Recommendations re: Boots?

[BigHandMan]

I survived the cold and wind in the northeast late last week. My relatively exposed ankles, however, are still recovering. Brrr.

So I'm in the market for some boots. I'm thinking of starting with a pair of chelseas and figured the CT model @ 50% off (thanks SF link) would be a good place to start (about $150). I've read good posts about RM Williams but they seem quite a bit more pricey.

Anything else worth checking out in that price range? And... anyone with the CT chelseas - feedback?

Thanks...

 

[Dmax]

Currently, CT website only shows Chelseas in "Sharp" black or waxy brown. The black ones have corrected grain leather and are therefore undesirable. The waxy finish is new and I have no personal experience with it but it is probably just another attempt to conceal poor quality leather. The consensus on the brown calf leather chelseas was they were OK boots for the money when they were available.

There have been a few threads recently and not so recently about CT Chelseas so you may wish to look for them.

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by BigHandMan

I survived the cold and wind in the northeast late last week. My relatively exposed ankles, however, are still recovering. Brrr.

So I'm in the market for some boots. I'm thinking of starting with a pair of chelseas and figured the CT model @ 50% off (thanks SF link) would be a good place to start (about $150). I've read good posts about RM Williams but they seem quite a bit more pricey.

Anything else worth checking out in that price range? And... anyone with the CT chelseas - feedback?

Thanks...

The RMW's are only about $80 more and they are a world of difference from the Loakes.

 

[DocHolliday]

I have no plans to buy any more CT shoes (and I only bought the nicer calfskin ones), but my RM Williams are possibly my favorite footwear at the moment.

 

[BigHandMan]

Originally Posted by edmorel

The RMW's are only about $80 more and they are a world of difference from the Loakes.
Thanks - I just found RMWs at bootsonline in the $230-$300 range.

Much appreciated...

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by BigHandMan

Thanks - I just found RMWs at bootsonline in the $230-$300 range.

Much appreciated...

Try Steve at Nungar Trading Co. I think the prices are $20-30 better if you mention styleforum, thanks to Sator.

 

[BigHandMan]

Originally Posted by edmorel

Try Steve at Nungar Trading Co. I think the prices are $20-30 better if you mention styleforum, thanks to Sator.
Just re-read that original post and the ensuing dialogue. Turns out the RMW store is only a few blocks from my office, so I'll pay them a visit for sizing.

I'd like something that would be dressy enough to wear with suits (I'm in one 4 days/week) but would still look ok with cords, wool trousers, etc. If you guys have any thoughts on that, I of course welcome them. I was thinking that the french veal craftsman would fit the bill.

Thanks again. This forum is ridiculously helpful.

 

[grimslade]

Originally Posted by BigHandMan

Just re-read that original post and the ensuing dialogue. Turns out the RMW store is only a few blocks from my office, so I'll pay them a visit for sizing.

I'd like something that would be dressy enough to wear with suits (I'm in one 4 days/week) but would still look ok with cords, wool trousers, etc. If you guys have any thoughts on that, I of course welcome them. I was thinking that the french veal craftsman would fit the bill.

Thanks again. This forum is ridiculously helpful.

I don't have first-hand experience with the French Veal Calf. And some have suggested (perhaps it was Doc on AAAC, but I don't want to put words in his mouth) that snugger boots would wrinkle less. But my experiece is that while I would (and did) wear my RMWs with suits when new, they've developed a degree of wrinking that I can only call "rugged" in just a few months. They are no longer in a condition I find compatible with suit-wearing. I'm presently wearing my Polo Reddings instead. Which I

. I'll post a picture in a second, so you can decide whether I'm being precious about this.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by grimslade

I don't have first-hand experience with the French Veal Calf. And some have suggested (perhaps it was Doc on AAAC, but I don't want to put words in his mouth) that snugger boots would wrinkle less. But my experiece is that while I would (and did) wear my RMWs with suits when new, they've developed a degree of wrinking that I can only call "rugged" in just a few months. They are no longer in a condition I find compatible with suit-wearing. I'm presently wearing my Polo Reddings instead. Which I

. I'll post a picture in a second, so you can decide whether I'm being precious about this.

That was me. So far, mine have avoided the wrinkling problem others have mentioned, but my boots are pretty snug, and I keep them on snug trees. Also, it may just be that mine haven't yet developed the wrinkling -- they're still fairly new.

 

[grimslade]

Here are my RMWs:

Sorry, cameraphone pic, etc. You can't see the smaller-scale wrinkling, but the big creases on the vamp are clear enough.

 

[Will]

Originally Posted by BigHandMan

I'd like something that would be dressy enough to wear with suits (I'm in one 4 days/week) but would still look ok with cords, wool trousers, etc. If you guys have any thoughts on that, I of course welcome them.


Balmoral boots are the best with suits but less appropriate with cords.

Buckle boots that don't have too much of a riding look will be fine with both. The EG Olney is one example.

A to-tie pair such as the EG Warwick will also work with both.

 

[Christofuh]

This should keep you warm

 

[brass4321]

That's a hot boot - what is it?

 

[edmorel]

Originally Posted by brass4321

That's a hot boot - what is it?

Looks Stefano Branchini or Scafora.

OP: The RMW store is in NYC but be aware that the prices are in the $400's.

 

[Christofuh]

Those are Santoni Perla
Or you can try something like that by GG for less frigid temps