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10 pairs of casual shoes – Dressed down but not out

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From the Mailbag:  Enough with the dress shoes.  What about casual stuff?

We’ve seen enough work and dress shoes, God knows I have a brown pair that looks great.  But seeing some casual shoes that you could wear with jeans would be helpful!  Thanks!

– Freddy
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God knows Freddy’s brown pair looks great?  “I’m A God.  Not THE God.  I don’t think.”  Now many of us in the not-God-camp (it’s a big camp, lots of leatherworking tents) want to know what Freddy’s dress shoes look like.  Glad they’re working out for him and the almighty approves.  He’s certainly onto something.  Guy’s aren’t always in dress shoes.  And sometimes a heavier boot doesn’t look quite right with a t-shirt and jeans.  10 pairs follow for those times when you’re real casual, but not sloppy.
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Seavees  Army Issue High Tops in Navy or Natural, & Woodland or Slate- $65.99 ($108)
Shown here in “slate” with the suede details.

Never thought a pair of classic looking American style sneakers would ever generate compliments, but these do.  They look just different enough.  Design is inspired by the sneakers that soldiers at San Bernardino county’s Fort Irwin wore back in the 60s.  The toe cap is ribbed, and the footbed has more of a curve to it.  The woodland or slate option come with a suede tonal stripe at the heel and the tongue is suede as well.  Genuine gum rubber outsole too.  Chuck Taylors are great.  These have more curb appeal.

NOTE: Looks like DSW has the slate-grey pair for $59.95 and free shipping if you join their email list and use SHIPR.

 

The Boatshoe Chukka Hybrid Thing:  Sebago Beacon – $116 w/code PRES ($135-$145)
Very durable, and very comfortable.

Not cheap, but some guys swear by these things.  They’re boots, but not really.  They sort of look like boat shoes, but they ain’t those either.  They’re a goofy blend that feels perfect on a Saturday or Sunday morning when you’re out of the house but in no particular rush.  Rawhide laces, good thick leather, and with the code PRES you get 20% off at Macy’s and free shipping.  They’re tough to find on sale with a good variety of sizes.  So it might take some hunting around if you want them for less.  Somewhat similar and cheaper: L.L. Bean Signature’s Handsewn Ranger Moc.

 

Gorilla USA Suede Lace-up – $119.40 ($199) | Suede Chukka – $129.00 ($199)
Eats Crocs for lunch.

Part of LastCall.com’s current 40% off one item sale.  Made in the USA and built extremely well.  Hard not to like grey suede once you put a pair of shoes made out of it on your feet.  Limited sizes in the boots.  Boots also available in brown or navy.

 

Not too preppy boat shoes: Sperry Top-Sider Original – $89.95
Doesn’t scream “I’m looking for the clambake”

Boat shoes are inherently preppy.  They’re also understandably seen as a warm weather shoe (not a lot of boating going on once the weather starts getting cold).  But if you stick with earthtones instead of bright or highly contrasting colors, they end up just looking like… a shoe.  These in suede are about as close to slippers as it gets without looking sloppy.

 

Billy Reid for K-Swiss Venice Surf & Court – $39.99 ($85)
More than half off.

“…this impossible-to-find collector’s item is available in extremely limited quantities”… Or not.  They’re on sale for more than half off after all.  Down to forty bucks now, and could dip stupid cheap with the next extra-30% off sale.  Unmistakably casual, but Billy Reid‘s details like  that washed black exterior, the stripes, the rope laces and brass d-rings… all add up to make them anything but any old pair of $40 sneakers.

 

Clark’s Desert Boots – $77.35 ($120)
Simple. Can’t miss.

Undeniably classic.  Yes they’re a boot, but unlike some big Chippewa numbers, these are lightweight enough visually that they wouldn’t look too out of place with just a t-shirt or polo on top.  Three color options (pictured would be the beeswax leather) over at Piperlime where they’re on sale for just under $100, plus they ship and return free.  UPDATE:  Screw the piperline route… they sell for the high $70s at Amazon.  Updated above.  Many thanks to Farhan for that mention in the comments.

 

Driving Loafers: Cole Haan Howland in Black or Tan – $99.90 ($148)
You don’t actually have to be driving to wear these.

