The Nautica Men’s Wingtip Oxford Lace-Ups are a good, comfortable choice for business casual and everyday comfort. I have been wearing these since February 2023. So, about 7 months. Overall, I like them. For under $45.00 there’s not much to complain about, however I do say that you get what you pay for. Sometimes, go and pay more if you can afford a better made shoe.

Let’s get into the thick of it.

Cost

Price is great. For under $45.00 you will get a very stylish pair of shoes. I purchased these for about $60.00 and currently they are on sale on Amazon. I have purchased shoes dress shoes ranging in price from $45-$400.00. There are often large differences in quality.

Comfort 

The outsole is rubber and they are somewhat comfortable. The shoes don’t have as much cushiness as I’d like. The outsoles are a bit stiff. I expect dress shoes to be stiff at first, and then have some give, particularly if they have a rubber outsole.  On a scale of 5, I give the rubber that they use a 3.5, for overall comfort. Yes, there is reasonable shock absorption. Yes, they are good for office wear, where you are sitting at a desk most of the day. Don’t expect to use these for 8hrs a day of street wear, as a detective because your feet will be sore.

Durability

They have held up well in the 7months that I’ve had them. The VEGAN leather marketing they use is a lot of nonsense. Vegan leather is artificial leather, and its also called synthetic leather. They should be honest and just call synthetics uppers by their real name- synthetic upper and not synthetic leather. People assume that leather is real leather; don’t confuse things.  Vegan leather is a material intended to substitute for leather in upholstery, clothing, footwear, and other uses where a leather-like finish is desired but the actual material is cost prohibitive or unsuitable, or for ethical concerns. The synthetic material will never mirror actual leather, and won’t soften enough to taper around the shape of your feet, ever. The synthetic material will soften some, but not as much as real leather. They won’t feel stiff in 5 months, but they are never going to be as comfortable and supple as real leather uppers. Keep that in mind.

Now, keep in mind that you cannot polish scuffed ‘vegan’ leather the way that you can with leather. Synthetics can sometimes be more durable than leather, due to their plasticity however the opposite is also true. Cheap synthetics will scuff easily, and can tear due to there simply being a thin layer of protective material over the entire upper, and throughout the entire base material. They might manufacture them in a way that they aren’t pliable. I purchased a a pair of shoes once, and they tore right along the side panel because there was no give in the material.

The laces are very cheaply made. I noticed this instantly when I opened the box and looked at them. You can see how they have frayed with daily use. I recommend substituting better laces.

Functionality

Shoes work fine for daily use. I am thinking about using black edge dressing on the outsoles. This model comes in a variety of colors (tan, brown, and black) and they come in fabric uppers too (blue, black, etc.). Can you jog in these? Sure, but don’t expect to do miles. These can be used to do short bursts from location one to location two, but you’re not going to do an ultra in them. These are a better choice than the best dress shoe with a clunky heel; they give you the ability to maintain standup when wrestling somebody. You won’t roll your ankle in these.

Overall Rating

Fair 3.5 out of 5.

• Rubber sole
• Durable outsole And Padding Underfoot for Shock Absorption .
• Cushioned with Nautica sole technology for ultimate comfort
• Classic pattern in a very fresh and modern interpretation
• Classic oxford design: Timeless style meets modern comfort in these vegan leather lace-up shoes, making them great for work or play in both professional settings and everyday activities.
• Relax in style with Cushioned with Nautica technology for ultimate comfort, flexibility and lightness of weight

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

When purchasing footwear always look for ‘dress’ shoes with good traction ability. In fact, to do your job well, you will need a good pair of shoes with a lot more features than just traction. So how do you determine what are the best shoes for your feet?

The word “tactical” is way overused. A search online for tactical dress shoes turns up very little. Look for dress shoes with a good outsole.  Look for good footwear that can be worn with formal, semi-formal or even casual wear. A combination of a good shoe and a reliable shoe insert will get you closer to your goal of a “tactical” shoe and get you away from the clunky styles prevalent in the marketplace.

