Balmoral Boot Porn

I was never quite the biggest fan of pairing black with a burgundy and/or an oxblood/merlot type of color, but I must admit that the more that I studied this prototype of mine (for wear-testing), the more that the combination of colors grew on me. Having friends and colleagues try it on, wearing jeans, suits, dress casual trousers etc., the more that I felt that these colors actually go quite nice together. It never presented itself as being too dressy for one thing, yet too casual for another. Meaning, that when my colleague tried it on with his navy suit, I felt that it complemented the outfit quite well and when tried on underneath a pair of jeans, it happened to smarten up the outfit. That being, while it's contrast is subtle and not in the least ostentatious, it still provides a great deal of pleasure to the eye, overcoming the monotony of two colors too close in tone. I am still not sure if this will be a colorway that I offer for my first collection, but nevertheless, I am now pleased to have at least had it made up, which gave me the chance to absorb its subtle yet elegant contrast....

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Today's Favorites - Bespoke Balmoral Boots

One of the most exciting things in the world for me (literally), is seeing the outcome of designing an existing shoe style in a new way, and it coming out wonderfully. That is the case for this balmoral boot presented here. Designed (having made the pattern) by my friend, who is just as crazy about shoes as I am, yet most likely much more knowledgeable, and made by a freelance maker, produced the outcome of this very appealing new way to create a balmoral boot. Everything to the ribbed (cushioned) top line, to the facing piece meeting the balmoral brogued line, and the way that the upper heel area is stitch free, are all things that I have yet to see in a boot. Even the medallion, albeit derived from the base of most medallions, is very unique and pleasing. That detail alone, I actually appreciate a lot, because having done one myself (with a bit of help and influence) know just how hard it is to create something new, that looks good too.

As most of you know, I am crazy for balmoral boots, so having the pleasure of seeing this and putting it up on the blog to share with all of you, gives me great pleasure. I must say though, that the gentleman who put the shoe together wishes to remain anonymous, so I would appreciate it if no one emailed me asking me who that was. Thank you for your understanding. I hope that you have enjoyed seeing this design as much as I have...

-Justin, "The Shoe Snob"

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Shoes Of The Week - Alexandre Portejoie

As much as you don't see burgundy shoes as often as I would like to, I can tell you that burgundy boots are even far less common, yet to me are ever so more appealing than what you do actually see on the shelves. This model here is by a French shoe designer/maker, named Alexandre Portejoie, who is quite known for his out-of-this-world creations. This boot, while being still a bit on the 'forward' side with its pointy toe and decoration, is one of his tamest creations, believe it or not. And what drives me to it, aside from the lovely color created from the patina, is the big, heavy duty sole that it has been made with. You see, while I don't like bulky shoes (or bulky soles for that matter), I much less like the idea of it being snowy or real rainy out and having to wear some Red Wing boot to save my shoes from being destroyed. That being, a beautiful boot like this with a nice, heavy sole on it (still cut to look dressy) allows one to not only face that awful weather but be able to do so in smart clothing without having to look like a hiker in his rugged boots....

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