A Wing And A Pair: Beckett Simonon’s Budget-Conscious, Welted Longwing

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We received a message from Beckett Simonon, a shoe company that launched in 2012, touting its new collection of shoes atimed at the budget-conscious guy who still wants quality. The shoes, which are made in India, feature Goodyear-welt construction, a durable manufacturing process associated with shoes priced much higher.

Here’s an extract from the company’s press release:

“We see a huge gap in the men’s footwear market. It’s outrageous that well-made leather shoes retail above $300. We operate without the complex layers of big businesses (no middlemen, no distributors, no expensive physical stores, etc.) so we can offer the same quality products for a much more affordable price,” says Andres Niño, CEO and co-founder of Beckett Simonon. “By selling directly to consumers we bypass the traditional retail markup, around 2.5X, so we are technically selling to consumers at wholesale prices.” Beckett Simonon is the only online footwear company to sell Goodyear Welted construction shoes under $139, setting them apart from competitors with equivalent craftsmanship and materials but retailing above $300.

As the American gold-standard in quality shoe construction, Goodyear Welt construction holds together the sole, insole and upper sole with one thick stitch and a leather welt. Between the insole and outsole is a cork layer that creates a custom-like footbed, which makes the shoe breathable and flexible.

Beckett Simonon’s longwings, pictured above, are just $139. The color is too light for me personally (and I’m not a longwing fan anyway), and I’d recommend swapping out the laces, but they certainly seem to fill an opening in the shoe market. Not every new grad or frugal trad can follow the “Official Preppy Handbook’s” advice and invest a week’s salary in a pair of Church’s shoes. — CC

7 Comments on "A Wing And A Pair: Beckett Simonon’s Budget-Conscious, Welted Longwing"

  1. I have a pair of their non-GY welted shoes. They’re ok. I don’t think I’d buy them again. I keep them at work in case I’m wearing boat shoes and I’m called into a meeting. I also keep an old blazer and thrifted tie at work for that same reason.

  2. I applaud these young guys trying to service a lower price point. But of all the Clash members, why would they pick Paul Simonen to name their company after? Not exactly the most talented or stylish member of the group.

  3. Not sure I care for the longwings pictured, but I do like the chukka boots on their website. I think I’ll try a pair. Free shipping and free returns – nothing to lose. Thanks for posting Christian.

  4. They’re a little vague about where the shoes are made. One shoe style states the origin as South America. I guess for $89 I am not supposed to care.

  5. Scotch & Soda | January 24, 2014 at 10:46 pm |

    Just okay. I’ve emailed the company with a style beacon in the right direction. Easily remedied and not expensive — the shoes need a lower–profile away from the semi-Doc Martin construction. And, some guidance on colour. It would not take much to go from good to great.

  6. I chatted with a sales rep from Beckett Simonon, and he told me the leather used for their Goodyear-welted shoes is cowhide. While cheaper (and more durable) than calfskin, brands like Church’s and Brooks Brothers use calfskin for many of their high-end dress shoes.

  7. Kevin Goertzen | June 29, 2014 at 4:40 pm |

    The shoes looked beautiful and the price was right, so I gave this company a shot. After almost 90 days without receipt of the shoes that I ordered, many promises to correct the situation, and the gradual deterioration of my good humor, I was forced to file a fraud claim with my bank in order to get my money back. A great bargain, I’m sure, if they actually sent you what you ordered and paid for.

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