Dressy-Semi casual boots under 250$?
Hi everyone!
As part of my overhaul and glow up - I was going to buy shoes for casual usage as well. Some of my friends suggested sneakers like AF1 (yes they are comfortable) - but I'm not ready to spend a lot of time on the aftercare of it.
That brought my attention to "What if I just use some nice looking boots?"
Going through a fashion subreddit here in India, a person suggested Chelsea Boots.
Currently my wardrobe consists of:
1) 2 Regular-fit Jeans (Black and Dark Blue)
2) Regular-fit/formal trousers (Gray, Black)
3) Button down polos (White, Black)
4) T-shirts (White, Black)
5) Overshirts/Jackets (Black denim, gray cotton)
6) Shoes - I know it's a tragedy but I only have 2 shoes, running shoes - New Balance 880v12 (my daily use), Adidas Adizero SL (For running and gym)
I also have a Gray suit coming in (I do plan to buy an oxford too though - haven't yet)
I had a few questions:
1) Which color would you say is most versatile for the above? Black or Dark Brown? This would be my first pair of boots
2) Should I go with a Chelsea Boot design or would something else be more suitable with the above info? I definitely do not want a leather sole - the terrain here would ruin it.
3) Any specific brands to avoid here? I do see Clarks, Aldo, Hush Puppies, Steve Madden from my initial research that sell boots here (could be more that I'm not aware of)
My budget is 250$, location is India (Importing US made boots would add 60% tax here which is a huge pain sadly)
Durability and longevity of the product is pretty important to me (hence why I'm not spending the same amount on sneakers too)
Thanks in advance!
11 Replies
For boots in India, I’d look at Bridlen or BLKBRD. Unfortunately I don’t have much input beyond that, but both companies make solid shoes that should meet your requirements
1) Both are fine, i think with chelsea boots black is slightly more classic.
2) Good choice, other styles that you might want to consider are Jodhpur boots (slightly more elevated looking), service boots (slightly more workwear looking) or Chukka boots
I think your best bet is to research Indian brands
Idk about the tax situation with other countries but https://www.skolyx.se/en/58-boots has high-quality items and worldwide shipping, but might be slightly out of your budget anyways
I've looked at them and my only concern with Bridlen is that they make their product here in India but still charge the US rates which feels weird compared to most other brands. I'm aware they have fantastic quality but that was a concern
India has a 45-80% import tax added always (usually average is 60%) so even the lower end of this would be hefty with the taxes
I'll take a look into black chelsea boots as suggested, thanks
I've sent BLKBRD and Briden some emails around sizing - if I hear back positively, I might end up buying from them.
Idk about Bridlen specifically, but my experience is that most brands from Asia tend to have a global price on their .com site, but have separate domestic rates so as to not price out that market.
Might not hold for them, but they do also have a Blake stitched line that was like $60-80 ish bucks a year or so ago
Yeah unfortunately Bridlen has the same rates as the international market (however, includes the 18% service tax)
It's still hefty considering the PPP in India but if it's a top quality leather and craftsmanship that could supposedly last a long time - I guess I can spend that much
Anyway I have emailed both Bridlen and BLKBRD
I'll gauge their responses on sizing and suggestion then order
I did look into a brand called Kozsako because of posts on Reddit - and I highly advise people to be wary of the brand
I emailed them and got a reply back in 10 minutes with the person saying his name and when I looked at the reddit posts praising the brand frequently, he had the same name (also he changed his reddit name) but google cached both so a quick search shows both old and new names
So I've all but decided on Bridlen (BLKBRD doesnt offer sole in black - which I'm sorta looking for in a formal style)
Could I have your thoughts on this?
https://bridlen.com/products/copy-of-chelsea-boot-goodyear-welted?variant=39310222917735
I had emailed Bridlen for their suggestion and they advised me to go with the Yama last for my requirements - just wanted to confirm here as well if that's good to go for.
@defmacr0 @jarmul22
Bridlen
Chelsea Boot - Black - Yama Last9.5 UK / Rubber
Specifications Upper leather : Annonay Vegano box calf Lining leather : Drum dyed crust Insole : Flexible 5 mm channeled vegetable tanned leather Outsole : Closed channeled flexible leather/ Grooved 100% Genuine nitrile rubber Insole and Outsole leathers are made in Tuscany, Italy by traditional slow chestnut pit tanni
Look pretty damn nice. Definitely would wear them myself
Thanks, I'll wait for them to reply back about a tax invoice and place the order then, got surprised the order takes 4 weeks to be delivered.
Closed channel leather soles would be pretty damn good at this price point, but I understand that it's not what you're looking for
Yeah, the terrain would ruin them pretty quick and I'm looking for something that would last me a really long time before I have to send it in to resole sadly
I'm happy their rubber sole doesnt have any weird chunky outward appearance
The leather and rubber sole options are pretty much at same price point - which is nice for the customers that do want that
I’m fairly certain blkbrd does black soles - but I will say I do prefer Bridlen’s materials, having handled both.
Def looks like a pretty good shoe. I haven’t had much issue wearing leather soles around, but they certainly do wear out faster.
Tbh, 90% of the welted shoe game is just enjoying the shoes. If you like it, you’ll wear it, and you feel that they check your boxes - then that’s what you should get.