Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Start Here
  • Accessories
  • Clothing
  • Drink
  • Grooming
  • Shoes
  • Too Expensive
  • Watches
  • Women
  • Etc.
  • Forum

Would you wear it? The $45 Varvatos Ankle Boots

August 15, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Here's why.

John Varvatos Leather Moc-Toe boots – $45.00 (reg. $255.00?)

It’ll be interesting to see how you guys come down on these.  Credit to Troy who sent in the style tip.  You don’t often find boots under $75.00, let alone under $50 with the John Varvatos name attached to them.

The views on Yoox are extremely limited, and there’s no real model name to go off of.  But after some digging, it really looks like these are a tan leather version of these suede boots over at Bluefly.  The grommets, the side stitching, the extremely low profile moc toe, the rawhide lacing… it’s all there.  While the bluefly options come in a more subtle, darker suede, they’re also $175.  Not the insane $45 that the tan leathers are going for on Bluefly.

In a way they almost look like the Sebago Beacon.  Only more duck-bill like.

So with those extra views, would you wear them?  The price for the designer is pretty sweet.  Or is that combination nothing more than a sweet siren song?  Are they too goofy looking?  Or, are they just odd enough, from a great designer, at a price that’s unheard of?

Leave your vote in the comments section below…

The Brown Suede option from Bluefly.  Price on these is $175.00

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Boots, John Varvatos, moc toe, shoes under $100, would you wear it?

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Nordstrom Winter Sale 2019 Picks for Men

Nordstrom Winter Sale 2019 Picks for Men

Nordstrom jumps on the Presidents Day Weekend bandwagon with a 3800+ item sale.

The Weekend Reset: Winter fun, Winter food and Winter reads.

The Weekend Reset: Winter fun, Winter food and Winter reads.

LCD Soundsystem blast the cold away with a white-hot new live album.

25% off some Red Wings and Allen Edmonds, Half off JCF, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

25% off some Red Wings and Allen Edmonds, Half off JCF, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Here come the Presidents’ Day Weekend sales.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Comments

  1. Willncarolina says

    August 15, 2011 at 12:02 PM

    At $255, these are the ugliest boots around. At $45, these are the best looking boots around! I just placed my order! Thanks!

  2. Richard says

    August 15, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    Does anyone know how the sizes run?

  3. Strongline837 says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:22 PM

    I went for it, Code FACEBOOKAMORE added free shipping

  4. nix7 says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    code FACEBOOKAMORE for free shipping

  5. Andre says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:31 PM

    The tan color looks like its a desert boots. I prefer darker color though, perhaps with a dark brown shoe polish would help the tan boots.

    My bad habit is that, I would always wear my favourite shoes/boots in the genre and will never even touch the others in the same genre (brown boots). So my Timberland Earthkeepers is still winning over this brown boots genre; therefore I won’t buy it no matter how cheap it is.

  6. Jon Snow says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Bummer…not available to ship to Canada…damn you YOOX!!!

  7. Frank says

    August 15, 2011 at 1:57 PM

    I would… but I’m holding out for some Bean Boots.  Can’t decide between the mocs or the 8inch boot though.

  8. TheBarNone says

    August 15, 2011 at 2:12 PM

    I like the upper half of the boot.  The bottom half is kind of ugly.  It is like they took a pair of loafers and added a boot upper to it.

  9. Hellojamie says

    August 15, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    It’s saying the free shipping code FACEBOOKAMORE is expired. Anyone else having this problem?

  10. Brett says

    August 15, 2011 at 2:41 PM

    As soon as I saw that picture, I thought of the sebago beacons.

  11. Anonymous says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    If you like the moc toe (not my taste) but the tan color puts you off,  then the $45 price may be worth experimenting with leather dyes. The tan finish already has that worn in look, and I don’t think you could mess it up. The downside would be that the stitching would get dyed as well unless you wax it first.

  12. Anonymous says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    If you like the moc toe (not my taste) but the tan color puts you off,  then the $45 price may be worth experimenting with leather dyes. The tan finish already has that worn in look, and I don’t think you could mess it up. The downside would be that the stitching would get dyed as well unless you wax it first.

  13. BenR says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Hm. I… I don’t know. There is just something off about them.

  14. BenR says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:23 PM

    Hm. I… I don’t know. There is just something off about them.

  15. nix7 says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    new code is FACEBOOKFUN.. 

  16. Cleancut says

    August 15, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    And theres the reason why its discounted to $45….

  17. Na Humma says

    August 15, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    Yea, I’m in the apparent minority today, definitely not a fan.  The look is…interesting…but I don’t think it’s for me.  To me this seems to be some sort of crazy Frankenstein shoe made up of parts that don’t really look like they were ever meant to go together.  However, without experimentation, progress will never be made, so to those who enjoy the look, more power to ya!

  18. Mark Siuda says

    August 15, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    i’m getting the same error.

