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In the world of shoes, two shoes are mostly compared – Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole shoes. Both brands are known for their stylish and comfortable shoes, but which one is better? How do you pick the best between these two brilliant shoes?
Both offer a wide range of colors and styles for men and women alike; both use top-quality materials in their construction, and both provide excellent comfort and support when worn.
The most significant difference between them is that Cole Haan’s dress shoes are more expensive than Kenneth Cole’s shoes. This is because of the intricate details in Cole Haan’s construction.
For example, Cole Haan may feature embroidery or beading whereas Kenneth Cole usually has simpler designs.
In this article, we’ll be exploring different comparison parameters, and compare their first impressions to aid in your decision to pick the best for you.
Why this Comparison?
Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole are related due to the fact that they are both well-recognized dress shoes.
They both have a lot of styles and are similar in different ways. Here are some reasons a comparison is inevitable between these two shoes.
From sleek and modern designs to classic styles that never go out of fashion, there’s something for everyone in the Cole Haan line-up.
In addition, their construction is typically more robust than Kenneth Cole’s, meaning they will last longer even with heavy wear.
Kenneth Cole offers a few advantages over its rival brand as well. First, their prices are lower–making them a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Secondly, many people find that Kenneth Cole fits better than Colemans–providing a more comfortable experience when wearing them for extended periods.
Some people feel Cole Haan is overpriced, and Kenneth Cole is substandard. This comparison will clear all pending myths.
Let’s look at each shoe’s first impressions.
First Glance
I’ve had a first-hand experience of both Cole Haan and Kenneth Cole shoes and here are my first impressions.
This should give you an insight into the general overview of both shoes and what to expect from each shoe.
Cole Haan Shoes Review
- Has both casual and dressy styles
- Has handcrafted details with adequate flexibility
- Has a functional arch support
When you want quality, comfort, and style all in one shoe, Cole Haan is a perfect choice. I have always been a fan of their shoes because they never disappoint.
The first time I ever tried on a pair of Cole Haan shoes was back in high school. I was shopping with my mom at our local mall and we came across the shoe store.
She let me pick out any pair of shoes that I wanted and I instantly gravitated toward the Cole Haan. They were so stylish and looked so comfortable that I just had to try them on!
And boy was I glad that I did because they fit like a glove and were super comfortable too. Ever since then, whenever there’s an opportunity for me to buy some new Cole Haan, I take it!
Just recently, I decided it was time for another new pair of shoes so I went online to check out what Cole Haan offered this season. As usual, they had a great selection of both dressy and casual styles.
After browsing through all the options, I finally settled on the Men’s Washington Grand Laser Oxford because I decided I needed something more casual in my wardrobe this spring.
When they arrived, the first thing I looked at was the quality of materials used.
And as usual, they had put a lot of thought into designing these sneakers. They had perforated holes, with handcrafted details. The next thing I looked at was the construction and found out that they are well-made too.
They had great arch support with adequate flexibility. Finally, I tried them on and found out that they fit perfectly too–not too tight or too loose!
But it’s not just their looks that set them apart from other shoes in their category; it’s also their comfort level. You can wear them all day without having your feet ache by the end of it
Whether you’re dressing up for a formal event or simply running errands around town, these shoes will always make you look your best while keeping your feet happy at the same time
Kenneth Cole Shoes Review
- Fits like a glove
- Comfortable right out of the box
- Modern and chic style
First impressions are everything, and for Kenneth Cole’s shoes, that statement is true. The very first time I ever saw a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes was at a store in the mall.
I remember being so impressed by how good they looked and how well they were made. I didn’t end up buying a pair that day, but I knew I wanted to get my hands on a pair, eventually.
A few weeks later, I was scrolling through Instagram and came across an ad for Kenneth Cole shoes.
Once again, I was blown away by how nice they looked in the picture and decided that it was time to buy myself a pair. So off to the internet shopping site of my choice!
I placed my order for the Kenneth Cole REACTION and eagerly awaited their arrival at my doorstep. A few days later, they arrived safe and sound (and just in time for fall!) And let me tell you: these babies did not disappoint.
They were even better looking than in pictures online (which is saying something), fit like a glove, and were extremely comfortable right out of the box! Kenneth Cole has quickly become one of my favorite shoe brands.
The moment I put them on, I could feel that these differed from any other pair of shoes I’ve ever worn. They were incredibly comfortable right out of the box, with just the right amount of cushioning and support.
And the style was perfect – not too flashy or trendy, but still modern and chic. Plus, they went with everything in my closet!
I wore them all day long and never once had that “ugh” feeling you sometimes get after wearing uncomfortable shoes for too long.
In fact, by the end of the day, my feet felt better than they did when I woke up that morning.
