School is back is session and summer is officially ending. Before you know it, boot season will be upon us! Or, if you’re like me and are a badass, you ride a motorcycle and therefore need boots year-round. Read our new Beckett Simonon Dowler cap-toe boot review below and use our promo code PRAKTICALA20 for 20% off your order!

Beckett Simonon recap

Beckett Simonon’s shoes are constructed from full-grain leather for both durability and good looks. They are blake-stitched, which means they can be resoled.

Notably, Beckett Simonon also touts ethical and fair working conditions (these particular boots were hand-made in Colombia).

Shipping and returns/exchanges are free! Everything is priced competitively since they follow a “made-to-order” business model in which they manufacture products in small batches based on pre-orders. Turnaround time is usually a couple of months.

Beckett Simonon Dowler cap-toe boot review

In addition to the boots, the box also includes some good quality dust bags, extra insole inserts, and a nice pamphlet detailing the company and their process. (Interestingly, these Dowler boots did not come with extra laces.) Very fine presentation overall.

The Dowler boots themselves also reflect the consistent high quality I’ve seen from Beckett Simonon. The stitching, finish, and craftsmanship appear impeccable.

The simple cap-toe derby style (eyelet “tabs” are sewn over the vamp rather than under) is a good look for the boot – dressy, but not overly formal. The Dowler boots would ideally pair with some good denim.

The laces secure the upper part of the boot through brass “speed hooks” – typical for boots these. Curiously, however, these boots also feature traditional holes for lacing underneath each hook! Never seen that before.

Unlike other shoes I’ve reviewed from Beckett Simonon, the Dowler boots have matte, “unfinished” leather. I don’t say that as a criticism but simply as an observation – the leather definitely picks up scuffs and scratches much more easily; however, over time that contributes to the leather’s patina, which has its own attractiveness and character. In my opinion, this happens to suit the “weathered” look of a boot anyway.

(Side note: I got these boots in the “walnut” color, but I don’t know whether the other available colors are unfinished as well or if they have the traditional polished finish.)

Real-world performance

The Dowler boots fit a bit tight. I typically wear size 10.5 US in sneakers and 9 or 9.5 US in dress shoes. For these boots, I’d opt for 9.5. Being higher up on the ankle, they can be tough to pull on otherwise.

Having all that leather around your ankle also makes them a stiffer than Beckett Simonon’s other shoes, so break-time might be a little longer.

Significantly, the Dowler boot’s outsole is completely rubber. (The product description incorrectly states that they are leather, probably because all their other shoes have leather soles.) Actually, this is perfect for me because rubber soles are more appropriate for the times I’m most likely to wear boots (inclement weather, on the motorcycle, etc).

My only other pair of boots are the Carter wingtips from Jack Erwin. They have held up excellently, but I always find myself looking for some extra footing when on the motorcycle due to the less grippy leather soles. I also hesitate to wear leather-soled shoes in the rain because I don’t want to get them all soggy and shredded up. Now I have an all-weather option!

Conclusion

PROS: Clean, simple style better suited for casual, “rough” conditions as opposed to dress shoes. Great quality materials and construction. Free shipping and returns.

CONS: Kind of stiff out of the box; needs more break-in time. Highly scuff-able surface (if you like your shoes looking pristine). Made-to-order business model means somewhat lengthy turnaround time (if you need instant gratification).

The Dowler boots definitely stand out from Beckett Simonon’s other shoes, but I actually dig the difference. Variety is always good and I’m looking forward to seeing how these boots hold up among my shoe lineup over time! Now to break them in…

The Dowler cap-toe boots are available in several colors, which you can purchase here.

Remember to use my link and input our exclusive promo code PRAKTICALA20 for 20% off your order!

Any questions or feedback about our Beckett Simonon Dowler cap-toe boot review? Leave a comment below!