Lace Up some New Kicks with Duke + Dexter
Elite Shoes for the Elite in You!
Shoes say a lot about a person. From style to colors, a guy’s pair of shoes needs to make a statement. Duke + Dexter (D+D) made a statement- more ways than one. D+D has received international recognition, selling to over 120 countries worldwide and working with reputable international retailers including Harrods, Selfridges, Nordstrom, Levels and Tsum. Our crew recently looked into their brand, shoe lineup, and styles to see if they were a “fit” for the crew. Their reputation blew us away.
A Winner at Draper’s 2017 & 2019 Footwear Awards as Premium Footwear Brand of the Year and nominated for Best Online Footwear Business in 2018, the brand does more than win awards- it is worn by award winners! Famous elite such as Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Timberlake, Jonah Hill, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna have all sported D+D shoes.
Now it is time for this elite shoe maker to make its way into your closet- so you can out on a pair of elite shoes, for the elite in you. Our crew tested out a pair of D+D shoes to see what the hype was about. Time to slide in and slip on a pair to review!
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Duke + Dexter- a legit British enterprise, designs each shoe in London and is handmade in their family-run UK workshop. Over 80 years old, the factory prides itself on combining deep-rooted skills with precision and care to ensure all products are crafted to the highest standard.
Durability and comfort remain at the brand’s core and with their choice of linings and sole units, each pair lend themselves to the demands a contemporary lifestyle. The attention given to each shoe at every step of the process is apparent in the finished product, which is then complemented with ‘Handmade in England’ embossed onto every D+D sole as a stamp of authenticity.
Our crew grabbed a pair of the Ritchie Capri Sneakers for our review. Ritchie sneakers are built with minimal use of non-renewable petroleum-based materials. They eliminate 94% of all wastage by producing extremely limited runs at their UK workshop and recycling components wherever possible.
BREATHABLE TECHNICAL MESH
With a technical Italian nylon mesh, these Ritchies give your feet a chance to breathe – even if you keep them on all day. Underneath is a padded section, keeping your feet comfy, whilst the contrasting layers of water-resistant Italian suede make sure these sneakers perform in the rain, and still feel luxurious.
ITALIAN LEATHER LINING
The lining of D+D’s only ever gets better with age. Made using natural Italian calf leather, that promises to shape to your foot every time you wear them, the inside of Ritchie also offers extra padding, to keep your feet comfy all day long.
CUSTOM MADE SOLE
Custom made for Ritchie, this sole is 3 times lighter than anything else out there that can deliver the same amount of traction, comfort, and resistance to the elements. It’s super lightweight but doesn’t lack when it comes to durability or weatherproofing – it’s even UV resistant, so this sole will stay feeling, and looking better, for longer.
So tying this all together (see what we did there), these shoes are made from some pretty unique processes and materials, and have a handcrafted element you can’t find just anywhere- The materials, attention to detail, and design of Duke + Dexter are in fact unique and one-of-a kind!
Initial duuude Impression: These are NOT just some pair of shoes.
TESTING IT OUT
Now that we found the pair to slip into, the Richie, we wanted to get to steppin’
The Richie sneaker is the one to wear when there’s no finish line to your day, night, or lifestyle. The Ritchie shows its true colors with breathable tech mesh and deep blue Italian suede, all made possible by this sneaker’s unique 7-panel construction. Handmade in England, the D+D Capri Ritchie is designed for pure comfort. A custom-made sole unit and zero stitch internal heel make this sneaker the only shoe you’ll want to wear when spending your downtime.
THE FIT
Right away one of our crew members grabbed the shoes for themselves to review. We get it- they were a highly sought after pair of sneakers. Luckily we all wear the same size (11 US Mens)…So when it comes to the fit, you have to see what they said:
“Man. Easy to slide into, yet the fit is so perfect. The sizing is right on point- not too big or too loose. The way the curvature follows the flow of my foot is unreal.
Seems like he liked it.
THE FEEL
That same crew member also shared their feelings about the feel. Let’s see how they felt abut the feel:
Have you ever put a pair of shoes on and felt like a baller? Felt like it tied the entire wardrobe together, and you just “feel” great? That is what these shoes did for me. I felt like a bad a$$ in these. Just the overall style, look and feel I had in them, I can wear them everywhere.
Seems like he dug it.
OVERALL
Overall the report from the field was positive. The construction, aesthetics, feel, and overall ability for one pair of sneakers to tie an outfit together is unlike any other sneaker we have tested. The feel not only of the outer-shoe, but when our foot is inside is un-matched. The comfort and ability to wear these all day is a win in our busy lifestyle book. From the office to the night out- these sneakers can go any and everywhere.
STANDOUT FEATURES
After testing out the sneakers, wearing them, researching the materials and construction practices, and the OG methods of introducing a shoe that is as timeless as the shoe itself, there were some noted Standout Features:
Handmade in England, the D+D Capri Ritchie is designed for pure comfort
Ritchie sneakers are built with minimal use of non-renewable petroleum-based materials
All their packaging is made from recycled materials and organic cotton
Famous elite such as Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Reynolds, Justin Timberlake, Jonah Hill, David Beckham, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna have all sported D+D shoes
The lineup of styles, colors, fits, and looks are all available on D+D for anyone!
You can see the other great features of the Richie and other shoes on D+D website.
BONUS FEATURES
As an added bonus to the sneakers, Duke + Dexter feature some cool spotlights of people rocking their sneakers to events, shows, and all the life in between. Check out D+D World for news, features, and all goings on at D+D!
Price: $300 on Duke + Dexter ***Take 10% OFF your order by signing up on D+D!
BRAND INFO
Designed in London | Handmade in England | Sustainably sourced materials
“Since launching in 2015, D+D has expanded from its London roots into a global community; working with athletes, musicians, artists, designers, photographers and pioneers who do things differently, who go against the grain.
We’re big believers in making the most of what you own - buy once and buy right is a powerful mantra - and we want the way our shoes are worn to reflect that. ”
