We’re passionate about helping men to make better buying decisions. Check out our in-depth, hands-on reviews for all the products and services we’ve tried.
Allen Edmonds is doing a great job blending classic construction with modern styling. For me, the Randolph stands out the most—it’s balanced, versatile, and the suede feels incredible. The Oliver, while uber comfortable, is pricier for a sneaker, but the hidden lace system is peak convenience. While hybrid dress shoes aren’t really my thing, I can see the Carson appealing to guys who want something different.
Allen Edmonds is doing a great job blending classic construction with modern styling. For me, the Randolph stands out the most—it’s balanced, versatile, and the suede feels incredible. The Oliver, while uber comfortable, is pricier for a sneaker, but the hidden lace system is peak convenience. While hybrid dress shoes aren’t really my thing, I can see the Carson appealing to guys who want something different.
The True Religion pieces I selected offer solid quality with just the right amount of personality. The waist sizing is spot-on, but inseam options are limited, so check your length if you're picky about fit. These jeans bring a mix of comfort and style that makes them easy to wear all day—and they hold up, too. For denim with a distinct identity that doesn’t feel overdone, they live up to their pop culture significance.
The True Religion pieces I selected offer solid quality with just the right amount of personality. The waist sizing is spot-on, but inseam options are limited, so check your length if you're picky about fit. These jeans bring a mix of comfort and style that makes them easy to wear all day—and they hold up, too. For denim with a distinct identity that doesn’t feel overdone, they live up to their pop culture significance.
BOGS boots are my go-to for tough weather. They’re waterproof, warm, and surprisingly comfortable, with the Bozeman Mid handling serious cold and the Sauvie Chelsea II offering easy slip-on convenience for rainy days. The fit can feel snug, especially if you’re wearing thicker socks. But overall, BOGS hits a great balance of function and comfort, making them solid for whatever the weather throws at me.
BOGS boots are my go-to for tough weather. They’re waterproof, warm, and surprisingly comfortable, with the Bozeman Mid handling serious cold and the Sauvie Chelsea II offering easy slip-on convenience for rainy days. The fit can feel snug, especially if you’re wearing thicker socks. But overall, BOGS hits a great balance of function and comfort, making them solid for whatever the weather throws at me.
Based on my testing, Nixon watches offer a respectable balance between style and durability. Their wide range of designs presents a watch for any occasion, from sporty to dressy. The build quality feels solid, and they often use quality stainless steel that requires minimal maintenance. However, the models I tested lacked lume, which would make the sportier styles like the 51-30 Chrono even better for everyday use.
Based on my testing, Nixon watches offer a respectable balance between style and durability. Their wide range of designs presents a watch for any occasion, from sporty to dressy. The build quality feels solid, and they often use quality stainless steel that requires minimal maintenance. However, the models I tested lacked lume, which would make the sportier styles like the 51-30 Chrono even better for everyday use.
Vaer divers are honest, spec-forward tool watches that range in price and functions. The cheapest, DS4, still has a sapphire crystal and 200 meters of water resistance. The D4 has a few upgrades, like a ceramic bezel. The DS5 is a budget automatic. The D5 and G5 GMT are high-value premiums, still under $800.
Vaer divers are honest, spec-forward tool watches that range in price and functions. The cheapest, DS4, still has a sapphire crystal and 200 meters of water resistance. The D4 has a few upgrades, like a ceramic bezel. The DS5 is a budget automatic. The D5 and G5 GMT are high-value premiums, still under $800.
The Hydrow Pro Rower is a standout machine with its sleek design, durable build, and ultra-smooth drag system. The 22” HD touch-screen is crystal clear, and being able to swivel it for non-rowing workouts is a huge versatility boost. Though the monthly membership seems steep, it’s worth it for serious rowers, offering endless high-quality, instructor-led videos and additional workouts. Returning it is costly, but I can't see many people having to all things considered.
The Hydrow Pro Rower is a standout machine with its sleek design, durable build, and ultra-smooth drag system. The 22” HD touch-screen is crystal clear, and being able to swivel it for non-rowing workouts is a huge versatility boost. Though the monthly membership seems steep, it’s worth it for serious rowers, offering endless high-quality, instructor-led videos and additional workouts. Returning it is costly, but I can't see many people having to all things considered.
WP Standard sets the bar high with material selection. It doesn't get any better than full-grain leather, and I'm excited to see how its visual character develops as the years go on. While brass isn't as esteemed, it'll last just as long as the leather while complimenting the classic look of the Ellis Backpack. I think the craftsmanship and material quality justify the price, but those who need ample organization and space will find themselves at odds with its basic design.
