Best maker of boots to check out?

[tommboy]

I'm looking for some nice boots that go with jeans and don't know where to start. If anyone could give me some recomendations on some brands that make good stylish boots please chime in.

 

[Saenek]

RM Williams, Clarks desert boots

 

[rssmsvc]

I am a huge fan of CJ Snowdon and Conistons, and Brooks Boots and the AE Taunton.

 

[Pengranger]

Any ideas on:
- what style. Laces or pull on? How high up the ankle?
- whether you want casual or dress boots? When will you use them?
- whether leather or suede?
- what colour?
- what type of sole. Leather or rubber?
- how much you want to pay?
- what size are you?

 

[acidboy]

Alden
Red Wing

 

[teddieriley]

G&G. If Chelseas are your thing.

 

[Spatlese]

Originally Posted by teddieriley

G&G. If Chelseas are your thing.

These are so freakin nice. I don't know if I could let these leave the house this time of year! (my month-old RM Williams are taking a nice beating this particular winter)

 

[tommboy]

I'm open to everything really. I particularly want something that will give me some extra height and I will be only wearing them with jeans.

 

[tommboy]

Does anyone like John Varvatos boots?

 

[Michael Ay329]

Varvatos boots are way overpriced...some of which are sourced from Stefano Bi

Alden's ankle boots are a reasonably priced middle of the road price ranged boot/shoe company

2 online Alden merchants with an excellent assortment of special Aldens
Alden of Carmel http://www.alden-of-carmel.com
LeatherSoul http://www.leathersoulhawaii.com/

If you have the money for a more upmarket Made to Order (MTO) boot...G&G has 5 awesome boots...of which in addition to the Chelesea...pictured in an earlier post, the Thorpe country boot and the Arran Chukka boot might be what you desire http://www.gazianoandgirling.com

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by tommboy

I'm open to everything really. I particularly want something that will give me some extra height and I will be only wearing them with jeans.
I've had a pair of Lucchese cowboy boots for well over 10 years now and they still look fantastic. Lucchese offers a variety of heels so you can pick whatever height you want, and the styles range from the very streamlined and plain to the very ornate and gaudy.

http://www.lucchese.com/index.php

If there's any problem with buying Luccheses, it's that there are too many options to choose from. Not only do they come in a gazillion styles, but you can also customize them. For instance, my pair is like this but with a lower heel and a slightly pointier toe.

 

[Cary Grant]

Rider! (He's a member of the forums here.

http://riderboot.com/

http://riderboot.com/wingtip-boots/

Several on sale at t he mo:

http://www.francos.com/items/index.a...0&venID=118027

 

[coverto]

I must second the motion for Luccheses - go straight to their Classics line. Rounded or French toes my preference. I've got a pair of alligators in addition to some chocolate calfskins. Gunning for a second pair of gators this spring, although the price is admittedly steep. Once you own a pair, anything else seems effete.

 

[Threadbearer]

Originally Posted by coverto

although the price is admittedly steep.
Agreed, but considering how long they last, they're still a great value.

 

[coverto]

Originally Posted by Threadbearer

Agreed, but considering how long they last, they're still a great value.
That's right, Threadbearer! I'll admit that I'm from Texas, where Luccheses are pretty much the standard for wheelers and dealers of all stripes, so they probably fit my sense of style more readily than most. But I've been wearing them in NYC for many years now, and I must say they command respect at every level. Whether it's a bar, a boardroom or ladies who lunch giving you the up-and-down at an elevator at Bergdorf. They're a perfect solution for a customer who's seeking something both distinctive and manly.

I must relate the story of a meeting I had last year with a fellow who had recently been quoted in the WSJ complaining about CEOs showing up for meetings in lousy shoes. He was wearing an extremely snappy pair of John Lobbs that day, but when I walked into the room with my Lucchese gators, he immediately looked down at my boots and said "Holy ****!" and got down on all fours to ogle them.

For fear of sounding like a Lucchese salesman, I must add that I've been a little disappointed how often I need to resole the things, so in my experience the quality of workmanship has been somewhat disappointing considering how much you shell out for the things. But the manliness quotient keeps me coming back.