ASOS Brogue Boot – $100.62
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 both ways. No code required. Know that shipping can take awhile from ASOS.
Looks a lot like the Hawkings McGill boots don’t they. Both have a toe medallion, similarly shaped toes, and a cognac color that’s surprisingly versatile. The biggest difference is the ASOS boot claims to have a leather sole. That’s also its biggest drawback. Here’s the “leather” up close:
Not “genuine” but “real” leather. Really?
I do not possess a doctorate in leatherology, but the soles look like they won’t be making it too deep into the calendar. There are plenty of us who prefer a leather sole, but the soles on these look less durable than most. They have a bit of a texture to them that’s almost like a short suede or nubuck. Much softer than the leather sole of an Allen Edmonds or even a DSW house brand. They just feel like they’d quickly grind down to dust on pavement.
Back to the positives. The diamonds on the toe medallion are nice, the leather on the uppers isn’t stiff or plastic-like, and their overall shape isn’t clunky at all. But the soles and the already disintegrating laces make you wonder.
If you’re looking for this color of boot on a more durable platform for cheap, consider the already mentioned Hawkings McGill. They’ve been holding up real well so far (for me) after repeated use.
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
The ASOS boots are made in India. A similar pair are available in dark brown with a synthetic sole for $119:
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Florsheim has a new contender:
http://www.florsheim.com/shop/style/12085.html
Yep. Seen em’. And there was some talk of them over here: http://dappered.com/2011/09/the-best-rugged-looking-laceups-fall-2011/ They’re already on their way. Down to $136 with the code LINK20
Though more expensive, I think these are a much better option. They also come in a dark brown/burgundy color.
http://www.yoox.com/item/YOOX/MALDINI/dept/shoesmen/tskay/3FD17CD7/rr/1/cod10/44346613JC/sts/sr_shoesmen80
Was impressed with these when it comes to dark brown: http://dappered.com/2011/08/in-person-the-under-150-made-in-italy-wingtip-boot/ But those, like your suggestion, are much more expensive than the ASOS (and there’s the challenge) I’d take a real hard look at the Florsheims at $136 before heading all the way north to $165. But I bet those are nice and slim. You own em’?
Was impressed with these when it comes to dark brown: http://dappered.com/2011/08/in-person-the-under-150-made-in-italy-wingtip-boot/ But those, like your suggestion, are much more expensive than the ASOS (and there’s the challenge) I’d take a real hard look at the Florsheims at $136 before heading all the way north to $165. But I bet those are nice and slim. You own em’?
Unfortunately, no. Do you know if YOOX ever has site wide sales? I’d be willing to wait if they do.
They’re run free shipping codes from time to time, but their site is so friggin’ big, that I think site wide codes are probably uncommon? I can’t recall. I know they have sale events, but don’t know if it’s a site wide code.
Sooo….apparently Banana Republic has it’s own take on the wingtip boot?? Has anyone seen these in person because – despite Esquire’s claim to the contrary – they are not available online. With all the 40% off sales they are running these days, this could be another solid option.
http://www.esquire.com/the-side/style-guides/best-mens-shoes-2011-fall#fbIndex12
The BR wingtip boot is coming out with this year’s fall collection (Expect it early October). There will be a brown and a black. I’m assuming it starts around $140, but in stores we are giving out coupons for 40% off one item on each Wednesday in October.
Oops, Esquire is saying $160, but if you use the 40% off it still knocks it down to just below $100.
Those ASOS boots are best looking by far. High, sleek, sort of skinny above ankle – but I wonder if the quality is indeed an issue. Otherwise, it would be a no brainer to me.
Joe, some companies use “Real” when they describe their leather just to let people know it isn’t a Bonded (with latex on leather scrap fibers) or Bycast (low quality leather in thin layer that is coated with embossed polyurethane to look like high quality leather). Those two synthetic methods are still considered “Genuine” so many companies with “Real” leather don’t use that word because it may be lowest grade of leather and is a common term from cheaper products that are synthetic “Genuine” leathers.
They are basically saying it is good and treated, not cheap and somewhat faked.
Those ASOS Brogue boots find themselves in and out of the sale/clearance section quite often so if you can wait, I would try to catch them at a discounted price.
I picked up these exact boots at the beginning of the summer for $53. There were another pair in a different color (slightly different shade of brown) for $47 and black at a similar price point.
how have they held up?
To be honest, I’ve only worn them 2 or 3 times. They definitely look good, but you certainly won’t mistake them for a pair of $400+ boots.
They’ve held up fine thus far, but you can kinda ‘feel’ that they won’t last forever.
Put it this way:
This will certainly never be an heirloom piece. A generation from now, no one will consider it a great thrift store find.
But I would be happy to get a year or two of light use out of these.