  19. Mark Siuda says

    August 15, 2011 at 4:38 PM

    also getting code expired with this. i just cant win a free shipping code.

  20. nix7 says

    August 15, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    it’s FACEBOOKFUN but if you tried one of the older codes it will stay in your browser cache.. best is try using a different browser!

  21. Jon Snow says

    August 15, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    @ea6fc53d0d481c32df997cda42de4817:disqus ….it’s not working for me either and I tried different firefox, chrome, and ie ..and none worked.

  22. nix7 says

    August 15, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    have you tried using the old code in these browser previously? try to clear cookies and temp internet files.  i had the same issue and verified the new code with YOOX.  they said sometimes the code doesn’t work since you tried using the old code and it saves it in the cookies.  i used a different browser and it accepted the new code.

  23. Glen says

    August 15, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Take the Sebago Beacon, then run it over with a truck.

    … yeah, i’d wear it.

  24. Frank says

    August 15, 2011 at 7:43 PM

    Is it me or does every piece of footwear from John Varvatos have this elfish upward curl in the toe?

  25. Jakob N. Layman says

    August 15, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    So, I own these boots (I won’t mention how much I paid for them a year ago…) and I love them.  The photo really doesn’t do them any justice, because they don’t retain that goofy look once they’re on your feet.  They actually end up looking a lot like Sperry’s with an ankle (my friends lovingly call them my ‘boat boots’).  The color is actually almost spot on to the Sahara Sperry’s.  As far as I can tell, they sizing seems to be close to your typical converse.  I usually wear about a nine, but I fit comfortable into my 8.5 boots.  

    These boots get me a lot of compliments and I’m a major fan; this price is definitely a steal.  

  26. Eric Henao says

    August 15, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    No. Not like. The back side of that shoe looks wrong to me. And the support on the sides just looks flimsy…

    I’ll keep my $……

  27. Rychastings says

    August 15, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    code for free shipping is expired

  28. Mykl says

    August 15, 2011 at 9:52 PM

    +1
    I was thinking the exact same thing. That’s what kills it for me. I do love the pricing though.

  29. Jay says

    August 16, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    It has all the unfortunate qualities of a steel toed boot with absolutely none of the benefits.  The primary benefit being a steel toe in your boot.

  30. Troy from Kentucky says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    I ordered a pair and they came in today. I think they are awesome, yes I can see why you might not like them. They are the bastard hybrid of a boat shoe and an ankle boot. However, when I put them on with my 501’s they looked great. It’s a bit more of a summer/early fall look but I’m going to rock these till at least Thanksgiving if can. The color is a light tan and the leather is stronger than it looks in the photos. The toe is curled, yes it’s a bit elf like, but it gives the shoe a certain character. I’m happy with my new boots best under 50 purchase I’ve made all year. 

  31. Peter says

    August 18, 2011 at 2:25 AM

    Do you guys know how warm these are? I’m tempted to cop a pair, but I really need to just invest in a pair of boots for the snow (I recently moved to CT). Any ideas? 

  32. Leon says

    August 18, 2011 at 4:32 AM

    i just got a pair today. the soles are almost identical to boat shoes right down to the siping cut into them. they are definitely not suited to winter, but perfect for a warm / early fall look since they are unlined

  33. MarkM says

    August 18, 2011 at 6:29 PM

    Hey Troy, 

    How was the sizing?  True-to-fit, or slightly larger than normal as some have said?

  34. Willncarolina says

    August 19, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    I just received mine and will agree with what Troy said. They look great and fit true to size for me. They come with extra laces too. Another surprise too….these are the most comfortable boots I have worn in a long time.

  35. Troy from Kentucky says

    August 29, 2011 at 8:56 AM

    The sizing was an almost exact 10.5 for me. I’ve wore them about a 4 times now and I have zero complaints. They may not be the best investment for winter but will make a good fall boot. Plus at 45 bucks come on! I love ’em super comfortable.

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Nordstrom Winter Sale 2019 Picks for Men
    Nordstrom Winter Sale 2019 Picks for Men
  • 25% off some Red Wings and Allen Edmonds, Half off JCF, & More – The Thurs. Men's Sales Handful
    25% off some Red Wings and Allen Edmonds, Half off JCF, & More – The Thurs. Men's Sales Handful
  • The Weekend Reset: Winter fun, Winter food and Winter reads.
    The Weekend Reset: Winter fun, Winter food and Winter reads.
  • Banana Republic: 40% off almost no BR Merch Exclusions
    Banana Republic: 40% off almost no BR Merch Exclusions
  • The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear
    The Dappered Gym Rat: Good looking, high functioning, cost conscious gym gear

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • “Dressy Casual”?
  • Developing a distaste for thicker/larger watches
  • Denim stains on suede
  • Looking for 2 specific styles of shoes
  • Suggestions for a Cool Case for my Surface Book--with the screen detached

Copyright © 2019 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Paul Olson, Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC | Advertising