Tretorn Klipporone Boots

Found these handsome vintage hiking inspired leather boots on sale at Tretorn. Hooray for Swedish love!

Handmade? No

Made in: ??

$91

Marais USA High-top

images from maraisusa

Nearly all white high-top canvas sneaker. It may be what I need to add to my arsenal of footwear. Fits true to size, unlike most other shoes from this smart little webstore.

Handmade? No

Made in: ??

$55

Fence Straddlin'

Here are two pairs of shoes that I am intrigued by, but not completely won over by:

image from zuriik

The Zuriik Shug Low Contusion (W) . Zuriik has reimagined the traditional mens oxford shoe by building a canvas upper and slapping a hard leather dress sole to it. And the laces are waxed, of course. The idea is novel, and thus worthy of attention. This shoe's shape is pretty manly, yet the decidedly feminine colors soften it up. Not many companies do a woman's oxford shoe well. It's either still quite masculine (see Frye's Erin), or way too frou-frou and "of the moment" (see Steve Madden's Trouser). The one from Marais USA is quite plain and understated, which I like, but you probably have to dress super cute and girly up top to achieve a stylistic balance. I really adore the Zuriick mens' two-tone black gray version.

Handmade? No

Made in? Nobody knows

$83.90 - $119

images from shogunstore and highsnobiety

Palladium boots. The first image that comes to my mind when I see these military-lite boots is a bunch of FOBs and their weirdly over-patterned and clunky attire. Yep, I grew up around Asian immigrant kids in high school and church. Some of their stuff I liked, what was copied over from Japanese youth culture, and most of it eventually became trendy. What I didn't like were the bright plaids and Palladium fold-over tongue boots. The Baggy style, as they are called, are really goofy looking. However, seeing them displayed tastefully in a lookbook like the one above does sway me a bit. I think the unfolded Pampa version could look good on a man wearing pants. Maybe. Not sure if I or any other women could really pull these off though.

Handmade? No

Made in: Israel?

$55 - $225

Simple Carport Shoe

images from 6pm and ecostoredirect

Living in Austin brings me in contact with some really chill dudes, guys who don't really ever dress up and who can get away with wearing faded jeans and threadbare t-shirts to work. Recently I sighted 3 pairs of these Simple Carport sneakers in one week worn by said men. Not only do they look like adult versions of little boys' shoes (cute!), they also appear to be extremely comfortable. Reviews confirm this. The woven hemp and cotton blend fabric lends an even refined air to them. And, the shoe is completely vegan, features recycled PET laces, organic cotton lining and footbed, and a sole made from recycled car tires. The next time your laid-back boyfriend needs to replace his torn up Vans, recommend these deceptive slip-ons.

Tretorn Strala

1st 2 images from blackbird

last image from the tannery

So, I did not end up winning those Blunnies. Perhaps I should release my dream of owning Australian work boots, get practical and opt for an elastic-sided boot that is less rugged, less warm... and less boot. Enter the low-cut, rubber Tretorn Strala! With its modest good looks and an attractive price range, this would be a worthy addition to most anyone's wardrobe. Forget tall rain boots, most of us don't slosh around on the farm or live in Britain. The new Strala Vinter (Swedish for winter) version features furry lining for added warmth. I had seen the Sommar style floating around earlier this year, but the white striped outsole put me off. Definitely like the black stealth versions better. 3rd photo is of a special collaboration with The Wilderness Workshop. More details on the Tretorn Swedish Goodness blog.

Made in: ?

Handmade? No

$40-60

Eddie Bauer Vintage Lace-up Chukka Boot for Women

The Red Wing Gentleman Traveler Boot, Alden Indy Boot, and Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot are damn solid vintage work boots for men. And at $200-300, they are costly. The mediocre "Vintage Shoe Company" line at Eddie Bauer doesn't seem like anything special at first glance. The only reason I bring it up is that there you can find a more affordable womens' version of the vintage work boot, the likes of which (devoid of annoying feminine frills) can be found nowhere else, save Wolverine ($$$) and maybe Frye. It's an extra 30% off today. I told myself over and over again that I would not covet heritage work boots, but the price is right!

I dug around more to see what "The Vintage Shoe Company" was all about. It does exist, and offers a $265 womens Lilly boot. Not in my price range though, sadly.

