Dappered | Skimp or Spend? A buying guide for men’s suits, blazers, jeans, watches, and more.

[Dappered | Skimp or Spend? A buying guide for men’s suits, blazers, jeans, watches, and more.]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [Skimp or Spend? A buying guide for men’s suits, blazers, jeans, watches, and more.](#1) - [Steal(ish) Alert: 25% off select Timex watches (including some favorites new and old)](#2) - [In Review: Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers](#3) [Skimp or Spend? A buying guide for men’s suits, blazers, jeans, watches, and more.](r/Dappered/~3/sMvknGmBIz0/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 31 Mar 2021 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What pieces in a guy’s wardrobe can you go cheap on without getting burned? Which items are you better off saving up for? Everyone’s situation is different, but here’s a breakdown of what to (maybe) skimp on, and what you’re better off spending big for. There are always exceptions. [These are more guidelines than actual rules](. Depending on work / social environments, you may shift more money into one type of item instead of another. For example, more on suits and sport coats, less on sweaters and jeans. But for a lot of you – especially those [new to the game]( or starting your post-college lives – this can hopefully be a guide on how to best allocate funds for your wardrobe. Suits: Neither Skimp nor Spend big (stick to the middle ground) [Dappered.com]( - [Spier & Mackay Half Canvas Suits – $348+](  just your 1st suit ships/returns for free, can sell out quick - [Suitsupply Half Canvas “Wardrobe Starter” Suits – $359 – $399](  ships/returns for free, consistent stock Nothing like breaking the rules right from the start. Should you buy a $150 suit? No. Should you spend a ton and get a fancy $1000+ suit? Probably not. Why? Because two incredible, big-time bang-for-the-buck, moderately priced brands have appeared in the last half decade. [SuitSupply]( and [Spier & Mackay]( both produce quality construction, well made suits cut from nice Italian and Australian wools, and feature details that used to be only found on suits that would cost much, much more. There are few, if any, more consistently value-priced options in all of #menswear than SuitSupply and Spier & Mackay. Shoes: Spend on Dress Shoes & Boots, Skimp on the rest - [Allen Edmonds Goodyear Welted Strand Oxford – $395]( - [Allen Edmonds Carlyle Oxford – $395]( - [Grant Stone Diesel Boot in Crimson Chromexcel – $340]( - [Danner 917 – $220]( - [Red Wing 6″ Moc Toe Boot – $280]( - [adidas Stan Smith – $85]( - [J. Crew Court Sneakers – $100ish](//www.jcrew.com/p/mens_category/shoes_sneakers/sneakers/court-sneakers-in-leather/AQ226?color_name=white) - [Nike Killshot 2 – $64.97](//www.nike.com/t/killshot-2-leather-mens-shoe-zrq1wk/432997-107) ($90) Yes, [super expensive]( designer sneakers have gained in popularity, but unless you’re a sneaker head, keep your cash for dress shoes and boots. If you’re [putting together a footwear arsenal from scratch](, spend on well made, recraftable shoes, such as those [from Allen Edmonds](. Buy during big sales ([Anniversary](, [Rediscover America](, etc) and you’ll get a lot for your money. When you want (or need) to look your best, nice shoes can matter. [In regards to boots?]( Follow Lt. Dan’s advice from Forest Gump: [Take care of your feet](. That means good boots for work and hiking. If they’re just for looking good, but they’re inspired by heritage work or hiking boots? Still might want to spend. Because cheap boots can often look, well, really cheap. Might be worth the investment. For footwear like [casual classic sneakers]( or [boat shoes](, go cheap. For workout shoes? If you’re a serious workout warrior, [consider investing](. Cheap “gym” shoes can sometimes have less cushioning, less support, and/or wear out faster, and thus, lead to injury. Outerwear: SPEND on Wool, Warmth, & Waterproof. Skimp on the rest. - [Banana Republic Italian Wool Melton Topcoat in Camel – $200ish]( - [Amazon Goodthreads Down Jacket with Hood – $50ish]( - [Target Goodfellow Sherpa Lined Denim Trucker Jacket – $49.99]( - [Spier & Mackay Italian Wool Peacoat – $400ish]( - [Huckberry USA Made Flint and Tinder Waxed Truckers – $240]( - [Old Navy Water-Resistant Narrow-Channel Puffer