In Review: The Johnston & Murphy Tyndall Cap Toe Boot

Johnston & Murphy Tyndall Boot – $129.47 – $147.96 ($185)

This requires using one of two codes. The 30% off code TAKE30OF seems to work for some, but not others. If it doesn’t work for you, try NEWFALL2 , which should take 20% off.

There are two kinds of good-looking boots most of us reach for in fall. There’s the clunky & tough as hell work-boot inspired suckers (like most Redwings and Wolverines), and then there’s the sleeker boots that are easy to dress up. With leather soles and high prices, you’d be understandably reluctant to wear most of the latter on crappy weather days. And that’s why the Tyndall is a welcome addition to the boot world. With a super-low profile yet still grip-equipped rubber sole, and a price point that’s affordable for most, these are boots you can show off without ending up on your ass on the sidewalk, or with your butt in a financial sling.

The design is perfect. Perfect toe shape, perfect silhouette… these things are suit worthy (although you might want to swap out the stock laces for some slicker waxed dress laces on suited days). Most boot makers either go with a plain toe or a full wingtip, but J&M split the difference here and stuck with the half-brogue cap toe + medallion. That extra bit of smooth leather on the vamp dresses them up more than a wingtip. It’s the same reason why the Allen Edmonds Strand seems to be more dressed up, visually, than their McAllister.

Construction and materials are plenty solid for a mid $100s when-on-sale shoe. The leather is soft, flexible, and has a nice out-of-the-box shine to it. Not in a plastic way though. The Italian calfskin has a bit of subtle marbling and color variation to it, which goes a long way in making them easy on the eyes. Sure the sole is bonded to the upper and they’re made in China, but they feel plenty sturdy as well as flexible for the reasonable price point. The cap toe version is only available in the can’t-miss tan (which is a perfect shade for an all-blues outfit). It’d be nice to see J&M make these in the same black and burgundy leather that the full wingtip version comes in.

The one drawback: These things are TRIM. A 10.5 on my borderline wide feet was leaving little to no room at the sides. Forget wearing thicker socks with these things. And ordering a half size up might leave you with way too much toe since they’re pretty long out in front.

Shoe snobs won’t be impressed, but that’s why they’re snobs. These are a huge step up from the Stafford Camlin, yet no where near as expensive as the Allen Edmonds Dalton or Fifth Street. They’re a quality pair of boots that look and feel awfully good,at a price most can afford. Most of us won’t be turning our noses up at that combination.

Your turn guys: Does the Tyndall potentially hit that perfect mid point? Sure it’s bonded, but it’s also attainable for those on a tight budget. Would you give these a shot? Or when it comes to shoes, are you a reverse bell-curve (expensive investments or dirt cheap only) kind of shopper? Leave it all below.