Made in: USA

Handmade? No

$139 today

Bear Feet Womens Desert Boots

images from meandmyfeet

You never see desert boots for women, because they are a mens or unisex style. Well here are some that are like the floppy version of the famous Clarks, complete with crepe soles. And they are constructed by a Texas company, Bear Feet. If you check out their site, you can find mostly baby shoes that are super flexible and easily shaped to the foot, as opposed to a stiff shoe shaping the foot. 2nd best to barefoot. Kinda along the miminalist lines of the Vibram Fingers, but even better because they are handmade with American supplies, and with buckles, thread, and special leathers from Germany and Italy.

Edit: Per Amanda's comment, I trekked over to Creatures Boutique on South Congress after a half day of last minute Xmas shopping. They had so many different pairs there! It is under the name Dimovi because the daughter of the Bear Feet family, who resides in Austin, branched off into her own line. I tried on a 39, a size smaller than I usually fit, and they slipped on like a sweetly worn leather sock. (Or as they jokingly called it there, a "foot condom"). The bronze leather was very pliable already, and the thin crepe sole allows you feel the ground underneath. A black crepe sole was available, as well as a mens's version. All the womens' models had a single set of rhinestone glued to side of the boots (on the tip of the flap), a pink/blue/purple strip of leather at the heel, and matching laces. Because I prefer unfeminized things in general, I decided to get a custom pair made with no rhinestones or girly colored accents. It'll be ready in 2-4 weeks! The only thing is that last night I bid on a pair of used Blundstone 500s on Ebay, and I'm still the highest bidder. So I might end up with two pairs of brown boots. I'm not complaining...

Made in: Brownwood and Austin Texas

Handmade? Yes

$179.95, or $140 at Creatures Boutique

Winter Boots, or Something

Not that I need them, but ever since I laid eyes the beautifully flecked knee socks at American Apparel today in the Drag store (not online!), I've been on the hunt for affordable cold weather boots to pair with it. Over here in Texas, winter wardrobes are dictated by style, not so much by necessity. It's also been about 6 months since I've gone shopping... which doesn't help things. OK let's go!

To the best of my knowledge, L.L. Bean was responsible for the original Maine hunting boot. I was vaguely aware of that, yet my main association with this style of boot is with Ralph Lauren and their faux rugged version's popularity in the hip hop culture. I found a kickass red rubber Eddie Bauer pair on Ebay, and although they are magically in my size, I've purchased ill-fitting shoes on Ebay too many times. And the New England look isn't really part of my style inclination, as much as I love Foster Huntington's blog. Somebody should buy these!!

What about rain boots? They're relatively cheap for a lot of boot. It's messed up that sellers can command $100+ for rain boots though, after they became a flowery fashion accessory. With the exception of legitimate European Wellington makers, such as Hunter (they offer cute socks!) and Aigle, of course. Baffin is a major Canadian producer of boots, and these industrial rubber boots are not only under $40, they are hiding a maple leaf stamped on the heel. Sneaky lads.

Engineer/harness boots. I've been intrigued by these motorcycle boots for a few years now, and never pulled the trigger because they are just too damn tough for me. With the light walking that I do, I simply would not be able to wear them out. As with any technical clothing, I believe that you should get something that fits your functions, and doesn't go way beyond into the land of needless excess. That way you don't look like a tool, haha. These Red Wing Boots in black are drop dead sexy, so that's why they are on this list.

Madewell Aberdeen Boot

"i love brogues and desert boots. let's mash em." image from Madewell

They're like desert boots with a wingtip details and removable (whew!) loafer-esque fringe. Quick, someone find me an alternative at 50% the price!

Made in: Italy

Handmade? No

$198

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot for Women

legit footwear for legit women. image from leffot

They did it! Wolverine made a women's version of their 1000 Mile heritage boot with the same exacting standards as the mens model. If you want some long-lasting footwear that harks back to the turn of the century, look no further.

See Archival Clothing's detailed review here.

More juicy images at Leffot.

Made in: USA

Handmade? Sort of. See the amazing video below

Wolverine 1000 Mile | 721LTD | Making the Boot from Wolverine on Vimeo.

$325

Aigle Jodhpur Boots

these look like fake leather. image from a.r.c.

