Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews
  • Forum

Wingtip Boot Search: Calibrate

December 5, 2011 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

Nordstrom Calibrate Dillon Wingtip Boot – $145.00
icon

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.

Close.  Awfully close.  But the cigar gets withheld on two counts:

  1. The eyelets
  2. The price

Nordstrom’s own Calibrate could be the best affordable department store house brand out there.  The design team knows what they’re doing, and these boots are more proof.  They’re slim and have zero clunk to their shape.  The medallion on the low profile toe is awfully good looking.  And despite a slight rubbery feel, the leather is nice, soft, and plenty flexible.

But the reflective/shined up eyelets are the issue.  They take a dressed up wingtip boot and give too much of a Doc Marten or motorcycle look.  For almost half the price you could get the U.O. Hawkings McGill, which has tonal eyelets that don’t stand out nearly as much.

Picky?  Perhaps.  But that’s going to be a deal breaker for some.

Made in China and the quality feels pretty solid.  Leather is labeled as “Genuine” leather and the sole is branded a similar “Genuine” rubber (nice to know the rubber is, um, genuine.)  Seem true to size but might lean half a size big.

Best Wingtip Boot under $100 – Hawkings McGill – $88.00  Now available in black, tan, & a brown suede
Best Dressed Up Wingtip Boot – Italian Made Ciro Lendini Wingtip Boot – $149.00

Toe Shape comparisons.  From left: U.O. Hawkings McGill, The Calibrate, and the bulkier L.E.C. Crosby

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Calibrate, Calibrate Boot review, Fall Wingtip Boot Search, wingtip boot

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

What I Wore Today Working from Home: Brandon, Trial Attorney

What I Wore Today Working from Home: Brandon, Trial Attorney

WIWTWFH is back… because it never left.

Win it: The Made in the USA Boarding Pass Flight Briefcase

Win it: The Made in the USA Boarding Pass Flight Briefcase

Plus a 20% off code. Made in the USA. Hits all the right notes.

TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More

TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More

Plus End of Season events from J. Crew as well as Under Armour.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Comments

  1. CarlsonRJ says

    December 5, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    I get the sense that Topman is a bit too hipstery in general for you folks, but what about these Preston boots? 

    http://us.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33059&storeId=13051&productId=2671884&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=207585&parent_categoryId=207572&pageSize=20

    They were cheaper a few days ago (were 70, now 110)…

  2. Bill says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:09 AM

    I recently purchased a pair of Dr. Scholls “Oren” boots, super comfortable right out of the box and only $89.99, plus 15% off of that price.

  3. Jessy Diamond says

    December 5, 2011 at 5:36 AM

    I’m looking for a cheap black boot in size 7 (or 6.5 ideally) available in Canada. Got anything for me ?

  4. Anonymous says

    December 5, 2011 at 6:58 AM

    Aldo has a premium line. Mr. B. Check it out–fur reels; I hate on Aldo regularly, but this Mr. B is the knees of bees. Seen this boot in person. Killin it.

    http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/men/mr-bs/shoes/85609295-blake/28

  5. Chuck says

    December 5, 2011 at 7:01 AM

    Look forward to seeing more reviews on wingtip boots in time for winter!

  6. Anonymous says

    December 5, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Review/General SFery here: http://www.styleforum.net/t/266772/mr-bs-blake-boots-vs-grenson-sharp-fred

  7. gizmo says

    December 5, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    y’all should have jumped on the Sebago wing tip boot sale on Last Call a few weeks ago. Best recommendation I’ve personally had on dappered.

  8. Ryan M says

    December 5, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    I picked these up last week–a bit casual, but they’re great for a blustery Friday at work, all the way through going out Friday night. http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21227624

  9. Jason says

    December 5, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    Still love my Florsheim Gaffneys… Wearing them today

  10. Sal Orlando says

    December 5, 2011 at 10:26 AM

    Yes! I got the brown AND black for under $200 total together and love them.

  11. Adamrabo says

    December 5, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    Joe, what products have you been using to care for your Hawkins McGill boots?

  12. Joe says

    December 5, 2011 at 2:04 PM

    Nothing yet, but mine need some of this:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00150HRP0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?  Probably going to pick some up this afternoon from my local cobbler.

  13. BenR says

    December 5, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    I really like these in the cognac. They might be going on my Christmas wish list….

  14. BenR says

    December 5, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    I really like these in the cognac. They might be going on my Christmas wish list….

  15. Quickasult says

    December 6, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    Some of these look really nice. Going to the urban website though i saw this guy: http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=21010202&navAction=jump&isProduct=true&parentid=MORE%20IDEAS&isProduct=true&cross-sell=true&guide-bn=true 

    I think it makes the Hawkings look a bit cheap in comparison. Has anyone seen anything a bit more textured like that for <$100 pricing?

    Also, I've been looking for a good pair of boots for a while now but have been having some serious problems with the fit. I'm a perfect size 12.5 but have very narrow ankles and so can never seem to find a pair that's comfy. It makes ordering anything online a pretty scary prospect.

    Anyone here in a similar situation and manage to find a good pair?

  16. LW says

    December 8, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    These brown ones are still $70

    http://us.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33059&storeId=13051&productId=2671450&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=207585&parent_categoryId=207572&pageSize=20

  17. Jack says

    December 22, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    Finally ordered a pair of these (which appear to be in extremely short supply right now). I can attest to the fact that they run 1/2 a size big. I’ve worn a size 10 since high school, and this is the second pair of shoes / boots in as many weeks that I needed to size down to a 9.5. For a moment, I thought my feet may have started to shrink in my old age, but I have 4 pairs of Cole Haans in a size 10 that still fit perfect (the other pair of shoes I had to size down were Cole Haan). Very glad I was able to purchase these before they sold out.

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Steal Alert: Nordstrom Extra 25% off Sale Items Clearance Blowout
  • adidas End of Season, Allen Edmonds Warehouse Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More
  • Best Posts of 2020: A lot of watches, some shoes, and being a stylish dad
  • Steal Alert: 97% Wool / 3% Spandex Dress Pants from The Tie Bar for $25
  • Best Posts of 2020: Athleisure, Activewear, and Hot Weather

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • Recommendations on American Made Denim (for my Wife)
  • AE Dalton too stiff
  • SuitSupply Linen Tuxedo
  • hiking shoes for AE dress shoe dress boot guy.
  • Blazer aaaand...

Copyright © 2021 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.