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TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRIEF HISTORY
What began as a modest $1100 investment in 1990 has developed into one of the most iconic brands in footwear. From a factory in Queens, NY, Steve Madden has revolutionized the shoe industry, merging years of experience with unique and creative designs. Inspired by rock and roll and his New York roots, his vision to provide on-trend women and men with an outlet to express their individuality is innovative, daring, and inspiring. Steve’s innate understanding of trends and unparalleled willpower have resulted in millions of customers worldwide and propelled his designs to the forefront of fashion. He has expanded the Steve Madden brand into a true lifestyle and destination for footwear, handbags, and accessories, sold in over 80 countries worldwide.
Steve Madden, America's most successful shoe designer, started his brand with sheer determination and a keen sense of fashion. His journey began in 1990 with a small investment and a factory in Queens, leading to the creation of trendsetting shoes that captured the essence of urban edge and sex appeal. Madden's products, inspired by the streets of New York and beyond, continue to evolve, maintaining a funky independence while embracing modern fashion. Today, the Steve Madden brand encompasses a wide range of accessories, including watches, jewelry, handbags, belts, sunwear, outerwear, and hosiery, reflecting Madden's ever-forward-looking vision.
Brand Website: stevemadden.ca
AUDIENCE & CUSTOMER'S PERSPECTIVE
How would you rate Steve Madden as a brand?
How would you rate Steve Madden as a brand?
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PRODUCTS REVIEWED
Buying Leather Wallets on Amazon: Sorting the Best from the Sketchy
Steve Madden's Men's Leather Wallet
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When it comes to buying leather wallets on Amazon, it can feel like navigating a minefield. There are countless options, various price points, and confusing product descriptions that can leave you questioning the authenticity of what you're purchasing. To demystify this process, I decided to take the plunge and order eight wallets from well-known brands, all priced under $50, to see which ones live up to their claims and which ones fall short. Can you guess the ranking from worst to best?
DISCLAIMER: This is an UNSPONSORED review. I purchased all of these products myself and am not affiliated with the brand mentioned in any way. All statements and expressions made about the products are solely the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein and are not meant to be conclusive or definitive. The purpose of this video is for informational and educational purposes only. We recommend that as a consumer, you exercise your due diligence and research on the products before adopting the opinion of Tanner Leatherstein.
NOTE: Some of the links here are affiliate links. We might get a small commission when you choose to purchase the product through our link which will help to support our Leathertainment content and channel. But rest assured that everything written in this article is our independent review.
Wallet Dissections: Brand by Brand
The first wallet I examined was the Columbia wallet, priced at $23.24 and boasting a 4.7-star rating. Its claim of a coated leather cover, made of 98% polyurethane (PU) and 2% leather, turned out to be misleading. It’s primarily PU with a small layer of leather fibers inside, making it not truly leather.
Next, I looked at the Tommy Hilfiger wallet, which costs $30 and also has a 4.7-star rating. This wallet, claiming to be 100% genuine leather, surprisingly lived up to its promise with soft sheepskin leather, making it a decent choice.
Moving on to the Steve Madden wallet, priced at $14.99 with a 4.7-star rating, I found it claimed to be 100% leather. This wallet impressed me with its beautiful aniline leather, an exceptional quality, especially given the low price.
The Timberland wallet, costing $14.50 and holding a 4.7-star rating, claimed to be made of genuine leather. It is indeed genuine leather, though of a lower quality top grain, but still a fair option for the price.
The Carhartt wallet, priced at $39.99 with a 4.7-star rating, claimed to be top-grain leather. This claim was accurate, with the wallet made of good quality top-grain cowhide, suitable for those who appreciate a rustic style.
The Levi’s wallet, costing $23.99 and rated 4.5 stars, claimed to have a coated cover made of 76% PU and 24% split suede leather. In reality, it’s mostly PU with a thin layer of split suede, essentially leather dust, which was quite disappointing.
The Guess wallet, priced at $23.25 with a 4.7-star rating, claimed to be 100% genuine leather. This wallet was a beauty, made of aniline full grain cowhide, though I wasn’t a fan of the logo design.
Lastly, the Calvin Klein wallet, costing $49.50 and holding a 4.6-star rating, claimed to be 100% leather. This wallet stood out with its beautiful full grain oiled cowhide, showcasing excellent quality and craftsmanship.
Ranking: Best to Worst
After dissecting all the wallets, here’s how they rank from worst to best:
1. Calvin Klein: This is the top pick with its beautiful full-grain oiled cowhide, excellent design, and superb craftsmanship. It’s the best quality overall and worth every penny.
2. Steve Madden: At just $15, this wallet offers beautiful aniline leather and excellent workmanship. It’s probably the best value for money.
3. Guess: Featuring great leather and fabrics, this wallet is well-made, though the logo could be better. Still, it’s a solid choice.
4. Carhartt: This top grain distressed cowhide wallet is good quality and perfect for those who appreciate a rustic look.
5. Tommy Hilfiger: Made of soft sheepskin, it’s a decent leather wallet. If you like the design, it’s worth considering.
6. Timberland: This wallet is genuine leather but of mediocre top-grain quality. Consider it if you’re on a tight budget.
7. Columbia: Similar to Levi’s, it’s mostly coated PU with minimal leather, making it a clear scam in terms of leather content.
8. Levi’s: With leather dust in it, there’s nothing genuinely leather about this wallet. It’s a definite pass.
Note: You may check out all of my recommended wallets here.
Conclusion
Buying leather wallets on Amazon doesn't have to be a gamble. By knowing what to look for and understanding the quality of materials, you can find a wallet that meets your expectations. Whether you're looking for the best value like the Steve Madden wallet or top-notch quality like the Calvin Klein, this guide should help you make an informed decision. Happy shopping!
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