Dappered | The Best Men’s Dress Shoes under $200 of 2019

[Dappered | The Best Men’s Dress Shoes under $200 of 2019]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [The Best Men’s Dress Shoes under $200 of 2019](#1) - [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Spring Clearance Finds, On Sale Watches, Bold Trousers, & More](#2) - [The Podcast Playlist – March 2019](#3) [The Best Men’s Dress Shoes under $200 of 2019](r/Dappered/~3/KJJeAtAAakM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 20 Mar 2019 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( And here’s one: You know that confident feeling you get when wearing your favorite suit? Imagine feeling that way about your finances. [Personal Capital]( tracks your net worth and spending for free, so you know where your savings stand and how your investments are performing. [Get started here.]( The Best Looking Dress Shoes Under $200 Paying for quality is smart, but not everyone can (or wants to) spend over two hundred bucks on a pair of dress shoes. Sometimes you need something to get you from point A to point B, and only then when you reach point B does it actually become possible to drop a couple C-notes on lace-ups. Plus, an inexpensive pair of shoes means you’re not married to them for the next decade. Most of us will rent a few places before we ever consider buying a house, right? No matter how loud [the shoe snobs]( squawk about sole-blow-outs, plenty of us have never had major quality issues with cheaper shoes. It can be done, they can be worn, they can look good. That said, with costs of leather and labor continuously rising, this is getting harder and harder every year we do this. But there’s still plenty of good looking, well wearing dress shoes on the market for under two hundred bucks. In no particular order, here are this year’s best… [Allen Edmonds MacKenzie Wholecut – $197]( ($395) [Allen Edmonds MacKenzie Wholecut]( Still surprised these are in clearance. First quality. Not final sale. (Yet. No restocking fee if you send em’ back either since they’re first quality and NOT factory 2nds.) Available [in dark brown](, coffee, or the walnut shown above, although sizes have gone pretty quick in the walnut. [Full review here](. Drops to $167.45 (!!) [if you sign up for their “collector’s club” email list]( and stack the 15% thanks-for-joining one time use code they send you after. Don’t want the medallion? [Their super plain (but elegant) wholecut MacLennan is also down to $197](. [Jack Erwin Joe Cap Toe Oxford – $195.00](//www.jackerwin.com/collections/lace-ups/products/joe?variant=5505274576911) [Jack Erwin Joe Cap Toe Oxford ](//www.jackerwin.com/collections/lace-ups/products/joe?variant=5505274576911) Jack Erwin knows what they’re doing, and they’re about as good as it gets when it comes to reliable, great looking dress shoes around $200. The “Joe” is their most basic/minimalist model. A closed lacing, true oxford, with a sleek Blake-stitched welt and cut from full-grain calfskin. Conservative, but not clunky. Designed in New York and made in Spain. Available in full grain Espresso (seen above) or black. Ships and returns for free. [Review here](. [Banana Republic Italian Leather Cap-Toe Oxford – $94.80](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=255911002&cid=1032803&pcid=1032801) ($158) [Banana Republic Italian Leather Cap-Toe Oxford](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=255911002&cid=1032803&pcid=1032801) Cheeaaaaaaaaaaaaaap. Price above reflects a 40% off discount, which is pretty standard at Banana Republic. You could do a LOT worse at this under $100 price point. A lot worse. Conservative shape. Simple cap toe. Ortholite insole is pretty comfy out of the box. Fit seems true. Maybe a half size small if you don’t wear thin dress socks with them. Are they gonna last you your whole life? Nah. Will they look good with a navy suit for an interview? You bet. [Spier & Mackay Made in Portugal Goodyear Welted Shoes – $142.40 – $198.40]( w/ SALE20 ($248) [Spier & Mackay Made in Portugal Goodyear Welted Shoes]( Goodyear welted in Portugal. Two different levels of leather. Shipping is free both ways if it’s your first