Dappered | In Review: Allen Edmonds Nomad Chukka Boot

[Dappered | In Review: Allen Edmonds Nomad Chukka Boot]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [In Review: Allen Edmonds Nomad Chukka Boot](#1) - [GAP 40% off No Exclusions + Extra 10% off & Free Shipping](#2) - [Style Scenario: Kentucky Derby Party](#3) [In Review: Allen Edmonds Nomad Chukka Boot](r/Dappered/~3/AMz6-w3fWP8/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 02 May 2018 03:00 AM PDT [Allen Edmonds Nomad Chukka Boot – $345]( About the Author: Adam Terry is a 30-year-old Technical Trainer in the heating and manufacturing industry. He’s #menswear by day and #workwear by night. He enjoys raw selvedge denim, Scotch whisky, and working on maintaining his dad bod. When that first warm, sunny day breaks through all the grey skies and doldrums of Winter, it’s finally time to put away the heavy weatherproof boots and bust out the lightweight, light in color options just in time for Punxsutawney Phil to have his [first Margarita of Spring](. I often travel for work and sometimes it’s a challenge to choose what shoes to bring. I normally opt for a pair of hearty workwear boots (Alden Indys or Viberg Service Boots) to go with my polo and chinos business casual style, but those can feel very heavy after a long day trekking through airports and security lines. That’s where these new Allen Edmonds Nomad chukkas come in. Their lightweight construction and extra cushioning really make a big difference – they’re super comfortable, even after a long day of air travel. But that doesn’t mean the whole package is perfect. The last they’re built on is noticeably more generous. Details • Model: Nomad Chukka Boot • Last: 42 • Size: 10D • Leather: C.F. Stead “Bone” Suede • Construction: Goodyear Welt • Sole: XL Extralight • Lining: Leather • Heel Pull Tab • Price: $345 USD Gorgeous suede. Buttery soft. Sizing I’m a 10.5 D Brannock and normally take a 10 D in most dress shoes. I wear a 10.5 E in the Allen Edmonds #65-lasted shoes (Park Ave, Strand, etc.), as that last runs narrow and I have slightly high arches. The Nomad chukkas are made around the new #42 last which, according to them, “combines the excellent fitting heel characteristics of the 65 last with a broad, almond-shaped modern toe shape.” It’s a pretty generous last and feels more like an E-width out of the box. After some trial and error, I settled on the 10 D. It’s not a perfect fit for me – there’s some heel slippage and the uppers don’t close properly, thanks to the wide toe box and uppers that are cut short. With that said, I highly encourage you to try these on in store, if possible. Walk around on carpet for at least 10-15 minutes to see how they fit. Keep in mind that the suede will stretch a little and the insoles will compress a little as you wear them in. Incredibly comfortable and lightweight soles. Impressions Style wise, the Nomad chukka nails the Spring/Summer “smart casual” look, especially in Bone suede. This buttery soft suede from C.F. Stead has just the right amount of texture – it’s neither too flat like nubuck nor too nappy like waxed flesh. It’s the linen of shoes. I also really like the contrasting mid-brown welt and off-white sole. I believe these chukkas could easily be paired with everything from the recent “[How to Wear It](” post in place of those Banana Republic wingtips. Comfort is a HUGE improvement over my usual chukkas and workwear boots. These things are seriously lightweight and plush, thanks in large part to the cork-infused foam insoles and the XL Extralight closed-cell foam (waterproof) outsoles. I’ll go out on a limb and say they’re on par with my Vans sneakers with the Ultracush insoles in terms of comfort. If you’ve ever wanted to wear smart casual shoes so comfortable that you forgot you were wearing them, I highly encourage you to give the Nomad line a look. Nice, versatile shape. Notice the toe though. Not slim or sleek. Quality I do have a few nits to pick with Allen Edmonds’ quality control. Specifically, there were three worrisome things that I noticed with multiple pairs of the Nomad chukkas that I handled: First, there is a *very* strong glue smell; whatever bonding cement they’re using to attach the pieces together is one potent potable. Like [Sex Panther]( it stings the nostrils the moment you open the box. Luckily the smell seems to dissipate after a few days. Quality control was very hit or miss. By far the biggest drawback here. Second, I noticed quite a bit of left over lasting material stuck underneath the welts. More than one shoe I handled had bits of the plastic wrapper or lasting staples still visible. While these are minor flaws that should have no impact on the life of the shoe, they’re not representative of what Allen Edmonds is capable of. The third issue, and by far the worst, was inconsistent leather cutting, panel matching, and assembly. Almost every shoe I handled across a half-dozen pairs (while looking for the right size and fit in store) had some sort of major flaw. On more than one pair, the uppers weren’t cut or sewn correctly which caused the height to be offset thus causing the lacing to be crooked. Multiple pairs had panel matching issues where the suede color or texture was off enough to be noticeable; one chukka I picked