Boot season is in full swing and you know you like you cradle your feet in beautiful leather. Isn't there something sublime about breaking in a new pair of boots, putting in the work to mold something supportive and supple to your own body?
A man may go ten years and realize he's been defined not only by his actions and deeds, but by his boots. So friends, choose wisely when you invest in a quality pair. Go for something that will be with you through the peaks and valleys of your hero's journey.
And why not go forth with style, and with singularity of choice? Consider one of these brands and reap the benefits.
Brandle Boots
Brandle, a subsidiary of Nick's Handmade Boots, has emerged from a 60-year tradition of bootmaking excellence.
In keeping with unwavering dedication to superior quality, Brandle crafts its boots in exclusive, small-scale runs, limiting production to just 20 pairs each month. This intentional strategy guarantees that every aspect receives the full attention of the maker.
These truly beautiful boots cost ample, but if you are going to show longtime love to your feet, give them ample consideration.
Borden has looked to subvert the traditional retail model. A commitment to minimize wasteful, excessive inventory sees them sourcing raw materials straight from the suppliers, ranging from leathers to threads. By cutting down on the extra costs in the production chain, they've managed to reduce the retail price while offering beautiful, freshly-made-to-order boots directly from the factory.
Beautiful boots from this USA-based, produced-in-Spain brand. Caswell offers a truly scintillating variety of styles. If you are fond of brands like Alden and Red Wing but want something a little different, check out Caswell's offerings, including my personal favorite, the "Stanton" washed kangaroo.
Grant Stone is rewriting the narrative of overseas-made footwear with its Goodyear welt, high-quality materials, and emphasis on craftsmanship. The result is well-fitting shoes and boots that can stand the test of time both in construction and style. Featuring the vaunted Chromexcel leather, exceptional suede, and more, Grant Stone is making some styles that are absolutely beautiful to behold. There are several styles here that I would pick up in a heartbeat.
With his passion for shoemaking and innovation, 5th-generation bookmaker Brett Viberg has ensured the legacy of this exceptional brand by fusing traditional bootmaking methods with classic shapes and ultra-premium materials. This dedication has allowed the Viberg brand to remain best-in-class and keeps the company moving forward, innovating each year, and the Viberg Service boot is the cream of the crop when it comes to this style.
The inception of UNMARKED was driven by Hugo Fonce's singular ambition: to design a modern shoe that reflects the significance of tradition and creates a memorable impact. Hugo referenced the olden days, honing his shoemaking skills, drawing inspiration from Charles Goodyear's 1869 invention, seeking to integrate the legacy of Mexican shoe craftsmanship.
Over the past decade, Hugo has refined this method, experimenting with novel materials and blending various techniques. The result is a collection of footwear that not only echoes its historical counterparts but also encourages a fresh perspective on heritage.
This brand is offering some absolutely exceptional styles, so please do yourself a favor and browse their website. Don't sleep on this exceptional brand that is pushing the boundaries of new and classic styles!