THE JOURNAL
2 MINUTE READ
The Five Boots You Need This Winter
Words by Chris Elvidge
Photography by Mr Paul Hempstead
31 January 2022
During these interminable winter months there’s nothing quite like lacing your feet into a proper pair of boots. Yes, they take a little more time to put on than shoes. And no, you can’t just kick them off at the end of a long day. But for that little extra effort, you’re rewarded with an unbeatable combination of ruggedness, good looks and comfort. As for what sort of boots you should be wearing, the good news is that you’re spoilt for choice, with options ranging from impeccably smart Chelsea boots to chunkier styles more suited to the season’s unpredictable weather. Need some inspiration? Read on for five of our current favourites.
01.
The George Cleverley pebble-grain suede dress boot
A classic lace-up Derby boot comprising a brown pebble-grain suede upper affixed to a sturdy Dainite sole, this Taron model is named after the actor Mr Taron Egerton, who played Eggsy in Kingsman: The Secret Service. Originally designed by George Cleverley for MR PORTER’s Kingsman line, it has proven so popular that the shoemaker has incorporated it into its own collection. Boasting timeless looks and crafted with an impeccable eye for detail, this is one you’ll be wearing years from now.
02.
The Brunello Cucinelli nubuck Chelsea boot
This suave take on the Chelsea boot, a style popularised during the Swinging Sixties by the fashionable folk who would frequent the King’s Road in Chelsea, comes courtesy of the renowned Italian luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli. It’s set on a chunky rubber sole that’s sure to keep you steady in even the most treacherous of conditions, but the – dare we say it – glamorously impractical off-white shade of the nubuck leather uppers suggests that this one might be better kept for dry weather.
03.
The Grenson distressed suede hiking boot
Taking its visual cues from the boots worn by pioneering adventurers of the 20th century is this Brady hiker from Grenson, which comes complete with D-ring eyelets, extra-long laces and Vibram Arctic Grip rubber soles. And because there’s nothing worse than a hiking boot that looks like it’s fresh out of the box, it’s been lightly distressed for a subtle, worn-in appearance.
04.
The Common Projects suede chukka boot
From Common Projects, the New York brand that brought us the Platonic Ideal of a white sneaker, comes this equally fine example of another men’s classic: the suede chukka boot. As with the brand’s sneakers, the only adornment you’ll find is that signature gold serial code stamped on the side. Beyond that, it’s a typically understated affair, with off-black suede uppers perched atop spongy rubber crepe soles and a discreet pull tab at the heel.
05.
The full-grain leather Canada Goose mountaineer
Canada Goose CEO Mr Dani Reiss has stated the brand’s mission as providing “premium head-to-toe protection”. With the Journey boot, which launched this winter alongside a pro-grade model, the Snow Mantra, that mission is now complete. An Alpine-style mountaineering boot with contemporary styling and exaggerated soles – note the squared off toe and “bumper” at the heel – the Journey looks set to achieve the same cult status that made the brand’s down-filled outerwear such a hit.
