Updated Wingtips

New Wingtips – Topman Boot – $120.00 | FCUK Brogue – $138.00 | Alfani Spago – $74.99

Wingtips were at one time probably in favor with your father.  Or your grandfather.  But those wingtips were clunky, had overly rounded too-thick toes, and didn’t move and feel like the modern dress shoes of today.

Until now.

Designers like French Connection and the Macy’s Alfani brand have embraced the extra details a wingtip offers, and the momentum of updated wingtips is steadily gaining.

But be warned:  putting a fresh coat of modern accents on a normally classic silhouette is far from foolproof.  Look at the world of cars.  For every Mercedes Gullwing SLS there’s a thousand PT Cruisers.  But when a designer gets the perfect balance between sleek and retro… man is it something.

Here’s a few of our favorite updated wingtips.

1. Topman Black Leather Wingcap Boot – $120.00

A boot?  Why not?  A standard Chelsea ankle high upper with detailing that goes all the way up.  We all own a pair of dress boots or two.  Why not let that wingtip style play along?

2. French Connection Biffy Brogue – $138.00

Not Cheap.  By any stretch.  But this is the standard for all modern wingtips.  Kinda flashy in general so if you lean towards more subdued, stay away.  Toe is very European.  And unfortunately, so is the price.

3. Alfani Spago Wingtip – $74.99

Deep medium brown color.  Lack of perforations.  Could look great with a pair of dark jeans and a blazer.

Would you take the leap to a modern wingtip?  Would you stay traditional?  Or do you steer clear all together?