Are Beckett Simonon Boots Worth It in 2023? An Updated Review

Hey man I did this off the cuff review of my Dowler boots from Beckett Simonon, something I'd call a re-review because it's an updated look at one of the first boots I ever reviewed, like 5 years ago. Since then the company has added more leathers and changed the tanneries from an Argentinean one to Italian, and while the leather has more sustainability cred, it's not quite as good. Still, they're super cheap, so are they worth it? ARE THEY!? The answer is yes, but go with the pull up leather.

Also, Thursday makes better boots that cost less. Even the anti-Thursday crowd would agree with that, but there are upsides to the Blake stitch and leather sole that the Dowler uses.

00:00 Why we're looking at this boot
00:55 Beckett Simonon's made to order model
01:23 Beckett Simonon's price
01:49 The Dowler boot
02:15 The Dowler boot's construction 
03:02 Beckett Simonon leather quality
05:37 Beckett Simonon sizing and fit
06:00 Beckett Simonon Dowler boot pros  
07:57 Beckett Simonon Dowler boot cons  
09:32 Wrapping up

[bosshogskin]

This is a spot on review. I have 3 pair of bs boots and grip is the creasing in the uppers. That being said, bs last fits my foot better than any other alden, ae, etc boots i have.

[kayele]

I walked from Brooklyn to TImes Square and STILL recieved compliments, even to this day. You could prob play ball in these and they'd still look great! I should get boot trees but I haven't needed them.

[aaronlawrence]

I'm not joking, I have 6 different pairs of Beckett Simonon shoes. I have Reid sneakers in white, Dowlers in a darker brown, Hoyt monkstraps in bordeaux, Oxfords in black, Adelaide Oxfords in tan, and Bolton Chelsea in tan. I get emails for promo codes all the time that bring the total to under $200, and the sneakers were closer to $100. All were pullup leather where that was available. I think for under $200, it's still a steal even if the quality has dropped a little over time (I got my first three pairs 2-3 years ago, before they changed tanneries). I'm a lawyer and wear some of these to court, and I've gotten compliments from other lawyers that are wearing $1000 handmade Italian shoes. I get compliments from random people on the street in NYC.

[gtmar]

I have the pebbled leather dowler boots (bought in Oct 23) and I'm obsessed with them! They also have a full rubber sole, not exposed leather in the forefoot. They feel significantly higher quality to the Thursday boots I just purchased and returned.

[henryt]

I've own both a pair of boots and Oxford dress shoes and my biggest gripe is the loose grain on their leather. It is a full grain leather, but it has loose grain which just doesn't feel like a quality full grain leather.

[usmnt]

Great re-review. I wasn’t aware of the most recent changes going on, which makes me a bit nervous for my Lopez boots that are coming next month. At least I’ve got a good pair of chukkas from them I can rely on.

[scumballer]

I scored a pair of brand new BS Nolan Brogue boots in black, all for $100 on eBay. Score! I love these boots so much, and they look so damn good. I'm being diligent with shoe trees this time :) Since getting them, I've learned more and more about good leather footwear, and hope to get a pair of Crown Northampton sneakers soon.

[WesleyPardue]

I've had several pairs before and after the change. I think the leather on the new ones are softer and more comfortable. Especially the interior leather. They have made some serious comfort improvements on the inside of the boots and shoes (which were already pretty comfortable). And no other shoe brand I have tried fit my feet better. Every pro you mentioned for Thursday over Beckett Simonon is legitimate, however in the end it comes down to fit and comfort, and BS are just more comfortable for my feet.

[BenaiahPS]

I like my Dowler boots. They add a different style to my rotation. However, I bought three pairs of Thursdays before getting Dowler boots and I don't have any regrets. I would not pay more than $280 for Beckett Simonon boots. They're good for the less than $300 price point. My Thursdays feel a little more comfortable, more versatile, and more durable.

[TuneinR]

I see complains in the comment section about creasing.Can one really stop leather from creasing due to the enormous pressure we put on these shoes. The only leather i have notice is stubborn to creasing is suede or nubuck.

[zacharybohlman]

I have about 4 months into my Nolan boots and 1 in my new Oscar boots and I love them especially for the price. I get tons of complements on my tan Nolans. I think for what they are and especially at their regular sale price they're a great option.

[bobkin]

There is a channel that specializes in leather works and he said the leather tanner in Italy is a one of the higher quality ones. You should fight him so we know whos opinion is correct

[aaronminkenberg]

Maybe you could compare these to meermin boots, because they are in a similar price range but dont have these long wait times

[bossman]

I just bought a pair of boots and dress shoes so I’m not looking to get anything right now, but I do want a pair of more dress style boots in the future. Beckett Simonon is a company I’ve been considering and I might end up getting some of the elliot’s down the line. Not sure how much those of changed so I’ll have to look into it more.

[timvibes]

Can you please review their Silvia Chelsea boot? It uses an EVA sole as they claim. Seems unique. I mean, I'm not telling you to buy it. But if you do buy it, can you please do a review? Thanks!

[Kids]

Thanks for the review! They look far too dressy for my taste in boots. I think Thursday got the perfect balance of dressy and outdoorsy in their Captain silhouette.

[bryanduchane]

I noticed on your IG account that you have also worked with leather jackets. Do you recommend any one who does alterations on leather jackets and repairs, like a bad zipper. Talked to all the Cobblers & seamsters in my area with no luck finding someone who works in leather jackets. Have a larger jacket I freaking love, but has a zipper that has failed and would like to have the arm lengths shortened by 3-4 inches. Whoever made this jacket must have used a mannequin that had arms longer than your average great ape. A real knuckle dragging mannequin!!!
The rest of the leather jacket is PERFECT, but not being worn because of the zipper and sleeve lengths.
I live in SC and someone in this area would be a bonus....

Also, you lead me to Txture boots made in Indonesia. Do you know of any leather jacket manufacturers in Indo making high quality leather jackets at Indo pricing?? Would love to have a larger jacket made off the same larger by boots are being made with.... That would be freaking awesome to have a matching pair!!
Appreciate your help

[The_Other_Matt]

I'm still skeptical about their pull up leather. The pictures on the website for the brown and merlot pull leathers looked nice. I just received my Nolan Brogue Boots in merlot pull up last week after two months of waiting and was instantly disappointed upon opening them. The leather looks and feels like plastic. In fact, it seems to have some kind of painted on/patent finish applied to it based on a few nasty scuffs around the welt where it almost looks like its peeling away. Still trying to decide whether to try to return or exchange them (at least I ordered them during a promotion so they were well under $200). I agree with you on the lining leather. It's actually nicer than the upper leather. I'm 0/2 on satisfaction with the brand. The finishing on my first pair of oxfords from them was not great either. The finisher got a little rough with the burnishing and damaged some of the stitching on the welt (and didn't fix the burnishing they seemed to be trying to correct). Again, the leather quality doesn't seem great on those either though I haven't had an opportunity to wear them often. They are comfortable and they have some nice designs in their product line. Just disappointed so far.

[snny]

What color leather are the boots in your review? Appreciate the vid!

[robdigi]

Question about the pull up leather ...do they treat the leather soles of the shoe as well as the upper making the sole a little more durable and wearable on wet/damp streets ?