Jacket for Men – $40ish]( Look to invest when it comes to a wool topcoat or peacoat. Cheap options can look and more importantly feel cheap. Don’t go cheap if you live somewhere super cold and need to stay warm, and/or if you live somewhere super wet, and need to stay dry. Meanwhile, if it’s a light jacket, a piece of outerwear for those in-between seasons, or something trendier, saving a few bucks isn’t out of the question. But back to the wool stuff: One possible way to save BIG money on outerwear? Check your local Army/Navy surplus. Sometimes they have incredibly well made, wool outerwear, for absurdly affordable prices. [Blazers/Sportcoats](: Both [Dappered.com]( - [Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer – $400]( - [Spier & Mackay Navy Hopsack Blazer – $348]( ($398) - [Suitsupply Havana Fit Blazer – $299]( - [Old Navy Built-In Flex Blazer for Men – $60ish]( - [Banana Republic Supima Sweater Blazer – $90ish]( - [J. Crew Factory Slim-fit Thompson suit jacket in flex chino – $120](//factory.jcrew.com/p/mens-clothing/suits/suitjackets/slimfit-thompson-suit-jacket-in-flex-chino/BA491?color_name=dark-pacific) (but it can work as a chino blazer) If you’re in a work environment where you rarely wear a jacket and only need one? Consider investing in one do-it-all high-quality blazer in navy (see the first three examples above). If you wear [blazers/sportcoats]( with more frequency, make sure you’re set on that solid navy wool option, [then branch out into other colors and fabrics](. You can often fill in the gaps with different patterns and colors at bargain prices thanks to sales, deals, clearances, etc. Don’t worry, we’ll keep you updated on the sales. Chinos: Skimp…. but Spend if you have to (if you’re hard to fit) - [GAP Khakis (chinos) – $36ish]( ($59.95) - [Old Navy Slim Ultimate Built-In Flex Chinos – $25ish]( - [Amazon Goodthreads “The Perfect” Chino Slim Fit Pant – $30]( - [Banana Republic Core Temp Chinos – $60ish]( ($98) - [Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos – $99]( A lot of guys can get away with GAP or even Old Navy chinos (or, other brands at that similar price point). But if you find yourself constantly fighting against or swimming in those cheaper pants? You might have to spend a bit more. It’s worth it though, once you get your fit nailed in chino-land. [Lots of guys swear by Bonobos](. And while they are NOT cheap, if you’re patient and play the sale game, you can get them at some fairly hefty discounts. The sheer variety of colors and fits (five! five fits!) for the Bonobos flagship pant is staggering. Jeans: Skimp (relatively) [Dappered.com]( - [Banana Republic Slim Luxe Traveler Jeans – $70ish]( (gotta play the codes/sales game) - [Banana Republic ATHLETIC Luxe Traveler Jeans – $70ish]( - [Amazon Goodthreads Athletic-Fit Jean – $40]( - [Target Goodfellow & Co. Slim fit jeans – $29.99]( - [Levi’s 514 in Tumbled Rigid – $30ish]( Unless you’re seriously into the selvedge and/or raw denim thing, there are just way too many good, affordable options when it comes to decently made, timeless jeans. Cuts and colors may change over time, but the fact that one can purchase [a pair of dark wash Levi’s for under $40](, and have them delivered to his or her home in a day or two, says a lot about life (good, bad, and otherwise) in the 21st century. We live in fascinating times. Polos: Skimp [Dappered.com]( - [Amazon Goodthreads Lightweight Slub Polo – $20]( - [Target Goodfellow Performance Polo Shirt – $19.99]( - [EXPRESS Stretch Polos – $23.94](//www.express.com/clothing/men/piped-moisture-wicking-performance-polo/pro/05047580/color/NAVY/e/regular/) when 40% off ($39.90) - [Banana Republic Luxe Touch Polos – $30ish]( Polos are another item in menswear with [a rich bounty of affordable, decently-constructed, well-fitted options](. Yes, there are a lot of “bad” polos out there. But there are also plenty of good ones for around $20 – $45. Look for trim cuts, good feeling fabrics, breathability, and collars that don’t curl. Casual Shirts: Skimp [Dappered.com]( - [Target Goodfellow & Co Oxford Shirt – $24.99]( - [UNIQLO Slim Fit Oxford Cloth Button Down – $29.90]( - [Amazon Goodthreads Oxford Shirt – $23]( - [GAP Poplin Blue Gingham Button Down – $30ish]( Yes, there are some super nice casual shirts out there. But unless you’re [Mr. Shirt