up even looked like a saddle shoe because the center panel was lighter and smoother than the rest. Finally, almost every pair had crooked heel pull tabs that leaned to the right. While that’s not a major flaw, it was just plain annoying. I would expect some of these issues to pop up on seconds quality boots or mass-produced shoes destined for discount retailers, but these issues are not acceptable at this price point. For $345, I expect better QC from Allen Edmonds. Frankly, I think they have to do better when asking for this level of cash. Still Goodyear welted, still made in the USA. Just inspect closely for flaws. Conclusion If you’re in the market for a pair of lightweight shoes for Spring, I encourage you to seek out the Nomad chukkas and experience them in person. If you like what you see, can nail down your size, and don’t mind playing Quality Control Roulette, give them a go. When Allen Edmonds gets it right and puts them on sale, I think they’re worth it. ff/Dappered?a=AMz6-w3fWP8:oCzFGjbvCyg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=AMz6-w3fWP8:oCzFGjbvCyg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=AMz6-w3fWP8:oCzFGjbvCyg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [GAP 40% off No Exclusions + Extra 10% off & Free Shipping](r/Dappered/~3/v90Le7DSHVk/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 01 May 2018 09:26 AM PDT [40% off w/ THANKU + 10% off + Free Shipping w/ EXTRA](//www.gap.com/) Gap sure is a bit divisive these days. Either you appreciate the heritage brand doing their best, and take advantage of the sales (like this one), or, you think the quality stinks and they’re not worth shopping at anymore. Yet if you’re the latter, you almost certainly shop at H&M. Beats me. ANYWAY. Big thanks to Jesse R for the tip on this one. No exclusions, and the 40% off + an extra 10% off (no, that’s not 50% off, it’s 46% off because the extra 10% is deducted from the reduced 40% off price) deal is unusually good. By the way, if you’re the asshole in Rouen France who used our business credit card to have one hell of a fun day at the movies (yes, I googled the name of the business), I’m coming for you. And all of your family. And I’m starting with the family, so you can witness their suffering. I’ll take finger tips from distant relatives first, then ears from first cousins, and the closer I get to you I’ll take progressively bigger pieces. Watch La Poste. [Wearlight Khakis in Slim](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1106901&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=315607042) or [Straight Fit with GapFlex – $32.37](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=89021&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=315603052) ($59.95) [GAP Wearlight Khakis](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1106901&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=315607042) Well hello there, what’s this? Chinos specifically engineered to be more lightweight and breezy for the warmer months? Perfect 97% cotton and 3% spandex here. Four basic, versatile shades for both the slim and straight fits. [Elastic Braided Belt](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1106901&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=322236002) or [Chino Web Belt – $16.17](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1106901&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=223976012) ($29.95) [GAP Belts](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1106901&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=223976012) Perfect for the warmer weather ahead. Something to mix it up. A heavy leather belt just doesn’t always look right wrapped around a pair of lightweight linen pants. So, try suede or something webbed or woven like these. And the free shipping no minimum with the code really helps here. [Wearlight Jeans in Slim Fit with GapFlex in Dark](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036332&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=224061002) or [Light Indigo – $37.77](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036332&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=213952002) ($69.95) [GAP Wearlight Jeans](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1036332&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=224061002) Give ’em credit. GAP is trying to keep up. While the likes of spendier brands like Bonobos lead the way with Summerweight jeans, it’s the cheaper places that are now releasing their own, lighter weight, supposedly more breathable denim for summer. Quite the fabric blend here: 80% Cotton, 10% Polyester, 8% Elasterrell, 2% Polyurethane. [GAP “Clean” Mac Jacket – $69.12](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228392012) ($128) [GAP "Clean" Mac Jacket](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228392012) Everything you want and nothing you don’t. It’s amazing how good a basic, not too fussy, mid thigh mac can look. [Young]( or old, it’s a great staple to have on hand. 70% cotton and 30% nylon here. Chambray trim details. [Slim Fit 55% Linen / 45% Cotton Chinos – $37.77](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pcid=5058&vid=1&pid=228615042&searchText=Linen+Chinos) ($69.95) [GAP Linen/Cotton