Jack Erwin Ellis Cheslea Boot – $220
Available in brown suede (shown), full grain black calf, or a full grain brown calf called “arabica.” Free shipping & returns through Jack Erwin’s website.
Here at the Dappered home offices, there’s a pretty fool* proof test to determine whether or not a new pair of shoes is good looking and high quality. It’s odd how accurate it is, and if memory serves, it hasn’t failed us yet. Upon seeing the shoes for the first time, if Mrs. Dappered pulls them out of the box, puts them right up to her nose, inhales deeply, and sighs in satisfaction… then they’re almost certainly going to be winners.
These passed that test.
Elastic goring matches the shade of the uppers.
The suede is remarkable. Deep brown with just enough nap to create different tracks if you run your fingers across it (not a bad thing, it just helps showcase the texture). Yet the nap isn’t so long that the uppers end up looking like shag carpet. That can make other boots or shoes look a little too casual. Chewbacca like, and kinda unkempt (sorry Chewy, I know, it’s not wise to upset a Wookie).
The shape is a true chelsea sleek, with a rounded, slim toe, that’ll make everyone but the most conservative dressers pleased. The goring is well matched to the uppers, so there’s not a bunch of distracting contrast at the ankle. Nice decision by the designers on that one. They could have easily just made the elastic panels black on all of the color options, but instead went with something that matches more closely.
Fantastic shape. Does appear to be darker in person than on the Jack Erwin site.
Absolutely suit worthy, and they’ll look great with jeans and sweaters too. Made in Spain. Blake Stitch construction with a rubber, studded sole, but know that those studs are recessed to the point where they’re flush with the rest of the sole. So you’re not going to feel like you’re walking on cleats.
Fit feels true to size, but since they’re Chelseas (read: no laces), you may need to take advantage of their free shipping & free returns policy. A 10.5 fit my usually 10.5 feet snug but not tight out of the box. No slopping about, and I was wearing a pair of not-too-thin wool dress socks at the time. The kind of fit you’d want in some loafers, or, say, wait for it… Chelsea boots.
Enter here to win a pair of Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea boots in standard D width (sorry, Jack Erwin does not yet do narrow or wide sizes). Choice of uppers is up to the winner. Either brown suede, black calf, or brown calf. Deadline for entry is 11:59 pm ET 9/22/15. Thanks to Jack Erwin for lending us one of their newest models for a review, and providing a pair for giveaway.
UPDATE: Congrats to B. Wingert who won the new Chelseas from Jack Erwin!
*the “fool” in this case would be your friendly, neighborhood, affordable men’s style website editor. Or, me.