they'd be returned in a few months for another free pair.
That was 20+ years ago. I don't know if Sheboygans are still made or not. At that time there were at least three major shoe companies based in Sheboygan -- Leverenz and Allen Edmonds being the other two.
I've bought from them for several years and never had a problem. They sell brand name shoes as well as their own brands. My primary reason - I don't have feet, I have hooves. 11 EEE. I used to buy Florsheims when I was working, but now its New Balance. That's what I'd buy from a shoe store if they carried my size, but its always "We'll have to order them." I can do that by myself and not pay for the overhead of a storefront.
Retired and visiting as much of this beautiful country as I can.
Jim Shoe wrote: I don't have feet, I have hooves. 11 EEE. .
I have a similar problem 13 EE. My solution, ZAPPOS.com
Almost every brand made, every size and every color. Free shipping purchases and returns. Great store.
B.A. Mason shoes are mostly imports now. They are not the original Mason shoe company in my opinion. I bought a pair of New Balance from them and it took about a month to get them. I found the same new balances online at another company for about $40.00 less. No more B.A. Mason for me.
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