boots

Heritage Craftsmanship: Red Wing Shoes Video Series

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style, Video

For over 100 years, the Minnesota-based Red Wing Shoe Company has been carefully crafting premium quality footwear made for specific work environments. Designed for duty on factory floors, construction sites, refineries and railroads, their rugged style has also been adopted by many who do nothing more perilous than cross a Brooklyn subway platform at rush hour. These days you can even find them at J. Crew.

The Red Wing Heritage collection pays homage to the company's history of hardcore work boots with some styles designed for the Range Rover set as well. We are, admittedly, in the latter camp. Regardless of which style suits you, the boots and shoes are still crafted with skill and treated like fine tools for the wearer. Premium Red Wing Shoes leather, tanned at the company's own S.B Foot Tanning Company, is triple stitched with waxed thread for quality. The video above shows the process in action.

Charles Beckman, a Red Wing, Minnesota merchant who saw a need for durable and comfortable work boots, founded the firm in 1905. Today, a third generation of employees, located just down the road from the original factory, continues the tradition he established by using the same craftsmanship and attention to detail. The tannery video is one in a series showing all facets of Red Wing's time-honored operation. You can check them all out here.

Tags: American clothing, boots, heritage clothing, leather, mens clothing, mens shoes, mens style, Minnesota, Range Rover, Red Wing, Red Wing boots, Red Wing Shoe Company, Red Wing shoes, shoes, video

Royal Elastics Re-Invents the Chukka Boot

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style

Royal Elastics Re-Invents the Chukka Boot

One of our favorite new pairs of shoes is from a brand better known for streetwear than the sort of high style we normally go in for, but Royal Elastics' Brother Basil range of deconstructed chukka boots in various finishes has enough panache to go from nightclub to country club. A cross between a classic chukka boot and old-school sneakers, the Brother Basil features Royal Elastics' signature elastic lacing system and plastic toggle for ease of slipping on and off, along with an ultra-lightweight bottom unit and comfortable footbed. Our favorite version is this model finished in dark blue wool felt with a white sole – as elegant as a navy blazer with just the right touch of casual flair. At $85 they're priced pretty reasonably as well. Other variations come in charcoal wool, olive green leather, brown suede and more. Check them out in the company's online store.

Tags: boots, chukka boots, footwear, mens style, Royal Elastics, shoes, sneakers, wool sneakers

Christian Louboutin Madame Butterfly Bootie

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Christian Louboutin Madame Butterfly Bootie

Playful and flirty. Christian Louboutin knows how to make shoes that bring out the best parts of your personality.

Louboutin's Madame Butterfly Bootie ($1195) injects a powerful sexiness to your outfit with a skinny sky scraper heel measuring 6 inches making your legs instantly long and lean. To balance out this intensity, three playful leather bows are placed along the vamp and ending at the ankle. Wear the Madame Butterfly Bootie with bare legs or be adventurous with colorful and textured tights.

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Tags: booties, boots, christian louboutin, heels, leather, shoes

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Luxist Speaks to Lisa Sorrell about Cowboys and Sorrell's Custom Boots

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style, Modern Gentleman

Luxist Speaks to Lisa Sorrell about Cowboys and Sorrell's Custom Boots

Boots are special by dint of numerical minority: most people don't wear them, so we tend to notice them. As well, they present a larger palette for expression and are often expressive far beyond mere size. Yet the statements most boots make concern their wearers: the bella donna in an intoxicating pair of thigh-high Cavallis will probably have you wondering what other influences she might be able to exert on you.

But there is no archetypical wearer, no marble goddess eternally posing in an ur-Cavalli-thigh-high to which all subsequent thigh highs can pray for inspiration. (And yes, we do think that is a shame...)

Cowboy boots, on the other hand, speak to origins and a certain history in a way that few other boots do. Wellington wearers aren't trying to channel Napoleon's nemesis, nor are those in postilions likely to be anywhere near a coach – whereas the very point of a cowboy boot is to recall the men of the prairie. They are the Grecian urns of the American West, but instead of wine, their 10-inch, stitched and inlaid and tanned leather tops are portage for the overflowing, canteen-stained aura of "selfless, honest, independent, and self-reliant" loners.

And when you put them on, those are the waters in which you choose to dip your feet.

