Win It: The Allen Edmonds Dalton

Allen Edmonds Dalton – $361.25 ($425) During the Rediscover America Sale

The Allen Edmonds Dalton might be the quintessential 21st century American smart-casual shoe. They’re as high/low as it gets. The soul of a snot-kicker with the sleek profile of a dress shoe. Made in the USA, Goodyear welted, recraftable, and the kind of shoes you enjoy taking care of after you’ve put them through hell (which is also kinda fun).

A boot built on the AE 511 last, Daltons have a perfectly shaped, rounded point to a toe that still offers good room in the toe box. They’re the kind of shoes you can wear with slimmer dress socks + tweed pants one day, then switch to thicker wool socks and jeans the next.

An open-laced derby style with reinforced eylets and nicely pliable calfskin, the Dalton’s wingtip and broguing is a reminder that all those punches and perforations used to help drain water while walking across wet landscapes. You’ll want to opt for something else if you’re gonna go knee deep in a bog, but for daily urban use? You’ll be able to get from point A to B with more protection than what a standard dress shoe would offer. There’s also the optional upgrade of the V-Tread tap sole if you live in especially wet or slippery climates.

Are they suit-worthy? They’d look great with a flannel, corduroy, moleskin, or tweed. Something with texture and weight. But the open-style blucher/derby lacing, plus that true wingtip and heft of a boot might overwhelm a slim standard wool number. But they’ll excel with all kinds of business casual wear.

Available in dark brown, black, the new bourbon, and the walnut shade seen here. And that walnut option is gonna stand out. Especially against deep shades of blue like dark wash jeans or navy cords. Wear them with either of those, plus a blazer, and you’re ready for a date or to head to a beer tasting/tap takeover with pals (or, a date at a beer tasting… which would be perfect). Or kick back at home with some casual chinos and a thicker wool sweater. Life’s too short to save your good shoes for only special occasions.

Besides, these can take it.

Enter here to win a pair of Allen Edmonds Walnut Daltons in your size and width. Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET 10/7/14. Many thanks to Allen Edmonds for providing a pair for giveaway. Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to R. Smith in NY who won a pair of Walnut Daltons. Thanks again to Allen Edmonds for providing the boots for a giveaway!

Note: If you’re the type who’ll roll the dice on a pair of factory 2nds from an AE factory outlet or the shoebank, you should know that 2nds quality Daltons are currently marked down to $219. Head here for more info on how 2nds sales work, then head to Shoebank.com to see if they have your size. Many thanks to reader Joe G. for the style tip!