I've read in a recent GQ that men notice watches, women look at shoes. I could add other things men and women may or may not look, but that would take the blog in a whole other direction.Another fantastic review! "Thanks!" again to J.Crew Guy In Canada for his in-depth look at the footwear collection!
Shoes can definitely be seen as an investment. Goodyear welts, well made construction, top quality leather all adding up to shoes that can be worn for years and need to be due to the price. Sometimes I want a cheaper shoe fix; something to switch up the usual choices in my footwear collection. Suede shoes are more precious and not nearly as durable as leather and in my mind more of a fair weather choice. This fall I added two to the shoe army I'm assembling, one form BR the other from J.Crew and here's how they stack up.
The Harington suede buck #64609 in rockface grey was a shoe I stalked for sometime before jumping off my wallet. Luckily I scored a pair on sale along with an additional 30%. The regular price was $206 for us in Canada, thankfully I ended up around $105. Nice shoe, lighter greyish green colour. Great shoe for denim, chinos and the like. A comfortable buck sole that felt great right out of the box and fit true.
Our friends over at BR hooked me up with a blue suede number, called the Owen oxford in you got it "Elvis" navy suede. (Okay I added in the Elvis bit.) The regular price was $128, but with a discount they came to about $88. Very similar look, fit and feel to the ones from J.Crew. This makes me wonder if the 'crew shoes are just a 'little' over priced? Neither pair is an investment and so a price around $100 was fine. Sure I'd prefer a pair from Allen Edmunds or Alden, but at four to six times the price?
Suede shoes are a great option for a guy to have in his closet. And lately I've seen a pair of chocolate suede wingtips, the Allerton #55753 on sale at J.Crew. They maybe only a additional discount away from being on my feet.
What are your thoughts on J.Crew's footwear for Men? Do you own any of their shoes? If so, please share with us your review. :)
LOL to "I added two to the shoe army I'm assembling". What a way to look at a closet full of shoes. I'm going to steal that line. JGIC, your reviews are always so enlightening and entertaining.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves his MacAlisters... he wears his suede ones relentlessly (but never in the rain!) and his oiled leather ones when he wants to look a bit more polished. We managed to score both on sale for under $100 over the last couple years and they look like they will last for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteMy husband has those suede wingtips, too, and loves them! I got him the same style in black leather. Great shoe. Holding up really well, and he is hard on his work shoes. Super value so far. Recommend!
ReplyDeleteForgot to add that I love you reviews, jcrew guy! Keep em coming
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