Johnston & Murphy Brennan Wingtip – $106 – $117
(reg. $130)
Now that your boots are starting to see less and less action, you might feel like your laced casual shoe options have been reduced to the likes of your Jack Purcells. Not so. A plain suede buck or a nubuck wingtip like these from Johnston & Murphy are the perfect middle ground between dress and tennis shoes.
The Brennan comes in five, count em’ five
The thing about the grey pair is that you can wear them right away, even if spring is just getting started where you live. Sock up now, then ditch the socks when it gets hot. The greys will easily allow you to keep wearing jeans w/ cotton blazers all summer long if you live in a location where it cools down decently at night.
Not actually suede, but instead made of nubuck which is smoother and more durable. The toe shape isn’t overly bulky (but could be slimmed down maybe a touch), the construction feels great, and the sheepskin lining is ridiculously comfortable. Slightly trim through the body so if you’re a wide-foot they’ll be tight. Made in Brazil. On sale with free two-day shipping through Endless.
Just want a plain upper in olive? Those are are available for just $67.16 $83.95 through Sierra Trading Post with the code ALVMARCH1. Credit to Alex in the comments for the Sierra Trading Post Code.
I’ve been waffling between this model and the same model in a plain-toe design for a couple months now. Definitely thinking taupe, though.
Anybody know how do these shoes fit? I wear a 7.5 in AEs, 7 in European brands.
I just tried these on at the Johnston & Murphy store at my local mall. They are just about perfect for spring, and the quality is good. I agree that the toe box could be slimmed down just a touch, but thats splitting hairs for a shoe that looks this good. I am a size 11 and the 11’s I tried on were a great fit. I’m leaning towards the red, but practicality is making me consider the grey and navy as well.
What type of pants do you think the gray could be worn with? Khakis? Other ?
Just picked up a pair in taupe (not brave enough for the red yet) and I agree the foot bed and lining is surprisingly soft and comfortable, almost sneaker like. They fit true to size for me, 12=12. The toe is a bit boxy, but the taupe goes great with a pair of jeans or non-khaki colored khakis.
Excellent find. Joe, thanks for noting that they are made in Brazil. I’m always curious where an item is made before I order online. Sometimes the stores don’t say anything but “imported.”
These fit pretty true. I wear a 10.5 in almost everything, and I’m an almost wide. Fit just fine. Maybe a touch snug through the width, but that’s it.
Just bought the plain oxford in olive for $67.16 (+$9.95 shipping) with a 20% off coupon (ALVMARCH1)
Nice! Added the code to the post above. Thanks Alex.
They’d go great with jeans, as well as lots of colors of cotton chinos or other similar casual pant. I’d stay away from wearing them with black (not a great spring/summer choice anyway) or a matching grey but I think you’re fairly safe otherwise.
I personally think that grey is one of the most versatile, and under-appreciated, of the neutral colors.
I just ordered a pair in grey – a bit on the pricey side for a broke law student, but hopefully a good wardrobe investment. Through the past few years of transitioning from college to professional life, I’ve been slowly developing the dress and business casual sides of my wardrobe. These days, I can just toss on a fitted blazer, switch out my sneakers for sleek leather lace-ups, and I automatically look 10x more put-together than the majority of my male peers.
Summer has always been rough for me, though. I have a pretty low heat tolerance — I’m physically uncomfortable in any temperature over 65 degrees. Trying to stay comfortable, while not succumbing to the shorts-and-flip-flops-wearing masses, has been a challenge. Wearing a jacket, or even a long-sleeved shirt, feels masochistic at best. Hopefully, with a nice pair of summer casual shoes like these, I’ll at least feel a little more psychologically prepared to face the heat in style, if not physically so.
These should work well for the laid-back summer weddings I’m attending, as well.
A great colour. People tend to go for the blacks and browns when it comes to spring brogues like these, but there are so many more options out there>
http://shoesdepierre.blogspot.com/
I just got these in navy blue. They’re really stunning (and the sheepskin lining, it’s like the Platonic ideal of new-shoe smell). I tried out these Cole Haans http://bit.ly/mv2P35 but they seemed a little too plain. Also, since my blue shoes won’t be as versatile, I didn’t want to spend as much on them. These are perfect.
I’ve already found some potential outfits in my closet that would go with them, but could definitely use more guidance about matching these. Any suggestions?
In honor of my new blue suede [alright, nubuck] shoes: http://youtu.be/NrjbwVhQOAw
Was waiting for a price drop… and Amazon now has these beauties for $81 in Grey. Just ordered a pair! Thanks!!