Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review a trio of shoes from the local shoe label Rad Russel.
Despite having “London” in its name, Rad Russel is actually a longstanding local shoe label, having been in the market since 2009. This is its 15th year in business, a remarkable feat, especially in a post-COVID era when shoe brands have dropped off like flies. Today, the brand has a robust online store and a boutique in Suntec City. Rad Russel sent me a trio of their bestsellers to review—let’s see if they are any good.
Rad Russel Classic Cap-Toe Derby – Review
First up is the Classic Cap-Toe Derby.
The shoes come in a dust bag, which helps protect the leather. Dust bags are standard, but some brands still cheapen out by not including them.
For the uninitiated, the Derby is a variant of the Oxford. Generally seen as more casual, the Derby features open lacing, where the quarters are stitched on top of the vamp of the shoes. Due to the open lacing system, Derbies are usually more comfortable than Oxfords.
According to Rad Russel, the Classic Cap-Toe Derby is crafted “with the finest calfskin.” The brand doesn’t state whether the leather is full-grain, but nevertheless, it feels decent enough and is a cut above the usual department store variants.
Up close, fine leather grains can be seen, which indicates that this should be at least top-grain leather.
The shoe features Rad Russel’s trademark purple laces, which create a striking colour contrast. I asked the brand about the purple laces, and they replied that it was their way of making dress shoes less stuffy and more fun. That being said, a pair of black laces is also included for those who prefer a more formal aesthetic.
The shoes have a leather lining on the inside. As a natural material, leather is more breathable than synthetic materials such as polyester.
As such, the Classic Cap-Toe Derby is comfortable on the feet, even after an entire day of wear. This is also due to its latex-cushioned insoles, which enhance comfort on the feet.
The shoes feature an anti-slip leather sole, which enhances traction, especially during rainy days. Interestingly, the dictionary definition of the word “Rad” is imprinted on the sole – another fun element to the shoes.
I also like the last of the shoe, specifically the rounded chiselled toe. True to its name, the classic silhouette results in an eminently versatile shoe that’s appropriate for both formal and casual occasions.
Rad Russel Minimalist Workaday Lace-up Oxford – Review
Next up is the Derby’s more formal cousin, the Oxford.
Ironically, the Minimalist Workaday Lace-Up Oxford is far from minimalist—it actually has several unique details. Firstly, there’s the broguing, which refers to the perforated ornaments on the uppers. Secondly, the shoes feature patina brushstrokes, which remind me of Customwelt’s shoes. Lastly, there’s also burnishing on the tip of the shoe, giving it an artisanal feel.
In addition, the soles feature an amusing graphic with the stylized words “Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn” and “Life’s a gamble.” Again, this is another of Rad Russel’s efforts to make dress shoes more approachable and ‘fun’. As a poker player myself, I like the depiction of the card suits—it also reminded me of Alice in Borderland, which happens to be one of my favourite Netflix shows.
The shoe also comes with leather lining and comfortable latex insoles for comfort on the feet.
Compared to the all-black Classic Cap-Toe Derby, the Minimalist Workaday Lace-up Oxford is significantly more striking. The combination of the patina brushstrokes, broguing, and burnished toe makes the shoe stand out—it looks more expensive than it actually is.
Rad Russel Double Monk Strap – Review
Last but not least, there’s the Double Monk Strap.
In terms of aesthetics, the Double Monk Strap is arguably the Goldilocks – not as conservative as the black Derbys, but not as striking as the minimalist Oxfords. Instead, the lovely brown colourway of the Double Monk is accentuated by heavy burnishing that gives it a subtle atas feel.
I’ve always been a fan of the double monk style – I find it eminently more elegant than the single monk and often pair the double monk with a double-breasted suit. The double monk is for those who want to be different but not stand out.
The unique aspect of these Double Monks is that the monk straps are elastic, which allows the wearer to simply stretch and slip them on. This means that you don’t have to individually buckle the double straps, which is often the chief hassle of the double monk. It’s a super convenient feature that I’ve not seen on any other double monk – kudos to Rad Russel for the innovation.
Like the Classic Cap-Toe Derby, the Double Monk Strap features the “dictionary” sole for a fun touch.
From the material and construction standpoint, the Double Monk is identical to the other two shoes – it uses the same calfskin for the uppers, and features the same inner leather lining and latex cushioned insole.
However, I did notice that the finishing on the Double Monk is not as good – it’s quite literally rough around the edges. This indicates to me that the shoe is mass-produced instead of handmade, as a shoe artisan would have sanded and burnished the edges of the straps. That being said, Rad Russel’s shoes are relatively affordable, so perhaps expectations have to be managed.
Rad Russel – Sesame Street Collection
Interestingly, Rad Russel recently collaborated with Sesame Street for a unique collection. This includes both shoes and socks, with the brand kindly sending some socks over for me to try.
The Sesame Street socks feature quirky designs that are on brand with Rad Russel’s ethos of making dress shoes fun. For example, the more adventurous may choose to pair the purple Grouch socks with Rad Russel’s signature purple laces.
If you’re more conservative, you can choose a safer design, such as the Grover striped socks. These socks complement more muted designs, such as the Double Monk Strap, pretty well.
Conclusion – so Rad Russel “shiok” or not?
Most of Rad Russel’s shoes are priced at around S$200 SGD. Although slightly pricier than mass-market brands such as Aldo and Pedro, Rad Russel’s shoes are more striking and comfortable. Furthermore, Rad Russel’s shoes are fun and trendy, shedding the stuffiness that often comes with formal shoes. They appeal to the whimsical and the dandy, therefore differentiating themselves (and the wearer) from other brands who mostly offer cookie-cutter designs.
Currently, all three shoes reviewed in this article are on sale from S$180-190. Those interested can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” upon checkout to enjoy a 10% discount on all items from Rad Russel’s webstore, which would bring the price down to S$160-170ish on most of its shoes. If you’re looking for a comfortable yet affordable pair of dress shoes with a fun spin, then Rad Russel’s offerings will be right up your alley.
View the Rad Russel Classic Cap-Toe Derby here.
View the Rad Russel Minimalist Workaday Lace-up Oxford here.
View the Rad Russel Double Monk Strap here.
View the full range of Rad Russel’s offerings here.
P.S: Check out The Shiok Store here – it serves as a curation of my favourite products from my favourite brands.
P.P.S: Do check out the new “Discounts!” page for exclusive discounts for Wah so Shiok readers! More brands will be added very soon – stay tuned!
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
