With Fall just around the corner, it’s a good time to take stock of the cooler weather footwear lineup. It’s usually wet and cool for a few months, then the temperatures will drop hard for a bit. Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you without sacrificing functionality and style…here are some great options for getting your Fall footwear dialed in:
From Top Left:
1. Blundstone Boots: I’ve landed on these as the perfect pair. Vibram sole in ‘Rustic Brown’. They will quickly become a go-to. Jeans, 5-pockets, chinos…whatever. Easy breezy.
2. Bean Boots: No justification needed, however your closet will have a gaping black hole without these.
3. Res Ipsa Clogs: I went HARD on these last Fall and didn’t regret a second. Very Birkenstock Boston, but cooler. Essentially a house slipper with a rubber sole for dog walks and mail gets.
4. New Balance Trail Shoes: Again with the Vibram soles…I love these for casual days out and about. The brighter the better…like a cool rugby from the 80s. They’ll take all the weather you throw at them.
5. Alden Shell Cordovan Tassel Loafers: This season is a great excuse to add these to your wardrobe, which are the quintessential dress loafers. They’ll last for 40 years if you treat them right.
6. Clarks Wallabees: I have the lighter suede version of these (and have had them since college), but think my next pair will be these beeswax.
7. Crockett & Jones Westbourne Suede Cap Toes: Suede is cool. Incorporate into more shoe demographics. These dark brown cap toes look fantastic with a pair of grey flannel trousers. Thank me later.
8. Alden Indy Boots: I’m on board. Just beat them to death to give them some character.
9. RM Williams Comfort Boots: Dress boots for date nights.
10. Tecovas Goat Earls: The goat leather is a welcomed addition to the Tecovas lineup. The oily leather will break in nicely and develop the desired patina. Giddy up.
11. Grant Stone Longwings: Longwings seem to have fallen out of favor over the last 10 or so years, but I love them with jeans. Super cool look and a substantial build.
What did I miss?
Red Wing 1178
Russell’s
3 pairs zephyr’s
One pair 22 years old ( resoled at least 7-10 times ) one pair 13 years old, one pair 2 years old – all still worn
Custom south 40’s in kangaroo
5 years old
I wore Wallabees throughout college and into my late 20s. I’ve just re-visited them and went with the beeswax leather. One year in, they patina nicely, look better with darker pants, and unlike the suede version, don’t show every grass stain/ spilt beer/ etc.
Also, are Birkenstock clogs coming back? I’m starting to see them everywhere now. Seeing them reminds me of going to the H.O.R.D.E festivals, good times. Damn are they comfortable but at my age, I’d look like a middle school drama teacher.
Yeah, they’ve been back for a couple of years now. Big with streetwear types. Just glad I can wear them out of the house again.
Yeah, they’re back and so damn comfortable. Wearing mine today during a little WFH action.
JRS, have you bought from Grant Stone before? Any chance you can give us some feedback?
I have, bought some suede loafers a year or so ago, have held up well and look good. Great option if you have wide feet!
Good to hear, thanks Ken!
Big fan of EasyMocs for those dog walks and mail gets. Works well for coffee on the weekends, too.
2022 was a big year for refreshing and consolidating my shoe collection. Added the Shell Alden tassels and the Red Wing Iron Rangers. Both are among the best shoes I have ever bought. I feel like the Iron Rangers are much better than the Indy boots.