The end of the year means it’s time to hand out some awards. No, there’s no little statues to pass along, but over the next few days we’ll still highlight some of the best in affordable men’s style from this past year. And it was a good one. Feel free to send in additional nominations here.
This was a tough one. The new Allen Edmonds Mora 2.0 is outstanding, but expensive (and not everyone likes double monks). Meanwhile, the Wolverine 1000 mile 2nds that dipped to the mid $100s on Sierra Trading Post earlier this year were a fantastic deal, but not everyone is into substantial boots. Jack Erwin? A fantastic launch for that new brand. But maybe they get the Dappy next year.
JC Penney Claiborne Gaylord Suede Wingtip – $31.99 – $60.00
No longer available online, and most likely clearanced out in store.
So there’s your winner. The dark brown, suede, Claiborne wingtips have sailed into the sunset, but they were incredible while still on the shelves at JC Penney. Dirt cheap (at one point they were thirty bucks), strangely solid quality, and incredibly versatile. They embodied why so many of us stepped back into a JC Penney for the first time in decades.
Yet, if you believe some of what you hear, styles like this at JC Penney won’t be around much longer. Sadly, these are most likely a swan song in suede shoe form. As SolefulStrut put it over here, “The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long – and you have burned so very, very brightly, JCP.”
Also Receiving Votes: Zara’s Spanish Made Suede Single Monk, Jack Erwin’s new line, The Red Wing Beckman during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Allen Edmonds returning to a rounded toe Double Monk with the Mora 2.0.
Those are so Gaylord shoes you’re wearing there…
anyone know where we can still get these shoes??
In store on clearance. If you don’t see them, ask an associate to check the back.
I have seen them on a few clearance racks at JCPs while Christmas shopping around my place and my hometown (western Pennsylvania/Pittsburgh area). None of the ones around me had my size but I was able to find one pair in my size on Christmas Eve at the mall by my parents home. Got them for 28 bucks.
I couldn’t find them in-store, and I didn’t want to order them online. Now I’m regretting that decision. Such is life…
JCP is definitely going to be missed. I got a pair of these, and also an unstructured cotton patch-pocket navy blazer that I picked up on clearance for ~$20, which was the best 20 bucks I spent all year.
I think DSW deserves a shout for the new Mercanti Fiorentini dub monks sans chisel toe. The old version worked for some, but looked stupid long in a size 13, but the new cap-toe model is just right.
Everyone check in store! I just picked up both these and the old style Stafford Kent boot on clearance cheap! While I was there I noticed they were clearing out almost all their Stafford line of clothes. Going to miss JCP once they go back to their old ways.
So glad I got a pair when I did. I was out on black friday and almost passed them up, having already spent so much, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t.
I bought a pair of these way back when, but they fell apart after a few months of use on the DC streets. Unfortunate, but they were real nice while they lasted.
Found them in clearance, tried on the display models and fit perfectly. I got lucky
i just went to the store today and got the last pair on display! These honestly look even better in person. I think it was 35$ but the lady gave me 10% off because they didnt have a box for it. However, the shoe is kinda big on me (its a 9.5 but I think a 9 or even 8.5 would’ve been better). Should I still keep these??