who just has to have all the shirts]( stick to inexpensive OCBDs (oxford cloth button downs) and patterned poplins. Because if you REALLY need to be wearing a nice shirt? Wear a dress shirt. Dress Shirts: Skimp a bit, or, Spend. Just don’t go super cheap. [Dappered.com]( - [Nordstrom Smartcare Trim Fit Dress Shirt – $59.50]( - [The Tie Bar Pinpoint Dress Shirt – $55](//www.thetiebar.com/product/shr-2952-0003) - [Charles Tyrwhitt Slim Fit Egyptian Cotton White Shirt – $79](//www.ctshirts.com/us/slim-fit-white-egyptian-cotton-poplin-shirt/FOR0737WHT.html?q=slim%20fit%20egyptian*&qc=81&searchtype=range) (wait for sales) - [Ledbury The White Fine Twill Mid Spread Dress Shirt – $135]( Speaking of dress shirts. You can spend a LOT on a dress shirt. Or, you could spend a solid amount (say, $40 – $60) and get something quite nice, but still not cash out your 401k to get it. Whatever you do, just don’t go super cheap on your dress shirts. Super cheap dress shirts have a tendency to be uncomfortable, suffocating, and scratchy. And that’s not what you want when you’re trying to look your best. Sweaters: Skimp - [Goodthreads Merino Wool V-Neck – $35]( - [UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Wool V-Neck – $29.90 – $39.90]( - [Banana Republic Italian Merino V-Neck Sweater – $40ish]( - [Goodthreads Merino Wool Cardigan – $40Â]( We live in a time where 100% merino wool V-Neck and Crew Neck sweaters can be had for $30 – $60. That’s incredible. Heavier, shawl collar variants should run around $60-$150. And do try and stick with wool where you can. Cotton and cotton blends won’t breathe as well and won’t move with you as well. In regards to the cashmere question? Cashmere is nice. But it’s not gonna be worth it to the vast majority. Stick with merino. Watches: Skimp, Spend, or both - [Timex Men’s MK1 Aluminum 40mm – $80ish]( - [Invicta Pro Diver Auto – $85]( - [Citizen Nighthawk – $225](//www.jomashop.com/citizen-bj7000-52e.html?) - [Hamilton Khaki Automatic Field Watch – $400ish](//www.jomashop.com/hamilton-khaki-field-mens-watch-h70555533.html) - [Orient Mako USA – $300ish]( - [Timex Weekender – $30.55]( - [Orient Bambino V3 “Bauhaus” Automatic – $110]( - [Tissot 40mm Gentleman Automatic – $725]( - [Christopher Ward C60 Pro – $965]( Totally up to you. But it might be worth skimping first, THEN spending if you so choose. Why? Because we all spend time and money [figuring out what works for us](. Are you a leather band guy? What diameter do you prefer… 38mm? 40mm? 42mm? Bigger? [Dive watch](? Vintage? Chronograph? Something dead simple? It might be worth skimping a bit while you figure that out. But if you know, like REALLY know what you want, then finding one watch that wears well with everything in your wardrobe could be worth a big time splurge. Who knows. It might turn out to be an heirloom or even increase in value over time. [But don’t count on it](. Ties: Skimp [Dappered.com](//www.thetiebar.com/product/34347?utm_source=CJ&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=4025845&cjevent=f2fce14736fc11e9834200250a1c0e0c) - [TheTieBar Navy and White Stripe Tie – $25](//www.thetiebar.com/product/tie-2872-0398) - [TheTieBar Wool Printed Dot Tie – $25](//www.thetiebar.com/product/30201sk) - [TheTieBar Warm Blue Chambray Tie – $19](//www.thetiebar.com/product/34330) - [Kent Wang Navy Grenadine Tie – $75]( (in case you want a REALLY nice tie) [The Tie Bar](//www.thetiebar.com/) essentially eliminated the world of high-priced ties. Yes they deliver for the (super affordable!) price tag. But do know that you can actually feel the difference (in your hands, as well how easy it ties/drapes) between a cheap tie and a really nice tie. Still though. Skimp here, unless your job requires super sharp suit and tie combos. Maybe spend on one wheelhouse, really nice tie, [like a navy grenadine](, and then [cheap out on the rest?]