Informal However By no means Fundamental: REEF’s El Jefe Shoe Assessment | FashionBeans

If you actually give it some thought, footwear is an extension of your life-style. The pair of sneakers you select to put on each day can say so much in regards to the belongings you worth and the way you reside your life. For this reason it’s so essential to search out sneakers that match your particular type.

Enter REEF, a model that designs footwear with every kind of various life in thoughts. REEF started as a easy sandal model again within the 80s however has since expanded to incorporate an unlimited number of sneakers, boots, and clothes.

The El Jefe is likely one of the most outstanding items of footwear within the REEF lineup—and for good motive. This can be a distinctive but versatile sneaker that may deal with just about something life throws your method. Let’s take a fast have a look at the entire causes you’ll wish to add the El Jefe to your wardrobe this yr.

Watch Our Assessment

How We Examined

For testing, I picked up a pair of those sneakers and instantly got down to put them by means of their paces (actually). Since these sneakers are designed for on a regular basis put on, I wore them for many informal outings—grocery buying, dinner dates, walks within the park, and so on.

This gave me a very good really feel for a way these sneakers fare by means of constant utilization and how much put on and tear to anticipate.

General, they’ve been each sturdy and versatile all through many of those conditions. With excellent care, I’d anticipate these sneakers to final a number of years—even with constant utilization.

Measurements

With regards to footwear, my measurement sometimes ranges between 10.5 and 11.5, relying on the type and materials. With that in thoughts, 11 is my go-to measurement for such a sneaker, and it’s the one I picked for the El Jefe.

It’s essential to notice that these sneakers do run a bit massive, and different reviewers declare to have opted for a half-size smaller than what they sometimes put on. When you are inclined to fall in between sizes, it could be a good suggestion to order a half measurement smaller than your regular measurement. When you do order a pair that doesn’t fairly match, REEF presents free returns inside 30 days of supply to make sure you find yourself with the right measurement it doesn’t matter what.

TL;DR

Right here’s a quick overview of the whole lot you’ll want to know in regards to the El Jefe sneaker from REEF:

Sizing: This shoe tends to run a bit massive. When you’re in between sizes, it could be a good suggestion to order a half-size smaller than you usually put on. That being mentioned, you probably have wider ft it could be greatest to stay together with your regular measurement as a result of this shoe is common in width.

Professionals: These sneakers are sturdy, versatile, and trendy. They’ve nitrogen-infused EVA insoles and high-grip rubber outsoles for optimum consolation and traction. They’re additionally accessible in a handful of eye-catching colorways to successfully showcase your persona.

Cons: They’re a bit bulkier and heavier than many different sneakers REEF presents. Nevertheless, that is utterly by design. These sneakers are supposed to be worn like skate or surf sneakers—not trainers. Additionally, as I discussed earlier, the sizing may additionally be difficult to nail down at first.

Alternate options: REEF presents a wide range of different sneakers if the El Jefe isn’t fairly up your alley. Just a few notable choices are the Triton, Navigator, and Terramar. Every of those sneakers is designed to profit totally different life and preferences.

Verdict: The El Jefe is a particular shoe that’ll really feel proper at residence with anybody who exudes the skater and surfer vibe. This can be a high-quality pair of sneakers that you just’ll wish to throw on every day.

About The El Jefe Sneaker

The El Jefe sneaker is REEF’s tackle a basic surf and skate sneaker. It’s an effortlessly informal shoe that blends textile cloth with high-end suede. It includes a nitrogen-infused insole, which is supportive and springy. To not point out, the outsole is made with high-grip, anti-marking rubber that’ll offer you nice traction—whatever the terrain.

The El Jefe is on the market in a few totally different colours to match your particular type. You’ve gotten the usual choices like black and white. But, there are additionally colorways just like the Madras, which blends shades of blue and grey for an added pop of character.

What To Take into account Earlier than Shopping for

First off, it’s at all times essential to contemplate your private type earlier than selecting up any pair of sneakers. The El Jefe is a really informal shoe, so it would really feel misplaced if you happen to sometimes gown formally or preppy. That being mentioned, if you happen to really feel extra comfy in shorts and a tee, this could be the proper shoe for you.

It’s additionally essential to contemplate the kind of setting you’ll be carrying your sneakers in. The El Jefe is primarily designed with coastal dwelling in thoughts. When you dwell someplace with extra snow than sunshine, this won’t be a perfect sneaker for you.

