As we strolled through the manicured lawns of the Henley Royal Regatta last summer, our eyes were drawn to the footwear of the gentleman next to us.
His pristine white trainers, adorned with the iconic crocodile logo, spoke volumes about his taste and status.
This encounter reignited our fascination with Lacoste shoes and their place in the modern gentleman’s wardrobe.
Lacoste, a brand with a deep sporting heritage and Gallic charm, has long been associated with the upper echelons of society.
Founded in 1933 by tennis player René Lacoste, the brand has evolved from tennis apparel to a symbol of casual luxury.
But in modern days, with heritage brands competing with avant-garde designers and fast fashion alike, a question comes to mind: Are Lacoste shoes still worth their hefty price tag and relevant to men seeking to project wealth, success, and achievement through the brand’s connection to the classic, old-money aesthetic?
In this article, we’ll examine Lacoste’s best shoes for modern men who want a comfortable and relaxed look while still projecting an air of old-money style.
Classic Lacoste Shoes
Carnaby Evo
The Carnaby Evo, a modern classic in the Lacoste lineup, has become something of a staple in the wardrobes of successful men across the globe.
I recall a conversation with a serial entrepreneur at a charity gala in London, where he confided that the Carnaby Evo was his go-to shoe for casual business meetings on Necker Island.
“They strike the perfect balance,” he mused, “between relaxed island life and the polish expected of a global entrepreneur.”
Indeed, the Carnaby Evo’s sleek silhouette and premium leather upper exude a quiet luxury.
Priced at around £100, these trainers sit comfortably in the mid-range of luxury sneakers.
The versatility justifies the cost, allowing you to transition seamlessly from a busy day at the yacht club to a relaxed evening at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Concours Loafers
The Concours Loafer represents Lacoste’s foray into more formal footwear, and it does so with aplomb.
To me, Lacoste Concours have a way of putting everyone at ease, while still conveying that you mean business.
Crafted from supple leather and featuring the brand’s signature crocodile emblem, these loafers retail for approximately £150.
Their price point places them in direct competition with other luxury brands, but their unique blend of casual comfort and refined style sets them apart in the old-money aesthetic.
Chaymon
The Chaymon model elevates the concept of the casual sneaker to new heights.
It is a type of shoe you see a lot at a polo match in Windsor sported by members of the aristocracy.
With a price tag hovering around £120, the Chaymon offers a premium feel without venturing into the realm of ostentatious luxury.
Its clean lines and quality construction make it a worthy contender for those seeking to project success without resorting to flashy logos or over-the-top designs.
Bayliss
The Bayliss model epitomises the understated elegance that is the hallmark of old-money style.
During a private tour of a prestigious art gallery in Mayfair, I noticed the curator, a scion of British nobility, wearing a pair of Bayliss sneakers.
When complimented, he said, “Some shoe designs are like a good vintage wine, improving with age and Bayliss is one of those.”
Retailing between £80 to £130, the Bayliss sits at the higher end of Lacoste’s casual footwear range.
However, its durability and timeless design make it a potential long-term investment for those looking to cultivate a wardrobe that stands the test of time.
Lacoste Shoes Real Cost
Quality of Materials and Craftsmanship
The true worth of a shoe lies not just in its brand name, but in the quality of its construction.
Lacoste shoes, while not handcrafted like some of their high-end competitors, do boast a level of quality that justifies their price point.
The leather used in models like Lacoste Concours Loafers comes from reputable tanneries, the same ones that supply many high-end designer brands.
During our visit to the Lacoste factory in France, we observed the attention to detail that goes into each pair.
The stitching on the Carnaby Evo, for instance, is reinforced to withstand the rigours of daily wear.
This level of craftsmanship ensures that the shoes maintain their shape and appearance, a crucial factor for men who understand that scuffed or worn-out footwear can undermine even the most carefully curated outfit.
Lacoste Brand Prestige and Heritage
The Lacoste brand carries with it a weight of history and prestige that cannot be discounted.
Founded by a tennis champion and embraced by the elite for decades, Lacoste has maintained its position as a signifier of taste and success.
This heritage adds an intangible value to each pair of shoes. When you wear Lacoste, you are not just wearing a shoe but a piece of sporting history, a connection to a legacy of excellence.