( Sunglasses: Skimp (relatively) [Dappered.com]( - [Ray-Ban Polarized Wayfarers – $79.97]( ($179) - [Sunski Topekas – $68]( - [Huckberry Exclusive Polarized Sunglasses – $35]( - [Roka Halsey Polarized Sunglasses – $145]( - [Made in the USA American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses – $179]() We’re not talking about gas-station junk shades here. We ARE talking about saving a ton of money on well made sunglasses by shopping smart. [The eyewear industry is absurd](. Yet retailers like Nordstrom Rack offer designer shades at deep discount if you’re patient, and Direct-To-Consumer darlings like [Warby Parker]( provide significant bang-for-your-buck. Do your due diligence, and you can save a bunch of money on a nice pair of shades. Belts: Skimp - [Banana Republic Italian Leather Belt – $40ish]( - [Gap Basic Leather Belt – $30ish]( - [Marino Ratchet Belts – $22]( - [Nordstrom Reversible Leather Belt – $49.50]( As long as GAP keeps making [this](, and BR keeps making [this](, belts will forever be categorized as “skimp.” It’s not a dress belt, but it’ll fulfill your needs outside of dress-belt-needed-territory 95% of the time. Cars: Skimp Buy used. Now, nobody wants a junker that breaks down all the time (I think it’s a requirement that we all owned at least one of those lemons in our teens or 20s). And while everyone wants to have the coolest, newest car in the parking lot, what isn’t cool is rapid depreciation, worrying about scratches and dents, seeing the new model come out, soul sucking monthly payments, and thinking people care what type of car you drive. [Nobody cares](. Booze: Skimp on Clear, Spend on Brown. (Or… [maybe Skip](?) Cheap brown liquors can be downright awful (not that there aren’t [loads of affordable options]( between $30-$40 that punch well above their price). Spending a bit more for an aged, high quality Scotch, Bourbon, or [Rum]( usually pays off. Meanwhile, spending more on big name [Vodka]( or Gin usually… doesn’t. Of course there are exceptions. Skincare: Skimp [Dappered.com]( - [Goodfellow & Co. Kelp & Sea Mineral Face Wash – $5.99]( - [Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser 8 oz (Pack of 3) – $18.99]( - [Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream 20 oz – $12.88]( - [Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser – $12.50]( Skimp is a relative term in the world of skincare. For under $40, there are plenty creams, serums, and other assorted goops in small half-to-two ounce containers that last for months. Look for proven ingredients for a given skincare concern, and find the best value. Also, want your skin to look better without the goo? [Get more sleep. Drink more water.]( Moisturize. Use sunscreen. That’s really about all you need to do. Haircuts: Spend, on schedule [Dappered.com]( [Your barber is like your tailor](. Find one you communicate well with, develop a relationship, and appreciate their work. And see them every 3-4 weeks for a trim. Getting a a haircut every 6 weeks (or more) will leave you with a haircut that looks too short for two weeks, then just right for two weeks, then too long for the last two weeks. Get a trim every few weeks and your hair’s length will always look just right. [If you shave your head]( (by necessity or choice), invest in good equipment and spend 10 minutes twice a week to keep it tight. [Fitness]( & Wellness: Spend [Food. Water. Exercise. Sleep](. [Meditation? Journaling?]( Counseling? Coaching? Personal Training? So many of us are slogging through less than optimal versions of ourselves (spoiler alert: no one ever achieves total optimization), and it just makes everything else harder. Yet if we’re honest with ourselves, we probably know what needs to be fixed. We just might not know how to get there. Refocusing can take time, energy, and maybe some money. But what better way to spend a little of your hard earned dough? You can be dressed to the nines in the best of the best, but that can be all for naught if you’re simply papering over the underlying cracks. Don’t be ashamed to invest in yourself. Time. Attention. Some money if you have it. Run your own race. You got this. This post originally ran in 2019, but has since been updated, re-thought, given a fresh coat of paint, smacked on the hind quarter and sent galloping on its way. Want more resources like this? [Head here for our playbook]( (a collection of what we hope is our best advice), and [here for the Dappered Essentials shop](.  