Jack Erwin Shoes: The Next Big Thing?

Jack Erwin Shoes: Blake Stitched, Made in Portugal, $195.00

Many thanks to David B. for sending in the style tip about this new brand.

A hyper-clean website. The “we save you money by selling direct to you, our customers!” strategy. A two word, crisp but not snooty sounding brand name. It’s pretty familiar. We’ve all seen this before in multiple corners of style related retail.

Or have we?

Jack Erwin shoes appears to have just come on the scene, and without hyperventilating about it, they really might be the next “it” brand in men’s style. Here’s why:

• Impressive styling – Updated & aerodynamic without getting comical.
• Construction – Their shoes are Blake stitched, which is a type of construction that allows for resoling (if you can find the right cobbler) and is often used on lighter-weight, sleeker shoes (Goodyear = bigger & beefier)
• Full-grain calfskin uppers – Nice to know.
• Portuguese made – Or course, country of origin isn’t always an indicator for quality.
• Free Shipping & Free Returns – Your move Meermin.
• In stock and ready to ship – Shoes should arrive to you within 5 days. No pre-ordering/supporting a campaign, then waiting.
• They have a showroom in New York City – So they have at least some on the ground presence in the states.
• Price – Under $200. Still an investment, but accessible for most.

Is anybody else doing all that? That’s a lot of boxes that just got checked. Honest question.

The launch lineup. Five styles, each come in black or one distinct shade of brown.

They’re currently offering just five styles: A wingtip, a cap toe oxford, a single monk strap, a penny loafer, and an ankle boot with a buckle up top. Each style comes in black and a chosen shade of brown, depending on the style. Everything from chestnut on the wingtip, to a very light burnished tan on the monk strap.

GQ has already covered them. So has Aquiremag.com. If these look as good in person as they do on the screen, there’s massive potential here.

Got a couple pairs on the way for review… standby…

Thoughts? Are you intrigued? Does this operation seem unique, in a good way, to you? Leave it all in the comments below.