shoe, sportcoat, or suit purchase from Spier and Mackay. Full review of their upgraded Box Calf line [can be found here](. Sizes are currently pretty scattered being that this is the tail end of their first run from last season. Code SALE20 is good for an extra 20% off at checkout. [Massimo Matteo Made in Italy Oxfords or Monks – $159](//www.zappos.com/massimo-matteo-men-oxfords/CK_XARC31wFaAtoewAEC4gIEAQILGA.zso?pf_rd_p=506ef842-653c-4385-aeaf-85749963949a&pf_rd_r=35489VP8ZKS1BSCTXASW) [Massimo Matteo Made in Italy Cap Toe Oxfords](//www.zappos.com/massimo-matteo-men-oxfords/CK_XARC31wFaAtoewAEC4gIEAQILGA.zso?pf_rd_p=506ef842-653c-4385-aeaf-85749963949a&pf_rd_r=35489VP8ZKS1BSCTXASW) [Massimo Matteo](//www.zappos.com/massimo-matteo-men-oxfords/CK_XARC31wFaAtoewAEC4gIEAQILGA.zso?pf_rd_p=506ef842-653c-4385-aeaf-85749963949a&pf_rd_r=35489VP8ZKS1BSCTXASW) appears to be a Zappos exclusive (maybe?) brand that makes their shoes in Italy. Construction is almost certainly cemented instead of stitched, but with reasonable care? They should last a good while. [The true oxford cap toes shown above](//www.zappos.com/p/massimo-matteo-6-eye-bal-cap-toe-tan/product/8296580/color/20) are just one of many styles, but these are conservative, still interesting, and a more or less affordable, Italian made version of the Allen Edmonds Fifth Avenue (minus the much thicker, full grain calfskin uppers and Goodyear welt of course). Fit is awfully similar to the Fifth Ave (and Park Ave) as well. Super comfortable. A 10.5D fit my 10.5D feet perfectly out of the box. Since they’re sold by Zappos, shipping is fast and free. [Thursday Boot Company Baron Wholecut – $190]( [Thursday Boot Company Baron Wholecut]( Thursday Boots are a bit of a divisive brand in the menswear world. Some guys like em’ a lot. Some really don’t. A while back they introduced [their dress shoes]( and they aren’t half bad. Made in Mexico, Goodyear welted, and the leather’s good for the price. Smooth with a nice shine but not gloss-plasticky looking. They WILL crease, of course, but leather does that. They feel nice and substantial too. Not flimsy. Sizing down half a size is suggested, and I think that’s about right. A 10 fit my normally 10.5 D feet pretty well, but I could tell a little break in time was gonna be necessary. They weren’t painful or rigid, but I’ve slipped on more comfy shoes straight from the box. Workmanship is solid, not impeccable (there was a loose rubber tag hanging off the heel that missed getting cut, but, that was easy to snip off). Subtle studs to the sole provide traction. More traditional cap toes and wingtip oxfords are also available. Just under $200 seems like the right price here. Ships and returns for free. [Nordstrom Men’s Shop “Remy” Monk Straps – $124.95]( [Nordstrom Men's Shop "Remy" Monk Straps]( Not bad for $125. Sleek. Oddly comfortable. Made in China, but doesn’t look, feel, or smell cheap. A bit of [subtle grip on the sole]( too, so you’ll stay upright on carpet/wet sidewalks. There is a chisel toe, so, traditionalists beware. A size 10.5 fit my normally 10.5D feet out of the box extremely well. Ships and returns for free since it’s Nordstrom. Prefer your shoes with laces? [Looks like they have an oxford built on the same last](. [Charles Tyrwhitt Blake Stitched Suede Wholecut – $199]( [Charles Tyrwhitt Blake Stitched Suede Wholecut]( Nice. Solidly nice. Sure, everyone thinks of shirts first when they think Charles Tyrwhitt, but they also excel in sportcoats, outerwear, [and shoes](). These are blake stitched in Portugal, suede is decent, shape is sleek, and they often drop to under $160 with 20% off codes. [Full review here](. [J. Crew Oar Stripe Oxfords -$298]( (less when on sale) [J. Crew Oar Stripe Oxfords]( Pleasantly surprised. I was afraid that after the recent, [disappointing Oar Stripe Chelsea review](, that these would also be a let down. Not so. Goodyear welted. Very soft and pliable Italian leather uppers. Conservative without being stumpy. Made in China. Color shown above is “maple,” which has a bit of a burgundy hue to it. Comfortable cushioning out of the box. Fit seems about a half size large. I’m normally a 10.5 D, and a 10.5 in