The Casual Shoe Upgrade – Cool Weather Laceups
Above photo from the extremely well done Nordstrom September Menswear Catalog
Word is not all of you guys are boot guys. So as enjoyable as the Fall Wingtip Boot Search has been (for some) here’s a bone for those that like to show a little sock.
As the weather cools off and the clouds roll in, you’ll want to find something to replace your white canvas sneakers and light suede bucks. The answer is a good pair (or two) of less dressy and more rugged looking laceups. These aren’t shoes you’d climb K2 in but they’re not as dirt averse as dress shoes. Wear em’ with jeans, cords, tweed, and wool. And don’t be afraid of a scuff or two.
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Florsheim Haviland in Crazy Horse Oiled Leather – $127.50
w/ FL2DAY
Florsheim’s newest longwing comes equipped with a tough enough rubber sole. Certainly dressed up but doesn’t need to be babied. Usually $170 without the code. Ships free. Code FL2DAY expires today, Tuesday 9/13 and is good for 25% off everything through Florsheim.
Johnston & Murphy Brennan in Charcoal – $108.00
($138)
Part of a (very) select 20% off fall laceups sale via Endless. Discount shows up at checkout. That also means they ship free and fast, and returns are free too. The charcoal suede isn’t as tough as a leather upper, but the color and standard toe will looke right at home with all sorts of autumn and winter clothes. Nice contrast laces too. Made in Brazil and should be extremely comfortable if they’re similar to the Brennan Wingtip from the summer.
Steve Madden Macreen – $87.20
($109.00)
Part of the same sale at Endless and comes in just over the $100 threshold. Very similar to the Ethin, only this one is a little tougher looking thanks to a lug but not crazy aggressive sole. The cheap price and traction might make them an easy to grab pair for sloppy days.
1901 Mason Wingtip – $99.95
From Nordstrom’s house brand. These have to be built on an almost identical chassis as the 1901 Carl Wingtip. Unilke the Carl, this one comes in a slightly darker color with a much needed medallion on the toe. The plain toe on the Carl made that particular boot blend too much together. Not a bad price at all. Ships and returns free.
1901 Frisco Grey Nubuck Plain Toe – $99.95
Sick of all the wingtip and brogue stuff? Plain nubuck in a versatile grey. No perforations, no extra stitching, no nothing. Just a good looking shoe.
Calvin Klein Adam – $69.99 ($99.00)
Who left the burnishing machine on at the Calvin Klein shoes factory? Looks a little heavy in the online pics. At least they’re real inexpensive, and ship and return free through Piperlime. A risk at best.
Bed Stu Stillwell – $89.90 ($180.00)
Bed Stu is one of those brands that seems perpetually on sale through Gilt/JackThreads/HauteLook etc. They’re on sale via Nordstrmo as well. Burnished leather dresses them down, and the extra cap at the toe finishes the look. Limited sizes and available in black or brown.
Sperry Top-Sider Suede Boat Oxford – $90.00
So you’ve pulled your boat out of the water for the year, yet you can’t let go of your boat shoes. Good thing Sperry is making non spring and summer styles. Still comes with Sperry grip and rawhide style laces.
The Splurge: Allen Edmonds Kiowa – $249.00
Sadly, not part of the Endless 20% off sale. Like a 4-wheel drive dirty Strand. Beware the pics though. The same shoe is for sale on Nordstrom (w/ slower shipping) where the sole looks less rugged & the uppers look lighter.
The Even Bigger Splurge: Allen Edmonds McTavish – $295.00
Could really use a sale on AEs somewhere about now. “Wax infused” leather gives the uppers a tougher looking appearance. Unlike the Kiowa, the sole is leather. So maybe not great for rainstorms.
Are you a believer in the dressed up casual shoe? Or do you just stick to sneakers and loafers? Leave it all below.