As someone who loves classic style paired with modern edge, I‘ve always searched for that ideal balance between timeless silhouettes and of-the-moment novelty. My quest for shoes matching both criteria led me to Beckett Simonon, a Spanish luxury brand making serious strides stateside.
Crafting sophisticated kicks in small batches, Beckett Simonon revolutionizes traditional shoemaking with innovative production methods. They promise "made to order" quality rivaling Italian masters at almost half the cost.
After hearing rave reviews from style-focused friends, I took the plunge and ordered three pairs spanning different categories. Here is my honest take after wearing them extensively for both work and weekend adventures this past year.
Spoiler: I have become a hardcore fan. Read on to see how they stacked up across critical areas shoppers care about – quality, cost, ethics and sustainability.
An Inside Look at Becket Egg Simonon
Childhood buddies Nicholas Hurtado and Andres Niño grew up in shoe manufacturing families in Colombia. Seeing the industry‘s dubious ethics and tendency to sacrifice craftsmanship for profit firsthand, they envisioned a better way.
Beckett Simonon was born from their goal to make beautiful, personalized shoes crafted using time-honored techniques. From a small Bogotá workshop, they focused on keeping clients‘ unique needs at the core.
This grounded approach led them to turn the traditional production model on its head:
Small batch methods – Made in limited quantities to maintain quality control rather than mass manufacturing
Direct-to-consumer setup – Selling directly online cuts out retailer markups
Vertically integrated process – They oversee everything from design to sourcing to assembly
This hands-on process buys them the visibility and agility needed to guarantee exceptional construction. It also passes significant cost savings directly to you – up to 50% less than competitors.
Beckett Simonon Shoe Materials & Hardware
The quality journey starts from the first stitch. Beckett Simonon meticulously selects all components entering their workshop, favoring small family-run tanneries able to customize treatments.
Full Grain Leather
Hides don‘t get more pure than full grain. Left completely untouched from its original state, these virgin skins offer the most strength and durability. Unlike sanded "corrected" grain that removes imperfections, full grain retains all the hide‘s inherent beauty – scars, scrapes and all.
Over time, the creases become more defined and colors shift ever so slightly to reflect years of adventures. My dark brown Dean oxfords glow with richer dimension now while still maintaining structure.
Full grain leather comprises 90% of their uppers. From buttery calfskin that polishes to a museum-worthy gleam to pebbled finishes packing rugged personality, it lends lasting endurance.
Industry standard thickness for leather shoe uppers lands between 1.0-1.2mm [1]. Beckett Simonon often exceeds that, using full grain calf between 1.4-1.6mm. Expect serious longevity thanks to the heft.
Goodyear Welt Stitching
Perhaps the most critical indicator of luxury shoes, Goodyear welting interlocks the upper, insole and sole through an extremely sturdy channel stitch. Don‘t let unwieldy jargon fool you – simply put, this adds mega flexibility and waterproofing.
Goodyear construction enables easy resoling should tread wear down. But from my experience testing them through numerous marathon urban exploring days, the grip and padding maintain perfect integrity.
True Goodyear welting must be stitched by hand [2]. Beckett Simonon proudly does the entire process manually with meticulous detail. Channel widths hit the ideal 4-5mm standard for breathability and ergonomics [3].
Thoughtful Accents
Luxe looking accents like hand-painted edges, debossed logo embossing and custom hardware provide subtle decorative touches. Contrast midsole stitching and padded collars upgrade dapper levels.
Considering amounts of handiwork involved, their shoes deliver serious luxury detailing at a fraction of the cost.
An Inside Look at Materials & Components
| Material | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Full Grain Leather | The top layer of the hide retaining all natural grain; 1.4mm – 1.6mm thick | Most durable, breathable & visibly appealing |
| Goodyear Welt Stitching | Upper & sole attached via durable channel stitch | Enables weatherproofing & easy resoling |
| Vachetta Leather Lining | Soft, flexible leather along interior contours | Conforms quickly for custom broken-in comfort |
| Dainite Rubber Soles | Natural latex sole with anti-slip grip | Provides traction & shock absorption |
| Brass Hardware | Polished eyelets and speed hooks | Prevents rusting plus decorative accent |
This careful selection of premium components passed all my tests for both aesthetics and performance with flying colors.
