These Boots Will Quickly Become Your Everyday Boots—and Stay That Way for a Long, Long Time
SHOP $348, taylorstitch.com.
Welcome to The Esquire Endorsement. Heavily researched. Thoroughly vetted. These picks are the best way to spend your hard-earned cash.
You've seen this viral video, right? The one wear a teacher walks into his classroom, day after day, offering a "hello" and making the same sharp righthand turn to the front of the classroom? This piece of modern art is an ode to consistency. Were you a student, at first, you probably wouldn't even notice it. But when you finally did, you'd find yourself paying close attention to it, counting on it even. It would become an expectation, and later, something endearing, something worth celebrating.
Boots—not all boots, but the right boots—work this way, too. The best boots can be unassuming at first. Then one day, you slip them on, adjust your pant legs, look in the mirror and you notice something: they've worn in and look perfectly seasoned. No longer are your high-quality leather boots a pain in the ass to get on. No longer do they feel like they're weighing you down. No longer are you afraid of the forecast. You just had to wear them before you could really wear them.
If you haven't experienced this type footwear nirvana, you're in luck, because Taylor Stitch has teamed up with Stetson, one of America's most iconic brands, to create a pair of waxed suede boots that will impress you on day 1—and then even more on day 1,000. Here's why we think they're well worth an investment.
They don't just get better with age—they get more interesting
As you wear these boots—and boldly introduce them to the elements—the waxed leather will begin to evolve. As the wax sets into the suede, the surface will begin to patina, providing a more polished finish to the outside of the boots. Wear and tear no longer takes a toll on them, but rather adds character. In short, you can beat these bad boys up and they'll be better for it. Better yet, they'll almost transform into a whole new boot.
SHOP $348, taylorstitch.com.
They're equipped to last, and built for easy restoration.
Quality materials help here, sure, but any good boot worth its salt is reliant on solid sole construction. Taylor Stitch and Stetson's moto boots are equipped with Goodyear welted Vibram soles, so not only are they durable, but comfortable, too. They're also constructed for easy resoling, so even if reaching that weathered leather sweet spot took a toll on your soles, you can have them back in action without sacrificing all that work you put in. Another 1,000 wears won't be a problem.
SHOP $348, taylorstitch.com.
Did we mention they're quite stylish (and versatile)?
Function: You love to see it. But what good would a pair of long lasting boots be if you couldn't put them in your starting lineup? The rugged, streamlined vibe of these moto boots will look great with your selvedge denim. And your selvedge denim looks great with, well, just about everything. That means that you'd be hard pressed to put together a fit these wouldn't work with. Not a denim head? Roll up those chinos, add a rag sock, and suddenly you've added a healthy dose of character to a classic, casual look. Brown boots will always be one of your most reliable players—these just allow you to slap a franchise tag on them.
Prop styling by Miako Katoh
Photography by Timothy Mulcare
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