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While you actually give it some thought, footwear is an extension of your way of life. The pair of footwear you select to put on daily can say lots concerning the stuff you worth and the way you reside your life. For this reason it’s so necessary to search out footwear that match your particular fashion.
Enter REEF, a model that designs footwear with every kind of various existence in thoughts. REEF started as a easy sandal model again within the 80s however has since expanded to incorporate an unlimited number of footwear, boots, and clothes.
The El Jefe is without doubt one of the most distinguished items of footwear within the REEF lineup—and for good cause. It is a distinctive but versatile sneaker that may deal with just about something life throws your means. Let’s take a fast take a look at the entire causes you’ll need to add the El Jefe to your wardrobe this 12 months.
Watch Our Overview
How We Examined
For testing, I picked up a pair of those footwear and instantly got down to put them by their paces (actually). Since these footwear are designed for on a regular basis put on, I wore them for many informal outings—grocery procuring, dinner dates, walks within the park, and so on.
This gave me an excellent really feel for the way these footwear fare by constant utilization and what sort of put on and tear to anticipate.
Total, they’ve been each sturdy and versatile all through many of those conditions. With excellent care, I’d anticipate these footwear to final a number of years—even with constant utilization.
Measurements
Relating to footwear, my dimension usually ranges between 10.5 and 11.5, relying on the fashion and materials. With that in thoughts, 11 is my go-to dimension for this kind of sneaker, and it’s the one I picked for the El Jefe.
It’s necessary to notice that these footwear do run a bit giant, and different reviewers declare to have opted for a half-size smaller than what they usually put on. For those who are inclined to fall in between sizes, it could be a good suggestion to order a half dimension smaller than your regular dimension. For those who do order a pair that doesn’t fairly match, REEF provides free returns inside 30 days of supply to make sure you find yourself with the right dimension it doesn’t matter what.
TL;DR
Right here’s a quick overview of the whole lot that you must know concerning the El Jefe sneaker from REEF:
Sizing: This shoe tends to run a bit giant. For those who’re in between sizes, it could be a good suggestion to order a half-size smaller than you usually put on. That being stated, in case you have wider toes it could be finest to stay along with your regular dimension as a result of this shoe is common in width.
Professionals: These footwear are sturdy, versatile, and classy. 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 character.
Cons: They’re a bit bulkier and heavier than many different sneakers REEF provides. Nonetheless, that is fully by design. These footwear are supposed to be worn like skate or surf footwear—not trainers. Additionally, as I discussed earlier, the sizing may also be tough to nail down at first.
Alternate options: REEF provides quite a lot of different footwear if the El Jefe isn’t fairly up your alley. A number of notable choices are the Triton, Navigator, and Terramar. Every of those footwear is designed to learn totally different existence and preferences.
Verdict: The El Jefe is a particular shoe that’ll really feel proper at house with anybody who exudes the skater and surfer vibe. It is a high-quality pair of sneakers that you just’ll need to throw on each 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 material with high-end suede. It contains 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 accessible in a few totally different colours to match your particular fashion. You will have 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 Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for
First off, it’s all the time necessary to contemplate your private fashion earlier than choosing up any pair of footwear. The El Jefe is a really informal shoe, so it would really feel misplaced for those who usually gown formally or preppy. That being stated, for those who really feel extra snug in shorts and a tee, this could be the right shoe for you.
It’s additionally necessary to contemplate the kind of atmosphere you’ll be carrying your footwear in. The El Jefe is primarily designed with coastal dwelling in thoughts. For those who dwell someplace with extra snow than sunshine, this may not be a really perfect sneaker for you.
Why they’re Nice/Why I Preferred them
My favourite factor about this sneaker is its design. It is a beautiful-looking shoe that’s youthful and vibrant, but nonetheless subtle. It’s an ideal summertime accent and might be thrown on for a ton of various warm-weather actions.
