Banana Republic Jarret Suede Lace-Up – $120 ($84 at 30% off)
Yes they’re worth $84. They might even be worth $120. And that’s going to come as a surprise to some, since Banana Republic’s shoes don’t have a good reputation when it comes to quality. But these are suede, and not a standard dress leather, and maybe that makes a big difference when it comes to manufacturing and keeping the costs down. Here’s what they’ve got going for them:
- The suede is soft and pliable: Some suede shoes (like my cheap pair of Florsheim single monks which I still really like) feel like there’s a paper thin layer of suede perhaps glued to some kind of stiff backing. These feel pliable, soft, and there’s a good “flop” / unstructured feel to them outside of the structured heel and toe.
- The color is deep and rich: Whatever they used to color the suede worked. It’s solid throughout.
- They’re comfortable out of the box: Size feels true, they’re neither too skinny, nor clunky, and the insoles have some nice spring to them. Sole is a rubber like man-made material.
- The contrast at the welt is nice: Almost certainly just for show, but points for that burnt orange.
The only issue is finding a code that doesn’t have “men’s shoes” listed as an exclusion. They do happen, but more often than not you can’t use BR codes on shoes. 20% off puts em’ at $96. 30% off puts them at $84. They’ll ship free at both prices. Wearable with everything from chinos to linen to shorts and even jeans on a cool night.
Made in China. They feel solid and well built. The eyelets are even reinforced. So unless there’s some hidden self destruct mechanism buried deep within these suckers, it’s reasonable to expect they’ll hold up with decent care. Yet… the one customer review of them online? He complains about the upper separating from the sole after, wait for it, five hours. Going to put these to the test over the summer. Expect monthly updates. Promise.
UPDATE 1: Been 5 hours. All’s quiet, blue, and good.
BR shoes are so hit or miss. I’ve had 2 fall apart on me after a month and I have a pair of leather chukkas that have been going strong for 5 years now. These look real nice though. If I didn’t just get a pair of Florsheim suedes on sale for $45 I might check these out.
I have a pair of BR brown leather chukkas that have held up well for the last 2+ years.
I also have a pair of BR brown chukkas… that held up well for approximately 3 months. That is my only experience with BR shoes. At the same time, I love these. If they drop down to 84, I think they’d be worth a shot.
I got a “mystery savings” promo code from BR in email today, it doesnt say shoes are excluded, yet the code keeps saying invalid. Lovely.
These look good. I have BR loafers and wing tips and they are in fantastic condition after over a year of hard walking on the city streets.
Hmmm, sounds like BR is finally getting the message & upping their shoe game. Great to hear & those are some great looking shoes.
I just bought a pair of blue suede shoes from Bass recently, can’t really justify a second pair…yet…
Incidentally, can anybody offer comment as to the usual quality of Bass? The shoes seem fine to me, but I’m still learning to discern these sorts of things.
Are these the navy ones? If so pictures that you have here seem a whole lot brighter than those on the BR website but I don’t see any other blue color.
Love mine so far. Wearing them today, in fact.
I bought this exact pair two days ago for full price in the store. 🙁 I really liked the grey suege more but they did not have them in my size (10.5-11). So far they are holding up well and have a real lovely look for a casual summer shoe.
Hey Joe, how do these stack up to the Johnston & Murphy’s you featured here a while back?
I have found that Gap products for the shin down are generally rubbish. I have had sandals and socks fall apart, but BR socks have held up. Been skiddish to pull the trigger on shoes given the Gap issues but this is good to know.
Yep, they’re brighter blue in person.
The McPherson’s? Hard to tell. Seems like the J&Ms would be built better, but these from BR seem fine (for now…) Really like the looks on these. I’ve always had good luck with inexpensive shoes, so, we’ll see…
man, the secret promo codes are not working for me, shame on you BR.
I don’t know, man…colored shoes ?? Guess I need to expand my shoe horizons. By the way, the site content has been great Joe. Thank you.
You do.
I wonder how these compare to the Nordstrom in-house 1901 brand, which makes a blue suede wingtip, and which I suspect has a slightly better quality than the BR shoes.
Actually, “shoes and handbags” are listed among the various exclusions. BR needs to quit with the “40% off everything (except the things anyone would want)” discounts, it’s really getting tiring.
hmm saw that as well, but thought that “shoes and handbags” was referring to the women’s section only. Oh well, no deal at retail price.
I bought a pair of dark brown suede ones a couple of weeks ago. Very impressed for the price
“All’s quiet, blue and good.”….goodnight shoes, goodnight blue, goodnight soles that are just glued…
Bass shoes look great,but wear out fast. Bought my first pair of suede bucks online from them full price. The soles lasted about 3 months before cracking and wicking up water. Found a second pair for $35 at DSW assuming this would happen again. It did about 3 months in. For $35 I may do it again, but the soles will crack under the ball of your foot, and I live in Portland….lots of rain.
I meant these: http://dappered.com/2011/04/spring-suede-review-the-johnston-murphy-brennan/
thanks
I ended up going with the BR shoes over the 1901 brand because of the foot shape. The 1901s did seem to be slightly better made, but overall profile of the show is bulkier.
I want blue suede shoes. But I want them to be wingtips too.
AH. I like the BR ones better myself, but the J&Ms are really, really nice. Super comfy. They’re nubuck, so while they’ve got a suede soft feel, the “nap” is much, much shorter.
Bought some – think they are awesome. Several compliments received already. Should I apply suede protector to them?
I have a pair of Bass tan suede bucks that I got for around $60 or so. I’ve walked through city streets and hiked in them, and they still are doing well.
The third review on the BR site regarding these shoes seems to indicate that quality (for some) is lacking.