WP Standard sets the bar high with material selection. It doesn't get any better than full-grain leather, and I'm excited to see how its visual character develops as the years go on. While brass isn't as esteemed, it'll last just as long as the leather while complimenting the classic look of the Ellis Backpack. I think the craftsmanship and material quality justify the price, but those who need ample organization and space will find themselves at odds with its basic design.
The flex Goodyear welt makes the sole easier to move in compared to similar penny loafers I own, and repairability is always a benefit. Despite a subpar return policy, the unlined leather upper's soft texture is undeniably comfortable and requires virtually no break-in period. Some direct-to-consumer shoe brands still feel expensive for what they are, but I have no qualms paying for what Meermin charges for their hand-made leather shoes.
The flex Goodyear welt makes the sole easier to move in compared to similar penny loafers I own, and repairability is always a benefit. Despite a subpar return policy, the unlined leather upper's soft texture is undeniably comfortable and requires virtually no break-in period. Some direct-to-consumer shoe brands still feel expensive for what they are, but I have no qualms paying for what Meermin charges for their hand-made leather shoes.
Woolly Clothing Co’s active pieces are just as capable as synthetic versions from the big outdoor brands. Their base and mid-layer styles boast impressive freedom of movement, odor, and moisture control despite a Merino-only fabric. Casual button-ups made from 100% natural fabric are common, so eco-friendliness isn’t a strong motivator given their basic designs.
Woolly Clothing Co’s active pieces are just as capable as synthetic versions from the big outdoor brands. Their base and mid-layer styles boast impressive freedom of movement, odor, and moisture control despite a Merino-only fabric. Casual button-ups made from 100% natural fabric are common, so eco-friendliness isn’t a strong motivator given their basic designs.
Amberjack is trying to change the dress shoe game with one that really does feel like you’re wearing a sneaker. As comfortable as they are and this is probably the best take I’ve seen on the them, the ‘hybrid’ dress shoe itself isn’t one I’m confident recommending to someone looking to improve their styling
Amberjack is trying to change the dress shoe game with one that really does feel like you’re wearing a sneaker. As comfortable as they are and this is probably the best take I’ve seen on the them, the ‘hybrid’ dress shoe itself isn’t one I’m confident recommending to someone looking to improve their styling
I’m always excited to test out a niche brand, and NOBULL proved their cross-training know-how. The SuperFabric uppers are tough as nails and can bring the work outside if I choose. A higher stack makes the NOBULL Impact better for cardio than the NOBULL Outwork, but I find both to lack the support for prolonged cardio. Still, A+ materials and support features make both solid gym shoes.
I’m always excited to test out a niche brand, and NOBULL proved their cross-training know-how. The SuperFabric uppers are tough as nails and can bring the work outside if I choose. A higher stack makes the NOBULL Impact better for cardio than the NOBULL Outwork, but I find both to lack the support for prolonged cardio. Still, A+ materials and support features make both solid gym shoes.
PSD can provide what most guys want in a pair of boxer briefs. They’re true to size, they have four-way stretch, and the waistband makes sure the boys stay in place. While the investment may be high for some, high-quality underwear usually works out to be more cost-effective in the long run.
PSD can provide what most guys want in a pair of boxer briefs. They’re true to size, they have four-way stretch, and the waistband makes sure the boys stay in place. While the investment may be high for some, high-quality underwear usually works out to be more cost-effective in the long run.
If you’re trying to stick within a budget and still get a shirt that compliments your body, David Outwear's Crew Curve-Hem Tee could be for you. It’s not the most popular brand, but that could change thanks to their flattering fits at a competetive price point.
If you’re trying to stick within a budget and still get a shirt that compliments your body, David Outwear's Crew Curve-Hem Tee could be for you. It’s not the most popular brand, but that could change thanks to their flattering fits at a competetive price point.
Brisk’s shirts rarely skip a beat for a web-only tailored menswear company. All but one measurement was off across everything I got, which I can get altered for free. As a brand, Brisk’s product is stylish and affordable, but their options are limited in the context of who they’re competing with.
Brisk’s shirts rarely skip a beat for a web-only tailored menswear company. All but one measurement was off across everything I got, which I can get altered for free. As a brand, Brisk’s product is stylish and affordable, but their options are limited in the context of who they’re competing with.
Madda Fella makes quality clothes with very unique designs. But, the apparel line is quite pricey. If you like Madda Fella’s prints, want to bring a taste of the tropics to your town, and can afford it, then it’s probably the best brand to turn to.
Madda Fella makes quality clothes with very unique designs. But, the apparel line is quite pricey. If you like Madda Fella’s prints, want to bring a taste of the tropics to your town, and can afford it, then it’s probably the best brand to turn to.
