Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

In Review: J. Crew Kenton Pacer Boots

February 25, 2015 By Christian | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

J. Crew Suede Kenton Pacer Boots – $69.99 FINAL w/ SWEETSALE ($248)

When these debuted on J. Crew’s website, a lot of mouse pointers (or fingers, what’s up tablet users) hovered over the “add to bag” button. They’re a pretty obvious homage to the Alden Indy boot, which J. Crew also carries, cut from rich looking suede, and Goodyear welted. So they should be durable, and easier-than-most to resole in the future.

But hover over “add to cart” was as far as it got for most. If the massive price drops are any indication, not many seemed to actually buy the boots. But if you held off, that patience has quite possibly worked in your favor. The boots are now down to $69.99 (w/ the code SWEETSALE, final sale, so no returns), and their construction and materials far out run that price.

The ‘acorn’ color is a light brown tone with some rusty orange hues keeping the uppers rich and warm. The suede is soft to the touch, but not in a way where it feels flimsy. Not saying these boots will have the durability of Redwings or Wolverines, but they’ll do fine for most of us.

In Review: J. Crew Kenton Pacer Boots | Dappered.com

If you compare the quality of this suede to that of suede shoes normally in the $70 – $100 price range, it’s noticeably superior. Put up against these double monks from Nordstrom’s 1901 line, and the J. Crew boots feel like when you got Coco Puffs instead of Kix on Friday morning before school; a sincere feeling of accomplishment and understanding of the better things in life.

When you scope the boots online, the sole is an unexpectedly bright laffy taffy pink. In person however, the sole (brick EVA sole) is much more subdued (hallelujah). The sole still looks like it was hijacked from a summer buck, but at least it’s not trying to duplicate a pink crayon. And since they’re boots, you’re gonna dirty em’ up. That sole starts to fade into the background after some miles are put on them.

The size shown here is a 9H (9.5) and it fits true to size. The insole is comfortable, and when walking your feet feel secure enough to step on any surface comfortably. They feel a little stiff initially, specifically around the top of the foot; but should loosen up after a few wears.

In Review: J. Crew Kenton Pacer Boots | Dappered.com

The biggest negative is the boot’s tongue. It feels fairly loose and it was constantly falling to the side during review; WAY to the side. That wasn’t uncomfortable, just annoying. Tightening the laces did help, but for the tongue to stay in its place for a solid period of time, they needed to be tied a stupid amount tighter than necessary. Maybe it’s just a bum pair. Maybe my ankles and these boots just don’t get along. But It’s an unfortunate downside in an extremely solid boot. It could be nitpicking, but that tongue sliding off to the side is gonna bug some guys.

Better looking in person than on the J. Crew website. Quality materials and construction. But there are a few points of contention (final sale, the potential tongue issue, and that sole…) that even now at $70, there’s still going to be a lot of hovering over “add to cart” instead of clicking.

In Review: J. Crew Kenton Pacer Boots | Dappered.com

Filed Under: Reviews, Shoes Tagged With: J. Crew Boots, suede boots

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. 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.

TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More

TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More

Plus End of Season events from J. Crew as well as Under Armour.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day

There will be other sales.

Steal Alert: Nordstrom Extra 25% off Sale Items Clearance Blowout

Steal Alert: Nordstrom Extra 25% off Sale Items Clearance Blowout

Uncle Nordy wants this stuff gone. Cashmere sweaters. Lots of chukkas. Plenty of Bonobos.

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.
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

  • Steal Alert: Nordstrom Extra 25% off Sale Items Clearance Blowout
  • adidas End of Season, Allen Edmonds Warehouse Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Best Posts of 2020: A lot of watches, some shoes, and being a stylish dad
  • Steal Alert: 97% Wool / 3% Spandex Dress Pants from The Tie Bar for $25
  • Best Posts of 2020: Athleisure, Activewear, and Hot Weather
  • On Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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

  • Recommendations on American Made Denim (for my Wife)
  • AE Dalton too stiff
  • SuitSupply Linen Tuxedo
  • hiking shoes for AE dress shoe dress boot guy.
  • Blazer aaaand...

Copyright © 2021 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.