Fitness
Best Heritage-Style Boots That Will Never Go Out of Style
The trend to turn away from mass-produced junk and the unsustainable eco-disaster that is fast fashion often means looking back at practices and brands that were made in the U.S. in days past. Clothing and shoes used to take time to make, with craftsman using quality materials to create long-lasting items like denim, belts, and heritage boots, burly shit-kickers designed for hardworking folks who worked in logging, oil-rigging, and on the railroads. Nowadays, these heritage-style boots are having a resurgence.
The classic, rugged good looks of these boots are being mixed with modern materials, creating long-lasting footwear that’s sharp and dependable. And the boot brands aren’t just relying on the old standard style and cut (think Red Wing Iron Ranger), they’re making more modern silhouettes that blend old with new to bring handsome, functional heritage-style boots back to life.
Best Heritage-Style Boots That Will Never Go Out of Style
1. Danner Pine Grove Chukka Boots
Danner has long been the go-to brand for heritage-style, USA-made boots that can be resoled after years of use. The newest line, the Evergreen Collection, doubles down on that promise with the Pine Grove Chukka. These casual boots are completely “recraftable” from the outsole and midsole to the lace hardware and stitching. Plus, the soft leather upper is mated to an oil-and-slip-resistant wedge outsole for all-day comfort.
[$220; danner.com]
2. Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle Boots
Fans of Old Rip Van Winkle’s legendary and super-scarce Pappy Van Winkle whiskey can pay homage to the lusted-after bourbon by picking up a pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile x Old Rip Van Winkle boots. Not only do they boast classic style and sophisticated looks, but the heel stacks are made by layering pieces of oak barrels used to age Pappy’s whiskey. The Horween leather upper is dyed a deep gray and the tongue is uniquely numbered.