Leather Lace-Up Boots
While wear takes a toll on fancy footwear from loafers to oxfords and snazzy sneakers, one stalwart shoe is a standby for years of use. Leather lace-up boots take their cue from hard-working kicks designed in the early 20th century. Bred for practicality, but instilled with rugged style, these American-made shoes can take a beating and still look great when paired with chinos and a button-down.
Combat, as so often happens with men’s wear, inspired the Trench Boot (center, $488) from Oak Street Bootmakers. The World War I General of the Armies John J. Pershing knew the importance of foot protection to infantry and approved the heavily reinforced boot that would be named for him. George Vlagos, Oak Street’s founder and designer, says, “While at the helm of [the American Expeditionary Forces], General Pershing still made sure no fewer than nine revisions to his trench boot were commissioned based on feedback from soldiers, medics, and of course, his own personal observations.”
Oak Street’s Trench Boot combines the durability and rich patina of Chromexcel leather made by Chicago’s revered Horween Leather Co. with the sure-footed-ness of studded rubber Dainite soles. Its Goodyear welt construction improves water resistance and can be resoled again and again.
Another timeless design from the era is the Iron Ranger boot from Red Wing Shoes. It was originally made for Minnesota iron-ore miners in the 1920s and ’30s, and can withstand the toughest of working conditions year round. Seen here as the copper-hued model 8085 (left, $350), the boot is handcrafted with oil-tanned, full-grain leather and features a toe cap, Vibram 430 Mini-Lug outsole and Goodyear welt construction.
The 1000 Mile boot (right, $385), made by Wolverine World Wide, was introduced in 1914 and named for the “1,000 miles of wear” it offered. Wolverine also uses Chromexcel leather from Horween and Goodyear welt construction as well as a leather outsole with a Vibram heel.
