Stacy Adams Kensington Suede Medallion Toe Blucher – $85.00
Not bad for eighty five bucks. Not bad at all. Remember JC Penney’s Claiborne Suede Wingtip from a few year’s back? Right. They’re like an improved version of those.
Sleek shape and a slick medallion.
No wingtip on these, but instead they’re a simplified blucher, with a medallion at the toe and a little bit of broguing along the sides. No wingtip, no cap toe. Just surprisingly soft suede and that style-forward detail at the toe.
A little extra brogue detailing along the sides
Shape is modern without getting overly trendy. The toes are slightly elongated, but you’re nowhere near elf/spear territory. Sizing seems to run pretty true here, with a 10.5 feeling like a 10.5. But if you’ve got a wide foot, these will probably be a no-go. That shape just doesn’t allow for a lot of width through the front of the foot and toe box. But if you wear a normal D width, they should be comfortable on arrival. The suede uppers are flexible, and the “memory foam” insole has some good spring to it.
Slim sole. Just a bit of grip.
Made in China, glued construction, and a synthetic sole. But it’s a lower profile sole. No studs or thick tread or any of that other nonsense that can take a smart-casual/dress shoe and make it look awkward. There is some slight texture on the ball of the foot, so you shouldn’t be sliding about too much in wet conditions.
The Camel Suede option. A brown sole would have looked better.
Available in Brown, the Camel shown in the shot above, Grey, and Black. They also come in a saturated oxblood, as well as Barney-esque purple, but… going to want to stay away from those shades. Unless fur coats and diamond encrusted walking canes are part of your repertoire. Also… kind of a bummer that they stuck with the all black sole on the camel suede. A brown would have done much better, but… that’s not unexpected with $85 shoes.
They should do just fine with jeans & sweaters, cords & sportcoats, and maybe even some more casual tweed or flannel pants. Suits might be tough since the laces are a bit thick and kinda crummy looking, but those would be cheap to swap out.