The problem, as with most cult relics, is that they are poorly understood. So Luxist spoke to custom boot maker Lisa Sorrell of Sorrell's Custom Boots – whose average boot runs $6,000 – to learn more about how the West was worn. One of the first things she told us: "I tell my customers that cowboy boots are a way for men to wear high heels and bright colors."

Poorly understood, indeed...

Gallery: Lisa Sorrell's Custom Bootmaking Process

Gallery: Lisa Sorrell's Custom Boots

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Tags: boots, cowboy boots, cowboys, lisa sorrell, sorrells custom boots

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Lisa for Donald J Pliner Barco Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

A basic brown boot with subtle leather detailing makes for a fashionable and classic look. The Barco ($165) by Lisa for Donald J Pliner has qualities of a motorcycle boot, but a chunky high heel and slim body creates a feminine and alluring feel.

While an over-the-knee boot can run a fine line between sexy and street walker, luckily the Barco has a balanced combination of casual chic and femininity. I especially love the braided detail and exposed metal studs. These accents allow for the boots to stand out but not be too flashy. They can be worn casually or dress them up for a night out.

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Tags: boots, Lisa for Donald J Pliner, shoes

Maison Martin Margiela Fold Over Boot

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Straying away from the slim fitting, skinny high heeled tall boots, today we feature a rugged Fold Boot ($329) from Maison Martin Margiela.

It's a classically styled, no nonsense boot that can be comfortably worn all day, everyday. With features like a chunky heel and a round toe box, you can say goodbye to pains and aches.

Margiela's brown chunky boots would look ideal with leggings or steel gray skinny jeans contrasted with an ultra feminine top.

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Tags: boots, maison martin margiela, martin margiela, shoes

Snow Bunny Chic, Hot Looks For Cold Weather

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes

The winter season is in full swing. And that means it's time to hit the slopes. Skiing is such an exhilarating sport and one that I've been learning for the past 5 years. As much as I love the sport itself - the anticipation that builds while your on the lift, the thrill you experience as you first rush down the mountain, the peace of mind you have as you find your rhythm and skillfully maneuver your way down to the bottom - I really enjoyed buying all the gear that comes with it.

Seeing D&G's Fall 2010 collection revived an excitement for hitting the slopes and looking as stylish as possible. Their collection was filled with traditional winter motifs but paired with unexpected pieces like a snowflake sweater bodysuit and reindeer full body all in ones. So to get you ready for ski season, we've gathered some fashionably chic ski gear essentials to not only keep you warm but also looking your best as you ski down the mountain slopes or lounge in front of a fireplace in the lodge.

Have tips or suggestions? Contact me @marsha712

Gallery: Snow Bunny Chic

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Tags: adidas by stella mccartney, bally, boots, dolce and gabbana, earmuffs, hats, jackets, Karl Donoghue, Louis Vuitton, Malene Birger, mittens, Mukluks, scarf, ski, snowsuit, sweaters, TopShop, trapper hat

Alexander McQueen College Bootie

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Alexander McQueen's Tan Booties ($1165) uniquely merges various trends to create a breathtakingly gorgeous pair of boots. Small cutouts along the sides outlined in white leather along with lace detailing offer a hint of sophistication and sexiness. McQueen's College Booties are styled in a complementing light caramel leather that accentuates the shape and adornments. A darker color would overpower the accents making them easily overlooked. While a skinny 5 1/3" heel won't fair so well in the snow, they are a perfect match to the boot's overall look.

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Tags: alexander mcqueen, booties, boots, shoes

Iris Van Herpen Platform Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Reminiscent of McQueen's unique armadillo shoe, Iris Van Herpen's Platform Boots ($1170) are just as unusually captivating. These unique boots are styled in jet black leather and glammed up with shimmering gold accents throughout the vamp to the toebox and along the back of the heel. Additional features include a hidden platform sole and a 4 1/3" heel. With such an over the top look, pair with skinny jeans, an understated top and playful accessories or contrast Van Herpen's hard edge platform boots with an ultra feminine dress and fitted black suit jacket.

