Boot season is drawing dangerously close here in Atlanta… To my Carolina and Tennessee friends: I think you are there. Time to swap out all the loafers and mocs. I love a strong boot lineup. Whether dressy or utilitarian, there are plenty of options that cover both. I’ve built a roundup that includes some classics, as well as some new entries. Here’s what my lineup looks like:
From top left:
1. Ariat Bench Made Clanton Western Boot: I got these earlier this year and love them. I was looking for a ‘middle 80%’ boot – something I could beat the hell out of and wear out on a date with Hot Rod. Check and Check. These things are incredible. Highly recommend.
2. Blundstones: I’m a convert. I was skeptical…but then I got these and won’t take them off. Just make sure you get the Vibram sole.
3. Alden Indy Boots: Such a cool look, even after they get some age on them. These are a lifetime purchase, a ‘buy once, cry once’ deal. They go with everything.
4. Loake Pimlico Chukka Boots: A chukka boot is a great cooler weather option for loafer wearers (like me). They look great with no-break pants and are very functional. I like the Dianite sole so I can trudge around in the elements.
5. Vasque Sundowner GTX Hiking Boots: If you know, you know.
6. Russell Moccasin Nochaway Cavaliers: The best hunting boots on the market, hands down. They are built like tanks, and are comfortable in the field. They get better with age…oh the stories they’ll tell.
7. Tecovas Dillon Caiman Cowboy Boots: Tecovas is getting dangerously close to falling off my radar because of their all their new ‘Nashville Tourist Heavy’ designs. However, their exotics are still the best value on the market, like the Dillon Caimans. Fantastic deal.
8. Clarks Wallabees: It’s hard to argue against these. We all have stories…
9. R. M. Williams Suede Chelsea Boots: Ahh the Chelsea boots. The Corvette of boots. I like suede, and wearing them in overly dressed situations. I recently paired these with mid-grey wool trousers and it looked fantastic.
What did I miss?
Great list – quality list. I can’t wear Blundstone or Indy Boots though, mixture of my style/tailoring + I feel they look ridiculous on me. I do rock LL Bean Boots a lot in the winter even when it is not necessarily wet. I am also a huge fan of Wallabees – but I rock low tops, no socks and with shorts.