Shoebank is the Allen Edmonds factory 2nd web site. You can find what you are interested in online and call the store that has stock to order. Most of their factory 2nds are indistinguishable from 1sts, but if you don’t like them they will pay to ship them back for a small restocking fee.
Not sure what style you are after, but chuka boots are pretty popular and are suitable for the casual side of business casual. This is about as cheap as you’ll find for welted boots. They are made to last for decades if cared for properly.
http://www.shoebank.com/FactorySecondInventory.php?STY=1385S&DIM=D&SIZE=100
I like the Red Wing Heritage line and sometimes you can find great deals on them on Amazon and other outlets.
I’ve got several pairs of boots. All are welted construction. All are lace up. All are either Allen Edmonds, Alden, or Red Wing and all are made in the US. Of all of them my pair of Alden Indy boots are the best, but they retail just shy of $600 and it’s nearly impossible to find them discounted.
Features to look for are things like welted construction. This gives you a replaceable outsole, a cork or synthetic midsole, and leather uppers. This type of construction requires a break in period, but the result is far more comfort and durability. They are designed to be resoled, so if you get a pair you really like a resole will make them almost as good as new as the midsole is also replaced.
For wear inside or on paved surfaces, the type of outsole makes a big difference. I like neoprene/nitrile cork soles. Dainite soles are also quite nice and do a bit better on snow and ice. I stay away from leather outsoles on boots as they aren’t well suited for snow, ice, or wet pavement.
I like boots made with chrome leather as the maintenance is less and they don’t tend to get too soft like oil tanned leather. Red Wings use oil tanned leather.
Cheaper boots will have a cheaper rubber outsole cemented to a combination midsole/insole. They are made to be reasonably comfortable right out of the box with little to no break in, and they won’t get much more comfortable with wear. They are generally made to last a year or two provided the sole doesn’t delaminate in that time. When that happens you basically have to throw them away.
Whatever you go with I’d suggest to make sure they have a good return policy. Fit varies widely between brands and even within brands. Measure your feet using instructions you can find online or have a shoe store do it for you. Use that as a starting point. Using your sneaker size isn’t always a good idea.
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