Overall, I’m extremely happy with my purchase and would recommend Kenneth Cole REACTION shoes to anyone looking for a great-looking and comfortable pair of shoes.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Let’s Compare
| Features | Cole Haan | Kenneth Cole |
| Leather | Full grain cow leather | 100% full grain leather |
| Sole | Leather sole | Flexible rubber sole |
| Construction | Blake stitch construction, with single-piece leather uppers | Goodyear welt construction with conjoined leather pieces upper |
| Durability | Very durable due to a waterproof level of protection and construction differences | Lasts one-third of the time a pair of Cole Haan shoes |
| Price | $40 – $100 | $150 up to $450 |
| Insole | Memory foam | Cork |
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Leather
Cole Haan uses full grain cow leather for their shoes while Kenneth Cole uses 100% full grain leather.
There are a few key differences between the type of leather used in Cole Haan dress shoes and Kenneth Cole shoes.
For one, the leather in Kenneth Cole shoes is typically softer and more flexible than the leather in Cole Haan shoes. This makes it better suited for everyday wear, as it is less likely to cause discomfort or pain.
Kenneth Cole shoes often use a Nappa leather finish, which gives them a slightly glossy appearance. This is not found on most Cole Haan dress shoes.
The leather in Kenneth Cole shoes also cracks more easily than the leather in Cole Haan dress shoes which makes them less desirable to some customers.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Sole
There are several differences between the soles of Cole Haan dress shoes and Kenneth Cole shoes.
The most noticeable difference is that the soles of Kenneth Cole shoes are made from rubber, while the soles of Cole Haan dress shoes are made from leather.
This makes Kenneth Cole shoes more durable and resistant to wear and tear, while also providing better traction.
The heel on a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes is typically thicker than on a pair of Cole Haan dress shoes, making them more stable when walking.
Finally, the construction of each type of shoe varies slightly; Kenneth Cole shoes have a stitched-on sole as opposed to one that is glued on like Cole Haan Shoes.
This means that over time, Kenneth Cole’s shoes may eventually come apart at the seams if they are not taken care of properly.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Construction
In recent years, Kenneth Cole has become a more popular shoe brand than Cole Haan. This is most likely because of the unique construction methods used in the two brands’ shoes.
Kenneth Cole shoes are made with a Goodyear welt, which makes them more durable and allows for easier repair.
Cole Haan shoes are made with a Blake stitch construction, which is not as durable and does not allow for easy repair.
The Blake stitch construction also is less comfortable than the Goodyear welt construction because it does not form as good of a seal around the foot. This can lead to problems such as blisters and foot fatigue.
In addition, Kenneth Cole shoes are cheaper than Cole Haan shoes because they use less expensive materials in their construction
The uppers on Kenneth Cole shoes are made from several pieces of leather that are glued and stitched together, while those on Cole Haan shoes are made from a single piece of leather that is folded over and sewn shut.
This makes Kenneth Cole shoes more likely to split or tear at the seams.
Finally, Kenneth Cole shoes use metal eyelets for lacing while Cole Haan shoes use plastic eyelets. Metal eyelets rust over time, which can cause damage to the shoe’s upper material.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Durability
There are many differences between the durability of Cole Haan shoes and Kenneth Cole shoes.
The most important difference is that Kenneth Cole shoes are not made with as much quality as Cole Haan shoes.
This can be seen in the stitching, where Kenneth Cole’s stitches unravel more quickly than those on a pair of Cole Haan.
In addition, the leather used in making Kenneth Cole is not as thick or durable as that used in a pair of Cole Haan, meaning that it will wear out more quickly.
Finally, while both brands offer waterproof versions of some styles, Kenneth Cole often lacks the same level of water protection offered by their Cole Haan counterparts.
All these factors together mean that a pair of Kenneth Cole shoes may last only one-third as long as a pair of Cole Haan shoes.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Price
Kenneth Cole shoes cost a quarter of the price of Cole Haan shoes with Kenneth Cole shoes starting from about $50 while Cole Haan shoes cost up to $450
This is because of the material difference and higher durability of Cole Haan.
If you’re looking for a medium-quality shoe at a great price, Kenneth Cole is the best choice for you.
Cole Haan vs Kenneth Cole Shoes: Insole
There are several differences between the material of insoles used in Cole Haan shoes and Kenneth Cole shoes.
The most noticeable difference is that the insole of a Kenneth Cole shoe is made from memory foam, while the insole of a Cole Haan shoe is made from cork. Cork is a natural substance that has many benefits over memory foam.
For example, cork conforms to your feet over time, which creates a more customized fit.
Cork absorbs shock better than memory foam, which makes it ideal for people with joint pain or other foot issues.
Final Verdict
After this lengthy comparison, I’ve decided that Cole Haan shoes are better than Kenneth Cole shoes because the quality of materials used in the construction of a Cole Haan shoe is typically higher than that of a Kenneth Cole shoe.
This automatically means that Cole Haan will last longer and be better than Kenneth Cole.
The design and styling of a Cole Haan shoe are usually more sophisticated and timeless than that of a Kenneth Cole shoe.
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