Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

Win it: The Ultimate Wingtip Boot – Allen Edmonds Dalton

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The Splurge:  Allen Edmonds Dalton – $375.00

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 we’re seeing now that the weather is cooler.   Our search for the best affordable wingtip boots is on, and feel free to send in suggestions via styletip.

Remember the first time you watched something in High Definition?  Remember how it seemed real-life, like football games, looked even better in HD than in person?  Right.  These are the HD of wingtip boots.  They look better in real life than even real life looks in HD.  Much cheaper options might look and feel plenty good for the price, but the difference between the Allen Edmonds Dalton and the rest of the boots tested during this search is stunning.

They’re unignorable straight out of the box.  Built off the 1-511 Last, they look much, much slimmer through the front than what the description calls a “rounded, full toe.”  They’re not spear like nor blunt.  They’re that perfect, tapered almond shape.  The sweeping perforated wingtip lines and medallion that comes to a point at the toe also help keep them looking trimmer than you’d expect from a leaning traditional shoemaker.

The leather feels top notch, and man do they smell good.  Even the Mrs. couldn’t help but stick her nose ankle deep into these when she got her first look at them.

The darker, chocolate calf boots don’t visually pop quite like the lighter walnut calf, but that’s because there’s less contrast between the stitching, perforations, and leather.  It’s no knock against them, but know the walnut leaves a bigger impression at first glance.

They may need some break in time, but that’s what happens when you get boots made from thicker leather.  Both come with terrific orange leather linings.  Made in Port Washington Wisconsin.  360 degree Goodyear welted construction.  Recraftable.  Suit worthy for sure.  Construction feels bombproof.

WIN IT:  Here’s how to win the Daltons from Allen Edmonds.  Send an email to contests@dappered.com with the word  “Dalton” in the subject line.  One winner will be drawn at random and they’ll get their choice of either the Walnut Burnished Calf or Dark Chocolate Calf Daltons in their size.  They do come in wide sizes, although all widths may not be in immediate stock.  One entry per person.  Deadline for entry is 11:59pm ET on Tuesday 12/13/11.

UPDATE:  Congratulations to Roth S. who won the Allen Edmonds Dalton boots!  Thanks to everyone who entered.

Comments

  5. I just finally got a
    pair of AE’s (Mora’s on eBay for $155 – awesome) and couldn’t be more convinced
    that the quality is worth the price tag.  These would look perfect sitting next to those awesome dubs.

  7. Awesome! But it’s a lot of dough for me. I have to spend for 2 birthdays and christmas gifts. This will take all the budget. 😛

  9. Isn’t it great how a really well-done [insert style/item of attire] appeals even to people who are normally not drawn to (or even downright averse to) [said thing]? I’ve been won over to brogue wingtip shoes and gold(ish)-dial watches recently. Still waiting on a convincing pair of double-monks.

  18. You truly are a generous man, Joe. The winner will be one lucky man.

    While we’re talking about boots, I still haven’t find a size 6.5 (or narrow 7) black boot available in Canada. If anyone has something for me, it would be really appreciated. 

  22. Allen Edmonds is my favorite shoemaker. Their walnut Strand, McAllister, and these Dalton boots all look absolutely gorgeous.

  26. Own a pair of these in walnut. You practically have to give your first born for them, but man are they sweet. It takes a little work to break them in, but it’s definitely worth it.

  28. OK – So I have the Dalton in walnut.  I think they’re great, but I think they would be more versatile if they were a bit darker.  It’s not that they don’t look great in many contexts, but I do feel I frequently put them on, only to conclude they are too loud for what I’m wearing.

  29. gonna have to stop by the AE store and play with them now that you’ve been talking ’em up so much, Joe.

  30. They should darken with time, wear (patina), and polishing.  This may sound scary, but I’m sure if you wanted to darken them you could do so with some leather oil and polish.