Wingtip Boot Search: Calibrate

Nordstrom Calibrate Dillon Wingtip Boot – $145.00

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.

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