ff/Dappered?a=sMvknGmBIz0:OeF9LxRwylU:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=sMvknGmBIz0:OeF9LxRwylU:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=sMvknGmBIz0:OeF9LxRwylU:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal(ish) Alert: 25% off select Timex watches (including some favorites new and old)](r/Dappered/~3/cOhZpz4ZiNo/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 30 Mar 2021 02:21 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Timex: 25% off select w/ QUICK25]( (exp 3/31) What is it about spring? Every spring some of us (hi!) get an itch for a new watch. [Which is stupid](. Nothing has changed about the old watches already [in the collection](. But yeah. Here we are. The smart play would be to simply refresh an old favorite with a new strap. Say, NATO (can’t beat [the Crown & Buckle Supreme](). Or maybe take a chunkier sport watch, and put a sweat/water proof silicone or rubber band on it. ([MARATAC Deployment maybe?]( That’d be the smart play. I have [never once]( claimed to be smart. [Timex Steal Alert 33021] - [Timex Marlin Automatic California Dial Rose Gold Tone – $186.75]( ($249) - [Navi XL 41mm Silicone Strap Watch – $96.75]( ($129) - [Harborside 42mm Bracelet Watch – $63.75]( ($85) - [Navi XL 41mm Fabric Slip-Thru Strap Watch – $96.75]( ($129) - [Timex Milano – $74.25]( ($99) review [here]( - [Timex x Todd Snyder MS-1 41mm Fabric Strap Maritime Sport – $99](//www.toddsnyder.com/products/timex-ms1-maritime-sport-silvertone-case-silver) ($158) NOTE: link goes to Todd Snyder because this is [currently $99 over there](//www.toddsnyder.com/products/timex-ms1-maritime-sport-silvertone-case-silver). No code needed. Which is weird. [Will run you about $120 at Timex]( even WITH the code. This 25% off select Timex watches code QUICK25 expires tomorrow, 3/31. And there are some lookers in the section [they’ve set aside for the 25% off](. Some weird stuff as well for sure, but the new Marlin California Dial looks like something else for the more dressed up types, the Milano is perfect for the minimalists, and the MS-1 looks great for the more casual leaning fellas. That’s all. Carry on. Happy spring. ff/Dappered?a=cOhZpz4ZiNo:bX5qRK3EizQ:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=cOhZpz4ZiNo:bX5qRK3EizQ:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=cOhZpz4ZiNo:bX5qRK3EizQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ [In Review: Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers](r/Dappered/~3/AgJeVd5vq_k/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 30 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers – $255]( About the Author: Adam Terry is a thirtysomething salesman in the HVAC and hydronics industry. He enjoys bourbon, boots, sneakers, raw denim, and working on his dad bod father figure. Note: At post time, AE is running a $75 off $250+ offer if you’re new to their “collectors” email list. [Create an account](, and they should give you a one time use code. Drops these to $180. Allen Edmonds is going through a bit of a rebuilding process, not unlike my favorite baseball team, the Boston Red Sox (big oof to 2020!). If you’ve been paying attention to the Port Washington, WI firm at all over the past year or two, you will no doubt have noticed some interesting new designs in their ever-widening portfolio of footwear. From camp mocs and boat shoes to Shell Cordovan Oxfords on a sneaker sole, Allen Edmonds seems to be throwing everything and the kitchen sink at the wall to see what sticks in today’s market. It’s a valiant effort at the very least. I think we can all assume this is a part of their effort to recapture the American menswear focus as more and more of us replace our formal cap toe Oxfords with a more versatile, “smart casual” option. They’ve already hit a Grand Slam with their [Higgins Mill boots](, but they’ve also struck out swinging with that silly [Park Ave Oxford sneaker]( in Shell Cordovan. How do their new luxury sneakers stack up? Let’s find out. