Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

In Review: The Jack Erwin “Ernie” Driver

July 1, 2014 By Dappered Team | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

The C-note summer purchase:  Jack Erwin “Ernie” Driving Loafer – $95.00

About the author: Brian Footer loves the restaurant scene in his hometown of Philadelphia and is the founder of his own law firm that specializes in tax compliance and planning, tax controversy, and business consulting. When not drowning in scintillating statutes, Brian does his best to avoid dressing like an extra in The Firm. 

I presume this is the Jack Erwin pitch, “Suede driving loafers in a summer appropriate color for a cool hundo. Try it! You’ll like it!” Since the shipping is free in each direction, and grey drivers are the definition of impulse purchase, I surrendered to internet window-shopping.

First, a quick word on Jack Erwin. This is a young company based in New York. The shoes are made in Portugal or Spain, and the direct-to-consumer model supposedly cuts costs enough to deliver a superior product. Intriguing. Yes. Ordinarily my own personal perception of shoes in the $100-$200 retail range is: DO NOT BUY*… unless they used to retail for closer to $350. Sure, you might find a pair of Cole Haan or Florsheim shoes that are great, but for me, the odds just don’t seem to be in our favor. Anyhow, I had high hopes.

A review of the Jack Erwin "Ernie" Driver on Dappered.comClassic shape. Leather lined. Made in Spain.

The buying process was streamlined and the color depicted on the site matched what arrived. Shipping is free both directions, but they use UPS SurePost, which can cause delays (SurePost is a combo UPS/USPS shipping method, with the Post Office making the final delivery). I was happily spared any delays and UPS shipped the package direct, making the total transit time two business days.

The Ernies are a standard driver. The silhouette might be slightly on the narrow side, which matches the overall brand design philosophy. The toe shape and proportions are pleasant and classic. The rubber bits on the heel are subtle and are patterned on the sole in such a way that you won’t feel off-balance. No wobbling about. Driving loafers have a unique feel because they require you to balance on a tiny forest of stumps or another grippy surface.  And most don’t offer the best support. However, after testing these out a bit on carpet, I didn’t notice any leg or foot fatigue.

Jack Erwin Driving Loafers on Dappered.com

The suede is a split-calf, rather than the reverse full grain brown suede used on their more formal collection.  I don’t know how that will affect durability, but split-calf is absolutely appropriate at this price point.  That being said, the material feels a bit thin.  The stitching is mostly even, but I did notice a few errant threads especially near the heel.  Unfortunately, these shoes did not fit me.  It wasn’t even close.  I read the warnings about sizing down, but I have a feeling the driver’s run even larger than the formal shoes.

Jack Erwin Ernie Suede and stitch on Dappered.com Split suede, instead of Genuine Suede. Not the thickest, but expected at this price point.

When I look at these shoes I can’t find much objectively wrong about them.  That being said, I won’t be exchanging them for a smaller size. They felt, to me, a bit too light. I was also expecting thicker suede. I blame the siren call that misters Jack and Erwin wrote, “No middle-man = more shoe than you could normally afford!”  Instead, consider these shoes appropriate for their price point.  The only trouble is, adequate and appropriate don’t drive impulse purchases.

Your turn guys. Got a pair of Jack Erwins? What do you think? Anyone have the “Ernie” driver in particular? Leave it all in the comments below.

*Editor’s note: An understandable philosophy, but some can work in that range.

Filed Under: Reviews, Shoes Tagged With: Jack Erwin

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

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 The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

Steal The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

“You gotta walk before you crawl.”

Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 2023

Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 2023

Spier’s new stretch cotton blazer. Timex’s new automatic watch. And an old sneaker favorite makes a big return.

Style Scenario: Well Dressed on a Gray Rainy Day

Style Scenario: Well Dressed on a Gray Rainy Day

Prepped for the slop of very-early-spring, while still looking put together.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

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.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Sanders Chukkas, Timex M79 Automatic Watches Under $200, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Woodlore Shoe Trees BOGO, Nike’s Extra 20% off Spring Sale, & More
  • One Store, Five Outfits: Extra 25% off Brooks Brothers Sale Items
  • Style Scenario: Well Dressed on a Gray Rainy Day
  • Stock Alert: The Q Timex GMT is back in stock.
  • header image of green beer Style Scenario: Going Green for St. Patrick’s Day – Casual

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

Copyright © 2023 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.