BB Peal Suede Chukkas (Crepe Sole)

[Douglas]

I used to have a pair BB Peal Suede chukkas with the Dainite soles and they were my go-to shoes for work in my business casual office but in a manufacturing plant environment. When my dog had his way with them it was a truly tragic day.

I can buy the same shoe again but I'm not necessarily too keen on spending $400 on them, as they are currently listed even with anniversary sale.

However, there is a crepe-soled version for half that price available on their site. They look pretty interesting to me - does anyone have experience with this boot?

I'm particularly concerned to know if the last is the same/similar to the "standard" boot with the Dainite sole. I've found shoes with crepe soles in the past to lack shape and look a little sloppy - I dunno if it's just the ones I've bought or if there is something inherent to the crepe sole, e.g. maybe it's not stiff enough to hold shape or something.

I'm inclined to buy but wondering if others have reviews.

 

[chorse123]

I think that the traditional, original crepe soled desert boot had a blobbier last. I'm not a fan of the shape, though there is a history. For your purposes, the more durable, sturdier dainite sole is probably better than crepe, though crepe can be absurdly comfortable (and lighter). I've seen the Brooks online and thought it was okay, especially that they offered a variety of colors, but have no idea on quality.

 

[phailing101]

Sorry- haven't tried either but I do prefer the three eyed chukka style. I would heavily suggest checking out these Crockett and Jones Chilterns which I have been drooling over for a while now: http://www.pediwear.co.uk/crockett/products/253.php My issue is I can't decide between dark brown and the snuff (lighter brown) colour!

 

[pebblegrain]

I have a crepe-soled chukka on a fairly sleek last and I feel a little self-conscious when I wear them. The crepe+last seems a little incongruous.

I'm sure the BB version are decently done, not the best deal ever (don't all their shoes go to 50% off at some point?) but they look good.

Crepe sole shouldn't present any durability problems if they are getting their wear on the shop floor mainly.

 

[Mr. Pink]

I have a pair. I really like them, though I think of them more as dressy sneakers than as business casual. The last is not at all blobby, but they do have an extended sole/welt. They are lined, so maintain shape better than unlined versions. They look great with jeans, khakis, etc. I'm not sure how these would look with flannels. Incidentally, I had a pair of the Chilterns. I picked the wrong size, so they are now my son's. Great boots. I intend to get another pair at some point.

 

[jhcam8]

There's a reason the boot you mention is 1/2 the price....

Have you seen it? It looks like a slightly upgraded Clarks. Ok for knocking around if you don't need much support, I suppose.

 

[Mr. Sartorial]

Hey Douglas,

Up until recently I was the shoe specialist for one of Brooks Flagship stores, so hopefully I can help.

Honestly, there's a huge difference between the two shoes. The one you had is a dress boot, the less expensive crepe-soled version is intended for casual wear.

The one you had is made from stead suede, has a Goodyear welt, and all of the traditional cobbling you would expect. The last is narrower and designed to feel like a dress shoe.

The less expensive one is a great shoe IMHO, but it has a more relaxed last, and the toe box is a lot roomier. It doesn't sit on your foot as snugly

I've recommended the less expensive one for customers who are price shy, but it will certainly not be the same boot. Not even close.

Please PM me if you have follow up questions.

Hope that helps!

 

[Douglas]

Thanks everyone for help and recs, esp. Mr. Sartorial and to those who proffered alternatives.

I am probably steering away from these at this point based on some of the info here and a few closer looks. I don't like that the suede extends to the "decking" on the welt and that stitching there really suggests casual in a way the others do not.

Still not sure where to go. I'm looking for two pairs, maybe one in suede and one in scotch grain, to just alternate nearly every day and that would work with wool slacks and with khakis/chinos. So I'm looking for something that leans ever so slightly towards dressy as opposed to slouchy. I own Clark's Desert Boots and I really hate the way they look. I also own Rider chukkas and love them - but I'm looking to give them some rest and actually want to avoid going quite that sleek. I know the Dainite BB chukkas don't get a ton of love on here - the last is no Tetbury - but I really liked it. It was just perfect for the way I wore them.

I guess I'll have to explore other options on Pediwear. Those C&J Chilterns look just about perfect, but they are more than I was hoping to spend.

EDIT: Just saw the Sanders Holborn is available in snuff suede - might have to try those. Thanks edmorel for the PM.

 

[DocHolliday]

I'm wearing the BB dainite chukkas in suede today and love 'em. I'd even be tempted to pay semi-full price to replace 'em.

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I'm wearing the BB dainite chukkas in suede today and love 'em. I'd even be tempted to pay semi-full price to replace 'em.

Please don't rub it in.

 

[DocHolliday]

Sorry, that was just meant to give 'em some love, and to encourage you to consider buying them again, if you liked them as much as I do.

 

[RTW]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Thanks everyone for help and recs, esp. Mr. Sartorial and to those who proffered alternatives.

I am probably steering away from these at this point based on some of the info here and a few closer looks. I don't like that the suede extends to the "decking" on the welt and that stitching there really suggests casual in a way the others do not.

Still not sure where to go. I'm looking for two pairs, maybe one in suede and one in scotch grain, to just alternate nearly every day and that would work with wool slacks and with khakis/chinos. So I'm looking for something that leans ever so slightly towards dressy as opposed to slouchy. I own Clark's Desert Boots and I really hate the way they look. I also own Rider chukkas and love them - but I'm looking to give them some rest and actually want to avoid going quite that sleek. I know the Dainite BB chukkas don't get a ton of love on here - the last is no Tetbury - but I really liked it. It was just perfect for the way I wore them.

I guess I'll have to explore other options on Pediwear. Those C&J Chilterns look just about perfect, but they are more than I was hoping to spend.

EDIT: Just saw the Sanders Holborn is available in snuff suede - might have to try those. Thanks edmorel for the PM.




Have you looked at the AE Malvern in Brogue Suede? It's a nice shoe with AE's version of a Dainite sole.
It looks better in person than on the AE website. I have a pair of Malverns which I'm very fond of.
This shoe is on sale now for $249. http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline...ategory=120552

 

[forex]

Why not get it from AS directly,I think it will be a bit cheaper. AS has a leather sole version of the same boot. Or, buy my credit and save 20% and replace the boots

By the way,does anyone know what last these boots are on? I think they are CJ but I don't know the last,I am leaning towards 240,anyone can confirm? http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

 

[AnGeLiCbOrIs]

I also like the Malvern. I agree that it is much nicer in person than in pictures. I also like the AE sole better than the Dainite sole since it is less slippery.

Check them out in shell cordovan with double oak JR soles

 

[TRINI]

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I'm wearing the BB dainite chukkas in suede today and love 'em. I'd even be tempted to pay semi-full price to replace 'em.

Pic?