Reviewer Statistics for NFrankChase
Reviews
4
Featured Reviews
0
Average Rating
4.2
Recommended
75%
Helpful Votes
0
Active Since
July 21, 2011
Last Review
January 7, 2014
January 7, 2014
English Laundry Avery Chukka Boot
English Laundry Avery Chukka BootThis product is no longer available
Overall Product Rating:
(
2
out of
5
)
Runs Short
Runs Long
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide
Not Comfy
Very Comfy
By: NFrankChase
Location: Earth
January 7, 2014
Not quite what I expected
" This shoe suffers from a little identity confusion.
It's a stylish cut, with a short heel, which gives a more upscale look than your average chukka. But it has a distressed finished which makes it seem like a more casual shoe.
To be honest, I was looking for something on the casual side, but these seemed comfortable enough to consider. When I inspected them closely I realized that the quality was only so-so and wound up returning them.
A couple years ago I bought Ashton Grey chukkas and the oxford variation of the same shoe for the same price- I expected these shoes to be the same quality, but was disappointed:
- The rubber of the sole seems softer and will wear quickly.
- The quality of the outer suede isn't as robust as other shoes I've seen (or the Ashton Grey's I bought previously).
- The stitching on the upper sole was fake! The leather/suede upper is tucked into the rubber sole, not stitched down as with other, sturdier chukkas. When you look at the photo here and see the 'stitch' that seems to hold the leather to the sole, that's actually rubber molding and it's obvious in reality, don't be fooled by the photo.
- One of the laces was frayed half way down and would break quickly if shoes were worn frequently.
- There seemed to be extra room in the heel - while the rest of the shoe is seemingly narrow, I could see where blisters would form in the heel with rubbing. I walk a lot, not willing to risk a poor fit.
- The quality of the outer suede isn't as robust as other shoes I've seen (or the Ashton Grey's I bought previously).
- The stitching on the upper sole was fake! The leather/suede upper is tucked into the rubber sole, not stitched down as with other, sturdier chukkas. When you look at the photo here and see the 'stitch' that seems to hold the leather to the sole, that's actually rubber molding and it's obvious in reality, don't be fooled by the photo.
- One of the laces was frayed half way down and would break quickly if shoes were worn frequently.
- There seemed to be extra room in the heel - while the rest of the shoe is seemingly narrow, I could see where blisters would form in the heel with rubbing. I walk a lot, not willing to risk a poor fit.
On the plus side:
The inside of the black shoe is a striking red - swank!
More "formal" cut.
The inside of the black shoe is a striking red - swank!
More "formal" cut.
Really, it depends on what you're looking for. I look for shoes that are going to last a while and I'm not convinced these would have. Even though they looked good on, I was looking for a day-to-day shoe and I decided to return them realizing I probably wouldn't wear them frequently.
"
December 26, 2012
Sperry Top-Sider Capitola Sandal
Sperry Top-Sider Capitola SandalThis product is no longer available
Overall Product Rating:
(
5
out of
5
)
Not Comfy
Very Comfy
By: NFrankChase
Location: Earth
December 26, 2012
Classic sports sandal in an upscale shoe
" I wear flip flops year 'round so I decided to get some that aren't 'disposable.' The Sperry Topsider Capitola have a really classy look, built of an all leather upper, with no cheezy plastic parts or logo decals on the sandal itself. On the other hand, the sole is a durable rubber, so they'll last.
I'm really fussy about the fit of my sandals- flip flops can't be too short in the heel or too long beyond the toe, or they're uncomfortable - and even dangerous! - to walk in. I have a very average size 10 foot, but I have taken to buying cheap flip-flops one size too small to get the right fit. The Capitola fits perfectly in the correct size (10).
If you're looking for something that feels like your favorite sports sandal but that you could wear out around town, these are just the thing.
"
July 21, 2011
Aston Grey Sahara Desert Boot
Aston Grey Sahara Desert BootThis product is no longer available
Overall Product Rating:
(
5
out of
5
)
Not Comfy
Very Comfy
By: NFrankChase
Location: Earth
July 21, 2011
Can't Help Loving the Chukka
" No matter what, a classic chukka never seems to go out of fashion. I have always worn chukkas, they're comfortable like a sneaker but offer more urban versatility in their style.
This variation on the chukka comfortable and stylish, and offers a contemporary update on a classic shoe. It is cut on a narrow taper in the toe, making the shoe look longer - as is the style these days - but that doesn't sacrifice any comfort. It also has a lower heal than other chukkas, for instance the Clark's always-classic desert boot.
The sole is rugged and seems to really resist wear. The shoe only rises about 2/3 as high as the Clark's desert boot too, meaning greater ankle flexibility.
The suede is slightly distressed and the brown shoe has an ashy-grey tone to it that gives it a rich chocolate tone makes it wearable with black.
The shoe is so comfortable I purchased the oxford variation in a different color. I love this shoe and anticipate long and happy wear!
"
July 21, 2011
Aston Grey Sydney Oxford
Aston Grey Sydney OxfordThis product is no longer available
Overall Product Rating:
(
5
out of
5
)
Not Comfy
Very Comfy
By: NFrankChase
Location: Earth
July 21, 2011
Classy and Comfortable Casual
" The style these days is long and narrow in the shoe. These shoes are a great variation on the casual oxford, but with a leaner look. Not only that, they're incredibly comfortable - I bought a pair of the oxfords after getting the desert boot (which extends about 1" higher around the ankle) because they feel so great on.
They have a slightly distressed look, which I like (and saves me the anxiety of scuffing up a nice suede shoe) and will prolong the life of the shoe. The heel is lower, and the sole flat which makes for more comfortable in-city foot travel, while giving the shoe a great urban look. The suede is also durable but supple. Super comfy, great look and style.
"