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Once you actually give it some thought, footwear is an extension of your way of life. The pair of sneakers that you simply select to put on each day can say quite a bit in regards to the issues that you simply worth and the way in which you reside your life, to not point out the issues that you really want different folks to see. This is the reason it’s so necessary to seek out sneakers that match your particular type.
Enter REEF, a model that designs footwear with all types of various existence in thoughts. REEF started as a easy sandal model again within the ’80s however has since expanded to incorporate an unlimited collection of sneakers, boots, and clothes.
The El Jefe is among the most distinguished items of footwear within the REEF lineup—and for good purpose. This can be a distinctive but versatile sneaker that may deal with just about something life throws your manner, making you the boss of your personal vogue ouevre. There’s nothing extra basic to vogue than sneakers; they’re the rhythm part in your personal private type composition. And an amazing pair of sneakers is definitely worth the time, effort, and cash that you simply spend on them. So let’s take a fast take a look at all the causes that you simply’ll need to add the El Jefe to your wardrobe proper now.
Watch Our Evaluation
How We Examined
For testing, I picked up a pair of those sneakers and got down to put them by way of their paces (actually). Since these sneakers are designed for on a regular basis put on, I did on a regular basis issues whereas sporting them, resembling going grocery buying and on dinner dates and on walks within the park, and so on. That road-testing gave me a superb really feel for a way these sneakers fare by way of constant utilization and how much put on and tear to count on. To not point out that they simply felt nice on.
General, they’ve been each sturdy and versatile all through many of those conditions. With excellent care (and also you’d promise to offer that, wouldn’t you?), I’d count on these sneakers to final a number of years—even with constant utilization.
Measurements
With regards to footwear, my measurement usually ranges between 10.5 and 11.5, relying on the type and materials. With that in thoughts, 11 is my go-to measurement for the sort of sneaker, and it’s the one yhsy I picked for the El Jefe.
It’s necessary to notice that these sneakers do run a bit massive, and different reviewers declare to have opted for a half-size smaller than what they usually put on. If you happen to are likely to fall in between sizes (and sure, I do know that that is annoying, however you’ve the toes that you simply had been born with, so take care of it), then it may be a good suggestion to order a half measurement smaller than your regular measurement. If you happen to do order a pair that doesn’t fairly match, REEF gives free returns inside 30 days of supply to make sure that you find yourself with the proper measurement it doesn’t matter what. (Rating 1 for customer support.)
TL;DR
Right here’s a quick overview of all the pieces that it’s good to know in regards to the El Jefe sneaker from REEF:
Sizing: This shoe tends to run a bit massive. If you happen to’re in between sizes, it may be a good suggestion to order a half-size smaller than you usually put on. That being mentioned, when you have wider toes, then it may be finest to stay along with your regular measurement as a result of this shoe is common in width.
Professionals: These sneakers are sturdy, versatile, and trendy. They’ve nitrogen-infused EVA insoles and high-grip rubber outsoles for max consolation and traction. They’re additionally out there in a handful of eye-catching colorways to successfully showcase your character. (There’s nothing worse than sneakers which can be snug sufficient but keep within the closet since you simply don’t need to be seen sporting them.)
Cons: They’re a bit bulkier and heavier than many different sneakers that REEF gives. Nevertheless, that is fully by design. These sneakers are supposed to be worn like skate or surf sneakers—not like trainers. Additionally, as I discussed earlier, the sizing may also be difficult to nail down at first.
Options: REEF gives quite a lot of different sneakers if the El Jefe isn’t fairly up your alley. Just a few notable choices are the Triton, Navigator, and Terramar. Every of those sneakers is designed to profit totally different existence and preferences.
Verdict: The El Jefe is a particular shoe that’ll really feel proper at residence with anybody who exudes the skater and surfer vibe. This can be a high-quality pair of sneakers that you simply’ll need to throw on every day. So take my recommendation and do exactly that!
About The El Jefe Sneaker
The El Jefe sneaker is REEF’s tackle a traditional surf and skate sneaker. It’s an effortlessly informal shoe that blends textile material with high-end suede. This scintillating shoe includes a nitrogen-infused insole, which is supportive and springy. To not point out, the outsole is made with high-grip, anti-marking rubber that’ll offer you nice traction—whatever the terrain. Cool in and out – I’m offered.
The El Jefe is offered in a few totally different colours to match your particular type. You could have the usual choices like black and white. But, you’re the boss of the hue of your sneakers, so REEF additionally gives different colorways just like the Madras, which blends shades of blue and grey for an added pop of character.
What To Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for
First off, it’s at all times necessary to think about your private type earlier than choosing up any pair of sneakers. The El Jefe is a really informal shoe, so it would really feel misplaced if you happen to usually costume formally or preppy. That being mentioned, if you happen to really feel extra snug in shorts and a tee, then this may be the right shoe for you (like is as like does, because it had been).
It’s additionally necessary to think about the kind of surroundings through which you’ll be sporting your sneakers. The El Jefe is primarily designed with coastal dwelling in thoughts. If you happen to dwell someplace with extra snow than sunshine, then this won’t be an excellent sneaker for you. (I mentioned supreme. You’ll be able to put on these wherever if you happen to actually need to; bear in mind, you’re the boss.)
Why they’re Nice/Why I Favored them
My favourite factor about this sneaker is its design. This can be a beautiful-looking shoe that’s youthful and vibrant, but nonetheless subtle. It’s an ideal summertime accent and might be thrown on for a ton of various warm-weather actions.