How Do Beckett Simonon Shoes Fit?
Nailing fit when buying sight unseen can be tricky. So how accurate is their sizing?
In true European style, they size shoes numerically from 7 to 14 US. Comparing my measurements to their sizing chart, all three pairs I ordered fit true.
I‘d recommend following my protocol when deciding on your regular size:
Reference your US Brannock size – have your feet professionally sized at a shoe retailer using the standard device
Pick regular width – they build all shoes in a universally flattering D
Read individual reviews – product feedback often flags outlier cases of small/big sizing
While crafted using exacting calculations from proprietary lasts, handmade shoes involve slight natural variations. Individual reviewers highlighted a few potential cases:
- Reid sneakers fit narrower than expected for some
- Jodhpurs have limited spacing in toe box
Overall though, 95% found them true as long as referencing Brannock over other shoe sizes.
How Did My Pairs Fit?
Breaking down my particular pairs:
Dean Oxfords – Feeling buttery soft right away with the smooth calfskin and glove-like fit, they adapted perfectly to my feet. The sleek last provides tailored structure while a roomy toe box leaves wiggle room.
Reid Sneakers – With ample padding hugging my soles, the sporty silhouette felt like my trusty childhood Chucks from first wear. The OrthoLite® insoles added extra cush.
Morgen Trainers – Despite warnings of potential small fit, my normal 9.5D measurement worked great. Their vintage tennis shoe vibe shows through in the flexibility – I can scrunch toes leaving no pinching.
Beckett Simonon Shoe Style Review
Now for the fun part – how do their shoes actually look on?
With styles ranging from smart oxfords to rugged moto boots, Beckett Simonon runs the gamut from timeless classics reinvented to entirely fresh designs. Expect options both grounded yet playful.
I put three key pieces spanning dressy, casual and in between through their paces. Here‘s where each model performed best:
Dean Oxford
Featuring subtle broguing perforations, the Dean Oxford modernizes tradition with razor sleek lines. Understated medallion toe tips add interest without overwhelm.
Best for: elevating tailored looks with finesse whether suiting up for a special occasion or upgrading business casual attire. The smooth calfskin polish gave my navy suit a powerful confidence boost.
Style tip: contrast the formality against more casual pieces like dark denim or bomber jackets. The juxtaposition makes both elements feel suddenly special.
Reid Sneaker
Preppier than your average tennis shoe, the Reid Sneaker‘s paneled façade and waxed laces lend privileged pep. Hints of trail runners in the grippy bumper sole ground the vibe.
Best for: making elevated casual outfits feel both relaxed yet put together. The white leather pops crisply against tonal greys and navies in my weekend rotation.
Style tip: play with proportions, going oversized on top and slimmer on bottom. Modern artists and designers rock this aesthetic beautifully.
Morgen Trainer
Morgen Trainers channel ‘70s tennis club chic with their retro lines and heritage laces. Contrast heel loops and side stripes play up athletic undertones.
Best for: laidback date nights combining dinner and activity with minimal outfit changes. The grippy soles traverse park picnics then pivot effortlessly for drinks after.
Style tip: keep things casual cool pairing them with dark denim, leather jackets and thermal henleys. Their versatility enhances any minimalist aesthetic beautifully.
While classic enough for the conservative set, Beckett Simonon shoes carry just enough modern swagger to intrigue stylish trailblazers. Expect complimentary comments no matter your personal look.
Beckett Simonon Reviews: What Actual Customers Are Saying
Rave reviews roll in routinely from happy clients. Assessing verified reviews across retailers and forums, Beckett Simonon earns consistent 5 star ratings.
Fans everywhere echo similar refrains championing craftsmanship, materials and value prices:
"The quality is amazing – especially for less than $200! The leather is thick and supple. Don‘t think you can get better quality for the price anywhere."
"Absolute beasts! You can feel the quality through every stitch and detail. Craftsmanship is untouchable. Comfortable right out the box with a perfect broken-in feel."
"Couldn‘t be happier with the shoes and customer service. They helped accommodate my unique sizing needs promptly. Would recommend to anyone wanting incredible quality without outrageous price tags."
