First impressions matter, and these Jousen dress shoes definitely make a statement. The wingtip brogue design is sharp, and the polished leather gives them a premium look that belies their price tag. I wore them to a wedding recently and received multiple compliments – they easily pass for much more expensive shoes.

The comfort level is surprisingly good right out of the box. The breathable lining and cushioned insole kept my feet from overheating during long hours of standing, though like many reviewers noted, there's definitely a break-in period required. The first wear left me with some minor discomfort, but by the third use, they'd molded nicely to my feet.

Now for the not-so-great aspects: sizing seems to be inconsistent. I typically wear a size 9 but found these ran large - there's about half an inch of extra space even with thick socks. The lacing system helps secure them, but it's something to consider when ordering. Also be prepared for that 'new shoe' chemical smell initially; it does fade quickly though.

The biggest issue I've encountered is durability. After just two months of regular office wear (about 3-4 times weekly), I'm noticing significant heel wear and have already replaced the laces twice. For shoes at this price point, I expected better longevity.

Would I recommend them? With reservations. They're fantastic for occasional formal wear when you need stylish shoes without breaking the bank. But if you need daily workhorses for business attire, you might want to invest in something more durable despite the higher cost.