Why they’re Nice/Why I Appreciated them

My favourite factor about this sneaker is its design. This can be a beautiful-looking shoe that’s youthful and vibrant, but nonetheless subtle. It’s an ideal summertime accent and will be thrown on for a ton of various warm-weather actions.

The nitrogen-infused EVA insole can also be an enormous sport changer—you’ll be able to really feel the additional help and bounciness in every step. I additionally assume the supplies used for the higher are high-quality and will final a reasonably very long time. I’m personally a giant fan of suede accents on sneakers as a result of they provide much more character.

How To Break them in/Put on them

Breaking within the El Jefe is similar to some other skate shoe you might need owned up to now. The break-in interval is method much less intense than a pair of leather-based footwear, however there’s nonetheless a minor adjustment interval. Since these sneakers are a bit bulkier, they could be a bit stiff at first. After a couple of days although, they need to start to melt up and adapt to your ft for a extra comfy match.

How do you type these sneakers although? The El Jefe is greatest for many who favor to decorate casually on a day-to-day foundation. This sneaker pairs nice with shorts, slacks, and denims. You may also praise them with a pleasant t-shirt, polo, or tropical button-up. To place it merely, this shoe will work with something you’d put on to the seashore.

Flaws however Not Dealbreakers

The 2 most typical complaints relating to this shoe are that it’s cumbersome and runs a bit massive. That is extremely dependent in your ft (and your private preferences) however it’s value noting. When you’re used to carrying boots (like me) these sneakers received’t really feel cumbersome in any respect. Alternatively, if you happen to sometimes put on athletic sneakers, they may really feel a bit heavier than what you’re used to.

As for sizing, it’s actually solely a difficulty while you first purchase these sneakers. After getting the correct measurement, it shouldn’t be a priority anymore. REEF additionally has half sizes which is a giant perk that another manufacturers don’t supply.

How To Care For The El Jefe

Taking good care of the El Jefe calls for little or no effort. You’ll be able to take a totally hands-off method and let these sneakers age as they’d naturally. That being mentioned, if you wish to protect them so long as doable, it’s greatest to do some gentle upkeep every so often.

The suede higher elements will be cleaned with a easy suede brush and eraser combo. The material elements can be cleaned up with a brush or dry material. Lastly, you should utilize a humid material or outdated toothbrush to scrub off any filth and particles from the outsoles.

You Have Choices: 3 Alternate options To The El Jefe

Triton: The Triton is REEF’s tackle the basic German Military Coach sneaker with some fashionable additions. This shoe options the model’s signature Swellsole insole, which is tremendous plush and supportive. For the higher, this shoe includes a mixture of knit cloth and suede. These design components  basically make this sneaker as gentle as a feather and athletic sufficient for a wide range of actions.

Navigator: The Navigator is a shoe designed to be your go-to journey buddy. The rip-stop higher is sturdy, waterproof, and breathable. It additionally includes a crush-back heel, which helps when going by means of airport safety or when slipping them on for a fast journey to the automobile.

Terramar: There’s additionally the Terramar, which includes a basic leather-based sneaker design. This shoe makes use of premium leather-based from gold and silver-rated tanneries. It’s an effortlessly glossy shoe that also presents premium consolation (together with the Swellsole insole).

Why Belief Us

Footwear are, certainly, my favourite component of fashion. It’s laborious to beat an ideal piece of footwear that may tie an entire outfit collectively. My appreciation of footwear has led me to study as a lot as I can in regards to the design and manufacturing course of of various kinds.

I’ve additionally tackled a variety of items with FashionBeans, specializing in matters corresponding to journey sneakers and varieties of sandals. To not point out, I’ve a yr’s value of expertise working at a outstanding boot firm in New York. All of that is to say I’m a diehard fan of footwear. For this reason I take footwear so significantly and try to search out the most effective choices on the market. With the information I’ve gained, my final objective for this shoe assessment is that will help you make an knowledgeable choice that may finally profit you and your type.

Verdict

The El Jefe is a standout possibility in REEF’s footwear lineup. You’ll be able to inform this shoe was deliberately designed and that it’s constructed to be one among your greatest associates.

There’s nothing I like greater than a pair of sneakers that may be worn just about each day, and that is a kind of sneakers. The El Jefe lives as much as its title as “the boss”, capable of take command of your total footwear assortment.