Chinos](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?pcid=5058&vid=1&pid=228615042&searchText=Linen+Chinos) An almost half and half linen cotton blend should make for airy, but not transparent chinos. Lots of colors to pick from, and those wide stripes are a nice departure from the norm. [Lightweight Colorblock Bomber Jacket – $48.57](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228405012) ($89.95) [GAP Lightweight Colorblock Bomber](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228405012) I think more than a few of us are gonna dig the looks of this one. And bombers are very much in. Cool to see GAP doing something a little different here with a classic short jacket style. Extremely well reviewed. And that’s saying something. [GAP Basic Belts in Brown, Black, or Light Brown – $21.57](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5135&vid=1&pid=600175022) ($39.95) [GAP Basic Belts](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=5135&vid=1&pid=600175022) The champ. Basic for sure, but well executed and is often excluded from normal GAP codes. Not this time. I’m still here for these. And great zeus I hate that phrase. “I’m here for…” Can we stop saying that now? It’s the Tide Pod challenge of slang. [10″ Chino Shorts in 55% Linen / 45% Cotton – $26.97](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104897&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228590002) ($49.95) [GAP Cotton/Linen Chino Shorts](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104897&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228590002) Not all cotton like cheaper options. A little more than half breezy linen and the rest being sturdy cotton. Should cut down on the weight and open up the fibers a bit for more air flow. [Straight Fit Jeans – $32.37](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1050840&pcid=6998&vid=1&pid=644885002) ($59.95) or [SlimFit Flex Jeans – $37.77](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1050839&pcid=6998&vid=1&pid=180217002) ($69.95) [GAP Jeans](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1050840&pcid=6998&vid=1&pid=644885002) Two pairs, two fits, and both are a classic dark blue that should go with everything. Usually excluded from codes and promos since they’re jeans. [70% Cotton / 30% Linen Bomber Jacket – $48.97](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104070&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228382022) ($89.95) [GAP Cotton/Linen Bomber](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104070&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=228382022) Another bomber option, only this time in a summery blend of cotton and linen. Three colors to pick from. Now under fifty bucks thanks to the 40% + extra 10% off. [GAP Slub Cotton Polo – $16.17](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1029231&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=223628002) ($29.95) [GAP Slub Cotton Polo](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1029231&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=223628002) Slub weave fabric has that super-casual, uneven texture to it. Lots of colors. Lots. Somehow missed these in [the most recent polo-palooza](. But if past is prologue, expected these slub-fabric numbers to be casual. Real casual. [Color Khakis in Slim Fit with GapFlex – $32.37](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=80811&pcid=80799&vid=1&pid=320802002) ($59.95) [Color Khakis in Slim Fit with GapFlex](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=80811&pcid=80799&vid=1&pid=320802002) Another basic that usually gets excluded more often than not thanks to their being… well… basic wheelhouse pants. 98% cotton and 2% lycra. Plenty of saturated colors to pick from. Slim fit. [Vegan Suede Chelsea Boot Sneakers – $37.77](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1029237&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=226297012) ($69.95) [GAP Chelsea Sneakers](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1029237&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=226297012) Yes, giving these another mention. Because somewhere between ultra hip and dad style, there’s these. They look comfortable, that’s for sure. [Vintage Wash Straight Fit Khakis w/ GapFlex – $32.37](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=844140022) ($59.95) [GAP Vintage Wash Straight Fit Khakis](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1084650&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=844140022) Thick thigh chums! Heed my call! Tired of all the slim to skinny pant fit coverage? Here’s some straight fits for you and me. Made in their worn in but not worn out vintage wash fabric. Usually excluded since they’re khakis (and popular), but not today. [GAP 55% Linen / 45% Cotton Cardigan – $37.77](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104070&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=269679012) ($69.95) [GAP Cotton/Linen Cardigan](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1104070&pcid=11900&vid=1&pid=269679012) Cardigans don’t get the respect they deserve. Layers are great, but constantly putting on and taking off a pullover can leave you looking like you just stuck your fingers in a light socket. Cardigans solve