Styleforum's Winter Getaway (Footwear)

The Arno river in Florence in beautiful in the evening, and I’d recommend to bundle up, get out of the city center, and walk a stretch of it after dinner. A little known fact that everyone knows – boots, not shoes, used to be the norm for dress occasions. I think that boots have a much more elegant profile than shoes, especially if you are wearing the very popular no-rise pants.

These Alfred Sargent Exclusive “Hannovers” (£360) are heavy and textured enough to hold their own against jeans, and flannels and tweeds. Contrary to popular belief, however, great footwear will not get you an upgrade.

Women’s boots are easy to find. Beautiful women’s footwear is easy to find. But women’s footwear made at the same level of quality as good men’s shoes is difficult to find. Men’s shoes, like a lot of menswear in general, are differentiated on the basis of details and construction.

Carmina is a premier, small Spanish shoemaker with limited distribution in the United States. They work with stockists to create beautiful footwear for women that will hold up incredibly well. My wife is getting these black calfskin Carmina Jodhpurs ($595), as a very early Christmas present.