I’ve been wearing Amberjack’s Cap-Toe shoes for months. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if they’re right for you.
I’ve become quite familiar with Amberjack shoes over the years. So, I don’t need to bury the lead — I’m a fan. In fact, I’ve been on board from the beginning with their inaugural Original model.
As any true fan though, I will hold their feet to the fire. No one can break your heart like someone who loves you, after all.
When they contacted me about their Cap-Toe shoes, I was hesitant. Footwear with broguing really aren’t my thing. But I figured, they’ve done right by my shoe closet before, so why not give these a shot?
I’ve worn these shoes all summer long. If you want to know whether they’re right for you, here’s my take.
Amberjack, The Brand: A Focus on Comfort, Style, and Environment
I’m going to very quickly give you an overview of the brand. I’ve done this before in other hands-on reviews (like this one for their boots). So, check those out if you want to learn more.
Amberjack is based in Brooklyn, where all the designing happens, and was founded by John Peters.
He definitely positioned Amberjack as one of the relatively new brands leveling up the comfort hybrid shoe market. Prior, hybrids usually just meant a derby upper with an athletic sole slapped at the bottom.
Even more, Amberjack is the first business professional shoe company that’s completely carbon neutral. The way these Cap-Toes were packaged will shine more light on that. So, let’s get to the review!
Amberjack Cap-Toe Hands-On Review
I ordered the Onyx colorway in a size 8.5.
Before I talk about the shoe itself, I want to spotlight how well-packaged it was.
Amberjack mails its shoes in the actual shoe box instead of adding another layer of packaging over the branded box. Meanwhile, the dustbags are linen, not nylon, which is more sustainable.
Pro tip: The linen dust bags are useful for carrying small items when traveling.
This is a testament to Amberjack’s commitment to the environment and likely a major contributor to its carbon-neutral status.
Okay, on to the Amberjack Cap-Toe.
The Design
Remember when I said I wasn’t big on shoes with broguing? Well, I fully take that back. At least, I do with the Amberjack Cap-Toe.
Between the color, the hybrid aesthetic, and the generally smooth silhouette, there’s a beautiful balance here.
First off, it’s an Oxford, not a derby like their Originals are. There isn’t topography on top of topography, ensuring a more refined look. Plus, the all-black upper tempers all of the broguing. It isn’t subtle, but it isn’t loud.
I think the sneaker characteristics really bring the design elements together in a natural way. See, for dress shoes, I prefer fewer details. I don’t like a cap-toe on my Oxfords, and in fact, I prefer a whole-cut Oxford.
With the Amberjack Cap-Toe though, the white streak midsole and the perforations are visual hat-tips to its athletic personality. It’s more like an interesting, leveled-up, and distinct sneaker in that sense, and less like an overly fanciful dress shoe.
Still, this guy is versatile. You can definitely wear it with a suit or jeans.
I’ll be honest. I went for the black version because I thought it would be easier to resell in New York in case I didn’t like it. New Yorkers love black. It turns out I do like it, I’m keeping it, and now I want the Honey version too.
As with all of their shoes, the full-grain leather is supple, lush, and smells lovely out of the box. It flaunts that natural, sweet yet tobacco-y aroma you can’t fake with lower-quality leathers. The leather is vertical-sourced full-grain, and assembled in a fair-wage factory in Portugal.
That’s another plus.
Comfort and Fit
Perhaps the cap-toe design gives it more bend, but this is by far the most comfortable Amberjack shoe I’ve worn. And I’ve worn plenty. They all offer practically zero break-in. However, each often has a workable quirk during the first week of wear.
The Slip-On had some heel slippage, while the Tux Shoe was just a touch tight at first.
I’ve absolutely no complaints. This shoe is wildly comfortable today, and was equally as comfortable the second I took it out of the box months ago.
As I have with past Amberjack shoes, I’m going to rave about the sole system.
The insole features a work-boot thick heel. It then tapers into a thinner, more flexible sneaker-like springiness. Basically, you get strength and stability at the heel, then athletic litheness by your toes and at the balls of your feet.
That and the heat-activated arch support make these shoes comfortable, easy to walk in, and even easy to jump in. They’re highly breathable. The sheepskin lining is soft against your skin. You can wear these shoes without socks if you want.
It’s a perfect balance of flex and support, as well as coziness and breathability.
I can wear an 8 or 8.5 with
Price
At $195, the Amberjack Cap-Toes offer a compelling value proposition. This always impresses me since Amberjack is so diligent about fair wages and sustainability.
I believe Amberjack shoes are cement-soled, but that doesn’t offend me. That’s the construction method most comfort-oriented shoe manufacturers use. Again, I consider them
Besides, I’ve seen shoes at this price that aren’t nearly as comfortable nor as well-designed, and are also cement-soled.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick overview of everything I just went over, reformatted into pros and cons. This way, you can decide, at a glance, whether this shoe is or isn’t for you!
Pros
The Amberjack Cap-Toe is a sophisticated sneaker-Oxford hybrid that can be worn in a variety of dress codes.
It requires no break-in, while the comfort technology and sheepskin lining make it easy to walk and stand in for long periods of time. It’s an overall flexible and breathable shoe.
Moreover, the entire shoe is built with full-grain leather that’s sourced and built ethically.
Cons
I don’t consider the cement-soled construction a con, but some might. I know that the upper is a leather Oxford, but welt-constructing its athletic outsole seems antithetical to the whole point of a comfort shoe.
Also, I love the look of the white streak midsole, but it does require cleaning, as any white accessory would.
Final Thoughts
The Amberjack Cap-Toe made me change my mind about broguing.
It boasts comfort, adaptability, and objectively high-quality construction. If you love or have need for a hybrid dress-athletic shoe, I highly recommend the Cap-Toe. It has tons of character, while maintaining a balanced and classy design.
I’d say that out of all of Amberjack’s offerings, this shoe has the most cool factor. I’d wear it on a casual Friday at work or while I’m out on the town on the weekends.
Questions? Comments? Let me know!