Call 'em Chelsea or Jodhpur boots, they've been around since Victorian ages. I've been looking for a suitable pair on equestrian online stores, but I haven't been able to find one. Lack of additional product photos makes it hard to settle. These Chelsea boots from Marais USA are a standout pick, but I am unsure of what size to order due to their narrow width. It's only a matter of time before Chinese-made knockoffs appear in Urban Outfitters. This fashion blog cited the Aigle Jodhpur Boots, which just might be the ticket. Classic good looks and a durable rubber exterior make them a wardrobe essential. The hardest decision? Black or brown...

Made in: France

Handmade? No

$119

Rossi Boots

bottom image from enasco

I've liked the look of the Blundstone ("Blunnies") 500 boots for a while now. They are pull-up leather boots with elastic-banded sides, and a thick, cushy polyurethane sole. They are an Australian staple, even gracing the front cover of Merge Records story book. People love their worn-in Blunnies (just do a Flickr search), yet as I was talking to my local bike mechanic (1st image) about his new pair, he commented that they only last about 2 years for him, and that they used to be made in Australia and now the tag says they are made in Vietnam. I found similar remarks on lower quality and no drop in the $150 price tag on review sites. After scouring around, I fell upon Rossi Boots, an Australian bootmaking company that still makes their locally. The Endura 303 is looks nearly identical to the Blundstone 500, and costs about the same. I think these would make a great winter boot; I could probably even get away with wearing these with a skirt and tights! The only trick about these is that unlike Blundstones, which you can get at Whole Earth here, probably aren't stocked anywhere within try-on distance, so beware of sizing issues when purchasing online.

Made in: Australia

Handmade? No

~$150

Ring Moccasins

Premium laced mocs have been dominating mens footwear for a few seasons now. Here is a less popular, 60's standard ring boot model. Arrow Moccasins, one of the smaller American moccasin handcrafters, is also one of more competitively priced vendors (vs. Quoddy or Yuketen). I've been a fan of their footwear since I started seeking the perfect mocs a couple years ago, and I'm hoping to save up for a pair... once I decide which one I want to settle on. It also tickles me that their site is so 1995- they let their products, not marketing, speak for their brand!

Made in: Hudson, Massachusetts

Handmade? Yes!

$123-144

SeaVees Bayside Moc Hi

Ah, I'm back from Portland and full of inspiration! One store that impressed me with its sizable section of almost androgynous, classic womenswear was Lizard Lounge. Hats off to their buyer. I spotted a pair of these sweet mocs there. I had heard of SeaVees, categorizing them as one of the many tame, heritage brands that have been popping up lately. Not being a huge fan of 60's California cool, what they cite as their Basis, I was pleased to come across this more rugged model. (However, it seems like they copy Clarks? See 2 Eye Oxford vs. Clarks Original Natalie)

Made in: China?

Handmade? No

$145

Rogue Ranger Boots

Here is a good looking, forest green-laced hiking boot in the fashion of the 1970s wafflestomper. It is made by Rogue, a South African outdoor footwear company. Among with other choice products, it is sold in the purposely small online shop of Ray Mears, renowned bushcraft and survival expert. Although this style isn't the exact pair that is often "seen on the feet of Ray and the Woodlore outdoor team," (that title belongs to the hybridish Desert boot), I definitely prefer this model. I couldn't get a good photo up, so check it out at Ray's store.

Made in: South Africa

Handmade: No, but it is Responsibly Made

£75.00

DIY Huaraches

This is my Summer 2010 sandal, the huarache. I really wanted my classic Vibram FiveFingers to bear that title, but after a few months in warmer weather, the stench they emitted after each wear was too foul. I found that soaking them in water and baking soda helped, but I wasn't about to wash my main shoes everyday. Barefoot Ted sells a Vibram-sole huarache kit in his online shop at a very reasonable price. I bought from him, and substituted red polypropylene rope ($3 at Walgreens) for the leather laces. It was a small concession because polypropylene is a petroleum product, but I was skeptical about the pliability of the leather. According to a friend who also completed this project, the leather laces do work for this tie-style, they just take longer to break in. These shoes are designed after the minimal footwear of the Tarahumara runner-people of Mexico. Urban runners who want that barefoot feel will don these for a thin layer of protection against potentially dangerous surfaces. I'm no runner, but I do enjoy the easy slip-on slip-off aspect of these stink-free shoes, and can happily add handmade shoes to my short list of craft accomplishments.

August 2010 edit: The poly rope knot wore through in a couple of months. I restrung the sandals with the original leather straps (yes, they get pliable) and they have been going strong ever since.

Made in: Wherever you live

Handmade? Yes!

$30