If you’re not the boat shoe type, you might be the driver type.  Plenty can’t get over that rear heel grip, but that’s there to help give your foot some grip and a place to rest/rock back and forth on when driving your fancy sports car (or, whatever you have that’s fun to drive that requires some pedal action).  Most are obscenely comfortable as long as you’re not walking great distances or standing for long periods of time in them.  These things are usually more lightweight and slim compared to other more supportive types of footwear.  They also look terrific in suede.  Feel free to read this appreciation of drivers over here.

 

Dressed Down Monks: Brooks Brothers Desert Boot – $198 | AE Lubbock – $199 ($295)
Name’s Allen. This is my brother Brooks. He got all the height.

All right, so these aren’t going to neccessarily look perfect with just a t-shirt and jeans, but they’re real casual for a monk strap.  The Brooks Brothers boots look like they’re here to stay, since they’ve been around for at least a few seasons and tend to go on sale every so often.  The AE Lubbock is part of their Rough collection, and it’s now almost $100 off.

Any additions?  When you get through the door at the end of the day, what’s your go-to pair for the Mr. Rogers transition?  Or are you usually in dressed up stuff because you’ve spent the money on them?  Do you usually move to heavier boots?  Leave it all in the comments below.

Comments

  1. The Clark’s desert boot can be had for $77 at amazon. Maybe cheaper if theyre still running a promo on shoes.

  7. How are the Sebago Beacons for support? Most boat shoes tend to suck in that category. Are the boots any better? (and they look pretty awesome with jeans)

  9. Are these 2 LL Bean boots out of the running because they are “too” workish?

    The 1st are made in the USA by Chippewa:

    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/74748?feat=508893-CL1&attrValue_0=Brown&productId=1242662

    http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/49464?feat=74748-ppxs&dds=y

    How about the classic Blundstone 500, I am on my 2nd pair in 10 years, I saw recently J Crew selling them, so they could be showing up on a lot of guys feet:

    http://www.zappos.com/blundstone-bl500

  12. I’ve been wearing the same pair of desert boots for the past 4-5 years now and love them! They only look better with age, so long as you take the time to clean and put some leather conditioner on them every 2 or so months.

  13. gawd, joe, those are all terrible. didn’t see one pair that didn’t make me cringe. except maybe for the clark’s.

  14. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/caterpillar-cat-the-omega-boots-leather-for-men~p~4945t/?filterString=s~omega%2F&colorFamily=01

    I bought these about a week ago, Pretty solid as far as I can tell. Change the laces out to something more subtle, hit them with a few light layers of black polish/mink oil to tone the reddish down a bit and you have a pretty unique looking solid boot in a well crafted style that can be rarely found at that price point. Easily goes from the couch to the jobsite to dinner afterwards all in the same boot

  15. I forgot to mention, There is a banner code on their website for and additional 20% off that changes daily so make sure to use that if your interested

  16. I have been wavering back and forth on the Gorilla USA boots. What type of quality is comparable and how is the sizing?

  17. I have been wavering back and forth on the Gorilla USA boots. What is the quality comparable to and how is the sizing?

  19. Joe, did you waxed the leather on those Sebago Beacons’ that your wearing on the pic above b/c that sole only comes in brown oily waxy which not even close to the reddish color of that boot in that pic?

    I just recently purchased the LL Bean (not the signature) but the since I have small ankles, the fit would only be good if I am wearing medium to thick ragg socks.

  20. Those Beacons should fit good if you like the Docksiders from Sebago since they are just a boot version of them. As far as experience is concerned, the Docksiders have a stiffer leather than the Sperry Topsider making them more ideal for walking around town.

  21. Support isn’t great, but the boot still fits well. I grabbed the same pair from Bonobos from awhile back and have been wearing them for months now. Always get compliments on them.

  23. I was looking at the Gorrila chukkas 2 days ago at 30% off, but then they were 199. now they are 220 with 40%…. at least for me.

  24. Really liking those Billy Reid K-Swiss’. Going to have to remember them for the next J. Crew sale…

  25. Joe, did you apply any reddish color wax on those Beacons’ since those ones only come with a brown oiled waxy leather?

  27. Nope, never have done anything with them. Had them for a year and have sort of beat the snot out of them. Might just be the lighting.

  30. The gorillas running for $199 were only for the Navy and Brown. The grey suede has always been 220.. Must be in higher demand.

