Code EARLYACCESS saves $10 off $69, $25 off $139, and $40 off $199
Offer expires Thursday 2/23/12. You must sign up for their email list/rewards program. Also available: Use code SHIPR for free shipping over $35.
Hold on to your wallets. Better yet, if you’re on a spending freeze right now, go ahead and throw that thing across the room behind that cabinet that’s a bear to move.
The code EARLYACCESS gets you certain savings at certain spending levels, and the point of that is to entice you to spend more than you were planning on. So, that can get out of control if you’ve been known to spontaneously buy shoes you don’t need. You do have to be a DSW Rewards Member, but that’s really not much more than their email list. On with a couple of picks & potential combos…
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Florsheim Vincent Wingtip – $114.95 ($139.95)
The Vincent? Looks a lot like the Veblen. From the upgraded “imperial” line, and available in grey, wine, and a matte looking brown (Florsheim’s Crazy-Horse style leather maybe?) The Veblen on Florsheim’s site is listed at $170. The code LINK20 drops it to $136 there. The Vincent here says the price should be compared to $160.
Mercanti Double Monk – $114.95 ($139.95) & Bass Suede Chukka – $59.95 ($69.95)
This is where it can get a little confusing. Both are a real solid price on their own. Purchased together, you save an extra $5 due to the spend more/save more tiered structure of the promotion. But that requires you to spend more. So if you’re not in the market for both double monks and a suede chukka? Skip it. $170 is a lot of money. Even if it does land you two pairs of decent shoes. Full review on the double monks over here, and $115 shipped as is good as it’s gonna get on a style like this. The Monks are made in Italy too.
Clarks Bushacre – $59.95 ($69.96) | Mercanti Cap Toe – $114.95 ($139.95)
Another Mercanti Fiorentini / Suede chukka combo. Both are still a real nice price when purchased on their own. The Mercanti also comes in black, which should make a just-fine not too boring dress lace up. Brown, of course, looks plenty good too. Sizes & colors are scattered on the Clarks, but know they do come in a tan leather as well.
Mercanti Fiorentini Penny Loafer – $114.95 ($139.95)
$140 is asking a lot for these, but they’re a solid blend of not too modern and not too frumpy/traditional in a Penny loafer. Toe shape is great. Leather is decent. They seem to run a little small. Also made in Italy.
The Cheap Risk: Mike Konos Suede Medallion Toe – $59.94 ($69.94)
Already on sale, made in Italy, but not real sure on that accent sweep up the side. Anybody seen these in person? Looked and looked on this end, but no go. A risk, but if you’ve got a DSW store near you, you can return them there for free. It’s $8.50 to ship em’ back otherwise. Exchanges are free.
The Splurge: Mezlan Nello Double Monk – $239.95 ($279.95)
It ain’t cheap, but retail is allegedly $345. Suede uppers, some nice curved buckles, and you even get a subtle looking medallion at the toe. Made in Spain. The same shoe is going for a similar price over at Bluefly, but here you get the rewards points if you’re into that kind of thing.
The Cheap Basic: Aston Grey Connelly Lace-Up – $69.95 ($79.95)
Surprisingly decent looking in person. Before the shoe snobs lose their minds, remember that there are ton of guys out there who need something serviceable for work or job interviews, who also can’t spare a lot of cash right now. Leather feels pretty good in your hands, and they look plain, but sleek.
The Not Cheap Not Basic: Antonio Maurizi Celino Wingtip – $259.95 ($299.95)
Well and then there’s these. Something similar will set you back $535
The DSW $10 off $69, $25 off $139 and $40 off $199 code EARLYACCESS expires 2/23/12. SHIPR gets you free shipping over $35 and seems to be ongoing. Both codes require you to join their email list/DSW rewards club.
I like that Cheap Basic
Just bought the Florsheim VIncent. It’s my first pair of brogues. Thanks for all the advice Dappered!
I’m deciding between all the different Chukkas. There are a ton of great choices for pretty cheap, and they’ll go quick in my size. I’m between the tan suede’s that are available.
