Spring and rain are synonymous in my book, and rain calls for boots. Cordovan boots to be precise, with double soles. Boots keep the ankles dry, the thicker soles keep the uppers further off the ground, and cordovan, the skin from the rump of a horse, sheds water like a duck (if that doesn't make sense read it again - it took me a minute and I wrote it). The first photo is a pair of Alden's commissioned by Leather Soul.
Cordovan boots are available from makers such as Alden, Carmina and Vass in different styles and a range of price points. The boot in the photo above is a design commissioned from Carmina by the London Lounge.
Perhaps the only negative to boots is that they take a few seconds longer to lace up than do oxfords. Speed lacers at the boot top (those metal things at the top of the Carminas) are a bit easier.
Consider a pair of half boots for the coming season.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Spring Rains Are Coming
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7 comments:
Nice post, Will. I am going to think about a pair of boots for the Spring rain. As you know from previous posts, I am not a fan of Alden shoes, but perhaps they have a "rain boot" that I would like. I'll check out the Madison Avenue store selection on my way home tonight.
Thanks.
I think the boots from Leather Soul are fantastic and I have considered buying them. The only thing that I can't seem to wrap my head around is why would a pair of boots meant for rainy weather would have leather soles?! I want them to have some rubber on the bottom! So I don't have to wear overshoes with my boots!
Am I wrong for having this mindset or does anyone else feel like the double leather sole doesn't cut it? Crepe sole maybe?
Just an FYI check out this site http://swims.no/ I three sets of theses the coffee is my favorite. I don't enjoy wearing these or consider them a fashion statement but a necessity to keep shoes in good condition and are non offensive.
I had a pair of shell cordovan brogues with a double sole and a storm welt made up by Ron Rider (R. Martegani) to be my storm shoes. They work great. And are incredibly comfortable. Although they look like the old boat sized shoes our fathers wore in the 50's.
I hear that Ron is launching a boot making company (Rider Boot Company), by the way. He may have a boot that you like, john.
Alden cordovan shoes and boots with double soles are not pleasing to my eye. They look massive and clunky, like shoes Frankenstein would wear. I do like the Carmina boot in the bottom photo. Very nice, very sleek. If I were compelled to buy leather rain boots, that is the sort of pair I would buy.
Has anyone considered acquiring a pair of vintage button boots for the rainy season? Judging by the sudden popularity of these shoes with certain 'fora' gentlemen, these are very much in style.
As if I weren't already craving a pair of Indy boots enough, Will. My credit card will definitely suffer as a result of this blog post!
I live in a city with 202 rainy days per year (find out which city this at http://swims.no). Despite having a pair of those Swims, I can't manage without several pairs of waterproof shoes with a PTFE membrane. Ecco makes mostly black waterproof shoes that hold up well against the rain but I have never found a stylish model in brown.
The Carmina boots are too swell for words.
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