Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

The Suggestion: Embrace The Plain Brown Lace Up

August 20, 2012 By Ben Madeska | 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.

The Splurge:  Allen Edmonds Kenilworth – $187.81 – $236.00* ($295)

*Prices just dropped on these and there are plenty of normal sizes that are marked down and will get an extra 20% off.  To get the 20% off price, you’ll need to sign up for Amazon’s shoe store email list over here.  Once you do that, they’ll send you a one time use code for 20% off.  During a test run the code showed up immediately upon signing up.

Allen Edmonds excels at making shoes with class and a little extra style – wingtips, medallions, and the like – but sometimes a little simplicity is called for.  When just starting to upgrade your shoe collection, something like their Strand probably isn’t the best place to start.  Instead, take a look at the simple, versatile Kenilworth.

The Kenilworth after some decent wear.  Holding up extremely well, as expected.

The Kenilworth is made on the 5 last, the same used for many of their other traditional dress shoes, such as the Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and Strand, but the Kenilworth is a three eyelet, blucher style shoe.  This, combined with the burnished plain toe and zero perforations, makes for a slightly more casual looking shoe that can still be easily dressed up.  They pair equally well with jeans and a button up and dress slacks and a blazer.  As already stated, they’ve got open lacing like all bluchers, but they’re sharp enough to wear with a suit.

With long, narrow feet I can usually size down a bit when buying shoes.  I have another pair of size 11 Allen Edmonds made on a different last (the Hale, made on the 8 last) that fit like a second skin right out of the box, but the Kenilworth in the same size took a bit of breaking in.  I found that they pinched my toes when new (the fact that I was hoofing it around the city on a day pushing 100F may have been a factor as well).  After a few wears they fit just fine.

Made on the 5 Last, the Kenilworth has that classic dress shoe shape.  Not elongated, but not stumpy.

Pounding the pavement, walking to work in them once or twice a week over a few months, and the Goodyear welted sole is holding up very well, which is only expected coming from Allen Edmonds.  This is highly a recommended shoe for someone looking for something that can smoothly transition from the work week to the weekend.

Thoughts from you guys?  Many of us like a wingtip or a cap toe with brogueing or even a solo medallion.  But has too much attention been paid to those busy, attention getting shoes?  Should subtle be what most men purchase first?

Filed Under: Shoes Tagged With: Allen Edmonds, blucher, brown lace ups, Kenilworth, The Splurge, The Suggestion

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.

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 50% off Sale Styles + Stock Refresh

Steal Alert: J. Crew Extra 50% off Sale Styles + Stock Refresh

Coats. Boots. Sweaters. Final sale though.

The Weekend Reset: TE Lawrence, Minimalism, and Snow

The Weekend Reset: TE Lawrence, Minimalism, and Snow

Plus: Soup!

Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful

Plus a rare deal on a USA made backpack with a cult following.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Comments

  1. Nicholas Crawford says

    August 20, 2012 at 2:50 AM

    Excellent choice. I have an identical shoe (plain brown leather, blucher style, leather sole, rubber heel) from BedStu that introduced me to the world of leather shoes, and I agree – it’s the perfect start versus a busier, brighter walnut Strand that’s certainly a fantastic shoe but one that needs to be worn in the proper context. A brown blucher is as dummy-proof as dark denim.

  2. Jamiroquai says

    August 20, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    I think this is a great starter shoe and just a great essential shoe to have in the closet. It can serve so many purposes (going out, suit and tie, business casual). I think you have to remember though that plain toe bluchers do require a little more upkeep. There is no broguing or design so the shoes need to stay extra shined and always stored with shoe trees so that creasing doesn’t become overwhelming.

  3. PhilipA says

    August 20, 2012 at 7:16 AM

    I recently tried on in store the Kenilworth and the Neumok (ended up going with the Neumok as a great casual shoe, with some potential for linen suits as well) and I have to say there can be some fit issues with the Kenilworth. I’ve gotten the Strand on the 5 last as well, but for some reason the Kenilworth didn’t fit the same and had consistent bulging right in front of the ankle on each shoe. Not sure if that just happened to be an off batch my store got, but just wanted to let you all be aware about possible fit issues. Also I second Joe’s comment about sizing down on the 5 last, as I’m .5 size smaller on that last. In general I also like at least a cap toe, but the Kenilworth did have some nice burnishing on the toe, to give it a more distinctive look, so overall the shoe looked great, just weird fit problems.

  4. Marshall Lilly says

    August 20, 2012 at 7:38 AM

    Another issue that people should know about the Neumok is that in my experience with them, the odd coloring will get transfered to your socks. I have socks to match my lighter colored khakis, and it looks like the bottom parts of them have been dyed red. While this won’t stop me from wearing them (or even buying the blue pair at some point), it’s something worth noting. Probably the only instance of something being wrong in any sense of the word with Allen Edmonds.

  5. Dominic says

    August 20, 2012 at 8:19 AM

    I’m wearing the Kenilworth shoes right now as we speak and they’re my first quality shoes I ever bought. Man these things are so comfortable. Highly recommended as a starter shoe. You’re right about pinching the toes but I”m still working them in. My next set will be stands in black. Btw Joe do you sleep? lol

  6. zerostyle says

    August 20, 2012 at 8:35 AM

    FWIW, the Kenilworth’s seem to run larger than any other shoe on the 5 last (Park Avenue, Strand, etc). Not sure why, but it’s probably related to the blucher style lacing.

  7. Dylan says

    August 20, 2012 at 9:06 AM

    Yes! These are way nice, it can be hard to find them in stores I think because manufacturers probably prefer split toe or cap toe as they can use multiple pieces of smaller leather instead of one large piece which means less waste.