  32. Awesome, I just ordered them and would compare them with the LL Bean’s Ranger Moc when it arrives. Many Thx.

  33. Be careful with the Clark’s desert boots that you see marked down at DSW, Nordstrom Rack, etc….the ones without the crepe sole are poorer quality than the “Clarks Originals.”

  34. + for the Clarks. Great pair of shoes that are comfortable and lock great with anything. I always receive compliments on them. I think I found mine for ~$65 at a Clarks outlet.

  39. Have some made by Sperry I picked up on Ebay. Support is near identical to a boat show. Compliments are way more common though.

  40. I have a pair of the non-crepe sole ones; the Bushacre 2 model? I think that’s right. I was a little skeptical when I saw them, but I just couldn’t turn them down at $48. What quality differences are there, Marc? More comfortable innards?

    I would like to snag a pair of the crepe original style, in maybe a gray suede; but I’ll try to wait for next year, as these leather ones are beasts, and seem like they might serve me well past fall and into winter. Hope so.

  41. I can’t get on board with the ribbed cap on the Seavees. It just seems too busy. I’m a Chucks man for life, I guess.

  43. The lubbock is a fantastic shoe. It’s much lighter in person then on AE’s website. One of my favorite pairs.

  44. Which one of these shoes would look best with khaki shorts and a polo? I live in Florida so I never wear pants. Thanks!

  45. And I’d just like to add, I love the look of the leather chukkas and desert boots, but I’m just not sure if I can wear those with pants!

  47. What kind of pants would you wear (or not wear) with the seevees and clarks? Which colour of the seevees do you think are more versatile?
    Those are by far my two favourite pairs on this list, haha – I was thinking of grabbing them already, but now it’s a definite.

  48. Bought some Cole Haan drivers a couple months ago and I love them. Very versatile shoes and very comfortable to walk in.

  49. Eastland Seneca is a good alternative to the Sebagos. I saw them on sale as famous footwear for 30$ and they can be had pretty cheap online.

  51. I’m not quite sure what the difference is, all I know is from experience. My buddy and I both purchased Clark desert boots last fall; I got the the Clark Originals with the crepe sole and he got the Clarks with the non-crepe sole. Within a few months, his sole started coming apart from the shoe. Mine are doing just fine, and so glad that fall is back so I can wear them again. This difference made me question the quality on those non-crepe soles, especially since I only see them at the discount stores. I’ve also found out from doing a little online research, that the Clark Originals crepe soles are resole-able; so I don’t know if that also clues in on their better quality over the non-crepe soles? Crepe soles aren’t for everyone, I was taken aback on how dirty they got from the first wear, and when my buddy had his rubber soles, I was jealous in the beginning, but after his fell apart, I knew I had made the right choice.

  54. I just got these bostonians off ebay for 24.99. I have worn them once and totally love them so far. I highly recommend. Just FYI they are a little big. I had to put those heel pad stickers in the back by my Achilles tendon that helped alot!

  58. Cool. Thanks for the personal A/B comparison. I will be looking for a good deal on the “originals” crepe sole version next year. And I think it will be a good test to see how well my non-crepe sole versions hold up through the rest of that time. So far so good, but only time will tell. Again, thanks.

    Oh, and I *almost* snagged a black suede pair of these Johnston/Murphy desert boots, which were $70 at a local Marshalls, the other night:
    http://www.sierratradingpost.com/johnston-and-murphy-runnell-chukka-boots-suede-for-men~p~4844m/?

    i think they are the same model that Joe mentioned in his “grey” post, a while back:
    http://dappered.com/2012/08/going-grey-5-unexpected-ways-to-work-grey-into-your-style/

    If they *were* grey, I would’ve probably forked out the dough.

  60. I bought the Billy Reid shoes in “natural” and love them. They look like a classier set of white converse or Jack Purcells and have a lot of good detailing (rope laces, nicer materials, old school, non-generic look). My only complaint is that the the top of the toe box is a bit low, meaning that sometimes your toes feel like they have no room to wiggle around up and down.

    http://www.jcrew.com/browse/popup_single_product_detail.jsp?jproduct=83479&imgSrc=http://s7.jcrew.com/is/image/jcrew/83479_ED1183?$pdp_fs418$&isFeatureColor=false

  61. Bought the Billy Reid for K-Swiss shoe above from JCrew last week when I saw it on here. Got it yesterday and very happy with it. Comfy and looks great. With shipping, it came to $40. Thanks for the recommendation!