Make sure your purchase is based on these features:

Look for shoes that have a low, and wide profile heel or outsole. Shoes with a thicker, stiffer heel heighten the probability of rolling your ankle when pursuing or wrestling your opponent. Stiffness in the upper and the outsole also make it harder to run. Responsiveness is key. Remember, low-heeled, softer outsole shoes are safer and more comfortable; they’ll do better for you than higher-heeled shoes. The more surface area touching the ground the better.

I’ve written a lot about the benefits of using shoes with a non-elevated “zero-drop” heel for proper posture. The drop is the height differential between where the heel and forefoot sit. Most dress shoes have a “high” drop between 12 and 15 mm.  Many running shoes have drops that are a “zero” drop (no heel), or usually between 4mm-8mm. You essentially want a shoe that mirrors the shape and therefore the responsiveness of a running shoe. The higher the drop of the shoe or the thicker the heel of the shoe will mean the shoe is not as responsive to your toe-off when moving to spring or pivot to react to an aggressor. 

AGILITY: Stay with shoes that have a rubber or EVA foam outsole instead of a leather outsole. Rubber or EVA foam mean comfort and they lessen the chance of you slipping; particularly on marble or high shine floors.  The best “tactical” shoe will have a cushioned rather than hard outsole that flexes in all directions the way that your foot does. This will give you freedom to move despite most obstacles. Rubber or foam outsoles put a spring in your stride and provide all day support.

COMFORT AND INSERTS: Look for shoes with good outsoles for added cushioning. Look for good memory foam insoles if possible. Good cushioning, whether foam or rubber, ensure you can stand or move for long periods of time. Good shoes reduce foot fatigue. EVA outsoles provide better shock absorption than rubber. A padded heel-collar helps prevents blisters. A good heel cup will cushion your heel. Take a look at the Superfeet brand if you get a chance. If they fit in the shoe give them a try for added comfort.

STYLE: You want to look sharp and have a professional profile. You want good leather that give the shoe a nice appearance and will take a shine. Full-grain leather is easiest to clean and maintain and it will extend the product life. If you don’t like leather, look for synthetics or a durable suede.

STABILITY and FIT: A high density collar provide a good heel lock while also being supple enough to provide all day comfort. A shoe with a shallower fit or collar, especially slip-ons can come off the heel when you run. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimal amount of slippage. The shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. Try to purchase shoes that use shoe-strings or shoes with a good, heel encapsulating collar. Premium materials give you a glove like fit. A padded heel-collar can prevent blisters. Slip resistant or oil resistant soles are a must.

When a load is applied to your foot by running, your foot will spread up to half an inch in length. One shoe size up is only 1/3″ inch larger. Go larger rather than smaller if you can. You can always wear thicker socks with a larger shoe but you can never make your foot smaller. Get the best fit.

WEIGHT: Go for lightweight, and check for tough material. Thin material can tear at the most inopportune moment.  Buy the best that you can afford.

DURABILTY: Look for shoes with anti-microbial linings as they help reduce foot odor and will wick moisture to help keep the foot dry. Synthetic uppers will often dry more quickly than leather but depending on the material used, some can degrade more quickly than others. A good quality leather or synthetic upper will last a long time. Strong material will protect your feet. Some shoe brands have inner toe caps or some kind of reinforced toe guard.

1. Have your feet measured. People’s feet size and shape can change over time. Don’t rely on the fact that you have always worn a certain size.
2. Most people have one foot that is larger than the other, so make sure you have BOTH feet measured. Fit your shoes to the larger foot.
3. Take your time and try several shoes on, preferably at the end of the day when your feet are most flattened and swollen.
4. Try on shoes with the type of sock that you will wear for your activity.
5. Walk on a firm surface, not a carpeted one.
6. Walk quickly in the shoes if you are able.
7. Don’t plan on the shoes stretching over time; they should fit well when you buy them. Shoes won’t stretch like pants or shirts do overtime.
8. Pivot in the shoes.
9. Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don’t chafe or rub anywhere. Your heel should not slip or slide while walking.