  8. Marshall Lilly says

    August 20, 2012 at 9:08 AM

    Once you’ve made the decision to invest in expensive/high quality shoes, something versatile like this is a great first step. Those shoes can be worn with anything except a black suit. Otherwise you’re good to go.

  9. Greg_S says

    August 20, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    That happens even with very high end shoes when the leather is saturated with a different dye. Sweat will cause it to leech a bit onto socks or feet. It will taper off after a dozen wears or so depending on how much your feet sweat.

  10. BJ McGeever says

    August 20, 2012 at 10:08 AM

    Does anyone have any cheaper (sub $150) options?

  11. JayScott says

    August 20, 2012 at 11:25 AM

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard that a plain-toe derby is more casual than a cap-toe or brogued shoe.

  12. Sam W says

    August 20, 2012 at 12:25 PM

    I have a pair of Timberland Earthkeepers that I found new on ebay for around 90 bucks. A simple pair of plain toe oxfords that look nearly identical to this shoe, but with a rubber sole. They nearly as comfortable as sneakers, and hold up extremely well! I’m so surprised I haven’t seen an article on them.

  13. Joe says

    August 20, 2012 at 1:42 PM

    Ah yes. Well, in the last couple of decades, I think there’s been a shift for most in the male population to view more details as more dressed up, while plain and simple as more dressed down. There’s lots of grey area now.

    No one ever says: “Honey! I’m headed out for a walk in the bog! Do you know where my brogues are??” anymore. Sure their styling is based in a casual realm, but that doesn’t always hold true. Yes, most wingtips don’t look quite as clean with a suit (because of all the detail) but plenty of brogues (like the strand) do look more dressed up.

    To some.

    The Kenilworth, as awesome as it is, is really plain. I’d personally feel much more comfortable wearing a pair of these with some jeans and a button up shirt/sweater combo, than say, some slicked up pair with a medallion on the toe.

  14. Joe says

    August 20, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    I do sleep. On occasion (but, on a note, Ben wrote this one. Byline is small and real easy to miss up at the top.)

  15. JayScott says

    August 20, 2012 at 3:49 PM

    Good thing I didn’t complain about your choice of shoes on that not quite black-tie wedding post.

    I may have also misinterpreted what you meant by upgrade your shoe collection. I think the Kenilworth is a good foundation and that going brogue (haha) would be best saved for after you have some more ‘formal’ pieces in brown and black. However, we may just not agree on this point.

  16. Joe says

    August 20, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    Couple things: I didn’t choose the shoes for the not quite black-tie wedding, the reader wrote in and said “these are what I have… can they work?”

    I also didn’t write this piece. Our correspondent Ben did. And I think you and I (and Ben) agree on some levels. I believe that there’s some shoes that cross the lines of tradition, and the Kenilworth is one of them for sure. It’s a plain toe, but it’s also a derby/blucher (open lacing for those reading who don’t give a hoot about the terms). Some hardliners will say “Oh you can’t wear THOSE with a suit” because they’re not oxfords, while others will say “those are more dressed up than a brogue.” The key is to see the grey area. And these cover a lot of grey area.

  17. Jon Space says

    August 20, 2012 at 5:34 PM

    I got the code but I’m getting an error “The promotional code you entered cannot be applied to your purchase” tried with different amazon resellers but no luck. Anyone get this to work?

  18. Philip Coffaro says

    August 20, 2012 at 7:01 PM

    And I just got a pair of Neumoks this weekend. Dammit.

  19. James says

    August 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    It only applies to items sold directly from Amazon

  20. Andrew Stanley says

    August 20, 2012 at 10:13 PM

    If one wàs wearing this shoe with jeans as depicted in the photo, what kind of socks would be worn? I’ve received quite an education with all the posts about shoes, but now I need some guidance on hosiery to match.

  21. S. Figer says

    August 20, 2012 at 10:51 PM

    Are these good for going sockless? Some shoes never seem to break in well enough to go without socks, or are too heavy for a casual summer evening.

  22. Zetherin says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    People hate on ALDO shoes, but I’ve found some really good cheap casual leather shoes from them. I have a pair of black and brown casual oxfords that look very similar to these, and they only cost ~$70 a pair. They won’t hold up like an AE will, but they look slightly more stylish, and I have no problem making them last with some weekly maintenance.

  23. David H. says

    August 21, 2012 at 7:53 PM

    Note on these, as I just tried them on in-store. They’re only for people with “full” (read: tall) feet. I had a ridiculous amount of room above the top of my foot in my appropriate size. If you don’t have a bulbous foot (his description), then the Clifton or Park Avenue are better bets.

  24. Gabe Gador says

    August 30, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    Joe – have you experienced any of the “outward bowing” of the Kenilworth that some reviewers as of late on the AE site have had: http://reviews.allenedmonds.com/7512-en_us/SF8005/kenilworth-reviews/reviews.htm

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

  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Tech Joggers, New Sunglasses, Better(?) Silicone Rings, & More
  • Spier Shoes Sale, Half off Core Temp Chinos, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – BR makes an Athletic Tapered Traveler Jean, AE Factory 2nds, & More
  • 10 Skills to Master for a truly Stylish Home
  • Sunday Steal Alert: J. Crew 50% off Select New Arrivals / 40% off most everything else
  • Steal Alert? DSW 30% off Boots (including Wolverine 1000 milers $140 – $175?)

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

  • Altering Boardshorts?
  • Crown & Caliber sold to Hodinkee
  • J. Crew Court Classic Sneakers
  • BR athletic tapered?
  • Navy Blue Overcoat with Blue Trousers?

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.