these felt a tad long. You’ll have to wait for a good sale to get em’ under $200. Like, 40% off. And they’re often (but not always) excluded. So, you’ll have to be patient. [Allen Edmonds Grandview via Nordstrom Rack – $189.97]( [Allen Edmonds Grandview]( Still made in the USA and still Goodyear Welted. Are longwing bluchers [as dressy as simple oxfords](? Nah. Are longwing bluchers still awesome? [You bet they are](. [DSW’s Mercanti Fiorentini Brand – $111.99 w/ YAYDAYS]( ($139.99) [DSW's Mercanti Fiorentini Brand]( The toes put some people off. Still a chisel after all of these years and some people can’t stand chisel toes. Made in Italy, lightweight, and nicely flexible out of the box. Not gonna last a lifetime, but they can provide years worth of use as long as you take care of them and aren’t wearing them to work every day. Often on sale. Pretty sure these aren’t stitched, but glued? [To Boot New York from Nordstrom Rack – $130 – $190]( ($350) [To Boot New York]( TBNY shoes are awfully high priced when at full retail. Nordstrom Rack is NOT full retail. That’s where Nordstrom sends stock to be heavily marked down and moved out the door. And there’s usually a good amount of TBNY shoes kicking about on their virtual shelves. (Or, in store if you have one nearby.) Made in Italy. Pretty sure they’re Blake stitched. Leathers aren’t the thickest (think more lightweight/flexible) but still solid. Different models/designs come and go with the seasons, since that’s how Nordstrom Rack works. [Meermin Mallorca “Classic” Collection – $195 + $15 shipping]( [Meermin Mallorca "Classic" Collection]( Spanish designed, made in China shoes that have a tempting price but cost you more than you think at checkout. That’s due to the $15 UPS shipping charge. It used to cost a hell of a lot more, but they’ve since moved their warehouse to New Jersey. But once that outbound shipping cash is gone, it’s GONE. You don’t get it back if they don’t work out. [Returns can now go to their New York store]( (instead of clear back to Spain). But you’re on the hook for returns too. $210 is the minimum you’ll spend. As far as the quality goes… they’re good. I’d say they’re just a step below Thursday Boot Co. quality. (I know, there are some Meermin sycophants having a fit right now.) The leathers are fine, construction is solid, but they’re not all that comfortable out of the box. They will require some break in time. Goodyear welted. Plenty of very forward/modern designs, and that’s why I think lots of guys tend to squawk positively about them. They look great. They just don’t (to me) seem as comfortable or as well made as a few alternatives. [Florsheim Sabato Double Monk Strap – $100ish]( [Florsheim Sabato Double Monk Strap]( Many a man has purchased and worn to death a pair of Florsheims in his lifetime. To the average fella walking down the street, they’re decent quality. To those who spend more time than average on their style, they’re dependable. Not amazing. But Florsheim has been around for a while for a reason. Leather isn’t amazing, but the shape certainly works and they should hold up well enough. Toe looks less pointy/chiseled in person than it does online, but they are still pretty modern. From a distance, they look more expensive than they are. Up close? Maybe not. But they don’t look like junk either. Fit seems true. A 10.5 fit my feet like most 10.5 D shoes do. [Nico Nerini Captoe Oxfords – $124.99]( FINAL (when available) [Nico Nerini Goodyear Welted Captoe Oxfords]( Sold via Massdrop, and thus, not constantly available. Goodyear welted, Made in India, and allegedly uses Italian full grain leather. Tips about this brand from readers who have purchased via Massdrop have been promising. Final Sale is always a risk (and Massdrop’s business model), especially with shoes. So be careful. Real careful. [The Gamble: Allen Edmonds Factory 2nds (when on sale)]( [Allen Edmonds Factory Seconds]( Not sure how the Factory 2nds game works? [Head here for the low down](. Yes, there’s some serious risk involved, and they do charge a steep $25 restocking fee on any returns sent back through the mail, but the savings can be tangible. Know that it seems like ever