Win it: The Ultimate Wingtip Boot – Allen Edmonds Dalton

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.