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Tags: boots, Iris van Herpen, platform, shoes

Ltd. Edition Barbour x Rockport Boots

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Shoes, Men's Style

Classic British outerwear brand Barbour has collaborated with Massachusetts-based footwear firm Rockport on a new limited edition capsule collection of men's boots. The boots, which come in three styles ranging from a Chukka to a tall cap toe boot blend Barbour's iconic waxed cotton found in its classic jackets with Rockport's famously comfortable construction. The Rockport x Barbour collection also features Barbour heritage tartans and Barbour hardware as well as an integrated adiPRENE by Adidas footbed, which provides superior shock absorption at the heel strike. Throughout the collection Rockport has paid considerable attention to details including hand stitched linings, fine pull up leathers, and rawhide laces. In addition Rockport has used its patented Walkability outsole, which helps mimic the natural walking stride by assuring a smooth strike and an efficient roll and flex of the foot throughout the walking motion. Prices for the collection range from $180 – $220 per pair.

Tags: Barbour, boots, footwear, leather, Massachusetts, mens style, outerwear, Rockport, shoes, UK

Thomas Wylde Embellished Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

A pair of simple black boots is a wardrobe staple. But sometimes a woman needs to spice up an outfit with a statement making yet wearable pair of black boots. In comes Thomas Wylde's Snake Embellished Boots ($1250) to save the day.

These knee high leather boots are beautifully decorated with multi-colored beads intricately designed to create a snake slithering along the entire shaft. With a design like that, there is no way you can overlook Wlyde's rocker chic boots.

They feature a 4 1/2" heel and a buckle at the back. Simply slip these babies on and strut your stuff.

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Tags: boots, embellished-shoes, shoes, Tall Boots, Thomas Wylde

Halston's Hot Red Astor Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

The holiday season must have some sort of unconscious hold on me because I can't get enough of red shoes. Mind you, I don't even own a single pair of red shoes. So in the spirit of the holiday season, let's embrace a little unexpected color to our shoes.

Halston's cherry red suede Astor Boots ($388) are vampy and in-your-face bold. They have a slouched shaft with a matching red leather self-tie and rounded toe for a flirty and casual effect. Pair with slim fitting jeans tucked in for maximum effect and a slouchy wool sweater for a touch of casualness. Heel measurements: 4 1/2".

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Tags: boots, halston, leather, red, shoes, suede

Derek Lam Daphnee Booties

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Taking various shades of Fall and Winter's seemingly favorite color, the Daphnee Booties by Derek Lam ($469) fuses style and comfort. The platform sole adds height without placing pressure on the balls of your feet. You could virtually wear these throughout the day and walk around without ending your day with painful feet.

And as for style, the Daphnee has unexpected touches while maintaining an understated and classic look. Set in dark chocolate leather with contrasting beige felt and a cuffed topline, Lam's versatile Booties would be ideal as your daily go-to comfort shoe. If you'd rather even more minimal look, the Daphnee is also available in black.

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Tags: booties, boots, derek lam, felt, platform, shoes

Christian Louboutin Zermadame Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

There is a whole lot of sexy coming from Christian Louboutin's Zermadame Ankle Boots ($701). And it's the kind of sexy that can be tamed with "an ode to the 70s conservative" outfit (think Chloe Fall 2010 line - beige wide leg trousers with a loose fitting blouse) and still be worn into the office. Or completely unleash a vampy side by pairing with skinny cords, a body hugging dress or even a pair of fall/winter shorts and decorative tights.

Set in intense dark red leather with faux snake print, Louboutin's pointy toed boots have sheen making them even more noticeable and ultra stylish. The heel measures at 4.5" and features a back zipper for an easy slip on and slip off.

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Tags: ankle boots, boots, Christian Louboutin, leather, red

Manolo Blahnik Zala Leather Boots

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Manolo Blahnik's Zala Boots ($1243) combine the ruggedness of a shearling boot with the sexy silhouette of high-heels resulting in a striking yet balanced look. The Zala adds a casual yet upscale touch to your outfit, and even more so with exposed white stitching. However, I think they would exude a polished and flushed look with similar color stitching instead.

Designed in dark brown leather and accented with a fold over creamy sheepskin liner and leather tie, the Zala Boot offers warmth and style wrapped in a chic pair of heels. Heel measurements: 4".

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Tags: boots, heels, manolo blahnik, shearling, shearling boo, shoes