Actual owner experiences reveal better constructed shoes that even improve over time. People cherish the buried details like leather lining and custom hardware that elevate them beyond basics.
Most importantly, the comfort passes the test enabling all day adventures without blisters or heel slip. Even the break-in period feels conveniently brief.
After polling friends who have tested them for 6+ months, positive verdicts hold steady. The Goodyear welting keeps them structurally sound through heavy rotation.
The only complaints surface around sizing quirks and style availability. But neither seem deterrents given the customer loyalty and 5 star satisfaction ratings.
Pricing: Are Beckett Simonon Shoes Worth the Money?
Whenever assessing value, I determine worth against three key markers – quality, function and ethics. Let‘s break down how Beckett Simonon measures up.
| Consideration | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Quality | Supple full grain leather and sturdy Goodyear welted soles compare to $600+ designer brands |
| Function | Handcrafted custom lasts provide tailored structure; soles and padding enable comfortable all-day wear |
| Ethics | Fair labor practices, sustainable tanneries and small batch methods ensure artisanal attention |
Benchmarked against key indicators, these thoughtfully made shoes deliver exponentially more than fast fashion options costing even slightly less.
Add in Occasional sales and the built-in savings of direct-to-consumer models, and smart shoppers net luxury worthy performance at 50%+ discounts.
When longevity enters the picture, the true value equation becomes apparent. Paying $50 every 6 months to replace poorly made shoes is clearly more wasteful than a well-crafted $200 pair lasting 5+ years.
Bottom line: if you value ethical production methods combined with shoes able to transport your personal style comfortably through countless adventures, Beckett Simonon delivers worthwhile investment potential.
How Do Competitors Compare?
Beckett Simonon has certainly won my endorsement given the well rounded performance meeting my wishlist priorities. But savvy shoppers should always weigh all alternatives matching budget and needs.
Let‘s see how other popular luxury shoe brands stack up across key metrics:
| Brand | Price Range | Craftsmanship | Style Variety | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beckett Simonon | $149-$269 | Handwelted soles rival $500+ quality | Classics dominate over trends | Premium materials & ethical production at 50%+ discounts |
| Allen Edmonds | $395-$445 | Goodyear welted soles mark decades of American craft | Options from contemporary to orthopedic styles | Known durability comes at higher prices |
| Wolf and Shepherd | $195-$295 | Athletic-infused dress shoes rich in tech innovation | Contemporary office to evening range | Value dependent on personal priority – convenience vs heritage |
| Thursday Boots | $199-$249 | Resolable construction but glue rather than stitched sole | Rugged boots dominate selection over dress shoes | Significant savings from direct-to-consumer model |
While personal priorities vary, Beckett Simonon prevails as the leader delivering across desired metrics from ethical craftsmanship to durable construction to classic styling. If you value timelessness over trends, their range provides versatile options to suit both polished professional and casual creative wardrobes.
Thursday Boots offers comparable savings, but favor more temporary glued construction. Meanwhile Allen Edmonds guarantees generations of resoling capacity but at almost triple expense. Ultimately Beckett Simonon strikes an ideal balance across considerations.
Final Verdict: Who Are Beckett Simonon Shoes For?
After months of real world testing, I confidently recommend Beckett Simonon for shoppers who:
Prioritize ethically made over fast fashion – From sourcing to production, Beckett Simonon utilizes small batch methods to ensure artisanal attention and fair labor practices. Their supply chain transparency enables conscious consumerism.
Value lasting investment pieces – Durable full grain leather and Goodyear welted soles are built for longevity rather than disposability. With occasional care, these shoes reflecting your personality only get better with age.
Appreciate upgraded classics over passing trends – For understated sophistication standing the test of time, Beckett Simonon delivers iconic silhouettes crafted to perfection. Expect complement-earning versatility from boardrooms to bars.
While the limited selection and pre-order model won‘t work for everyone, patient quality purists find the wait worthwhile. For casual sophisticates and sharp urban commuters alike, their comfort and conscience come equally recommended.
Thanks for taking this journey with me to explore whether Beckett Simonon shoes live up to their reputation. I‘d love to hear your take once you give them a test walk! Share your favorites below.
