If you had to wear just 1 pair of boots for the rest of your life, what would they be?

[r.biker]

Hi all,

I'm on the hunt for my next pair of boots. Currently have some cool chippewa monkey style boots that I've had for a long time with a nice wedge sole (will post some pics if anyones interested in seeing how they're aging..) I have had redwing in the past which I rate highly.

But I thought it would be interesting to hear thoughts on, if you could pick just one boot to wear for the rest of your life, what would it be?

(Apologies if this has already been asked elsewhere, couldn't find a thread)

 

[The Lost kansan]

Probably Redwing Mocs or 80s/early 90s docs

 

[r.biker]

Probably Redwing Mocs or 80s/early 90s docs

Yeah I like the mocs. Have been considering those, and the new beckmans look nice too, but think they have an unstructured toe which might affect the longevity of them.

Old docs are great, not sure if the new "Made in England" ones stack up to those.

 

[The Lost kansan]

Yeah I like the mocs. Have been considering those, and the new beckmans look nice too, but think they have an unstructured toe which might affect the longevity of them.

Old docs are great, not sure if the new "Made in England" ones stack up to those.

I can’t speak for everyone, but my experience with the current production MIE docs hasn’t been great. Paper thin leather with very little support. Deadstock 90s models are getting harder and harder to find online though especially in larger sizes

 

[jchance]

John Lobb Double Monk Boots

 

[Pandemic]

For comfort: White’s Semi Dress boots.

For versatility and convenience: RM Williams Lachlan or Church’s Ryder 3 boots.

 

[Edward]

I can’t speak for everyone, but my experience with the current production MIE docs hasn’t been great. Paper thin leather with very little support. Deadstock 90s models are getting harder and harder to find online though especially in larger sizes

The ones I've handled recently are.... ok, but I wouldn't expect to have to choose between resoling and replacing. I wore the original MIE boots back in the early 90s. 18 months with a pair before the top split on a toe crease was a good innings. To be fair, that was with daily wear, six and a half days a week, but still. At today's prices, I'd much rather have something from the likes of Grenson or Trickers.

If I was seriously gonig to go to an 'only' boot, it would be something like Cathcart London (SJC as was then)'s Ammo boot:

(Promo image, unfortunately I don't have a photo of my own handy.)

Ideally in a burgundy (which I find a more flexible colour by far than either black or any shade of brown in terms of what it goes with). This style of boot can work with denim, but doesn't look absurd for the higher proportion of the time I'm in a less 'workwear' trouser. It wouldn't be much use for black or white tie, though I suppose as I more often wear a kilt to that sort of occasion these days, this sort of boot wouldn't look out of place as a substitute for a ghillie brogue.

Plenty of options for this style of boot. I like the mix of a shiny toecap and grained leather in the body: I've never had a boot split or look unsightly over the toe joint area when it's grained there.

William Lennon's offerings would run this style a close second, though they'd be less wearable in a situation requiring something dressier.

Of course, this is all I realise taking 'boot' quite literally; if we're defining this loosely enough to incorporate uncovered ankles, then a stout, grained leather brogue in burgundy would be the ticket, with the advantage of being a touch more bearable when the year turns and we hit hellheat season in London (June - September).

 

[Carlos840]

I have been wearing Red Wings Engineers with crepe soles for around 15 yeard, they are a game changer:

You get the protection of boots with the comfort of trainers, nothing else feels like them.
It's all i wear day to day and it's all i entend on wearing in the future.

Unfortunately they are not made in men's size anymore, but i have contacted Nicks boots and they said they could do it...

 

[zebedee]

Solovair beat the Doc M boots I had in terms of quality and durability.

One pair of boots for me would be William Lennons. Brown tug-o-war boots with rubber soles.

 

[r.biker]

I have been wearing Red Wings Engineers with crepe soles for around 15 yeard, they are a game changer:

You get the protection of boots with the comfort of trainers, nothing else feels like them.
It's all i wear day to day and it's all i entend on wearing in the future.

Unfortunately they are not made in men's size anymore, but i have contacted Nicks boots and they said they could do it...

These are a great shout. Finding a pair is another thing..

Thanks for the tip on nicks boots too.

 

[r.biker]

Solovair beat the Doc M boots I had in terms of quality and durability.

One pair of boots for me would be William Lennons. Brown tug-o-war boots with rubber soles.

Thanks! William Lennons looks cool too, not sure I've heard of those. Their fell boots look interesting https://williamlennon.co.uk/shop/x10-fell-boots/