Kenton Pacer Boots

First reviewed in the heritage footwear community as early as 2015, the Kenton Pacer has been positioned as offering comparable quality to boots costing twice its retail price. The model retails for $268 but is frequently available on sale, with prices as low as $148.80 documented by reviewers. With Goodyear welt construction allowing for resoling and leather lining throughout, the boots serve as an accessible entry point into traditional American work boot styling.

The Kenton Pacer utilizes Goodyear welt construction, which bonds the upper, insole, and outsole together using a strip of leather (the welt), allowing the boots to be resoled multiple times over their lifespan. The boots are manufactured by Duramas/Empresas ADOC in a San Salvador factory that also produces footwear for Brooks Brothers, Sebago, L.L. Bean, and Bass. Quality control details include impressively even stitching and a very clean welt edge according to published reviews.

The outsole features a Vibram mini-lug design, specifically the "Tuscany" brown rubber mini-lug pattern with a Gumblock heel topper. This sole design provides traction through its lugs while maintaining a refined appearance suitable for both casual and smart-casual wear. The Goodyear welt construction also contributes to water resistance compared to cemented construction methods.

The Kenton Pacer features an apron-toe construction that has been described as not too high or clunky, making the boots more versatile than some other heritage work boot designs. This design element distinguishes it from moc-toe designs like those found on certain Red Wing models. The overall silhouette follows a classic carpenter-style heritage work boot pattern with a slightly tapered toe box.

The boots serve as what reviewers have termed a "budget Alden Indy homage," referencing Alden's iconic model 405 Indy boot. According to published comparisons, the Kenton Pacer represents "about as close as one is going to come to an Alden 405 for 40% of the average cost." The design intentionally mirrors Alden's aesthetic while using different manufacturing processes and leather sources.

The Kenton Pacer boots fit true to size according to multiple published reviews, with recommendations to stick with standard Brannock sizing rather than sizing down. Some early reports suggested the boots ran large and recommended sizing down a half size, but subsequent reviews have disputed these claims, noting that the boots fit as close to true to size as any heritage boot model. The toe box is slightly tapered, which should be considered when selecting size.

During the initial wear period, the boots feel stiff around the top of the foot but loosen after several wears. The side panels require approximately three weeks of regular wear to form properly to the ankle shape. The thick leather demands patience during break-in, but the soft insole provides comfort from the first wear. The boots accommodate standard-width feet in D width sizing.

Reviews of the Kenton Pacer consistently note that materials, finishing, and overall quality can compete with boots from brands like Rhodes. However, leather quality assessments have been mixed. While reviewers appreciate the thick, flexible leather that develops patina over time, some have noted the leather is "noticeably lower quality than Allen Edmonds or Red Wing" according to long-term wear reports.

The leather in standard versions has been described as "not as supple as the calf used on brands like Grant Stone or Allen Edmonds." Some sections of the leather exhibit a slightly tumbled or crinkle appearance, and the material scratches relatively easily compared to higher-end alternatives. Despite these observations, reviewers consistently conclude that "at the sale prices these boots frequently see, they are an outstanding value."

The Kenton Pacer retails for $268 for the standard pull-up leather version. However, J.Crew frequently runs sales offering 40 percent or more off footwear, bringing the boots down to prices around $148.80. The suede versions have been documented on sale for as low as $85, reduced from a regular price of $278. These frequent sales are a significant factor in the boots' value proposition within the heritage footwear market.