that problem. This one is a blend of linen and cotton. Perfect for spring, and that cool/crisp texture of linen is always welcome. [Casual Mac Jacket in Twill – $69.12](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48872&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=228381012) ($128) [GAP Twill Mac](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48872&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=228381012) Unlike the “clean” mac, this one is all cotton twill. No nylon or poly in there to help rain bead up. But it should still keep you dry in everything but a downpour. [Leather Biker Jacket – $229.50](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1091907&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=864802022) ($425) [GAP Leather Biker Jacket](//www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1091907&pcid=5168&vid=1&pid=864802022) One day, the Schott. But today? I dunno, you usually get what you pay for when it comes to leather jackets. So this could still be a risk. But man they nailed the design, and the price is awfully tempting. Almost always excluded since it’s leather apparel or leather accessories. The GAP 40% off code THANKYOU + extra 10% off and free shipping, no exclusions code EXTRA expires today, 5/1/18. Rouen must be nice this time of year. ff/Dappered?a=v90Le7DSHVk:IASmF0CAdaE:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=v90Le7DSHVk:IASmF0CAdaE:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=v90Le7DSHVk:IASmF0CAdaE:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: Kentucky Derby Party](r/Dappered/~3/NaJQIltPAMg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 01 May 2018 08:00 AM PDT What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. The Derby is coming up, and it’s as good a reason as any to get together with friends and knock back a mint julep or some bourbon over ice. The guys get dressed up, the gals wear dresses and big hats, and it can end up being a complete blast. Here’s how to look the part while still having a few bucks left over to go to the window with (even if the “window” is a hat placed on a chair in the living room of the host’s house). The Suit: [J. Crew Unstructured Ludlow Seersucker Sportcoat](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_feature/earlyaccess/ludlow-unstructured-suit-jacket-in-blue-seersucker/H9167?color_name=orchid-blue) & [Pant – $266](//www.jcrew.com/US/p/H9170?color_name=orchid-blue). Otherwise good seersucker suits are often ruined by heavy structure and gobs of cheap lining. That’s not the case here. A new addition to their unstructured & unlined suit separates line. Don’t want to invest in a full seersucker suit? Understood. [A lightweight sportcoat](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/sportcoatsandvests/unstructured/ludlow-unstructured-suit-jacket-in-stretch-cotton/G0532?color_name=light-grey) and [off-white chinos](//factory.jcrew.com/p/mens-clothing/pants/slim/driggs-slimfit-lightweight-chino/H5084?color_name=canvas) would work here too. The Shirt: [Charles Tyrwhitt Extra Slim Fit Non-Iron Twill White Shirt – $69.95]( Or, whatever [your favorite and best fitting white dress shirt happens to be](. You should be able to nab this shirt for $33 as part of their ongoing [three for $99 shirts site](. The Pocket Square: [TheTieBar Dotted Hitch in Classic Blue – $10](//www.thetiebar.com/product/PW237). Bigger dots here because smaller dots would clash with the smaller stripes of the seersucker ([contrast is key when it comes to mixing patterns](). Is a seersucker suit and polka dot pocket square a little… whimsical? Yeah. But it’s the Derby. Not a job interview (or a first date). So looking a little costumey is actually encouraged. The Sunglasses: [Tom Ford Retro Sunglasses – $159.97]( ($380). Mega splurge territory, but, Tom Ford ain’t gonna be cheap even when heavily discounted. Sold via Nordstrom Rack. Wanna go cheap? [Try these from UNIQLO](. The Reminder: Bring cash! Singles preferably. [See #5 over here for how to set up an unmanned betting window]( at your party. And to avoid fisticuffs, keep it to a buck a name (not $5 or $10… degenerates will ruin the fun). The Watch: [Orient Bambino 2nd Gen Version II – $144.20](. All class, and the retro good looks fit in perfectly with the fact that you’ll be watching a horse race. The Shoes: [Nordstrom 1901 Merick Derby in Cigar Suede – $110]( A rich suede buck for not many bucks (sorry.) Ships and returns free via Nordstrom. The No-Shows: [Smartwool No-Shows – $13.95](. A favorite. Far superior to cotton or cotton blends when it comes to no-show socks. The Belt: [Banana Republic Suede D-Ring Belt in Brown – $44.99](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=1014863&pcid=1014757&vid=1&pid=316127012) ($59.50). No, your belt and shoes don’t have to match perfectly (or, at all) if they’re suede. Or hell, even if one of them is suede. Suede is a bit of a get-out-of-sartorial-jail-free card. The 2017 Kentucky Derby is Saturday, May 6th. Top Photo: [J. Poe]( ff/Dappered?a=NaJQIltPAMg:9smlHa5lTj8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=NaJQIltPAMg:9smlHa5lTj8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=NaJQIltPAMg:9smlHa5lTj8:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States