Beckett Simonon Oxfords Review - Fit, Details, and Value
***If you are here for a discount code, MENSCH20 will get you 20% off
In my head, everything in menswear comes down to somewhat of a ratio between form and function. Obviously, price is usually the first factor I need to consider. But once looking in a certain price bracket, everything can be simplified to “does it feel good and does it look good.” Unfortunately, often times, the two factors are mutually exclusive.
My first pair of Beckett Simonons: the oxford wholecut in tan. They fit perfectly right out of the box!
Interestingly, styles of dress shoes have remained rather stable over the years. Cap-toe oxfords seem to be the norm along with penny loafers and brogue wingtips. The only new style I’ve noticed that’s really picked up recently is Monk Straps. If your shoe is well made and of solid construction, its style won’t hold it back from standing the test of time.
That’s where Beckett Simonon, specifically their Dean Cap-Toe, and Valencia Wholecut Oxfords, have changed the dress shoe-game for me. I know that everyone has different foot shapes with different needs but I have an extremely average-proportioned foot and do think the following will absolutely be applicable to the average reader.
Fit
Although they don’t market themselves as such, their greatest strength to me was the fit of the shoe and I’ll tell you exactly why: An oxford shoe, unlike a derby, that has two separate pieces of leather that are pulled together by the laces, has what I call a split down the center of the shoe where the laces are.
You can see the “V” shape that forms when the split-lace up system adjusts to my foot height
The problem I see OVER and OVER again with oxford shoes is that the split-lace up design is sitting too high, resulting in the split being fully closed over the foot. But if the two sides of the laces are touching, it means the shoe is too big! It should split open to a “V” shape, as you can see in the picture, to accommodate the individual foot height of each wearer. You can see this oxford fits PERFECTLY on me. The split is neither too wide or too closed on the top of my foot.
These oxfords are slightly too big- the easy way to tell is because the “V” is completely closed.
Additionally, the shape of the last is also different in the sense that it gives more room than a traditional European design, but is sleeker than the bulkier American designed shoes. This allows for more movement and freedom of the toes. The sueded heel cup also is a functional design detail that helps to prevent slippage. My usual size, 9.5 in dress shoe, fit perfectly. If you’re between sizes, I’d recommend going down.
Details
Inside of the box cover, with all the details of the shoes.
The extra pair of waxed laces, shoe bags, additional padded insoles, and an info packet.
There are plenty fantastic details in the shoe/purchase, such as the piping around the collar, the decorative welt, the leather sole, the extra pair of waxed laces, shoe bags, and even the additional padded insoles that come with the shoes. I love that they include a packet showing their factory and even include the names and photos of the workers that have made your shoes.
There is also a distinct, smokey smell to the soles of the shoes which I really love. A lot of people like to implement the “leather-smell test” on a new pair of shoes so these definitely get an A+ on that front.
Quality
Beckett Simonon shoes are constructed by a blake stitch making them recraftable, durable, and flexible (but not as weatherproof as goodyear welt, a detail that is somewhat overrated). The calfskin leather is great, especially at this price point. I only have the shoes for a few months of occasional wear so I can’t honestly speak of its resiliency just yet. I’ll do a 1 year follow-up in the future revisiting this. But the way I usually judge leather quality is by how fine/loose the grain is (NOT the creasing) and the leather on my pairs is very very fine.
You can see that sleek, curvy design of the dean oxford. The shoes have a timeless look and fit like a glove
Interesting to note is that they used to have runs of goodyear welted shoes, and also shoes that were made in places other than Columbia, where mine were produced. I’ve seen other reviews where shoes were made in Portugal as well. I think part of the charm of starting a Beckett Simonon collection is that you never know what shoes might be available next!
A look at the Beckett Simonon Dean oxford in black on feet. They look great with these gray flannel dress trousers.
Overall, these shoes are made better and more ethically than other shoes in this price bracket, fit better than any other dress shoe I have ever used, and are more fashionable than most brands (Cole Haan, Steve Madden) out there. With a 20% off code (you can use the code Mensch20) these shoes come to $160 with free shipping both ways, just enough to let you know they mean quality, but low enough to remain affordable for the average guy.
The Waiting Game
The ONLY downside is their crowdsourcing pricing model (like Gustin) that requires a wait time of around 3 months. If you can appreciate that this helps greatly reduce cost for you and the business and helps reduce waste, maybe you can overlook the waiting. Besides, the waiting builds anticipation - and I can assure you it’ll be worth it!
If you have other feelings toward Beckett Simonon please feel free to share below! If you have owned Beckett Simonon shoes for a while and can speak to the leather quality, and toughness of the whole, pleases drop a comment below!
The devil is in the details! Which would you choose? The sleek Dean oxford in black, or the show-stopping Valencia in tan?
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