
Although we often review dress shoes, we’re also sneaker fanatics at Bespoke Unit. Both BU Founder Paul Anthony and I are quite fond of casual shoes. Yet we still endeavor to wear them with the same attention to detail as when dressing formally.
As such, I was delighted to learn that, along with their popular dress shoes, Beckett Simonon sneakers are also produced following the same standards and ethical values. In this review, you will learn about the Beckett Simon Reid sneakers with me as we explore the following topics:
Beckett Simonon Reid Specifications
- Brand: Beckett Simonon
- Made In: Bogotá, Colombia
- Style: Sneaker
- Formality: Casual
- Upper: Italian Full-Grain Calfskin Leather
- Construction: Side Stitch Construction
- Price: $169 USD [Buy From Beckett Simonon]
- 20% OFF with Code “BU20”: $109
Like all of Beckett Simonon’s footwear, the Reid sneakers are made in small batches thanks to their group made-to-order production model. This enables Beckett Simonon to continue producing high-quality handmade shoes but at an impressively low price.
Crafted from full-grain Italian calfskin leather using a durable side-stitched construction, they’re veritably premium sneakers. The topline edges are folded for both a clean finish and all-day comfort.
Furthermore, the sneakers are made with removable cushioned inserts. Therefore, those who need orthotic inserts can benefit from using their own.

Style & Appearance
With the majority of sneakers being manufactured in large factories with questionable working conditions, I was keen to discover an ethically handcrafted alternative.
With their black Italian full-grain calfskin leather uppers, these are beautiful sneakers indeed. Supple and smooth to the touch, the leather exudes prestigious quality. Additionally, it is quite robust and has been very resistant to scratch marks so far.
As for the craftsmanship, I was impressed by the side-stitching quality and overall construction. Furthermore, the insoles are made from high-quality leather with a thick wedge finish.
I was particularly fond of the outsole’s herringbone design and would later discover that they offer excellent traction.
Finally, the eyelets are well constructed and they are easy to lace without any bunching or tense areas.
Fit & Comfort
When I first tried the sneakers, I immediately noticed the folded topline edges. They resemble padded ribs along the top and I initially found it quite bizarre.
Admittedly, this odd sensation was quite off-putting and such a sensation would normally deter me from buying such a shoe off the rack.
However, I discovered it to be quite comfortable when walking once the sneakers had a few hours of wear.
Furthermore, the folded topline actually performed very well with loader or no-show style socks.
As for the interior cushioning, it rivals that of most cross-trainers that I own.
Although their construction renders them heavier than typical running shoes, the foam insole offers excellent cushion and shock absorption.
Additionally, the insole provides excellent support and I felt the arches and contours of my feet were cradled nicely by the foam.
Finally, I would recommend using a shoe horn or at least opening the laces as much as possible when putting them on. The reason for this is that the tongue has a tendency to catch on your socks, which causes them to slide down your foot.
Dress Code & Formality
Sneakers and suits have become something of a phenomenon. While the BU team and I agree that we personally wouldn’t wear them together, it has become quite fashionable in some circles.
If you were to wear sneakers with a suit, you could do far worse than the Beckett Simonon Reid. With its full-grain calfskin leather uppers, they exude a dressy and elegant yet contemporary image.
Nevertheless, we believe that they still remain casual in terms of dress code and are best worn likewise. Still, they’re very stylish and modern sneakers with an elegant twist.
Therefore, they’d be best adapted to special yet dressed-down occasions like a night out or even a date. Depending on Beckett Simonon’s production campaigns, there are also several colors that you can choose.
While I preferred the versatility offered by the black sneakers, they also offer white ones and occasionally tan leather too.
Additionally, they’re very versatile and the shoes perform well for daily use. As mentioned earlier, I was quite fond of the herringbone outsole and it performed well in wet weather.
For instance, I took a mile walk to grab a taco and they gripped the ground the whole way.
Presentation & Value For Money
The Beckett Simonon sneakers arrived in an attractive red box with gold lettering and scrolling. I found this to be particularly elegant for sneakers and was happy with the premium presentation.
Furthermore, they come with dust bags to prevent the sneakers from getting dirty when not worn. They had a pleasant, soft texture and seem to be quite dust resistant.
I was also quite happy to find that the Reid sneakers were delivered with additional insoles for extra comfort. However, since they already felt quite comfortable and my feet aren’t generally sweaty, I have used them yet.
As for the value for money, their regular RRP is $200 US but they’re currently on sale at $169. While this may seem expensive for sneakers, I believe that they’re well worth the extra investment.
Between the quality of the materials and handmade construction, they’ll offer a much better lifespan than regular sneakers. Furthermore, the ethical manufacturing process adds significant value.
However, if that still seems a bit on the pricey side, you can use our special code for an extra 20% off! Just use BU20 when checking out through Beckett Simonon’s site for our exclusive discount.
Closing Thoughts
I was delighted with my second Beckett Simonon experience. Having already a pair of their Dean Oxford shoes, the Reid sneakers give me an excellent casual alternative.
Comfortable, fashionable, and elegant, the Reid sneakers are certainly a worthwhile collection for any shoe fanatic. Whether you’re looking for just a pair of regular sneakers or even shoes to reserve for special occasions, they’re versatile footwear that you’ll be able to use for many years.
With the benefit of ethical handcrafting, it’s hard to find a fault with these excellent shoes.
"Truly premium sneakers. If you're looking for sneakers that are a cut above the rest, Beckett Simonon deserves your attention."Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
Further Reading
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Nice looking shoe.
Thanks, Nick! Glad that you like the look of them!
Best,
CP
Liked your review. One question about sizing, fit and post ”break-in”. Do you feel the fit Is narrow or wide? I wear an Allen Edmonds 11.5 E and the Beckett’s are a D.
Hi Michael,
I haven’t yet tried Beckett Simonon’s sneakers but it might run a little narrow for you as I have very little-wiggle with their dress shoes. Perhaps consider trying a size 12?
All the best,
CP