I’ve got a thing for navy shoes in the warmer months — they’re versatile like brown shoes, but bring a more vibrant contrast to already brown-hued khaki pants. My fiancee recently turned me to Bass, a 136-year-old Maine-based company I’d known solely for the loafers of my parent’s generation, as an affordable source for this shoe. After getting these, it’s clear that I didn’t pay enough attention to the company over the years.

Got a pair of their “Brockton” model in “Denim Blue” nubuck off of Zappos for the relatively bargain price of $65. They also produce the more expensive but very similar-looking Buckingham model, boasting white contrast laces and stitching and what looks to be finer grained and darker navy nubuck. I likely would have preferred the darker color, but as this was my first pair of Bass, I wanted to scout the fit of the brand. I’m a difficult size almost never found in stores — 6.5 wide — so scouting means using sites like Zappos with excellent return policies.

Fortunately, I’ve got no reason to return them, despite Zappos not stocking them in 6.5 wide; most shoe producers have 7 as their bottom size. In 7 medium, they are clearly on the long side, but a nice third-party insole makes them comfortably snug. I’ve also gotten cheated by 6.5 wide shoes that are too small (Sebago, I’m looking at you), and that’s much more difficult to rectify, so being able to use insoles to make 7 wearable is a welcome option.

The nubuck is really soft, and the rubber sole is quite pliable, making them comfortable to walk in right off the bat — more like a sneaker than leather-soled dress shoes. And they also come in a bunch of other colors, like the classic seersucker-and-mint-julep-ready, can’t-wait-until-Memorial-Day white nubuck over red sole that my fiancee constantly convinces me I don’t need. They don’t have my size anymore, anyway, so whatever. But if they have yours, I heartily recommend them!