Wingtip Boot Search: The Italian Made Ankle Boot

Mike Konos Wingtip Boot – $159.95

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 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.

DSW’s house brands Mike Konos and Mercanti Fiorentini have had some solid wins in the past.  Their shoes are usually great looking, feel good in your hands, and can be a bargain for what you get.

These boots aren’t any of those things.

The DSW website is way off the mark concerning color and feel.  The “smoke” color looks almost black online, but it’s a grapeish grey in person.  The product details claim these have a “slightly distressed leather upper” yet they’re smooth as glass.  The uppers are so smooth that they feel like a patent leather / rubber hybrid more than a supple forgiving leather.  They almost look they were carved from galoshes.  Breath-ability has to be next to zero.

They are made in Italy and Mike Konos is certainly a brand to keep an eye on, but these boots are way too much like a bad boob job.  Too taut, too plastic, and too expensive.

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

Running them over with your car might help, but not at $160.