Four+One Productions

I’ve always been a pretty casual shoe guy. Casual shoes, some sneakers, and running shoes are staples. Lately I’ve been thinking about boots. It might be this whole Americana thing that’s all the rage. Or maybe it’s the Oregon rain that’s settling into my blood. But the durability and the solid nature of a boot has become very appealing to me over the last 6 months. I was going to do an extensive run down of different styles and brands, but then I decided to narrow my scope. Here are a few boots that I’ve been looking at for the last while, and if I had the money right now, I’d go buy them.

A Few different companies make this style of boot that really appeals to the “not all who wander are lost” part of my soul. They’re usually called something that has traveller in it. There are three brands I’d seriously consider in this category. In order: Red Wings nail the color, Beans nail the price, Whites’ nail the custom fit and the high heels (they have a whole explanation that is very persuasive about why this is the best angle for your foot to walk in, it’s all in the catalogue).

Red Wings 9011

LL Bean’s Katahdin

White’s Traveller

Some other intriguing options, at various price points are:

Alden’s Indy Boot

Red Wing 875 (the classics)

LL Beans Classic Bean Boot (if you’re going low)

Filson Uplander Boot (if you’re going high!)

and the Red Wing Iron Ranger

I tried on both the Red Wing Gentleman Traveller and The Iron Ranger at the Red Wing Store. The Iron Ranger fit me better, and the sales representative looked at me a little skeptically when I asked if they had them and if I could try them on. After I showed that I was serious and was walking about the store not at all mixed up about the boots I had on my feet, he mentioned, “The store manager of this place has those and says their great. Hell to break in though.”

I think that means I’m on the right track.

Tags: Style

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