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Okay AE. Let’s see what you bring to the crowded sneaker game. The Adam Review Scale of Excellence (A.R.S.E.) - 5 – Excellent! No issues and highly recommended. - 4 – Good. Above average, but not perfect. - 3 – Average. Minor issues, might be good at the right price. - 2 – Fair. Below average due to defects, flaws, or imperfections. - 1 – Poor. Significant issues, not worth purchasing at any price. Nice velvety suede and beefy laces. Details - Brand: Allen Edmonds - Style: Low-top suede “dress sneaker” - Size: 10.5 US (~44.5 EU) - Last: Unknown - Construction: Cemented and Stitched - Upper: Suede - Lining: Calf - Sole: Rubber cup sole - Details: Flat waxed cotton laces, contrasting heel tab and tongue patch, foam insoles - Extras: N/A - Country of Origin: Dominican Republic - Price: $245 USD [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Made in the Dominican Republic. Not USA. Just a heads up. Ordering/Delivery/Returns My pair of Courtsides was ordered on a Monday and the package was delivered that Friday via FedEx SmartPost. All domestic shipments over $100 USD are shipped free, with an estimated 3-7 business day arrival. So, this is a perfectly normal delivery window and no issues occurred. FYI: Allen Edmonds offers free returns with 90 days on all domestic U.S. orders with the exception of Factory Second shoes (those have a $25 restocking fee). As usual, shoes must be unused with no signs of wear. Score: 5/5 Stars – Easy ordering, standard shipping, and a generous 90 day free returns policy. Almond toe shape is reminiscent of their 65 last (Park Ave./Strand). Packaging/Unboxing My pair of suede Courtsides arrived in one of the newer blacked out Allen Edmonds boxes. It’s an average shoe box overall, nothing worth writing home about. Inside, there was also nothing special to write about. The shoes themselves were individually bagged and wrapped in a few pieces of tissue paper, but there were no cloth shoe bags, no spare laces, no brush, or anything else of value. At this price point, I kind of expect to see bonus shoe care items included. For what it’s worth, Gustin can deliver similar quality shoes AND include shoe bags and spare laces for 35% less cash. Am I asking too much? Score: 3/5 Stars – Average at best. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Sneakers came with a box, and that’s all. Suede on the toe boxes arrived matted down, but that brushed out a bit. First Impressions Fresh out of the box, I’m intrigued by the design of these sneakers. The last shape almost resembles their infamous Park Ave and Strand models with a narrow heel, wide forefoot, and rounded “almond” shape toe box. The suede looks nice, the laces are beefy, and I’m really digging the walnut tan tongue [and heel accents]( that give these a much-needed pop of color. The puffy ankle collar looks comfortable. In the hand, the suede feels plush and almost velvet like in texture. The shorter nap is evenly trimmed with enough length to give texture and some depth. Color wise, this darker shade of grey leans warmer with greenish or brownish undertones. I’d say it’s somewhere between Charcoal ([Pantone 425]() and Sardine ([Pantone 418](). In person the color looks a few shades lighter than represented on AE’s site. Visually, the suede and leather accents look elegant, which I think suits the more upscale, dressy nature of the Courtside model pretty well. While I personally won’t be wearing sneakers with a suit any time soon, I can definitely see these being paired well with slim, dark denim, an Oxford cloth button-down shirt, and a sport coat in a similar earthy brown, green, blue, or grey color. If you’re looking for “smart casual” sneakers, something like this should definitely be in your wheelhouse. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Interior is lined with a burgundy calf leather. Overall construction seems to be very solid. The main upper stitching is single needle throughout, including the reinforced areas at the bottom of the facings. There are no noticeable faults anywhere, but the suede on the toe box of both shoes seems to be matted down a bit. Whether this is from the assembly process or just the nature of this suede, I’m not sure. It does brush out a little bit and I suspect a brass suede brush would be able to correct it better than my regular horsehair bristle brush. I will also note that the inner heel stitching, where the leather ankle lining meets the suede heel cup, may become a point of failure. I can foresee this single row of stitching becoming weak after many, many miles of wear. If that happens, the ankle lining could begin to split, separate, or pull up and away. