‘Tis the season for boots. Being that I have so many pairs…a recent inventory told me that the majority of my boots are pull-on. Wellingtons, Chelseas, laceless options that get quite a bit of wear. It’s fair to say that I prefer the look, but I don’t want to sleep on the laced-up cousins.
The options are a bit broader – from the dressiest of dress boots to the roughest for the field. Admittedly I own a few of these as well, but there are so many good options. Let me know what you think:
From Top Left:
1. Leffot X Alden Kudu Indy Boots: I’ve never pulled the trigger on Indy Boots, but those I know who own them are big fans.
2. Cobbler Union Brown Waxed Suede Waterproof Chukka Boots: Very lodgewear, but dressy in the sense that they’ll work with wool slacks. The patina on these will develop nicely.
3. Danner Jag Boots: Very mid/late 90’s hiking vibe. Danner continually crushes it with their Jag line – and these dark brown/dark green are primed for the HOARDE Tour.
4. Mashburn Desert Suede Chukka Boots: The lighter suede is a very cool look – even in the cooler months. Pair these with a pair of medium denim and a white oxford with a darker/tweed blazer. Sharp as a tack.
5. Martin Dingman Napoli Boots: Again with the #lodgewear … my man Martin isn’t afraid to take some risks, and these Napoli boots are a slick look. Tweed pants are required.
6. Alden 4011 Snuff Suede Indy Boots: More Indy options. Nothing cooler than snuff suede.
7. Clarks Wallabees in Beeswax Leather: We’ve been on the Wallabee train for so long…and for good reason. We all did the suede in college, then we graduate to the Beeswax. Again – the patina is what it’s all about.
8. 8″ Bean Boots in Bison: The bison leather and brick red soles are a good alternative to the traditional browns that we see on Bean Boots.
9. Rancourt Porter Boots in Espresso Shell Cordovan: These boots mean (very) serious business. Keep them shined and always use shoe trees. These are the type of heirloom boots that you pass down to your son.
What did I miss?
Great list. I recently purchased the Rancourt Byron Boot in Carolina Brown CXL and have been amazed at how stylish, durable and comfortable they are. Rancourt makes great products. Also, you’re 100% spot on re: snuff suede. Cheers.
For me the Iron Ranger is the boot to own. Great looks, leather, and function. The Bean boot is the foul weather boot of choice. Just need some snow here in NC.
Lucchese Range Boot. Most comfortable pair of lace up boots I’ve owned. They age with a good patina as well.
https://www.lucchese.com/products/lace-up-range-boot-tan-brown
OSBM Trench Boots is a must for this list!
Wallabees end of post for me. I go for the roper brand instead though.
I would put Oak Street above Rancourt, but just barely (though Oak Street doesn’t have any shell cordovan). Grant Stone is also making some incredible boots at a great price point.
I waited years to pull the the trigger on Indy boots, should have bought them a lot sooner. They are the most comfortable lace-up boots I’ve ever worn.
I own the snuff suede Indy Boots. I normally wear a size 11 1/2 in most dress/casual shoes and 12 in Nike’s. I got the Indy boots in an 11 and swim in the them. I regret not exchanging for a 10 1/2. Definitely size down in these!
It used to be that we always tried on a pair of boot or shoes before we bought them, then the internet came along and changed everything. I order a lot of shoes and boots online and learned not to be the least bit apprehensive about exchanging them, especially when the alternative is a $500+ pair that will just sit in my closet because they are too uncomfortable to wear. The top companies have gotten a lot better at giving details about what to expect with sizing and I’ve found that as long as I follow their advice I’m usually okay.
I recently purchased a pair of Rancourt cap toed Byron Boots in the Carolina Brown CXL and have enjoyed them very much. Between those, my Blundstones, Clarks Desert Boots, and several pairs of Bean boots, I’m well covered for the cold, wet northeast winter. Cheers.
Viberg, White’s, and RedWing Heritage should be on any boot list.
Have the suede and the waxed leather wallabees…. so great…those…Blundstones…which I’ve only paid for one pair and now on my 3rd…it’s called lifetime warranty for a reason
The special make up from @dashingchicago —>
The Elston – 379x Arabica Lux Plain Toe Boot D1864H
Also, nice to see Rancourt on here, since this blog shills pretty hard for OSBM (Out Sourced Boot Makers).
I’d like to see two p other American made boot makers here:
1. Gokey-I have more than a well dressed centipede. True moc fit. Great quality.
2. Schnees-local maker here in Montana. Bran boots are great. Schnees are more substantial.