Photo credit: combat boots Yucatan Heschung
Volume one: combat boots for walking in puddles
Combat boots were first reserved for exclusively military use, favoring comfort and lifespan for the soldier, in often harsh environments and climatic conditions. The first “real” boots, as we understand it today – laces and leather – were created during the Second World War for specialized units (mine clearance, trenches and sappers) from standard service shoes, which were simply added a leather upper and buckles to keep mud from getting inside.
It is a type of shoe which is characterized by its high upper, its cap toe (leather or steel reinforcement at the toes), a sole generally made of rubber and lacing with eyelets then buckles. On certain models such as rangers, there are real buckles or zips over the lacing guarantors.
The combat boot has become enormously popular in recent seasons. Previously reserved for the goth or metal scene, more and more designers like Dirk Birkembergs or Martin Margiela are putting them on the feet of their models, helping to bring them onto the streets, on everyday men: us.
And more simply, I like them, because they're super comfortable, and with a semi-slim tucked in, worn a little long for a stacking effect, it gives an outfit a big boost of virility. But what would BonneGueule.fr be if we didn’t make a practical selection for you to wear, or to enjoy? Let's go.
Small selection of lace-up mid-tops
Mid-top combat boots are raw, square and very manly shoes, which reach slightly above the ankle. The ideal way to wear them casually is a slightly worn raw jean – gray or indigo to match the worn brown of the monster, the upper eyelets open and laced untied. We will generally take them in a shade of brown, which “lives” better in the long run than black, is more easily worn… and has less connotations.
-Wolverine 1000 Mile.
Wolverine (like the guy with blades for fingers, who makes shoes that fit him like a glove – well, so to speak) is an old American company specializing in walking and combat shoes. In general, they look like walking shoes – they're comfortable but ugly – except the 1000 Mile line, which brings classics up to date. And most of the time, it's pretty damn successful.
Who only have the name in common with the slightly disturbed mistress of South Park. And in my opinion the nicest of the three models, more refined, with a glazed shell toe and tanned leather.
- The Jefferys of Doc Martens
Who still needs to introduce the “Docs”? Fitting demanding punks and Sunday trekkers alike, they won everyone over with their aggressive prices, their incomparable lifespan (“lifetime guarantee”) and their comfort (the Air Sole sole, with a film of air between two layers of rubber ensuring more suspension for the foot). The Jeffery is one of the latest creations, with a particularly elegant cognac color and sober design.
- The 7022 of Wings + Horns on Gravity Pope
The air of having seen all the wars, from the trenches of Verdun to the Afghan caves. And we honestly can't blame them because it suits them so well.
- NDC Made by Hand Sundays on Gravity Pope
Visible sand stitching on a camel-brown leather with the most beautiful effect, a light leather sole which forms a beautiful reference to the stitching – in short, a superb monochrome on this pair. Definitely one of my favorites.
- The Magnusson of Aldo
A very beautiful model, original, in leather and canvas guarantors, with a zip on the side. Fierce and sharp.
- Sports Couture by Dirk Bikkembergs on Yoox
A production stamped “Six d’Anvers”. Simple, sober, effective, stylish. Everything we ask of him, including an affordable price for designer shoes.
- Kenzo 's Afrika on Sarenza
The kind of model that makes you say “Wow, that rocks!” I must have them ! »… until we realize that twenty clampins had the same idea before us. The last pairs are going, especially at €370. Run.
- The Winter Hipster by John Varvatos
John Varvatos is an American designer, responsible among other things for the high-end “leather” lines of Converse, and who has enjoyed great success for his creations with a worked appearance (by time, as well as by the designer's spirit). Needless to say, his combat boots are the same thing.
- The 22 Maison Martin Margiela Replicas on Oki-ni
Martin Margiela, like Bikkembergs, is a designer of the Antwerp school: clean lines and futuristic details on a completely classic overall form. Particularly clear here: a more-classic-you-die combat boot with a cap toe, except for the zip and the slight clear patina on the toe.
In the next article, I will present you high-top models, but I also went to find THE selection that you will not find elsewhere.
See you soon,
Vianney
