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New shoe lineup

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The Dover chukka boot

Chukkas and Cords…

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The MacArthur boot

Purples and Greys.

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Today…

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More Snow…

Now that the buzz behind Pitti begins to (somewhat) die down,  it is now time to attempt to come back and post some original content.  Of course the day that I decide to snap some quick shots mother nature decides to have a blizzard (which lead to one of my favorite shots - the 1st pic). 

Uniqlo - Levi’s - John Doe Shoes

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Improvements at John Doe

John Doe recently loaned me a pair of their latest oxfords so I could check out the improvements they made since my last review. The shoes arrived last month, and they’re indeed much better. The new leathers are sourced from a different tannery, and feel much more supple and natural than their previous materials. The linings are also better attached, so there’s no more bubbling from an uneven application of glue. Additionally, the stitching is straighter, and without the punched brogue decorations, there are fewer places for anything to go wrong. All in all, it seems they’ve upgraded their materials, tightened up their quality control, and are better at working with their factories.

I think readers will find there’s still a significant jump in quality as you go from these to brands such as Allen Edmonds, Loake, and Meermin, but those will range anywhere from $200 to $350 at full retail. There are, of course, things such as Allen Edmonds’ factory seconds and the companies that Loake privately produces for (such as Charles Tyrwhitt), and those will sometimes go on sale, but none will match the very competitive price of John Doe at ~$150. For people with a hard budget of ~$150 or less, there are really only a few options.

The first, of course, is to go second hand, which you can get through thrift stores (using Jesse’s very useful thrifting guide) or our eBay roundups. I really like Ralph Lauren and Jesse likes Florsheim, but Allen Edmonds, Loake, and Brooks Brothers are also good names to search for. Just be discerning, as not all shoes from these companies are worth buying.

If you’re not comfortable with buying used shoes, then there’s suede, where you can “by-pass” the manufacturer’s need to cut back on quality materials. In comparison to “regular” leathers, the difference between low- and high-quality suede will be much smaller. Whereas corrected grain leathers can develop unsightly “cracks” over time, low-quality suede can stay pretty consistent if you know how to take care of it.

Outside of that, there are a number of shoe companies who sell products very similar to John Doe. The difference? John Doe uses a Goodyear welting method to attach their soles, instead of gluing them on like other manufacturers. This allows you to more easily resole your shoes over and over again, which can extend the life of your shoes considerably (assuming you take care of the uppers). That translates to better value for your money and less junk in landfills. I think everyone can applaud that.

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The John Doe Shoes ‘MacArthur’ Boot, c/o John Doe Shoes

(Alden waxed-cotton boot laces my own)

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The three new John Doe Shoe styles. The MacArthur boot, the Lanciano double monk and the Brayton blucher. All goodyear welted all fullgrain leather. #style #menshoes #shoes #boots #fall #oxford #blucher #derby #goodyearwelted #leather #release #arrivals #qualityshoe #notmassproducedmallshoes #handmade

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A few people have recently asked about what my footwear rotation looks like, so here you go. I wear some much more more than others, but this is what I’m working with.

Not pictured: pair of black and pair of brown shit-kicker penny loafers that are MIA / four pairs of espadrilles / athletic shoes

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Brown and Blue…

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A Closer Look: John Doe Shoes –Tan Dover Chukka Boot

This review has been a while in the making now.  I chatted with the guys over at JDS a few months ago, and they told me they had a Chukka boot on its way in a full grain leather – it is supposed to be an upgrade from their inaugural line.  I jumped at the chance to give these a go because I was in the market for a versatile chukka that could be worn with trousers or jeans – these definitely fit the bill.  I covered the shipping on these bad boys, but I can tell you I would not have minded paying the full price.

Now, this is my first time trying out John Doe Shoes so I can’t compare the quality of this boot from their previous shoes, but I was definitely impressed with the quality right out the box.  I was a bit skeptical on the chilli-ish color of the boot, but I have found it to be better looking in person and incredibly versatile.  I was surprised how well they worked with my POW suit.  They are definitely a nice change of pace with casual wear, as well – giving the brogues and Clarks a nice break.

I gave the Dover Chukka Boots a challenging first run when I wore them in less than ideal weather conditions: rain, wind, cold, etc.  They took on that test admirably, and I was very impressed with how they held up, for the most part, against the elements.  The danite rubber sole is definitely ideal, and was a big draw personally, for the rain – and the fact that these pair nicely with a suit and other more tailored attire, these are great.  There was a decent amount of wrinkling in the leather that I was a little disappointed with for the first wear, but I am sure the rain did not help that cause.  Other than that, they have held up great and are extremely comfortable.

Goodyear welted, full grain leather uppers, full leather lining and danite rubber sole help to make this made in Mexico shoe pretty solid.  These aren’t $500 boots, but in the $150 (+ free shipping!) ballpark, these are a pretty solid buy.  I can say with confidence that these will be in heavy rotation for the colder months ahead.  I cannot speak for their other shoes (even though they have some decent looking models), but I am a fan of these boots, and I would like to thank the guys over at John Doe Shoes for the opportunity.  Keep up the good work, and you will be sure to see these bad boys in future posts to come!

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Grey suit and brown chocolate suede Longwings. #suede #longwings #menshoes #shoes #menstyle #styles #dapper #shoeporn #goodyearwelted #fall #suitandtie

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Wet Days…

Wind and rain took over this cool autumn day.  When the weather throws in some obstacles, one must adapt to the conditions.

Today was perfect to give my new John Doe chukkas (review coming soon…) a challenging test run.  They have taken on that challenge admirably, and days like today are perfect for their danite sole - and the chilli-ish color went surprisingly well with my POW suit.

This was the first time this season I pulled out my MTM POW three piece (minus a piece).  The flannel was perfect to stay warmer and allowed me to layer up with my lighter jacket from Legendary Goods.

Shirt and pocket square are from J. Press and grenadine tie from Peter Millar.  Its always fun to throw on a collar pin here and there, and I couldn’t forget the umbrella on a day like today.

Today’s fit worked great against the elements - functionality doesn’t have to be boring.

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Review Coming Soon…

(Thank you to the good people over at John Doe Shoes)

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Dover boots

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Boots and jeans