Looking for new boots.

[jinntakk]

Hi! I posted this yesterday without much results, so I'm posting again in hopes of it gaining better traction.

So, I have one pair of boots. It was $50 Guess boots from 6pm. I didn't really like it, but it got the job done. But now it's falling apart. The soles are tearing apart, so when it rains or snows water seeps in, the zippers stopped working, so I really have to work on it to get it on.

I'm thinking it's time for new boots.

Preferably, I'd like to buy two pairs. One more dressy, and one more casual (if you think that's a money waste, please tell me so!). I'm thinking about buying one traditional looking boots, and one pair of chukkas. The boots I'm currently looking at are http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2BMBHD2OU3XDU these.
And the Chukkas I'm currently looking at are, http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B005970UFO/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER, https://factory.jcrew.com/mens-clothing/accessories/shoes/PRDOVR~14675/14675.jsp, and http://www.6pm.com/john-varvatos-sid-buck-chukka-desert-sand. As of now, I'm leaning towards the JCF boots, as it's the cheapest and I've heard some good things about those chukkas.

I need you guys' help with advice so you can point me to the right direction, and to possibly give me some more suggestions. Money is an issue for me, so I ask that you guys don't link me to boots that are over $100. If you guys own any of these boots, please give me some pros and cons for them!

The Clarks Bushacres have amazing reviews on Amazon, but I have heard that the JCF is about the same quality, but is about $20 cheaper. People have told me that the JV boots are not worth it, but some other people tell me that they are. I don't really know who to believe, so please tell me if they are a quality brand or not!

Thank you very much for the help guys!

 

[mensimageconsultant]

Skip the J. Crew chukka boots due to a pairing of likely fundamentally poor quality and mediocre quality. The other pairs look better but might not be much better. Probably none of those shoes would last long in damp weather. With that low budget, maybe the casual boot should be something like a Bean Boot - http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/506698?nav=ln-506697&page=men-s
One reason for the limited help is that size and much about personal style have not been shared.

 

[Neo1]

This is a waste of a thread -

Dressy - AE Dalton
Casual - AE Gobi

Done.

 

[CMT1]



I ask that you guys don't link me to boots that are over $100. If you guys own any of these boots, please give me some pros and cons for them!

If you can find them, JC Penney recently received some great press for their Stafford line of boots:

http://dappered.com/2014/09/in-review-the-jc-penney-stafford-deacon-gunner-boot/

Being that both, with sales, will go for between $50 and $70 a pair, JCP is once again the best place to find a great looking pair of boots for an absurdly affordable price.

While you can no longer find either boot on the JCP Web site, people have had recent luck finding them at brick and mortar stores. You would want to try them on before buying anyway since sizing can be tricky. I cannot personally vouch for the black boots, but I did pick up a pair of the brown "Deacon" boots last autumn to have something to wear in the rain. They have held up very well to the elements so far.

Next to my Daltons:

The Dalton is a much more substantial boot, but this is hardly news. The Stafford boot is stiff in the throat, and hasn't really become any more supple with wear, but I still find them to be comfortable.

After waterproofing spray and some neutral polish:

Longevity/durability is in question, but the linked article has the preceding generation of JC Penny boot lasting at least a few years, so for $50 it was worth the gamble for me.

Good luck whatever the ultimate choice.