Winter Wonderland: Boots That Seperate the Men From the Boys.

Winters Here.

With the beautiful snow and the effervescent feeling that comes along with the holiday season. Everyone is feeling happy and warm. That is unless they don't have the right boots for the snow. I am going to share a little bit of what I have found out talking to a couple of people in the cobbling industry.

First lets talk about fit. When trying on boots you should make sure that when your foot is in the boot that the entire width of your foot is flat on the insole. If there is any tension whatsoever the boot will pinch your foot- causing pain and over time blisters and a fallen arch. Also if the boot is leather it will tighten/shrink slightly with exposure to the wet slushy cold stuff.

Secondly, make sure the boot is big enough to hold your foot and chunky wool socks, even if its a last resort. There are always enough bitterly cold days to make wool socks a necessity.


When trying on new boots also make sure that your heel has a bit of 'slide' when you walk, you don't want a tight pinching feeling in your Achilles tendon, and you don't want to have to use your toes to keep the boot squarely on your foot.

Lastly, A crease will form on leather boots, but if the crease is over your toes or in front of your toes, it's a surefire sign that your boots are too long for you. So look to either go down a size or look at a different brand or style of boot. It's not the number on the shoe size that matter's. It's fit. And nothing looks better that someone who's shoes fit to perfection.

Closet Essentials

In Canada, boots are a way of life. We have boots to get us through the rainy fall, the snowy/slushy winters, and the temperate run-offs of spring. 3/4 of our year is spent in boots. So here are the essentials:

Rockport leather boot $170



Carhartt Work boot $140



1.Work/Motorcycle boots: Unless you work in the trades, hell even if you do- you want a pair of work boots that is worn in, not worn out. You want them to be stylish and sturdy. Nothing beats a pair of boots that has that worn patina; they look classic, refined, and tough. And that's a look you can't beat.

TImberland $135





Varvatos boots

2. Dress boots: They are waterproof, office ready and essential to life in our climate. There has been a lot of naysayers putting down dress boots- but they don't live in Toronto. As long as the boots are a suitably muted color and material, no one will even know they are boots. You want to be able to blend into the dress codes and conventions of your employer, but still be able to go from the office for coffee or lunch without changing shoes- don't you? Exactly.

 





Jimmy Choo for Hunter Original
(original Hunters cost $130)
$300-350.

Michael Kors 'Brink' $150

3.Galoshes/Rain boots: There are new looks coming out each and every year. Making rain boots a fun and trendy way to put some colour on your feet. It gives us all a fun and colourful way to keep dry. No longer are your galoshes the staid plain black boots of our youth. After all, how else are you going to

go jump in those puddles this spring? In style, no less.





(top) Sorel/Adidas combination project
$110
Timberland nylon mesh/leather
$150



OS Expedition Boots
$225-350 (depending on accessories)



4. "Winter" boots: A category for boots that can be worn in any condition: in case you ever find yourself repairing the Trans Arctic oil pipeline. or not. These are the heaviest of the heavy. These boots are made to withstand the worst weather that Canada can produce, all while keeping you warm, comfortable- and I daresay- even fashionable.




Sperry Top-Sider $100





Visvim for Moncler V $275



5. Hiking boots: If you need warmth, and want to pursue that outdoor sports activity this winter, it's important to have a boot that can keep up with you. Hiking boots provide the comfort of running shoes, the look of a sporty work boot, and traction that can climb the sides of hills with the greatest of ease.

Dingo Harness cowboy boots $110.



hand  made alligator $350



6. Cowboy boots: Who wouldn't want a pair of cowboy boots? They take any pair of jeans from bland to epic. You can use them to spice up any outfit, and they exude confidence. Just like the classic work boot, cowboy boots are timeless and simply ooze machismo. They are a perfect conclusion to this list.