Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews
  • Forum

In Review: The J. Crew Kenton Plain-Toe Leather Boot

January 6, 2015 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Here's why.

Kenton Plain-Toe in Black or “Burnished Tobacco” – $131.40 w/ STYLE2015 ($268)

NOTE: Sizes for the black option are limited at post time, but as is often the case with J. Crew sale items, sizes can come and go. So if you’re interested, might be worth keeping an eye on em’.

When J. Crew started to crank out their own, in-house line of boots, a lot of us were pretty close to thrilled. After all, their spring & summer ready Kenton Suede bucks are fantastic, especially when on sale. Those have a Goodyear welt, are slimmer through the toe than the traditional buck silhouette, and have a lightweight, shock-absorbing EVA sole.

The good, and also bad thing about their boots upon release… was that they kept everything the same. The toes weren’t clunky (good!) they’ve got Goodyear Welt construction (good!) and… the sole still kinda looks like it’s made out of yoga mats.

In Review: The J. Crew Kenton Plain Toe Leather Boot | Dappered.com

And that WORKS on a casual, warm weather shoe (like the Kenton, these from Express, and many of Banana Republic’s shoes). But it looks a little off on boots? It’s not the slimness of the sole. That’s terrific. A lot of guys don’t want to (wait for it) lug around a chunky lug sole. A thin lug sole, sure. But if Indy made flat soled boots work, then so be it. Plus, that lack of visual nubby-traction on the bottom of your boots looks a heck of a lot better with jeans and a blazer, as opposed to boots you’d wear while working at the top of a telephone pole. Total design win for J. Crew there.

Look, this quibble is based solely on aesthetics. Functionally EVA is better in many ways than leather. Sew a leather sole on there and the price would have to go up (and it does, just see their “Ludlow” boot collection). Leather also doesn’t have the best traction, and it’ll soak up water on ugly days. But why not something less… foamy looking?

In Review: The J. Crew Kenton Plain Toe Leather Boot | Dappered.com

J. Crew chose to put the exact same “brick” colored sole that they use on their bucks on their entire line of Kenton boots (except for the black shade seen here). That red brick sole is a traditional look for summer bucks. But to many, it’s going to look out of place on boots. It’s too warm in shade and too matte in finish compared to rubber/something rubber-like. And that mismatch, to some, will undercut the rest of the shoe. The carpet just doesn’t seem to match the drapes.

But it’s much, much less noticeable on the black option, since, y’know… they made the soles black instead of the brick red/salmon color. And the toasted tan contrast of the welt looks real good. More than a few of us are suckers for that black & tan combo. Dirty em’ up and even those who are too damn picky about the sole (hi!) probably won’t care anymore.

In Review: The J. Crew Kenton Plain Toe Leather Boot | Dappered.com

Fit feels true to size. Maybe slightly narrow. The shape is perfect (not clunky, but not tight through the toe box) and the leathers feel better than decent. Nice and flexible but still with a decent shine out of the box. Reinforced eyelets and eyehooks are also a plus. Made in China. Price with the extra 40% knocked off is plenty fair if you’re good with the sole.

Maybe next fall they’ll keep all their upper designs (Leather & Suede, Plain-Toe & Apron Toes) but sew them to something that doesn’t look like leftovers from making their bucks. If they do that, many more of us will buy in. And probably at a higher price.

In Review: The J. Crew Kenton Plain Toe Leather Boot | Dappered.com

Filed Under: Reviews, Shoes Tagged With: J. Crew Boot Review, J. Crew Kenton

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

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.

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 Alert: EXPRESS Merino Hoodies are $30

Steal Alert: EXPRESS Merino Hoodies are $30

Change your hoodie, change your life.

The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy

The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy

A Dappered approved gift guide, specifically tailored for the tailored types.

Style Scenario: “Fancy” Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation

Style Scenario: “Fancy” Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation

In the spirit of the season, let’s upgrade cousin Eddie’s style. Inspired but far from identical, full of stylish, currently available alternatives.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

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.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Monday Men's Sales Tripod - Spier does Boots, Extra 30% off Bonobos Sale Items, & More
    Monday Men's Sales Tripod - Spier does Boots, Extra 30% off Bonobos Sale Items, & More
  • Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Dressed Down Holiday Party
    Style Scenario: What to Wear to a Dressed Down Holiday Party
  • Steal(ish) Alert: Timex American Documents Series are 30% off
    Steal(ish) Alert: Timex American Documents Series are 30% off
  • Style Scenario: "Fancy" Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation
    Style Scenario: "Fancy" Cousin Eddie from Christmas Vacation
  • The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy
    The Dappered Gift Guide for… The Tailored/Suited Guy
  • Steal Alert: Stan Smiths at Nordstrom for $58.83
    Steal Alert: Stan Smiths at Nordstrom for $58.83

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

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • JCrew Ludlow Essential Slim fit suit suit in stretch four-season wool*
  • Opinions on orvis?
  • Jackets / Sweaters to keep warm in a cold office
  • Holiday Party Help
  • the huckberry flint and tinder Harrington jacket IS actually super nice

Copyright © 2019 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Paul Olson, Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC