Snapshot Review of Beckett Simonon Shoes
Beckett Simonon's objective is to offer high-quality products for an exceptional price. Beyond this effort, they seek to minimize waste and offer unique and engaging experiences to the customer while being able to continue hand-crafting their products and passing the savings off to you and me.
With these objectives, it's easy to recommend Beckett Simonon. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The primary issue is that their made-to-order model means waiting several months for your shoes, boots, and other products to arrive. If you value quick delivery, this is something to keep in mind.
Made-to-Order Model
"Made-to-order" refers to products being physically constructed after your online submission. This generally results in longer wait periods but helps minimize waste, ensure quality control, and allow for competitive pricing.
PROS:
- Premium sneakers, boots, and dress shoes that are made from full-grain leather.
- Blake stitch construction.
- Sleek and stylish designs that epitomize elegance for every occasion.
- Numerous options in classic and timeless colorways.
- Remarkably well-priced, given the quality of the boots on offer.
CONS:
- Due to their made-to-order business model, the wait time is between two and three months, sometimes longer.
- The Blake stitch construction method is high-quality and offers solubility (but the proper equipment must often be available to do so).
- In the case of boots, no truly waterproof options are on offer.
- Offers only standard men's shoe/boot sizes.
Based in Bogotá, Colombia, the founders of Beckett Simonon learned through their own experiences that most retailers price many products at eight to ten times the original manufacturing cost.
Additionally, other retailers must consider that items in their inventory offered in stores may never sell. This means that what little is sold must also cover the operational costs of the entire outlet.
This model affects consumer prices and allows waste to build up, which inspired Beckett Simonon to do things differently.
Beckett Simonon is a direct-to-consumer men’s shoe brand that offers high-quality shoes at affordable prices. Founded in 2011, the company aims to provide customers with a seamless, high-quality, made-to-order shoe experience.
By eliminating the traditional supply chain, Beckett Simonon can offer significant savings to customers. The company's shoes are handcrafted and remain committed to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing practices.
Quality & Construction
When it comes to leather quality, Beckett Simonon runs the gamut:
Beckett Sinomon's boots and shoes are typically more formal, although some boot variants feature rugged silhouettes and lug soles akin to traditional work and service boots.
What Makes a "Good" Shoe/Boot?
Let's begin by addressing a fundamental question: What defines a quality shoe or boot?
Although not every item on this list includes all of the essential attributes, it is important to note that any boot or shoe deemed "quality" should (generally) possess the following characteristics:
- High-quality leather upper for durability and comfort.
- Comfortable fit with adequate arch support and cushioning.
- Versatile design that can be dressed up or down.
- Waterproof (or at least water-resistant) materials for protection against the elements.
- Good value for money, considering the quality and craftsmanship.
Blake-Stitch Construction
The Blake stitch construction is a practical method often discussed concerning high-quality boots and dress shoes. In this technique, instead of sewing the sole to a midsole, the sole is directly sewn to the leather upper. This approach is typically more cost-effective and can provide greater flexibility for the footwear overall.
While Blake stitch construction allows for resoling the footwear, a special Blake machine is often required. However, this method does not typically offer effective waterproofing, as it provides direct access to the foot from the exterior.
A Blake stitch method will work just fine for water resistance (or repellent). Just don't go diving into any rivers with a pair of Beckett Simonon's boots.
Although this construction technique does not apply to every footwear option the brand offers (such as their sneakers), it remains an excellent choice for any well-made shoe or boot.
A "Crash Course" in Leather (Skip If You Don't Care)
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather is the good stuff. This complete and most natural animal hide provides the most durability for an item made from full-grain leather. Additionally, goods manufactured from full-grain leather often retain richness in color and texture, a quality commensurate with premium leather products.
Full-grain leather is apparent when you notice the characteristics of the animal hide, such as imperfections, marks, or scars left on the skin.
Top-Grain Leather
Top-grain leather is one step below full-grain leather, making it weaker because it is typically sanded down. This sanding process breaks the fibers and reduces the premium richness and sheen characteristic of full-grain leather goods. While top-grain leather is still high quality, it isn't as high-end as full-grain leather.
"Genuine" Leather
Genuine leather is “technically” leather. The leather often used in cheaper footwear brands is microsuede with 100% "genuine" split leather covered with a thin polyurethane coating. Once embossed, the footwear is still classified as “leather” for import duty.
Some "genuine" leather is classified as "action" leather, which falls into the same category. This can be difficult to spot at a distance to the untrained eye, but the differences become apparent once you put your fingers on each type of leather and learn what to look for.
Full-grain leather is often soft, buttery, and supple with subtle and natural perforations commensurate with animal hide. In contrast, genuine leather of the lowest quality is more artificial and plastic-like.
Comfort & Fit
When it comes to overall comfort, Beckett Simonon is precisely what you would expect: it does not compete on comfort but prioritizes craftsmanship and style while considering the wearer's overall comfort.
I recommend checking out Amberjack if comfort is more important than classic styling, but how well any pair of shoes or boots will fit your feet is a toss-up, and what will suit your specific needs in terms of comfort is largely subjective.
Just know that Beckett Simonon is competing on premium-made footwear at excellent price-points and doesn't promise to be the most comfortable shoe or boot on the market.
I, for one, think that this is quite all right.
The shoes feature a soft, breathable leather upper and a cushioned insole for added comfort. Beckett Simonon’s shoes are available in standard widths, but may not be suitable for those with wider feet.
The company’s shoes are designed to mold to the foot over time, providing a comfortable and customized fit, though your mileage may vary. Ultimately, these aren't bespoke shoes (made for the wearer's feet and theirs alone), but the brand is standard at best regarding sizing options.
Style & Design
Beckett Simonon offers a wide range of stylish and versatile shoes, including dress shoes, loafers, boots, and sneakers.
The company’s designs draw inspiration from traditional styles, with some incorporating a modern twist. The shoes are ideal for dressing up or down and can be paired with various outfits (see below).
The company’s Georgia loafers are popular, featuring a classic penny loafer style with a chunky, lugged rubber outsole for traction and contemporary styling.
Although the company's shoes and boots are designed to be more stylish and dressy, and no genuine heavy-duty shoes or work boots are available, their newer Silva boots certainly come closest to being more water-repellent, even though they are not entirely waterproof.
Hands-On the Products
Brown Suede Dean Oxford Dress Shoes - ($239)
- Handcrafted
- Water-Repellent Suede
- Fully Leather Lined
- Leather Sole
- Stacked Leather Heel
- Steel Shank for Stability
- Blake Stitching
When it comes to dress shoes, Beckett Simonon is no slouch. The Dean Oxford dress shoes are simply stunning.
The rich chocolate suede material and beautiful leather soles make it a classic, timeless, no-nonsense dress shoe perfect for the office or weddings.
These are handcrafted from water-repellent suede that is soft, strong, and richly detailed. Additionally, they feature an almond-shaped toe box, providing ample wiggle room for your toes to breathe.
These shoes remain as handsome after numerous wears as they were when I first opened them.
The Vachetta leather lining excels at managing temperature, absorbing sweat, and controlling odors. A steel shank is riveted to both the insole and outsole for added balance, stability, and support.
The Blake stitching I mentioned earlier ensures the shoes are sturdy and resoleable with minimal break-in required. The stacked leather heels look fantastic and are easy to repair. Thanks to the SBR rubber heel caps, the wearer benefits from excellent traction, durability, and shock absorption.
These oxfords are hand-finished with carnauba wax and shea butter for natural luster and deep color. They are crafted by master artisans under responsible and ethical working conditions (amen).
I'm no stranger to wearing dress shoes. After years at a military college and nearly a decade as an active-duty Naval Officer, my feet have become accustomed to stiff dress shoes and heavy steel-toe boots.
I share this because these shoes fit and feel excellent compared to what I have had to wear for my schooling and subsequent profession.
Chestnut Suede Bolton Chelsea Boots - ($269)
- Handcrafted
- Water-Repellent Suede
- Fully Leather Lined
- Leather Sole
- Stacked Leather Heel
- Steel Shank for Stability
- Blake Stitching
I truly appreciate a nice pair of Chelsea boots, particularly suede ones. While Beckett Simonon provides regular leather options for almost all their shoes, I personally adore the texture of the suede leather featured in the Bolton Chelsea boots. It’s remarkably versatile, perfect for the fall and winter seasons.
