These? These are not the well loved, highly respected Loake Kempton. BUT… they are as close as one is gonna get for around a hundred bucks.
A new addition to Nordstrom’s 1901 brand, this “Barrett” Chukka is, in fact, made in China (their similar, suede desert-ish boots are made in Italy). But the materials and overall build quality sure seem to outpace the plenty reasonable asking price, all while replicating a timeless standard in men’s style.
Nice shape. Not clunky. Not overly elongated either.
The suede is the first thing you’ll notice out of the box. The nap is plush. It’s velvety. Real impressive for $125. And unlike other brands/styles, the design team didn’t grind down the suede at the toe or ankle. No unnecessary burnishing here. They’re letting the good stuff shine.
As good of suede as you’ll find on a $125 shoe.
Like the Loake Kempton, these come with more structure than a floppy desert boot. Along with the sole (which we’ll get to in a second), it’s this structure that makes them much, much easier to dress up. These would be super easy to wear with chinos and a cardigan, or, jeans and a sportcoat.
Versatile. Especially for fall.
Shape is great too. Not clunky like a buck. Not pointy or spear like either. Versatile. Sole is a rubber, subtly studded number that’s kinda like the Danite sole on the Kempton. Should help with grip, but isn’t a massive lug sole either. No idea if these are welted in any way or not. Even if they’re not, $125 seems quite fair. If they are welted? Then that’d be a major bonus.
Studded, Danite-Like Sole.
Linings are leather. Only minor design cues are a small pieces of tonal, smooth leather at the very top of the heel and tongue. Barely noticeable, and certainly doesn’t detract from the overall look. Sizing seems true. A 10.5D fit my normally 10.5D feet out of the box just fine. There’s a nicely cushioned in-sole inside these too. Just one drawback to these things. The laces. They feel cheap. They’ve got that papery, scratchy, almost flaky feel to them. But that’s hardly anything to be worried about, and easily replaceable if they end up breaking on you.
Ships and returns free of course, since it’s Nordstrom. Nice work out of them once again.
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