I Can Haz Boots Please?

Men’s boots are, in many ways, reflective of fashion and the world’s view of masculine archetypes. Clunky, monochromatic, dull, sturdy, and large boots are meant to be worn by adventurers, bikers, cowboys, soldiers, or workmen. All hyper-masculine roles, none of which are terribly compatible with the urban sophisticate. The dress boot hardly qualifies as a boot. While women’s boots soar from dynamic ankle boots to knee height and beyond, men are left behind with a one stereotype fits all reminder to know and remain in their place. Breaking out of this mold are these wonderful zip up boots which bring a degree of chic creativity to the male boot adding variety to a staid tradition of men’s footwear.

Roberto Cavalli

Jean Paul Gaultier

Cesare Paciotti

Cesare Paciotti – Inside

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs – Front

Mark Nason

Mark Nason – Front

John Varvatos Renwick

John Varvatos Shearling

The Roberto Cavalli boot is beautifully crafted, and with a 10″ shaft it stands above a traditional dress boot. With clean lines and a high-shine leather exterior it’s contemporary without looking like a costume piece. $1140

The Jean Paul Gaultier boot is urban and moderately militaristic but succeeds in not coming across as goth-couture or fascist. The boot succeeds at being masculine and interesting. Most striking, however, is Gaultier’s flirtation with the traditional form of a men’s boot but making it sophisticated and fashion-forward with its 15″ shaft. $1199

The Cesare Paciotti is probably my favorite boot of this series. Deer skin, leather lining, straps, a cap toe, buckle, 1″ heel, and 15 1/2″ shaft makes this beast the tallest of them all. It’s beautiful and accomplishes a feat rare for a boot, it doesn’t lose the shape of the foot in a thick soled, clunky heeled monstrosity of rubber and leather. This boot is graceful yet strong and stunningly beautiful. Belated birthday gift anyone? $670

The Marc Jacobs is just lovely. With an 8 1/2″ shaft it’s relatively modest but this brown leather zip up is modest and simple. It looks at home anywhere and ads a modern touch to a classic design. $576

Mark Nason’s Geffen ankle boot is a bull among sheep. Or perhaps a rockstar among accountants? Combining patent leather accents and ruched leather, the mixed aesthetic is innovative, bold, and succeeds in creating a shoe that is intriguing but not offensive. Nason’s dragon motif is embossed on the leather shaft, on a decorative buckle, and the zipper. The embossed imprint adds to the shoe, we’re not sold on the metal accents however. Nason can be pretty hit or miss but this boot succeeds where his previous efforts have failed, looking chic instead of like a hybridized cowboy boot. More fashionable than ostentatious, the Geffen is complex answer to a simple question but we kind of like it. $499

John Varvatos’ first entry is the shortest boot on this list at mere 5 1/2″ but could be the poster boot for urban sophistication. Rugged yet smart, it isn’t just tastefully styled it’s perfectly styled. Moreover it accomplishes something that no other shoe on this list does, it’s effortless beautiful. It’ll complement an outfit without smothering it with it’s own striking beauty and at a relative bargain of $454 it’s not just fashion-forward it’s fashion-fordable.

John Varvatos’ second entry is the reason for this list. The Shearling Scuttlebutt (great name, isn’t it?) rekindled by a love affair with boots by being fashionable and comfortable. The Shearling Scuttlebutt is the UGG Killer. It’s snug, warm, and rather addictive. Its well styled suede moccasin shaped exterior gives it a subtly elegant look that is worth the purchase price alone. However, the level of warm comfort it provides is a gift that keeps on giving. This is one shoe we regret not getting when we had the chance but hey Christmas is in well 4 months or so, should you be so inclined. $502

~ by Kyle on July 30, 2008.