However, it’s worth noting that in recent years, Lacoste has faced increased competition from both established luxury brands and upstart designers.
This has led to a dilution of its exclusivity, a factor that potential buyers must weigh against the brand’s storied past.
Durability and Longevity
The longevity of a shoe is a critical factor in assessing its value, particularly for those adhering to the old money principle of buying quality items that last.
In our experience, Lacoste shoes tend to hold up well over time, especially when properly cared for.
The Bayliss model, for instance, has been known to last for several years of regular wear.
Lacoste Celebrity Endorsements
The subtle endorsement of Lacoste shoes by certain celebrities and public figures has undoubtedly contributed to their status.
The key lies in how these influential individuals incorporate Lacoste into their wardrobes.
Take, for instance, the case of Benedict Cumberbatch, spotted wearing the Carnaby Evo at the Wimbledon Championships.
His choice of footwear, paired with a bespoke linen suit, exemplified the perfect balance between casual comfort and refined style.
Similarly, Eddie Redmayne’s penchant for the Chaymon model worn with tailored trousers and a crisp Oxford shirt has set a new standard for smart-casual dressing among the British elite.
However, it’s these indirect endorsements work precisely because these shoes not ostentatious, thanks to Lacoste’s subtle designs allowing for silent status signalling.
Lacoste vs Competitors
To truly assess the value of Lacoste shoes, we must also consider them in the context of competitors.
Brands like Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, and even the more upmarket Tod’s offer similar styles aimed at the same demographic.
In a discussion with a group of Savile Row tailors, Lacoste’s Concours Loafers were placed alongside similar models from competing brands.
Interestingly, while the Lacoste model wasn’t unanimously declared the best, it consistently ranked in the top three for quality of construction and aesthetic appeal.
“There’s a certain je ne sais quoi to the Lacoste design,” remarked Mike, a head cutter. “It’s not trying too hard, which is exactly what our clients look for.”
When it comes to pricing, Lacoste occupies a sweet spot between high-street brands and luxury designers.
The Carnaby Evo, for instance, offers a level of quality and style that rivals shoes twice its price from designer labels.
However, it’s worth noting that some competitors, particularly in the loafer category, offer Goodyear-welted construction at a similar price point, which may appeal to those prioritising longevity.
Conclusion – Are Lacoste Shoes Worth the Investment?
Lacoste shoes, particularly models like the Carnaby Evo and the Concours Loafers, offer a compelling blend of quality, style, and brand prestige.
The price point, while not insignificant, is justified by the craftsmanship and durability on offer.
For many successful men, these shoes provide an easy way to signal taste and status without resorting to ostentatious displays of wealth.
However, the brand’s increasing popularity and accessibility present a double-edged sword.
While this has made Lacoste shoes a recognisable symbol of success, it has also diluted their exclusivity.
For those at the very top of the social strata, this ubiquity may be a deterrent.
Ultimately, the worth of Lacoste shoes in projecting an old-money aesthetic comes down to how you wear them and in what context.
Paired with the right outfit and worn with confidence, these shoes can indeed convey success and refined taste.
But Lacoste shoes are not a shortcut to old money style – that ineffable quality comes from a deeper understanding of subtle elegance and restrained luxury.
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Styling Beyond Lacoste
Knowing that Lacoste’s shoes are still relevant to old-money style and considering having the French brand in your wardrobe is just a small step towards dressing like a confident and successful gentleman.
Perfect men’s styling starts with your unique body type and colour palette and only then, with the occasion, location, season, and time of the day – and this is a men’s styling secret that only expert image consultants know.
And if you want to learn, we’re here to help; start by knowing your body type and unique colour palette so you can select clothes for your body shape in colours that match your skin, eyes, and hair.
You must also know which fashion brands to shop from and, more importantly, how to style these garments, footwear, and accessories to create a look of subtle luxury and success.
After learning to choose fashion from heritage fashion brands according to your body shape and colour palette, you’ll have to master styling by occasion, location, season, and even time of day.
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Remember, fashion comes in various colours, but not every hue complements your natural colour. Take our free seasonal colour quiz for men to find the most suitable colours for you.
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By now, you should already know your body type and unique colour palette, so the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
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