Basically I’m looking for something with this type of design
Something fashionable that I could wear on a day to day basis but still of high enough quality that it could have utility in an outdoor/protest/combat situation. I’m pretty sure Doc Martens are kind of shit in the latter regard, no?
Also any other tips for owning boots? How difficult are they to break in? Are they going to cause my ankles to bleed? These would be my first pair. I’m not trying to go above $170 if possible.
Got any milsurp stores around you? Cadet boots were my go to back in the day
Hmm I might just have to hit one up but I’m not entirely sure I want to patronize local chuds. Then again I guess I will be patronizing chuds anyway if I buy them off amazon/elsewhere.
If you want military stuff you’re almost certainly getting it from chuds. There’s not much way around that, though you might find boots if you haunt thrift stores for a while.
In addition to Belleville, which has already been mentioned, Thorogood is another brand that’s expensive but amazing quality, though I’m not entirely sure they fit the aesthetic you’re going for. My current work boots are Thorogood and I was able to get a safety boot voucher to buy them. I’ve had them for about two years now and they are excellent so far. Also says on the website that they’re an employee owned company, though I don’t know the details of that.
If you’re looking at Docs then get a pair of Solovairs instead. They use the original Doc’s design which is a lot sturdier, and they can be resoled.
Otherwise maybe try some Corcoran Jump Boots or a pair of Redwings. Have used all of these at one point or another as motorbike boots but also as something to wear about the place once I’ve hopped off the bike.
Alternatively you could go for a pair of Redbacks or Blundstones. Think they’re cattle wrangling boots for the Australian outback originally. Very comfy and sturdy, and some are even waterproof. They look nice too. I see lots of trendy people wearing them with all sorts of outfits.
Alternatively to that - builders boots. I’ve had a pair of DeWalt steel toecapped boots for ages now and they’ve taken me through warehousing and building jobs, up mountains, and just as a nice rugged fashion item. Also wore them on the bike, but ended up staining the toes black from the oil and urban muck.
I just got garmonts for hiking. They’re NATOs boot provider though, which I feel a bit bad about, but I have funny shaped feet, and those are the only ones that didn’t make my feet ache.
My tims were $200 and have lasted for years and are super duper comfy
Was looking for a more guerilla aesthetic than street but ngl those black ones do look really good.
wear them until they look worn. there are other less “trendy” brands of work boots (and i’ve heard that Timbs’ durability has dipped in recent years anyway). I find Wolverines serviceable enough, but they’re about the same quality. if you want actual “combat boots,” any military surplus or uniform store will sell them.
