The Fall Wingtip Boot Search – Hawkings McGill Boot – $88.00
Like a great Summer Suit, there’s something about a pair of sturdy and versatile wingtip boots in the fall. Most have character to burn, and they can be dressed up with many of the rough textures and deeper colors we’ll see once the weather turns cooler. Our search for the best affordable wingtip boots is on, and feel free to send in suggestions via styleip. Ships free with code FREEFALL Good on all Urban Outfitters orders. Expires 3am ET on 8/25/11
Remember the Florsheim Gaffney? Specifically in chestnut? Remember how a lot of us were thinking: “Damn… only if they came without the lug sole.”
These’ll be a fine replacement.
They’re not quite as nice as the Gaffneys, but they’re awfully close. Especially considering that they’re available through Urban Outfitters, which doesn’t quite have the rep of a distributor of mega-durable goods.
The leather doesn’t feel plasticky in the least. It’s not buttery soft but it’s not Steve Madden stiff either, and they’re made in India instead of China. The sole is rubber but smoothed out. Not even a hint of bulky lugged traction.
The laces are a nice width which grip well and despite the description saying the uppers are “aged leather,” there’s just one noticeable scuff on these out of the box. Unlike the Gaffneys which had a soft leather lining, these have a synthetic lining. Not necessarily a bad thing, just not as nice as the Florsheim option.
Does the tan color lean a little orange? A little. Oompa Loompa Orange? Not quite that orange, but they could stand to be more brown. Or at least come in a brown option. Or black. Maybe that’ll happen in the future. For now, these will look awfully smart with jeans and/or an all blue setup similar to this one. Ships free w/ the code FREEFALL.
Best Wingtip Boot under $100 – Thanks to the color options, still the Florsheim Gaffney – $96.00 w/ LINK20
Best Dressed Up Wingtip Boot – Italian Made Ciro Lendini Wingtip Boot – $149.00
Thanks for the series; I didn’t know wingtip boots existed before I started seeing them on here.
For me, the color on these Hawkings seems too uniform; the pigment too thick. I may be imagining it, but I think the Florsheim Gaffney has a more realistic finish (lighter and darker areas, etc). But as you said, that sole is chunky.
I think I’m going to hold out a bit more (it’s still 100F+ in the South) but thanks for making me think.
Tried this on in store this past weekend… not for me. I remember fawning over the Ritano wingtips and trying them on in store and feeling they looked to dressy. I felt the same about these… I think it’d be good to show some pictures of potential pairings because it just doesn’t seem like they look right with jeans to me.
I have to respectfully disagree, I don’t think they’re too dressy at all. Dark wash jeans, well fitting grey merino wool v-neck over a white or blue collared shirt, I think you’d be set.
I tried these on in stores yesterday and I was really unimpressed as well. The quality of the leather and craftsmanship was poor, IMO. there’s no depth to the color in the leather. The absense of a lug sole was the only plus I could come up with but the Florsheim Gaffney is a much better boot at only $8 more. Again, IMHO.
Interesting. I thought the leather was pretty good for under $90. They felt solid to me too (again, for under $90).
Seems to me this is not an item to cheap out on. Seems to me the wingtip boot is an unusual enough item that unless it’s just awesome, it won’t work. Allen Edmonds makes a nice one in a darker color that I think is worth saving up for.
Ciro Lendini. $149.
Oh yeah – I saw the post about those a little while back. I wish they were just a shade lighter in color, but maybe I should check them out. Is Ciro Lendini quality decent?
Know of anything comparable in quality sub-$200 to the Ciro Lendini that’s closer to a chestnut color like the Gaffney (that lug sole is killing me, otherwise I love it)? I’d rather spend the money on a quality Italian pair that will last for something like this but I’m not a fan of how dark the Ciro is.
BTW just found the site and love it so far. My wallet thanks you.
Thanks for another wingtip boot tip. Especially the Florsheims. I know the lugs aren’t the look most would go for but they’re almost exactly what I’ve been looking for. Leather or smooth soles don’t bode well on a motorcycle at stoplights. I’ve been searching high and low for a motorcycling boot that doesn’t make me look like Frankenstein or a Transformer – and affordable enough to beat up. Probably won’t do much for you in a crash, but they sure beat sneakers and damn they’d look good off the bike too.
Even at that low price though it’ll be a while before I can pick ’em up. Times is hard all over! Anyway thanks again, Joe. This blog has helped me tons.
I’ve got these, and I like them well enough except for two annoying issues- they are loud! As in, they click when I walk (which seems to be an issue with most cheap dress shoes). Also, they have no grip- I fell on my rear several times on icy Chicago sidewalks last year while wearing them. Anybody have a tip to solve these issues?
Are the soles smooth rubber, or is there a tread?
No tread, but they’re not super slick either. There’s a standard thin line tread on the heel.
Joe, thanks so much for reviewing these boots! I just ordered a pair, since they are on clearance for $35 online.
Could you please update us on how they are holding up for you?