since the new owners took over, what passes as “2nds” quality has changed. As in, its degraded. As in, be prepared for some possible real duds to show up. So between that and the silly $25 restocking fee, this avenue is for the real gamblers. The Reminder: eBay can be a gold mine [Ebay shoes]( Some guys swear by eBay for picking up high end, gently used shoes. Some haven’t had the best luck. Be smart, be careful, and know that sometimes the previous wearer has left their imprint on not just the exterior of the shoe with scuffs and wrinkles, but on the inside of the shoe as well. Footbeds can conform to the original wearers foot over time, and if the seller and you don’t match up real well, they might feel funny or uncomfortable. Remember, with reasonable care (get some [shoe trees](as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JPCXYC&linkCode=as2&tag=dappered-20&linkId=KZEVMY3ATMRCCFWX)!) and rotation (if dress shoes are worn often), most less-expensive shoes can work just fine. For more on general shoe jargon, [head here](. Got a pair of dress shoes under $200 that should have made the list? Send those tips in to joe@dappered.com. ff/Dappered?a=KJJeAtAAakM:Q-htNNzrLp8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=KJJeAtAAakM:Q-htNNzrLp8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=KJJeAtAAakM:Q-htNNzrLp8:gIN9vFwOqvQ [10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Spring Clearance Finds, On Sale Watches, Bold Trousers, & More](r/Dappered/~3/nCVamSBpRoc/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Mar 2019 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( And here’s one: You know that confident feeling you get when wearing your favorite suit? Imagine feeling that way about your finances. [Personal Capital]( tracks your net worth and spending for free, so you know where your savings stand and how your investments are performing. [Get started here.]( Seventy Five bucks. That’s a lot of money. It’ll get you [a couple pairs of Levi’s](, a [decent casual dinner out](, or a couple months at your local gym. Ten picks follow, all for $75 or under, with some of them much, much less. Expect these round-ups on a monthly basis. Got a tip on something for under $75? Send those in to [joe@dappered.com](mailto:joe@dappered.com?subject=under 75). [FormFunctionForm Timex Scout & FFF Watchband – $64.80]( ($108) [FormFunctionForm Timex Scout & FFF Watchband]( On sale and just in time for spring & summer. 40mm Timex Scout in blue + your choice of a 20mm FFF button stud, premium leather, made in the USA watch band. [Target Goodfellow & Co. Standard Fit Knit Blazer – $15 – $49.99]( [Target Goodfellow & Co. Standard Fit Knit Blazer]( It’s end of season clearance time at Target. And while these are perfect for spring and great for throwing on over a t-shirt or polo and wearing with jeans/chinos + sneakers, these 60% Cotton / 40% Polyester knit sportcoats are still at $50 on the Target website… but that might not be the case in store and on the racks. Huge thanks [to contributor Ryan N.]( for sending along this proof that at least in SOME brick and mortars (but not all, don’t get your hopes up), these knit sportcoats are down to… fifteen bucks!! [Banana Republic Chambray Camp Shirt – $38.70](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=453774002&cid=1106066&pcid=13846) when 40% off ($64.50) [Banana Republic Chambray Camp Shirt](//bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=453774002&cid=1106066&pcid=13846) IF you’re gonna jump on the camp shirt bandwagon (and that’s a big if), try to keep the print at least somewhat subtle and muted. This option from Banana Republic accomplishes that. Yet it still looks like something reserved for mornings when you’re absurdly hungover, and/or, [attempting to facilitate a deal]( to smuggle of dinosaur embryos off a remote island. [Amazon Goodthreads Merino Cardigan – $40.00]( [Amazon Goodthreads Merino Cardigan]( I have become a huge proponent of traditional, button front, merino wool cardigans in the last year or two. So much so that my v-necks and crew-necks just don’t see nearly as much wear as they used to. Why? Because cardigans, as long as you get