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Pilllow-like insoles to cradle your feet. Since we’re already talking about the interior, here are a few other things you’ll notice. First, everything your foot touches is made from plush, burgundy calf leather. This includes the full-length linings and the leather topped removable foam insoles. The FlyForm insoles are molded from a unique and dense open cell foam that should give you some support and shock absorption, but without falling to pieces within a year. They are much better than the cheap insoles you find in budget sneakers. Overall, everything is soft and squishy as comfort was obviously directive #1. Personally, I wouldn’t wear these barefoot as I can imagine them getting pretty sweaty with the layers of leather and no real ventilation to speak of. Underneath the insole, you’ll see some interesting engineering. The toe area is firm with a thin layer of generic looking fiberboard, but the midfoot/ball area has nothing like that. It’s a fiber or cloth material instead, which I assume is for added flexibility. Finally, the rear half of the footbed is made from a layer of stiff Bartoli fiberboard from Italy. This is some creative design work that allows for both a stiff, supportive shoe as well as one that’s comfortable and flexible from the get go. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Three piece construction under the insole for support and flexibility. The outsole is an Allen Edmonds custom rubber cup sole with horizontal tread. It’s both glued and stitched to the upper leather. It’s a little slimmer and a little firmer than the de facto option from Margom that a lot of other brands use. Unfortunately, this model is too new to really know how long that sole will last, but with Allen Edmonds, that’s not really a problem. They now offer a recrafting service for their sneakers, too! For only $75 USD (as of March 2021), the factory in Port Washington, WI will replace the outsoles, refinish and polish the uppers, and provide a new set of shoe laces. Score: 4/5 Stars – Overall, great. Above average materials and construction with few minor defects. [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Recraftable soles with a horizontal tread. Comfort, Fit, and Sizing Comfort is always subjective, but you’ll be hard pressed to find more comfortable sneakers outside of dedicated running or athletic shoes. Seriously, the pillow-like foam insoles and plush leather lining feel great around your feet. The relaxed fit last shape is pretty good, too, with plenty of room in the toe box while also looking sleek and tapered. No complaints here! The Courtside sneakers fit true to size, if not a little roomy, so stick with your usual Brannock size. This pair in 10.5 D fit pretty well with medium thickness socks like Darn Tough and Smart Wool. If you regularly wear thin loafer or sneaker socks, you may want to explore a half-size down or a narrower width. Speaking of width, this D width is wider than average and may accommodate most of you who need a slightly wider fitting. If you know you wear EE or EEE widths on a regular basis, go with your gut. For reference, I am a 10.5 D/E on a Brannock device and usually take a 10 D in wider-fitting dress shoes, including Alden’s Barrie last and Grant Stone’s Leo last. I take a 10.5 E in Allen Edmonds 65 last, as that last runs too narrow for me. I also take a 10.5 in Vans and an 11 in most Adidas or Nike sneakers. Score: 5/5 Stars – Snug fit that will break in over time. Go true to your Brannock size! [Allen Edmonds Courtside Suede Sneakers]( Subjectively handsome and very comfortable. Final Thoughts At the end of the day, I like the Courtside sneakers. Quite a lot, actually. They seem to be crafted well from above average materials and the design is subjectively handsome. They’re very comfortable out of the box, too. I could definitely see myself wearing these with dark denim, a clean white Oxford shirt, and a chunky knit cardigan or casual knit sportcoat in a charcoal grey, dusty navy, or hunter green. Allen Edmonds will charge you $250 for the pleasure, though, and that’s a lot of cheddar for most of us to spend on sneakers. You’ll need to check them out for yourself and see if the juice is worth the squeeze. Avg. Score: 4.25/5 Stars – Comfortable, stylish, and well made. Recommended! ff/Dappered?a=AgJeVd5vq_k:o3Gn6e2nBm8:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=AgJeVd5vq_k:o3Gn6e2nBm8:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=AgJeVd5vq_k:o3Gn6e2nBm8: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