Easy to slip on and off, this effortlessly stylish, water-repellent suede is soft and firm, featuring a plush feel and elegant silhouette.
Similar to the Dean Oxfords, these boots have an almond-shaped toe box that is both refined and contemporary, with generous volume. Once again, the leather-lined insoles adapt to your feet’s shape to form custom-like footbeds, and the Vachetta leather lining manages temperature, absorbs sweat, and controls pesky odors.
You're getting a steel shank for added balance, support, and stability, along with Blake stitching that ensures the shoes are sturdy and resoleable with minimal break-in. The boots also have stacked leather heels that look great and are easy to repair.
Once again, the SBR rubber heel caps provide much-needed traction, durability, and shock absorption.
White Reid Sneakers - ($179)
- Handcrafted
- Full-Grain Leather
- Fully Leather Lined
- Rubber Sole
White sneakers are essential for any man's wardrobe. Their unmatched versatility makes them one of the first pieces I recommend for any men's capsule wardrobe due to their interchangeability.
Countless options are available for white sneakers, but Beckett Simonon has some of the best I have ever tried, all at an incredible price point. Enter the Reid sneakers.
You're getting a product on par with the famed Common Projects Achilles, which can retail upwards of $500! Beckett Simonon's Reid sneaker is continuously sold at under $200, making it a no-brainer.
These sneakers feature full-grain leather, which is soft, supple, and durable and will develop a beautiful patina over time.
A tall instep and wider waist provide excellent support and all-day comfort; however, if you have wider feet (unlike me), proceed with caution here. As mentioned, Beckett Simonon doesn't offer wide sizes, so you will likely need to size up to accommodate your feet for a better fit.
As expected, the leather-lined insoles adapt to your foot shape to form custom-like footbeds, and the Vachetta leather lining manages your feet' overall temperature, absorbs sweat, and controls odors during warmer months.
Padded collars provide extra protection and support for your ankles, but don't expect anything like a New Balance or a traditional sneaker recommended by your podiatrist. These sneakers are for casual wear and aesthetics, rather than fitness or marathon training.
Comparison to Other Brands
Beckett Simonon is often compared to other high-end shoe brands like Allen Edmonds.
While Allen Edmonds is known for its high-quality shoes, Beckett Simonon offers similar quality at a much lower price point.
Beckett Simonon’s shoes are just as versatile as most other stylish men's footwear brands, with a broad range of styles and designs.
Pricing & Value
Beckett Simonon shoes are well worth the investment and are of excellent quality and construction. The company’s shoes are comfortable and stylish (provided you're willing to wait a while to receive your order).
Considering the high-quality materials and hand-built construction, Beckett Simonon’s prices are more than reasonable.
Shipping & Delivery
Once again, these boots and shoes are made-to-order, meaning they may take longer to ship than other brands. The company’s shipping times are typically around 8-12 weeks, but may vary depending on the style and materials chosen.
And might I say that the experience of receiving your footwear from Beckett Simonon was indeed a pleasant one. In a lovely box, you will find not only shoes or boots but also a second pair of waxed laces (if applicable), extra foam footbeds, buttery-soft and sleek dust covers for your shoes, a handwritten thank-you note from someone on the production line who has personally touched your product and helped to build it, as well as some fun little details about the process of building your shoes.
I'm a sucker for this sort of thing (if you couldn't tell). In my view, this makes the wait well worth it.
Closing Thoughts
Are Beckett Simonon shoes worth your hard-earned money?
In my opinion, absolutely.
But are you willing to wait potentially several months for them to be made?
Well, I guess that's up to you.
Beckett Simonon is an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality, affordable shoes that will fit and feel better after just a few wears. The company’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical manufacturing practices sets it apart.
With a wide range of styles and designs, all at a fair price, this is an exceptional brand for anyone seeking versatile shoes that won’t break the bank (as long as you can accept the sometimes lengthy delivery time).