The nitrogen-infused EVA insole can be a large recreation changer—you’ll be able to really feel the additional help and bounciness in every step. I additionally suppose the supplies used for the higher are high-quality and will final a fairly very long time. I’m personally an enormous fan of suede accents on footwear 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 means much less intense than a pair of leather-based footwear, however there may be nonetheless a minor adjustment interval. Since these footwear are a bit bulkier, they could be a bit stiff at first. After a number of days although, they need to start to melt up and adapt to your toes for a extra snug match.
How do you fashion these footwear although? The El Jefe is finest for individuals who desire to decorate casually on a day-to-day foundation. This sneaker pairs nice with shorts, slacks, and denims. It’s also possible to 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 seaside.
Flaws however Not Dealbreakers
The 2 most typical complaints relating to this shoe are that it’s cumbersome and runs a bit giant. That is extremely dependent in your toes (and your private preferences) however it’s value noting. For those who’re used to carrying boots (like me) these footwear received’t really feel cumbersome in any respect. Then again, for those who usually put on athletic sneakers, they could really feel a bit heavier than what you’re used to.
As for sizing, it’s actually solely a difficulty if you first purchase these footwear. After getting the suitable dimension, it shouldn’t be a priority anymore. REEF additionally has half sizes which is an enormous 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 may take a totally hands-off method and let these footwear age as they might naturally. That being stated, if you wish to protect them so long as potential, it’s finest to do some gentle upkeep from time to time.
The suede higher elements might be cleaned with a easy suede brush and eraser combo. The material elements may also be cleaned up with a brush or dry material. Lastly, you need to use a moist 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 trendy additions. This shoe options the model’s signature Swellsole insole, which is tremendous plush and supportive. For the higher, this shoe contains a mixture of knit material and suede. These design components primarily make this sneaker as gentle as a feather and athletic sufficient for quite a lot of actions.
Navigator: The Navigator is a shoe designed to be your go-to journey buddy. The rip-stop higher is sturdy, water resistant, and breathable. It additionally contains a crush-back heel, which helps when going by airport safety or when slipping them on for a fast journey to the automobile.
Terramar: There’s additionally the Terramar, which contains 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 provides premium consolation (together with the Swellsole insole).
Why Belief Us
Footwear are, indisputably, my favourite aspect of fashion. It’s onerous to beat an amazing piece of footwear that may tie a complete outfit collectively. My appreciation of footwear has led me to be taught as a lot as I can concerning the design and manufacturing course of of various types.
I’ve additionally tackled a spread of items with FashionBeans, specializing in matters akin to journey footwear and kinds of sandals. To not point out, I’ve a 12 months’s value of expertise working at a distinguished 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 very best choices on the market. With the information I’ve gained, my final purpose for this shoe evaluate is that can assist you make an knowledgeable resolution that can in the end profit you and your fashion.
Verdict
The El Jefe is a standout possibility in REEF’s footwear lineup. You may inform this shoe was deliberately designed and that it’s constructed to be one among your finest buddies.
There’s nothing I like greater than a pair of footwear that may be worn just about daily, and that is a kind of footwear. The El Jefe lives as much as its identify as “the boss”, capable of take command of your complete footwear assortment.
FAQ
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Through the years, REEF has developed from its humble beginnings as a sandal model to a full-fledged footwear model. It now provides quite a lot of high-quality and classy footwear that embodies the “REEF DREAM”. For those who’re searching for a pair of footwear to go from level A to level B, REEF is a good model to select from.
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The El Jefe sneaker is without doubt one of the most unusual shoe types REEF at present provides. This shoe is sturdy, snug, and attention-grabbing (particularly within the Madras colorway). For those who’re searching for one thing versatile and practical, I’d say these sneakers are properly definitely worth the cash.
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Ryan is a author, filmmaker, and throughout content material creator. Through the years, he has written screenplays, brief tales, and nonfiction informational items. Ryan is at present working to construct up his YouTube channel (@ryan-jamison) through artistic video essays that mix his love of filmmaking and writing. He additionally *sometimes* posts some images on his Instagram (@ryanjamison99). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves operating, mountaineering, studying, and he’s additionally a complete boot nerd.
