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The hunt for the most versatile boot

adspainy

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Objective: I need some help to find the most versatile brown leather boots that can be worn for most occasions. So smart casual office environment and casual dress down weekends.

1) Need a winter friendly sole that can withstand the elements if I do light walking in the country.
2) Goodyear Welted in any shade brown leather, I quite like grain as it seems a little more hard wearing
3) Laced boot preferably 6 inch, I've got enough Chelsea boots.
3) Thick strong leather would be ideal, I want them to last for many many years (I have Red Wing IR)
3) Slim profile F last would be better as I've got size 10.5 so G looks huge
4) I like brogues as they're a little more interesting however happy with plain cap toes
5) Budget is up to £400 ($500)

I have have Red Wing IR for 5 years and the quality of the boot is fantastic. However they're not the most versatile so I don't find myself reaching for them when I go away for the weekend where I might go for a walk and then have dinner in the evening. They're also not the most attractive boots and don't exactly go with my more "english gent" style these days.

What have I tried so far.....pictures below:

I like the Loake 1880 range and own the Aldwych & Chatsworth shoes. I found the Loake Bosworth fit most of my criteria. Ordered it but they fit very wide due to the last and I ordered a size down. Don't really work with slimmer jeans. Also whilst it had a dainite sole it was thin and I couldn't see it lasting long.
Also tried the Grenson Fred Tan with painted leather. It definitely had the right sole, however the Mrs didn't like the contrasting stitched rim. I didn't love them and the leather looked plastic.
I've also tried the C&J Derwent in the shop. It's a fantastic boot, with a hard wearing sole however the E last is very slim and the leather wasn't very thick.

Suggestions welcome please!

1051038-9b0eb7698728062485ec575cdaeec868.jpg


file.jpeg
 

RogerP

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Dainite soles can last a LOT longer than thicker / clunkier soles made of material that is far less abrasion-resistant. Boots on the left are far better suited to the smart casual role, IMO - I agree with your wife on that contrasting welt.

Carlos Santos has a few offerings that would fit the bill, including these:

large.jpg
 

Reiver

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Crockett & Jones Coniston

Trickers Stow (with stained welt) either Commando or Dainite

Trickers Grassmere

Cheaney Pennine II

Alfred Sargent Kelso from Tredders

I used to have an Iron Ranger in UK 10 1/2 and wear the same size in Coniston and Stow as well as the Loake Aldwych.

Aldwych is snugger fit than the others though
 

mrjamescost

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The Skye by Crockett & Jones can’t really be topped for what you are looking for. Personally, I’m not big on the obsession with finding the ‘most versatile of versatile’ shoes or boots. Yeah, it’s nice to have a somewhat versatile pair or two. But if a man wants a quality shoe collection, he’s going to ‘need’ 5 or 6 pairs.

My personal 5 ‘must have’ quality shoes at this point:

1. Woodstock by Tricker’s.
2. Consul by Church’s.
3. Skye by Crockett & Jones.
4. Chiltern by Crockett & Jones.
5. Snowdon by Crockett & Jones.

If a man had the above only, he would be prepared for almost any occasion and likely have the best shoes in the room.
 

Reiver

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The Skye by Crockett & Jones can’t really be topped for what you are looking for. Personally, I’m not big on the obsession with finding the ‘most versatile of versatile’ shoes or boots. Yeah, it’s nice to have a somewhat versatile pair or two. But if a man wants a quality shoe collection, he’s going to ‘need’ 5 or 6 pairs.

My personal 5 ‘must have’ quality shoes at this point:

1. Woodstock by Tricker’s.
2. Consul by Church’s.
3. Skye by Crockett & Jones.
4. Chiltern by Crockett & Jones.
5. Snowdon by Crockett & Jones.

If a man had the above only, he would be prepared for almost any occasion and likely have the best shoes in the room.

Can’t argue with that. Your list would make a more or less perfect collection for almost any situation.
 

mrjamescost

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Can’t argue with that. Your list would make a more or less perfect collection for almost any situation.
These are my personal preference. For each listed, there are good alternatives. You could swap the Snowdon for the Burford or Grassmere zug by Tricker’s. Have the Connaught by C&J in place of the Consul. The Ryder by Church’s in place of the Chiltern. Even the Stowe in place of the Skye if one prefers a more rugged brogue boot. They are all going to look good, feel good and keep on doing so for many years. Long after the price you paid is long forgotten. :)
 

RogerP

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The Skye by Crockett & Jones can’t really be topped for what you are looking for. Personally, I’m not big on the obsession with finding the ‘most versatile of versatile’ shoes or boots. Yeah, it’s nice to have a somewhat versatile pair or two. But if a man wants a quality shoe collection, he’s going to ‘need’ 5 or 6 pairs.

My personal 5 ‘must have’ quality shoes at this point:

1. Woodstock by Tricker’s.
2. Consul by Church’s.
3. Skye by Crockett & Jones.
4. Chiltern by Crockett & Jones.
5. Snowdon by Crockett & Jones.

If a man had the above only, he would be prepared for almost any occasion and likely have the best shoes in the room.

I own no C&J, yet I somehow have found reasonable solace in my shoe and boot collection.
 

mrjamescost

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I own no C&J, yet I somehow have found reasonable solace in my shoe and boot collection.
I have seen your posts a few times, plus your Instagram page. You have quite a flamboyant collection. A lot of chisel toe and buckles. I’m more of an understated quality kind of person.
 

wishiwasricher

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I was looking for something similar a while ago- a dressy boot that will take a beating. I do a lot of walking at work and my normal dress shoes just wore through too quickly.

I settled on RM Williams. I have a black Chelsea boot which has worked really well, but I would still love to find something of similar quality and comfort with a bit more aesthetic quality.
 

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