As we head into Fall, it’s about time to put the Rainbows away to hibernate. That means long pants and muddy walks are near, so let’s plan accordingly. We all wear boots in some form, but when thinking about a lineup, there are quite a few scenarios to think about. Whether it’s in the mountains for a long weekend, fishing, on a date, or tailgating, boots play in an important role.
The thing I’ve found to be most important with boots is quality. Good leather and good construction are a must. The intention is that they hold up, and provide support and protection from the elements. For the most part, boots are an item that ‘you get what you pay for’, so buy accordingly.
Here’s what I like for a rotation:
From top left:
1. R.M. Williams X Todd Snyder Gardener Boots: I have a pair of these in chocolate suede, and they are extremely versitile. They can be dressed down as work boots, or dressed up with chinos as dress boots. Great addition to any boot lineup.
2. Rancourt Harrison Boots: These boots go by many different names: Ranger boots, Woods Walkers, etc. These are very #lodgewear, and great for dry hunts (dove, quail, etc) where walking is required, and the snakes are few. And the CXL leather will clean up nicely.
3. Alden X Miller Brothers Indy Boots: I’m a sucker for any Alden special edition, and these in the pebbled leather are super cool. Limited sizes, so act quickly.
4. Red Wing Pecos 1155 Boots: No boot list would be complete without the Pecos 1155s. I wore these back when I was an undergrad, and wish I still had them (I’ve since added a pair of 1178s – the roper version). When it comes to work boots, these are the top of the pyramid.
5. Clarks Wallabees: Another undergrad move (but by no means undergrad), Wallabees are the coolest, most beautiful boots in the world. No, you never outgrow these.
6. LL Bean 6″ Bean Boots: Again with the special make ups. I know you already have a pair of the traditional color way (tan, brown, tan), but why not add a little umph? The blaze orange sole is pretty cool…
7. Danner Jag Low Boots: Low top hiking boots…very Wook. I’ve got two pairs of these and they get a ton of wear in the cooler/colder months. They are easy on the feet.
8. Tecovas Cartwright Boots: How great is that Goat leather? It’ll patina with the best of them, and clean up nice.
9. Le Chameau Vierzon Boots: To round out any boot lineup, a good pair of tall rubber boots is a must. And Le Chameau’s addition of the well-priced Vierzons makes them very accessible.
What’s on your list?
Danner Mtn light
Bean Hunting Boot
Russell Snake Boot
Ariat stable boots
Le Chameau Chasseur
Various Cowboy
Russell Imperials
Hunter Leather lined Balmoral Wellie
Du Barry Kildare in Ivy
doc martens brown Chelsea
Russell Cavaliers
Lucchese Ropers
Bean Boots
Russell x BB Trail
Wolverine 1000 mile
Danner jag mid
Lots of Tecovas
Very good list. I have the RM Williams Gardener in brown leather and they are pretty much made of cast iron. I camp in mine, wear them to the office when it is raining, even Fargo ND winter salt in 2019 didn’t touch them.
One addition I would make is the Russell chukka boot. The 2 eyelet single layer with moc toe is my workhorse with just about any pant or even shorts.
Red Wing 1178s are the BEST
Not sure grown men should be wearing Wallabees.. I get a kick out of the yankee menswear instagram influencers who have suddenly discovered them
Cringe at myself for wearing the low tops with Stand Up Shorts in College. At least I did it sockless
Still on my original pair of 1178s that I bought 17 years ago spending a summer in Athens
Have 3 brand new pairs boxed away for safe keeping
I still rock my wallabies, but nowadays I prefer the beeswax leather because it hides stains better.
Chelsea boots and ranger mocs get me through most of the fall.
Throw in a pair of dirty bucs or camp mocs and you’re all set for fall/winter in the South.
I still wear the hell out of my 1178s, but my son stole my Wallabees! Says he doesn’t have the patience to break in a new pair until they lose the new pair glow.
I love my Oak Street camp mocs, as well. Just wish they didn’t creak so much.
Gotta add Blundstone or Rossi to the list
And another vote for Pecos – I have the same pair from 89th grade (I am 46!)
Pecos 1178
Tecovas (a few pair)
Lucchese (a few pair)
Bean Boots (a few variations + Rubber Moc Low I wear with shorts at times)
Wallabees (wear with shorts majority of time)
I need some new 993’s for the eventual corn maze I’ll be dragged to by my wife this fall.
Agree about Pecos – just sent mine back to MN to be resoled and converted to a “roper” heel vs. Cowboy heel.
Justin ropers
Blundstone
Xtratuff 6” pull on rain boots in brown – perfect wet weather boots to save your good shoes.
Bean boot, low slip one’s. Perfect for walking the dog in the winter/rainy spring
Oak Street Campus Chukka, one in tobacco suede, one in cherry CXL.
Red Wing x J Crew Moc Toe, one of the original J Crew collabs, probably when Todd Snyder was still there
Clarks Desert boots, pretty much my fall go to
Casa Fagliano riding boots. If you ride, you need these. Buy once cry once
Alden Indy Boots
Luchesse – calfskin ropers & ostrich leg cowboy
Tecovas – suede ropers
Pecos ropers – it was a sad day when I had to replace my 15 year old pair, those saw me threw a lot of days in central and west TX
Xtratuff
Lowa hiking boots
Orvis wading boots (maybe the most important)
I’ve been thinking about another pair of boots. Love Wallabees, but haven’t gotten another pair since wearing my last out. Thinking about something a little smarter this time around, would love some input.
https://www.theshoemart.com/alden-mens-d1709l-unlined-chukka-boot-tobacco-reverse-chamois/
https://www.rmwilliams.com/gardener-boot-brown-greasy-kip-leather.html?lang=en_US
https://www.rmwilliams.com/comfort-turnout-boot-chestnut-yearling-leather.html?lang=en_US
Possibly a chukka or Chelsea from Sid Mashburn.
Maybe it’s just because it’s still summer in TX, but I pretty much only wear my Alden LHS loafers or OSB camp mocs to work. They are hard to compete with on comfort.