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The New Under $80 Plain Casual Boot

August 25, 2010 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Alfani Alto Zipped Plain Toe – $79.99 (reg. $99.99)

Use code: PREVIEW at checkout

The shoe designers for Alfani are finally stepping back from the edge of insanity.  I’ve still got a pair of plain as can be brown dress boots that I picked up on clearance for $49.99 two years ago, that have a plain toe, smooth leather, and zip up side.  Those are now a rare find because most shoe designers are trying way too hard with embellishments.

Take a look at the Alfani Bruin or Gusta.  They both go too far.  Hopefully the Alfani Alto you see above is a sign that they’re returning to calmer roots.

These boots are pretty plain.  Casual, certainly not dress, and that’s just fine.  The description says “Western Twist” but the rounded toe looks more motorcycle boot than anything to me.  Plus, the black leather says city.  Brown would say country.  No?

On sale for $80.

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Alfani Alto, Alfani Shoes, boots under $100, casual boots, plain toe boots, Zip boots

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Comments

  1. Jose Canseco says

    August 25, 2010 at 7:21 AM

    You’ve got to be kidding me. These boots are absolutely hideous, there’s no two ways about it. First off, black? Black boots are not only the opposite of versatile, but also should never be worn when a motorcycle isn’t in the picture. Secondly, these are not “plain”, and the embellishments scream “cheesy”. If you want a plain cheap boot, go for a brown chelsea boot. This brings me to my final point: are these casual, a little more dressy, etc.? Honestly, it doesn’t matter what they’re aiming for, because there are better options in every category. Casual boot? Clarks Desert Boot. Slightly dressier boot? The Kenneth Cole New York Boot (a plain brown chelsea) can be found for $105 on bluefly, although I would just go all out and get a pair of RW Williams Chelsea Boots. Don’t even get me started on dress boots. Honestly I love coming to the site, but lately the taste in cheap, classic men’s style is really jumping the shark.

  2. Joe says

    August 25, 2010 at 8:49 AM

    @Jose: Allow me to clear up a possible misunderstanding and thus, prevent any further wharrgarbl. The Bruin, and Gusta, (in my opinion) are ugly. They both go way too far. But the Alto (which you see above)… is pretty… plain. I’m not seeing the embellishments you speak of on the Alto? The Clarks desert boot just don’t work for a lot of us (myself included) because the boxy toe and suede makes me look like I’m wearing slippers. But if you want a pair, there’s a good deal going on right now through Banana Republic. As for the Kenneth Cole Boots you mention, the Long-Time-A-Bow, I actually prefer those to the K.C. “First Place” boots that were mentioned in today’s 10 Reasons why Fall is Better than Summer post. But I didn’t link to your preferred pair because although they come in two common sizes (10.5, 11), they only come in… two sizes. You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to wear black boots. Just like you don’t have to live in the desert to wear desert boots. Mneh? Anything else Jose?

  3. CanuckRx says

    August 25, 2010 at 9:58 AM

    I agree with Joe…those shoes look decent cause unlike your everyday Alfani boots, they are PLAIN…which goes a long way…..smh @Jose making snide remarks at dappered.com

  4. Jose Canseco says

    August 25, 2010 at 10:45 AM

    First and foremost, I’m sorry that my post came across as snarky; I enjoy reading the site, and I just didn’t agree with this particular post. “I’m not seeing the embellishments you speak of on the Alto?” The stitching on the side and top of the boot, especially near the opening, is just garish to me, and it looks like it was made from multiple pieces of cheap leather. I agree desert boots don’t work for everyone, but to me the quintessential pair of plain boots is chelsea boots. Again, those Kenneth Cole boots are a bad choice because they only come in two sizes (which is why I wouldn’t link to or buy them), but the “Calibrate ‘Kent’” boots on your “10 reasons why fall is better than summer” work so, so much better than these for plain casual boots. They’re almost double the price, but $140 is still cheap for a decent pair of boots.

  5. Chris says

    August 25, 2010 at 11:07 AM

    I agree these boots are plain…ugly. ha. No but really it seems that since Alfani has made nothing but hideous shoes lately they make something as safe as possible and maybe worth buying for some. Aldo has a nice pair of biker boots right now for about $130 worth checking out too.

  6. Joe says

    August 25, 2010 at 12:30 PM

    @Jose: If you think the stitching on the Alto is garish, I’m glad to finally meet someone who’s more minimalist than me. Would I rather it NOT be there? Absolutely. It’d look much better without. One thing we do agree upon, the Calibrate Kent boots are darn near (if not completely) perfect. Except in price since $140 is a lot for… a lot of us. And I don’t think the Kent and Alto even belong on the same shelf. To me the Alto is WAY more casual. Like a slimmed down workboot, but not nearly as slim as a dress. I kinda like that hybrid myself. More of a draft beer boot than a scotch neat boot. No?

  7. Jose Canseco says

    August 25, 2010 at 12:54 PM

    I hear you. For the price it’s not too bad, I guess I just like more traditional, minimalist pieces. I am seriously debating the Kent boots though; at that price they’re almost too tempting.

  8. Joe says

    August 25, 2010 at 1:58 PM

    Calibrate looks to be Nordstrom’s house brand, kinda like Alfani is to Macy’s (only, y’know). They make a real nice looking modern fit suit too. Not a bad price at $445.

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