How is the quality on the Mercanti double monks? Anyone with first hand experience?
Joe has a link up there for his in depth review.
The real question I have about the Florsheims is not about the name, but how they got it to float like that–who needs a pair of air mags and a hoverboard when you have the Vincents!
gah – i had wanted those gray Florsheim Veblens for a long time. do we think there’s any difference in the Vincents?
Its so hard to make the dive into online purchases through DSW when all their shoes come in a standard width size. I know I have a wide foot, mostly EEE and sometimes get away with an E. Until DSW comes local (which should be next few months), I’ll have to wait.
I wear mine about 2-3 times a week and they have held up great so far. Super comfortable too. Great value/price ratio
Dammit! Just bought a pair of Veblens last week. Had I waited, could have saved $50. Regardless, the shoes are uber comfortable and I’m glad I picked them up.
I wish they had those Bushacres in the beeswax leather. I tried on a pair in my normal size at Nordstrom Rack the other day but they ran pretty large.
Agreed with Bszerenyi. Mine are doing just fine. Keep a little shoe creme on hand to keep the color rich and they should treat you well.
I’ve been eyeing those mercanti double monks since they were first posted. Finally pulled the trigger!
That was my question as well. What is the difference in the Bushacres Tan Leather compared to Desert Beeswax Leather? I’ve been wearing some Allen Edmonds Amoks and they just aren’t comfortable on my feet and thought about putting them on ebay or style forum and replacing them with some clarks. Any thoughts?
I am trying to choose between the Mercanti penny loafers and the “Mabus” penny loafer from Aldo’s Mr. B line. Both are made in Italy. The Mercanti loafers are more sleek and would be better for business casual, while the Mabus are more funky and would look better with jeans. Mabus is also cheaper, plus there’s a 10% discount available.
Those Antonio Maurizi Celino Wingtip’s look an awful lot like the Aston Grey ones I bought a few weeks ago for <$100. The AG's had closed lacing though.
I second Octavian’s questions about the loafers, been looking for a new pair of modern (higher vamp) loafers for spring summer….
Any clue if those florshiems are Goodyear welted? reason I ask is Florsheim does in fact make many non Goodyear and I’m skeptic on if I should pull the trigger or not on these :/
The Veblen’s are Goodyear welted but I don’t believe the Vincent’s are, hence the higher price for the Veblen’s. I have the Veb’s in Wine and they are my favorite pair of dress/casual shoes, they take a bit to break in because the soles are a bit stiff but when they do–straight butter. The leather is also incredibly soft, rich, and supple which takes a great shine.
I also recommend checking out boots from Natha Studio. I bought a nice leather pair that are super comfortable and affordable. My girlfriend bought me another pair of boots (different style) that are suede. The suede pair could use an insert of some sort if you plan on standing for long periods of time, but both are super comfy.
I bought the Suede medallion toe in black from the local DSW here for $30. They are definitely worth it for the price I got them for. Very subtle toe which I think is a nice switch up. Have gotten a few compliments already so far.
I bought the suede double monks from Bluefly and used a retailmenot code NEWYEAR14 to drop it down to $180.
@PhiAlphaMD: I have the Veblen’s in wine color as well. Can you recommend a belt that matches up to the wine color?
ha! I too have the Veblens in wine. However, I did not know to order down a half size, and feel like I’m swimming in my 12’s, so I think they’ll be hitting ebay soon. Ordered a range of 11, 11.5 and 12 in all three colors and am fortunately able to just drive about 5 minutes to a DSW store. Bonus, right around the corner from there is a delicious mexican place led by a chef trained in french cuisine.
Ordered the Veblens in wine using discount code, best shoes mentioned in post haha
@ Eric – I was on the hunt for the perfect chukkas too. Might I suggest the Cole Haan Air Coltons. I snagged the grey ones for $120 or so – I think I’ve seen them go for a bit more now. Super comfortable – they’re my go-to shoes on my off-hours
Just bought the Mike Konos suede in black. They are very comfortable and sharp looking. I paid $30 on clearance and am happy with my purchase. The stock laces suck though.