Gate-side shoes and belts before you hit Main security
Johnston & Murphy at Chicago Midway sits in the Main terminal concourse, past security, so you can fix a shoe issue without leaving the gate area. It’s a full retail shop, not a tiny kiosk, with enough floor space to actually try on dress shoes and walk a few steps. If your work trip hinges on polished footwear instead of sneakers, this is the only true dress-shoe option in the terminal.
Expect standard mall-level pricing: leather belts often land in the $60–$90 range, and dress shoes regularly run around the $150–$220 bracket, similar to a typical Johnston & Murphy store away from the airport. You’re paying for the brand, not inflated “airport-only” prices, which helps if you’re expensing a work wardrobe emergency. They usually carry carry-on-friendly shoe care kits that stay under the 3.4 oz TSA liquid limit.
Inventory tilts toward business travelers: oxfords, loafers, simple sneakers, and basic leather accessories in black and brown. Sizes can be hit-or-miss for anything outside the common men’s range around US 9–11, so don’t count on a full size run if you’re at either end of the spectrum. You’ll also see a few travel-friendly items like foldable shoe bags and slim wallets that fit easily in a backpack sleeve.
Figure 10–15 minutes for a quick in-and-out stop if you already know your size, and 20–25 minutes if you want to try on multiple styles and still make it back to a Main concourse gate without rushing. One tip: snap a photo of your worn-out shoes before you fly; it makes matching color and style at this Johnston & Murphy a lot easier under airport lighting.