Rubber soles. Way more important than we know. By their very nature ceasing the ever-present potential for cascading into shopfronts, confused co-workers and baffled commuters. This list of traction torchbearers is all about adhesion, so find a comfy seat and free your card from your wallet, for in the name of grip you really owe it to your feet to purchase some purchase
(Image: www.paraboot.com)
1). Paraboot
Handmade in France. Three of the nicest words you can hear. These beautiful plain toe boots from masters of the craft, Paraboot, are a sure-fire way to elevate your style credentials in an instant. Black leather jacket, black tee, black jeans. Pop your chain out for that bona fide Robert Pattinson post-Twilight aesthetic.
Bergerac
£319.15
(Image: www.timberland.co.uk)
2.) Timberland
Hey, I’m walking here! NYC construction worker? Nope, copywriter. The original 6-inch boot by Timberland, made with premium waterproof nubuck, is both seriously affordable and seriously iconic. So please, immediately get yourself a pair and wear with washed baggy denim and an oversized white tee.
Premium 6 inch Boot
£180
(Image Credit: www.yuketen.com)
3.) Yuketen
Ok, so these are undeniably beautiful. True aficionados will appreciate that not only are these boots made-to-order, but they’re also customisable right down to preferred shade of shoelace. Prep yourself for that payday hit, then treasure your Yuketens for life. Oh and suede protect these puppies, you’ll thank us.
Maine Guide DB Boots
$635
4). Red Wing Heritage
In good conscience, you can’t compile a boot list without including the ubiquitous Red Wing Moc Toe. Like museums and fine wine, they simply get better and more characterful with age. We could have included the entire range but instead, have restricted ourselves to the MVP.
875 Heritage Work 6″ Moc Toe Boot
£269
(Image Credit: www.rmwilliams-store.co.uk)
5). R.M. Williams
The Gardener Boot by R.M. Williams is effortlessly cool, much like Daniel Craig’s unnamed and ill-fated Layer Cake character, who wore a pair himself. Handmade in Australia, these chelsea boots are made from oiled kip leather. We spent years trying to match their iconic appeal for less dosh, but alas, few things compare to the original. A lesson learnt.
Gardener Boot
£360
(Image Credit: www.nps-solovair.com)
6). Solovair
Northampton-based shoemakers Solovair show you how to take a classic shape, the Czech military silhouette of the monkey boot, and bring it into the modern age with matt black greasy leather and a Goodyear welted sole. Pair with some spectacularly wide ecru pants for a bit of bold contrast.
Monkey Boot
£170
7). G.H.Bass & Co
Handmade in El Salvador, this pair of outdoor camp moccasins by footwear luminaries G.H. Bass & Co has a seriously mean attention to detail. Chocolate brown pull up leather, hairy suede and antique brass hexagonal eyelets sit atop a contrast wedge sole. Heritage design made urban-ready. We’ll take a pair in every colour please.
Camp Moc III Ranger Mid
£150
(Image Credit: www.blundstone.co.uk)
8.) Blundstone
Blundstone describe their #510 boot as the ‘ultimate wardrobe staple’. Guess what? They’re absolutely right. If you can think of an outfit these boots won’t work with, then please let us know as we’re somewhat astounded at their versatility. Resistant to acid, organic fat and oil, these faithful slips will stand the test of time no matter what hardships you send their way.
#510 Boot
£145
(Image Credit: www.endclothing.com)
9). Danner
Danner have been crafting boots for almost a century, so it absolutely no surprise that a single, furtive glance at their wares is enough to know that cutting corners isn’t their bag. Superior craftsmanship is the name of the game, with full-grain leather uppers and Vibram Kletterlift outsoles readying you for your next adventure…whether that’s hot-footing it to Pret on lunch, or breaching puddles in your nearest green space.
Mountain Light Boot
£308.52
(Image Credit: www.trickers.com)
10). Trickers
Available in 8 different shades of leather, the Stow Boot by Britain’s oldest shoemaker Trickers is the consummate formal-practical hybrid. Smart, yet weather resistant. Sturdy, yet svelte in design. Be warned, these classics will unapologetically infiltrate your weekly shoe cycle before you can say ‘by royal appointment’.
Stow Boot
£445