Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

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

In Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots

April 15, 2015 By Joe | | 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.

Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots – $209.30 w/ THEBEST ($368)

NOTE: Code is good for an extra 30% off through Sunday 4/19. They have dropped to as low as $179.40 during the last extra 40% off sale items code. Doesn’t appear these are final sale yet either.

Mid April is not prime boot buying season. Which means it’s also the time when a lot of boots go on sale.

It took forever, but J. Crew’s Goodyear Welted “Ludlow” cap toe boots have finally joined the ranks of their sale section. And with the frequent extra 30% – 40% off codes, they’ll dip to $200 or even under.

At that price, they’re a steal.

In Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots | Dappered.com

A lot of guys were understandably scared off by the steep asking price when these first came out. Sure, J. Crew championed the materials (English suede, American leather linings, Vibram sole) and the Goodyear welt, but the country of origin was that mysterious land of “imported”. And yes, they are made in China, but they are are not some fast-fashion kicks that are no more durable than the box they came in. They are the real deal.

The suede is terrific. Sourced from the Charles F. Stead & Co. in Leeds, England, this stuff is like velvet without the shine. Flexible but not wimpy, the uppers have a shorter nap to them. More luxurious than nubuck, but not wildly fuzzy either. That means the color is more uniform, and therefor should be easier to dress up.

In Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots | Dappered.com

Dressier than a workboot, but still has a classic boot toe-shape.

But the boot itself is pretty casual in shape. The toe certainly isn’t elongated, and instead has a familiar, classic shape. The Goodyear welt has some beef to it, and while the quarter-brogue cap toe is nice, these wouldn’t look right with a suit. Yet these things are probably too nice for just a t-shirt and old jeans (unlike traditional work boots like Wolverine’s or Red Wings). These boots appear to be best suited for the 70% – 80% of wardrobe in-between.

All of the stitching and details appear to be uniform and well executed. The hardware is secure, and the speed hooks aren’t flimsy (read: you won’t bend them out of shape while lacing up). The Vibram sole has some good traction to it, while the studs are recessed and barely noticeable.

In Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots | Dappered.com

Was stuck at $368 for the longest time. Has dipped to as low as $179.40

For fit, unlike a lot of boots, they DON’T run large. If anything, they might run a half-size small in terms of width. Most won’t be able to wear thicker wool socks with these. Not that you’d want to go out and shovel the walk in them. They might require a little bit of break in time, but that’s because they’ve got some solid structure to them. The suede sure is soft, but floppy they are not.

They aren’t Aldens. But they’re a noticeable step up from their (also Goodyear welted) Kenton line. That stuck-in-the-middle factor might be one reason why they’ve gone for so long seemingly unpurchased. But now that they’re on sale and dipping to $200 or under, they’re absolutely worth a good long look.

Even if they might not get much use for the next 5 months.

In Review: The J. Crew Ludlow Suede Cap Toe Boots | Dappered.com

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

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Join the discussion on Facebook, hit us up on Instagram, or reply on Threads.

DON’T MISS ANYTHING

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox. You can also follow us on Threads, 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.
Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)

Style Scenario: Feels Like Fall – Casual (nothing over $100 edition)

Plus an all day hot-toddy recipe. No single item eclipses the $100 price point.

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Macy’s Watch Sale, $10 off UNIQLO Chinos, and more

Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Macy’s Watch Sale, $10 off UNIQLO Chinos, and more

Those on-sale UNIQLO chinos also come with free inseam alterations down to the half inch.

Steal Alert: Bonobos Extra 40% off Sale Items

Steal Alert: Bonobos Extra 40% off Sale Items

$36 jeans. $30 cords. Most of it is final sale, yet the Super 120s Italian wool suit separates are not.

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.
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.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

MOST POPULAR ON DAPPERED

  • $8 J. Crew Slub Tees, Crown and Buckle Select Watch Straps Sale, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Steal Alert: Bonobos Extra 40% off Sale Items
  • Get More Use Out of Your Suits – Sleek and Booted (Style Scenario)
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Macy’s Watch Sale, $10 off UNIQLO Chinos, and more
  • In Review: Banana Republic FACTORY Vegan Suede Bomber
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – $33 Italian Flannel Dress Pants, Quilted Shackets, & More

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

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.