the right fit, are super convenient. You can take them on and off with ease. No pulling them over your head and getting static-crazy hair. Get one that fits close but not skin tight, in merino wool, and you basically have a piece of performance wear… minus dumb logos and “swish swish” poly sounds. Cold in the morning but warm in the afternoon? Wear a cardigan. Then take it off. Or have it stored at work for when the air conditioning goes full Siberia. Shown above (and at the top of the post) is the Amazon house brand Goodthreads model. Lighter weight but not flimsy. Runs about half a size to a full size big. Size shown above is a medium on 5’10” / 195, and it fits but it’s not tight by any stretch. [Same Same by Peter Mendelsund – $12.16]( [Same Same by Peter Mendelsund]( I honestly don’t know what I just read. But I do know that I really liked it. And I am NOT Mr. High-brow / Esoteric novel man. That is not who I am. But somehow, this novel accomplishes the near impossible. It is high brow, but it’s also extremely accessible (meaning people like me can actually enjoy it). Perhaps it has something to do with [The Magic Mountain]( (hahaha no I didn’t read that… are you nuts?) and Mr. Mendelsund’s status as a first time novelist and his appreciation of The Magic Mountain. Whoa. How Meta. I think. Maybe. Or maybe it’s about the thin line between creativity and bullshit. Or maybe it’s about all of that. Or none of it. I dunno. PANCAKE PANCAKE PANCAKE* [Bonobos Highland Golf Pant – $70.40]( w/ ECLIPSE20 ($88) [Bonobos Highland Golf Pant]( Somewhere, Roy Williams is wearing these. [Daggumit](. Now, that said, Bonobos makes a hell of a tech-pant/golf pant. Super well constructed, the fabric breathes and stretches, and it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a pair of nylon windpants from 1992. Also available in an assortment of less loud colors/patterns. [Lands’ End Fine Gauge Cashmere Stripe Sweater – $102.97](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-fine-gauge-cashmere-stripe-sweater/id_333241?sku_0=::ZGU) ($189) [Lands' End Fine Gauge Cashmere Stripe Sweater](//www.landsend.com/products/mens-fine-gauge-cashmere-stripe-sweater/id_333241?sku_0=::ZGU) Drops under $75 the next time they run a 30% off or more site-wide code (not just full price items). Lands’ End cashmere is hugely underrated. It’s the real deal. And a striped sweater like this one, especially the light gray option, can be a year-round go-to. Wear it with everything from chinos to shorts in the heat, and then jeans when it cools off. [J. Crew Stretch Secret Wash Shirt in Coffee Bean Print – $41.65]( w / NEWNEW ($59.50) [J. Crew Stretch Secret Wash Shirt in Coffee Bean Print]( A basic shirt that’s anything but a basic, solid button down. But it doesn’t try too hard either. “Coffee bean” print is subtle but interesting. Light blue color is perfect for the warm weather ahead. Available in classic, slim, tall, and even an “untucked” length. [Sperry Bahama II Oxford Shirt Boat Shoe – $59.95]( [Sperry Bahama II Oxford Shirt Boat Shoe]( Boat shoe season is almost upon us. A different, super-lightweight take here on the classic boat shoe. Oxford cloth uppers. So if you’re super hard on shoes? Might want to take a pass. Random, somewhat related fun fact from [Bruce Springsteen’s Memoir](: Preps used to be called Rah-Rahs. Seems appropriate. [Spring Cleaning your Closet/Wardrobe – Priceless]( [Dappered.com]( Many of us are starting to pack away the heavier, fall/winter appropriate clothes in favor of our lighter spring/summer stuff. And it’s a perfect time to take a good strong look at your closet. Did you go the entire span of cold-weather months NOT wearing something this year? That’s a good signal that it’s time to donate or sell that particular item(s). [Head here for our three part series on organizing your closet](. Even if you just hit step one (clearing clutter) you’ll be ahead of the game. *Read the book and you’ll get it. For other Best Bets under $75 from previous months, [click here](. ff/Dappered?a=nCVamSBpRoc:V1R1nLAoWC4:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=nCVamSBpRoc:V1R1nLAoWC4:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=nCVamSBpRoc:V1R1nLAoWC4:gIN9vFwOqvQ [The Podcast Playlist – March 2019](r/Dappered/~3/A1SulpW7nZM/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 19 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. [Here’s why.]