The Fashionable Hiking Boot

Merrell x Collette Collaboration (Picture from Shoe Buff)

I saw a surge of this type of boot in last year's Autumn/Winter seasons but I have a feeling that this surge is going to be an explosion this upcoming A/W season. I can't say that I am a huge fan of hiking boots altogether, as they tend to be a bit on the chunky side, and like I have said before, having a relatively slim frame and wearing pretty slim trousers just doesn't look that great with chunky shoes. I know that some trendy people appreciate that look, but I am definitely not one of them. But I do like this boot and it therefore leaves me in a conundrum. But then again, one can always appreciate something without ever having to own it or want it. I am not really that person either though. I usually like to have, immediately, what I like. Kind of like a spoiled kid, you know....just having a laugh, I am not really that bad. But I kind of am...

Like the whole-cut dress shoe, I love the fact that there is not really any visible stitching. It just has a very clean look to it that makes it less 'hiking' and more 'smart-like'. The style of the boots you see above, by Japanese bespoke shoemaker Imai Hiroki, is probably my favorite of the whole lot. You can see here, that he blended his dress shoe making abilities with this model, as it is much cleaner looking, sleeker and more elegant than the rest. In my mind, it would be the equivalent of a dress hiking boot, having the ability to be paired with some elegant flannel trousers or something on the dress-casual end. This model, on the other hand, would look good with some slim trousers, so long as they were not skin-tight. But I can imagine that the price tag that comes along with a pair of these, might leave even the most affluent, dented in his wallet. Therefore, I would have to settle for the top pair, which would only be good for my jeans on wet and cold days.

Picture Courtesy Of: The Shoe Buff;  Boots by: Lanvin

As you can see here, many brands from across the spectrum of shoe companies are producing these shoes. From designer labels to Japanese bespoke shoemakers to hiking companies and trendy stores, this model is spreading and seems to be the next big thing for the upcoming years. And why not? It's a good looking boot. One that can be blended from wearing in the snow to night out on the town, something that you normally cannot do. Most boots are restricted to casual wear (non-dress boots that is). Yet this model depending on how it is made, can go either way and I think that it's ability to do so, is quite smart and appealing. On topic with what the latest trend is, it is always interesting to see what will be the next 'it' style, shoe, detail etc. within the shoe industry. Some I like, some I hate. But I can safely say, that when this boot is done right, it is quite a beautiful product and something that can definitely serve it's purpose, especially if you live in a climate that calls for it.

Boots Below By: Calzaturificio Walles; Picture Courtesy Of: The Style Buff

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Red Trousers....Get Some!

I am not 100% positive in saying this, but I am quite sure that I prior to moving to Europe to study shoemaking, I never ever saw anyone wear red trousers. But over here in Europe, they are literally a staple piece in most stylish mens' wardrobe, which I think is quite great! I feel like many men in the States (or maybe just Seattle, where I am from) are mentally confined to simply wearing either navy, gray or khaki colored trousers. Yet over here, come Spring, you see everything but those, ranging from canary yellow, to baby blue to bright green. Obviously not everyone partakes in the colored trouser activity, but it is quite appealing to see just how elaborate people's outfits can become when they do give it a shot. While I can't say that I own any of those other colors that I just listed, I do find myself gravitating towards my reds quite often. And the nice thing about them (at least the color) is that they are not simply for spring occasions, being that they are a deeper red, which allows me to also put them on in the fall/winter. So, if you don't own a pair, I suggest you reconsider....it will liven up your wardrobe!

Shoes: Septieme Largeur (with custom blue patina)
Trousers: Zara
Jacket: Pete Werth
Jumper: Intimissimi
Shirt: Primark
Bow Tie: Gieves & Hawkes

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They Are Listening....And It Is About Time!!

I don't know if it is because of shoe designers like Mark McNairy and Grenson (of whom were amongst the first to come out with abnormal coloring in shoes) or because of my blog, and other ones like mine, but it would finally seem that the brands that may have once been seen as strictly conservative in their shoe making are now branching out and becoming a bit more eclectic! Never in a million years would I have thought to see Allen Edmonds making shoes in colors such as green, blue and red, and even more so using colored laces outside of black and brown. But this day has indeed come and it's quite refreshing to see. And the reason that this excites me, is because a company like Allen Edmonds, who has been making shoes for nearly 100 years and has quite an extensive and loyal customer base, also has the power to get men to think differently. So if more and more men who think that dress shoes should only be black or brown start to see their favorite brand release red shoes, blue shoes and green shoes, then it might just get them to realize that shoes can be fun, and don't have to be something that is simply necessary to complete ones outfit, but rather enhance ones outfit!

Just a reminder, if you are in London, fancy a chat or are interested in checking out Carmina's shoes, then I would suggest a quick pop over to the Rook & Raven (just north of Oxford st.) tomorrow from 11am-6pm.....hope to see some of you there!

Best,

Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

READ MORE - They Are Listening....And It Is About Time!!