Boot buying advice
I want to buy my first pair of boots. I've read up on how to size and construction. Are there other relevant measurements to consider other than the Brannock foot length, arch length, and width? I've tried to find info on the difference between moc toe and round toe boots, but is the toe space the only functional difference? I'm also using it just for walking on street, sometimes in rainy and light snowy conditions, and in casual environments. Is wedge sole or heeled sole more suitable/comfortable? Are there any do's and don'ts for boot color? What functional difference is there between leather lined boots and unlined boots? Ideally they'd work with a wide variety of pant styles from slim to wide leg. I know these are more general questions but if you have any specific brand/model recommendations (<$450) I'd be happy to hear.
4 Replies
- Brannock is basically the only thing you really need to know in terms of sizing, but knowing how certain lasts fit and work for you can help with cross-comparison. There’s always a little bit of give on fit preference, and it’s generally advised to err larger than smaller.
- moc toe and “round” toe are just different methods of construction. The volume of the toe box of a boot is dependent on the last, which will change from company to company. Generally a moc toe will have slightly more room, but there’s no inherent difference, really — just preference.
- people often prefer wedge soles for comfort, but I prefer normal soles. Generally, a rubber sole with a light lug is going to be the best for rain and snow, but I wouldn’t stress it too hard.
- boot color is mostly whatever you want. I’d typically advise you not go towards super light browns, but that’s also mostly a preference thing. I’ve got blue, green, maroon, light and dark brown, etc; and find all to be wearable.
- Lining is, again, preference. It can sometimes help with water resistance, but unless it’s lined with like goretex, it really doesn’t matter. Fully lined tends to start a bit stiffer, but it’s pretty dependent on the thickness of the leather used for both the outer and the lining components.
- in terms of suggestions, it’s mostly just “get what you want”. If there’s certain styles you like I could suggest brands, but the best shoe is the one you like to wear.
If you can, I would recommend going to a Red Wing store or a store that sells Red Wings. Then you can try stuff on and see how you like the feel.
Or any other boot store, just that may be the more common brand to find.
Thank you. Right now I more drawn to the silhouette of the moc toe and potential comfort of wedge soles, but I'm open to a round toe/normal sole if the quality/comfort/value is good. What would you recommend for either style?
Thanks, I'll visit the nearby Red Wing store and try on a few models.
If you're just buying them for fashion rather than specific work stuff/weather conditions I'd just get the ones that fit you and you like the look of the most. it's about style afterall