( And here’s one: You know that confident feeling you get when wearing your favorite suit? Imagine feeling that way about your finances. [Personal Capital]( tracks your net worth and spending for free, so you know where your savings stand and how your investments are performing. [Get started here.]( As much as this website [encourages]( people to [disconnect](, podcasts are one of those things that are an exception to that rule. They’re incredible. And they can make the mundane ([doing laundry](, riding the bus, [ironing]( or [shining shoes]() nothing short of extraordinary. Each month our resident podcast connoisseur, [Dave I.](, finds three podcasts worth your time and ears. [You Must Remember This]( [You Must Remember This]( Billed as “the podcast about the secret and/or forgotten history of Hollywood’s first century” this is the podcast for listeners who crave information on Hollywood’s golden age. Writer and host Karina Longworth covers multiple topics, choosing to focus each season in one specific area for a deeper dive. Interested in knowing about the Hollywood blacklist and the red scare? Or background information about the life and career of Joan Crawford? Perhaps the life and times of Marilyn Monroe is of more interest? These topics, and others, are all excellently researched, jam-packed with historical information, and told with painstaking detail. For anyone holding even an interest in Charlie Chaplin, Charles Manson, or Jane Fonda among many other Hollywood details, this is the podcast for you. [Radiolab]( [RadioLab]( Radiolab is a podcast dedicated to science and philosophical investigation. The topics are never dull and the speakers always well versed. For example, an episode from September 22, 2016 “The Primitive Streak” focused on the use of human embryos in the scientific lab and how researchers philosophically deal with the “14 day rule” governing embryonic use. An episode from July 14, 2017 “The Ceremony” covered the top secret nature of how new crypto-currencies are created. More recently an episode from August 29, 2018 “Baby Blue Blood Drive” was all about Horseshoe crabs and the importance of their blue blood. While a podcast dedicated to science and philosophy might seem dull, podcast hosts Robert Krulwich and Jad Abumrad sprinkle enough sound effects and laughter throughout the show to make the whole thing incredibly entertaining. [Dr. Death]( [Dr. Death]( Trust. Trust is pretty much at the root of the medical system. When patients visit the doctor they trust the doctor has the proper training to make the right decisions that lead to a cure. Only what if that trust is misplaced? What if the trust placed in the doctor, the hospital, and the institutions charged with patient care is based on half truths and internal investigations closed to the public? This is the backdrop to Dr. Death, an excellently researched and narrated podcast by host Laura Beil, who explores the history behind Dr. Duntsch, a former neurosurgeon who was given the nickname of Dr. Death for his malpractice resulting in the death and maiming of multiple patients. Not everyone is comfortable with the subject matter, [or how it’s presented]( ([Dr. Death Merchandise?]( Seriously?) but it’s still a fascinating listen involving not only how one man was able to continue to practice medicine for so long, but also the impact his actions had on so many people who came to him for help. About the author: [Dave I.]( has been a Dappered reader for several years. His interest in fashion started with shoes and expanded to encompass watches, suits, and general men’s style. When not thinking about his next purchase he can be found enjoying a pint of locally brewed craft beer. ff/Dappered?a=A1SulpW7nZM:ElqEq56-IWE:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=A1SulpW7nZM:ElqEq56-IWE:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=A1SulpW7nZM:ElqEq56-IWE: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