Amberjack The Original Review: Traditional Style, Modern Comfort

These past few years, sneakers have become my go-to shoes. They’re comfortable to wear all day long and versatile enough to be worn in most situations. But I’m a firm believer that every man should own at least one pair of dress shoes as part of a capsule wardrobe for the special days when we need to dress up a little.

If you’re anything like me, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to wear dress shoes as we’ve become accustomed to the comfort of sneakers. Traditional dress shoes feel heavy on the feet, their soles are uncomfortable, and the thick leather isn’t as breathable as other shoes.

There’s no reason things should be that way, though!

And that’s exactly what the founder of Amberjack felt too. The company is on a mission to revisit traditional men’s shoes with the design and tech used by the sneaker industry to make their shoes way more comfortable.

Oh, and they’re doing so with sustainability and your wallet in mind too. The brand offers affordable shoes that are friendly to the environment. What more could you ask for?

So, today, I’m sharing my in-depth review of Amberjack The Original. My favorite pair of men’s dress shoes for comfort and price. I think you’ll love them too!

Why you can trust Luxe Digital? We’ve tested and reviewed hundreds of shoes over the years. While designer sneakers are our specialty, we’ve also gained experience with men’s dress shoes and all the other men’s shoe categories imaginable.

For this particular review, I would argue that my expertise with sneakers is actually a plus, as it sets the bar for my expectations in terms of comfort. However, I recognize that this isn’t necessarily what every man is looking for in a pair of dress shoes. If you want something more traditional, you should check my list of alternatives further down below.

For more on how we test products, see our HAPPY philosophy for buying luxury products.

Hands-on review of Amberjack’s The Original

Amberjack offers a modern spin on traditional footwear. Their uppers are traditional-looking, while their soles are made with futuristic materials for all-day wear. And their undercover comfort is nearly second to none, which is hinted at by their mantra: “Obviously good, secretly great.”

The brand lives up to its mantra. We reviewed most of the other models in the collection, and they’re very consistent in applying modern tech to traditional men’s shoe styles.

You can see our other reviews here:

• Amberjack The Cap-Toe review
• Amberjack The Boot review
• Amberjack The Chelsea review
• Amberjack The Loafer review
• Amberjack The Slip-On review

We also have a round-up comparing all the Amberjack shoes and a dedicated page exploring the story behind the Amberjack shoe brand if you’re curious to know more about the business side of things.

The Cap-Toe is the closest model from the brand that would rival the Original in style and purpose. You can check my hands-on review of it here.

But let’s focus on The Original today—a dashing style we firmly believe every man should have as a cornerstone wardrobe piece. The Original works for everything from nights out to dinner dates and executive meetings.

Unboxing: Simple and effective

My pair of Amberjack The Original arrived via Amberjack’s carbon-neutral shipping in single-boxed, plastic-free packaging with a large linen dustbags. On the bottom of the box was some playful text that read “Slip them on, already.”

Prise open the sleek shoebox, and you’ll immediately be struck by the rich colors and glossy sheen of the leather—no matter what shade you go for. 

Materials & craftsmanship: We’re off to a good start

When it comes to leather, cheap quality can be spotted a mile away. Amberjack, however, employs the expertise of one of the world’s premier tanneries, using only the most supple leather hides to craft their shoes. Side by side with a lesser dress shoe, the difference is palpable.

Unlike other brand new shoes, the leather immediately feels soft and flexible, hugging your feet like a luxury pair of socks. It’s not a feeling we typically expect from dress shoes.

Aesthetic & design: Conformity on the outside

On the outside, very little separates Amberjack The Original from other traditional dress shoes. And that’s a good thing!

The brand did a good job at respecting the codes of the genre so you can easily wear this pair as part of a smart casual, business casual, or even business professional attire.

Quality aside, the versatility of Amberjack’s shoes is second to none. They’ll take you from executive meeting to Gatsby-style glitterati party with finesse, making The Original a true fashion fireball when it comes to day-to-night looks.

Colors: Plenty to choose from

True to form, Amberjack’s array of shades is both classic and timeless. If you’re adamant about avoiding ostentation, opt for the classic Chestnut shoe for a dapper aesthetic. Err on the quirkier side of life? Stand out while remaining firmly dashing with the Cobalt or Sand suede shoes. Of course, there’s a shiny Onyx shoe and the sportier Slate Grey shoes to seal the deal, too.

In total, there are 13 different colors available for The Original, with a combination of leather and Italian suede.

Comfort, fit & sizing: All day long baby!

When it comes to comfort, Amberjack takes the gold and then some. The leather instantly feels supple as anything, enveloping your feet in a sense of snug-fitting security that inspires a real bounce in your step. Yes, whether you’re on your feet all day or simply sauntering from bar to table, you’ll do so in optimal comfort. 

However, as recommended by Amberjack, be sure to pick up a half-size smaller than your usual fit. If your feet are on the wider side, though, you can stay to your true size.

Care & maintenance: Proper storing recommended if worn sporadically

If you don’t already own a tree horn, now’s the time to invest. It’ll work wonders in keeping the shape of your Amberjack, ensuring they look their best for years to come. 

Of course, it’s also advisable to treat the leather with a good conditioner to avoid any dullness or wrinkles—conduct a small patch test before you go all-out to avoid any mishaps.

Price: Another high note for the brand

Considering the A-grade quality leather (like the leather you’d find in top-end luxury cards, no less), and exquisite craftsmanship, the price of Amberjack shoes comes as something of a surprise—don’t worry, in the best of ways. 

Coming in at less than $200, you can afford to pick a few colors, too.

I think this is great value for the quality and comfort that you’ll get out of this pair!

Who are Amberjack Original best for?

Amberjack’s The Original is a dapper day-to-night shoe, perfect for the gentleman who’s often short on time but never short on style. If you want a traditional-looking pair of dress shoes to wears like a pair of sneakers, this is the perfect pair for you.

However, if you’re looking for something more traditional, down to the construction of the shoe, this is not the best pair for you. Check my recommended alternatives below.

Where to buy Amberjack The Original?

To pick up The Original or another style by Amberjack, your destination is their official website.

The alternatives: Looking for something else?

First off, if you like Amberjack’s approach to dress shoes, you should consider their cap-toe shoe. It’s just as comfortable and fairly priced as the original, but with a different design. Check my hands-on Amberjack Cap-Toe review to see if it’s right for you.

If you’re seeking a similarly priced competitor to Amberjack, Clarks’ offers a polished range of dress shoes to suit all budgets.

If you want something with more design flair but at a higher price point, you should also check out M.Gemi, which produces small-batch drops of Italian-made footwear that are guaranteed showstoppers.