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please.
I would love a pair of black boots that meet the following requirements:
1. Wearable to work (not with a suit, but at least "chinos and a jacket" level)
2. Wearable on the trail
3. Rugged and long-lasting
4. Waterproof
5. Good to look at
6. Around the £150 range
7. Comfortable to travel in (as a single pair of shoes for trips abroad, for example)
Models that interest me:
Scarpa Aspen GTX (if they were black)
The Merrell Forestbound, by contrast, looks like it would be too heavy to wear in a slightly more dressed up setting.
Anyway, suggestions appreciated!
I like Blundstone's - though a lot of long-term wearers claim the quality has gone downhill I haven't noticed it.
I take something like this https://www.blundstone.co.uk/men/blundstone-063-chisel-toe-dress-boot-unisex-leather-black.html with me when I'm travelling (the version I use is less 'dressy'). They're tough and you can wear them all day, but they're easy to kick on and off. They're waterproof up to the elastic, and they keep your feet cool in the heat. I even cycle in them in bad weather - it's not fast but it kind of works.
If you want something with laces you could try this: https://www.blundstone.co.uk/men/blundstone-1451-lace-up-ankle-boot-men-nubuck-rustic-black.html
Yeah blundstones had some issues with soles falling off and premature wear. They seemed to have sorted those now though. Rossi and redback are still made in Oz, unlike blundstones. The Rossi boomas are dressier too. Not sure I'd want to do a lot of trail walking in them though.
Timberland do a bunch of chukka style boots like those you linked.
Rockport do a lot of slightly less bulky boots that would do what you want.
The Clarks you link look more like trainers than boots
William Lennon hill boots, might be a bit too utilitarian though. I have their tan leather boots it’s very comfortable from the off.
Ecco have a huge range of shoes and boots some of which may fit the bill.
Keen have a couple which also may be up your strasse
meets majority of your requirements, although fails others
https://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/1,41/3254700078
£65 timberland lux black leather boot
Some great suggestions here. Cheers.
Any word on which names have the best reputation for rugged longevity?
I've got these. North Face Edgewood. Always in the sale somewhere, I paid 85 quid for mine.
Blissfully comfortable and fully waterproof. I haven't killed them yet but I'll definitely buy another pair.
Longevity wise the Rossi are supposed to be pretty bulletproof. None of the other brands you mention have lasted like my "proper" boots (vasque, Alico and the like). Clark's weren't bad. Timberlands so-so. Rockport are built light, the soles have worn quickly but are usually replaceable.