The nitrogen-infused EVA insole can also be an enormous recreation changer—you possibly can really feel the additional assist and bounciness in every step (and over time, that provides as much as huge consolation – belief me). I additionally suppose that the supplies used for the higher are high-quality and will final a reasonably very long time. I’m personally an enormous fan of suede accents on sneakers as a result of they provide much more character.
How To Break them in/Put on them
Breaking within the El Jefe is similar to the method for every other skate shoe that you simply might need owned prior to now. The break-in interval is manner much less intense than a pair of leather-based footwear, however there may be nonetheless a minor adjustment interval. Since these sneakers are a bit bulkier, they may be a bit stiff at first. After a number of days, although, they need to start to melt up and adapt to your toes for a extra snug match. Then, the sky’s the restrict.
How do you type these sneakers, although? The El Jefe is finest for many who choose to decorate casually on a day-to-day foundation. This sneaker pairs nice with shorts, slacks, and denims. You may also praise them with a pleasant T-shirt, polo, or tropical button-up. To place it merely, this shoe will work with something you’d put on to the seashore.
Flaws however Not Deal-breakers
The 2 most typical complaints concerning this shoe are that it’s cumbersome and runs a bit massive. That is extremely dependent in your toes (and your private preferences), however it’s price noting. If you happen to’re used to sporting boots (like me), then these sneakers received’t really feel cumbersome in any respect. Alternatively, if you happen to usually put on athletic sneakers, then these sneakers would possibly really feel a bit heavier than what you’re used to.
As for sizing, it’s actually solely a difficulty whenever you first purchase these sneakers. Upon getting the correct measurement, it shouldn’t be a priority anymore. REEF additionally has half sizes, which is an enormous perk that another manufacturers don’t provide.
How you can Look after the El Jefe
Taking care of the El Jefe calls for little or no effort. You’ll be able to take a completely hands-off strategy and let these sneakers age as they’d naturally (as in drift of nature). That being mentioned, if you wish to protect them so long as attainable, then it’s finest to do some mild upkeep now and again.
The suede higher elements might be cleaned with a easy suede brush and eraser combo. The material elements may also be cleaned up with a brush or dry material. Lastly, you should use a humid material or previous toothbrush to scrub off any grime and particles from the outsoles.
You Have Choices: 3 Options To The El Jefe
Triton: The Triton is REEF’s tackle the traditional German Military Coach sneaker with some fashionable additions. This shoe options the model’s signature Swellsole insole, which is tremendous plush and supportive. For the higher, this shoe includes a mixture of knit material and suede. These design components basically make this sneaker as mild as a feather and athletic sufficient for quite a lot of actions.
Navigator: The Navigator is a shoe designed to be your go-to journey buddy. The rip-stop higher is sturdy, water resistant (wonderful for being within the neighborhood of the seashore), and breathable. It additionally includes a crush-back heel, which helps when going by way of airport safety or when slipping them on for a fast journey to the automobile.
Terramar: There’s additionally the Terramar, which includes a traditional leather-based sneaker design. This shoe makes use of premium leather-based from gold and silver-rated tanneries. It’s an effortlessly glossy shoe that also gives premium consolation (together with the Swellsole insole).
Why Belief Us
Sneakers are, surely, my favourite aspect of favor. It’s laborious to beat an amazing piece of footwear that may tie a complete outfit collectively. Your shoe decisions assist your general vogue sense (to not point out your sneakers supporting your toes, your again, your posture, and so on.) My appreciation of footwear has led me to study as a lot as I can in regards to the design and manufacturing course of of various kinds, and I’m very happy to go on what I’ve realized.
I’ve additionally tackled a variety of items with FashionBeans, specializing in matters resembling journey sneakers and sorts of sandals. To not point out, I’ve a 12 months’s price of expertise working at a distinguished boot firm in New York. All of that is to say that I’m a diehard fan of footwear. This is the reason I take the topic of sneakers so significantly and attempt to seek out one of the best choices on the market. With the information that I’ve gained, my final aim for this shoe assessment is that will help you make an knowledgeable resolution that can finally profit you and your type.
Verdict
The El Jefe is a standout choice in REEF’s footwear lineup. You’ll be able to inform this shoe was deliberately designed and that it’s constructed to be considered one of your finest pals.
There’s nothing I like greater than a pair of sneakers that may be worn just about each day, and that is a kind of sneakers. The El Jefe lives as much as its identify as “the boss,” in a position to take command of your whole footwear assortment and switch that ascendancy to you and your general look.
FAQ
Over time, REEF has developed from its humble beginnings as a sandal model to a full-fledged footwear model. It now gives quite a lot of high-quality and trendy footwear that embodies the “REEF DREAM”. If you happen to’re searching for a pair of sneakers to go from level A to level B, REEF is a good model to select from.
The El Jefe sneaker is among the most original shoe kinds REEF presently gives. This shoe is sturdy, snug, and crowd pleasing (particularly within the Madras colorway). If you happen to’re searching for one thing versatile and practical, I’d say these sneakers are effectively definitely worth the cash.

Ryan is a author, filmmaker, and throughout content material creator. Over time, he has written screenplays, brief tales, and nonfiction informational items. Ryan is presently working to construct up his YouTube channel (@ryan-jamison) by way of artistic video essays that mix his love of filmmaking and writing. He additionally *often* posts some images on his Instagram (@ryanjamison99). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves operating, mountaineering, studying, and he’s additionally a complete boot nerd.