Fall Boot Roundup
Not only is it the time of year to start breaking out the flannel, tweed, and moleskin, but it’s also getting to be boot weather. I love boot weather, and I’m not sure whether it’s the brisk air or footwear options that make it more appealing. So here are a few options for this fall.
First off, this is the FALL boot round-up, not WINTER boot round-up. That will come later, and with it the Dainite soles, warm linings, and other such modifications that keep your feet warm and dry in the snow and slush. For now I’m looking at my top few comfortable, every-day options that compliment the other clothes you should probably be wearing this time of year.
The much-blogged-about Wolverine 1000 Mile boot really is worth all the hype. If you’ve never tried one on you’re missing out. It doesn’t hurt that they start with Horween Chromexcel and make the shoes right here in the States. The Addison model has a cool slightly-retro looking wing-tip. I particularly like the thick stacked sole, which means you won’t end up with “wet-cardboard syndrome” if you get caught in the rain. They look good with cords, denim, or even flannels if you keep them on the slimmer side. The good folks at Leffot usually have a good selection and variety. And get them in one of the brown shades, of course.
If you don’t need something quite as heavy-duty, the Alden Suede Chukka is tough to top. If you’ve been reading you know I’m a big fan of suede shoes, and suede boots are no exception. Typical Desert Boots always leave me flat since I just personally can’t stand crepe soles. Something about how squishy they feel under your feet bothers me, but I digress. These sport Alden’s flex-welt sole which is another one of those must wear to believe things. Lot’s of people know and love the Indy boot, but for my money this is Alden’s best casual boot. And you can quote me on that.
While both of the above present great value, I know they’re still not in everyone’s budget. So let’s look at two wallet-friendly options. Lands End has been undergoing a bit of a renaissance as of late, and I rarely end up unhappy with a product I order. I think you often get more than what you pay for. It’s hard to go wrong with a simple Cheslea boot, and Lands End’s Fulton doesn’t look half bad. It’s sleek, simple, and welted for re-soling. If a conservative Norwegian Split-Toe is more your speed, they’ve got the Clifton made in the same leather but with a faux-Dainite sole. Sure the leather isn’t going to remind you of anything from Northampton, but neither is the price.
