I have always been a bit skeptical about fur inside of boots. It’s not the most ‘manly’ thing (this is what I thought when I was younger). And it wasn’t until I spent a few days of Winter in Latvia where it got to around -20 centigrade. I wore my Snoqualmie boots with thick socks but realized that it was not sufficient in keeping my feet warm. My girlfriend had warned me about it, telling me that I needed fur boots, and the stubborn brut that I am, I ignored her and told her I would be fine. Well, I wasn’t. I had to go buy some Timberlands to keep my feet warm. I learned that in proper cold countries, fur (or faux fur) is necessary in keeping your feet warm.
The problem is that I feel like it is a difficult execution to get right, making a dress boot with fur inside that is yet both manly and elegant. Santoni, for me, has always done the best job at this. I remember that the first dress boot I ever saw with fur inside was probably the 1st edition of the model you see here (by Santoni), back in 2006. I was really impressed with it and would have purchased it for it not have been way out of my price range ($1250 back then). And year after year, I have seen their new edition of that same boot and continue to appreciate it.
My girlfriend still tells me that I need to make one for my own shoe collection, but I am still skeptical. I don’t know why. Maybe I shouldn’t be?? What say you?
You Should! 😉
Hi, interesting post. I’ve kinda had similar feelings myself about fur. Those santonis are super cool so I’m glad you brought those to my attention! But I think it can look rather masculine in a sort of wilderness frontiersman way especially if the fur is showing and you tuck your jeans or whatever inside. Another factor is whether the lining is wool shearling like I believe the Santonis in the picture are, as opposed to proper fur (as in say mink or rabbit fur); the long straight, fine stands look more feminine. But maybe short trimmed fur could work too. The Santonis look cool because they incorporate the chunky sole and the heafty welt.
Another nice dressier example is the Edward Green Nevis which does the shearling rather discretely in a sleeker style boot.
Interesting post, I’ve kinda had similar feelings myself about fur. Those santonis are super cool so I’m glad you brought those to my attention! But I think it can look rather masculine in a sort of wilderness frontiersman way especially if the fur is showing and you tuck your jeans or whatever inside. Another factor is whether the lining is wool shearling, like I believe the Santonis in the picture are, as opposed to proper fur (as in say mink or rabbit fur); the long straight, fine stands look more feminine. But maybe short trimmed fur could work too. The Santonis look cool because they incorporate the chunky sole and the hefty welt. Another nice dressier example is the Edward Green Nevis which does the shearling rather discretely in a sleeker style boot.
Justin,
DO. IT. I’ve always wondered why you did not offer a fur lined option MTO. There is something about your feet being nice and toasty in colder climates that cannot be described or appreciated until you have worn something fur lined. Just look at the success of the EG Galway (lined; no data to back this, just perception), the fact that once Meermin offered a similar boot MTO, they started stocking it regularly, and one more…the fact that it’s almost impossible to get the Carmina Jumper boot (tarnsjo) from skoaktie whenever they order it because it seems to sale out almost immediately. With your eye for design and even your existing boot line up, surely you could come up with something killer. Get on board the fur lined train Justin!
-J
P.S.
Quoddy too.
Dear Justin,
I could not agree more. I used to live in Estonia and I realised very quickly that I needed boots that were fur lined given the freezing conditions, hence I bought a pair of Enzo Bonafé hiking boots that were just great and kept me warm (sometimes even cotton socks would suffice).
I would think that any shoe brand should have one of these in their collection but apart from very cold countries, it is hard to advocate for a pair of furlined dressed boots in cities such as London or Paris where sub zero temperatures are not so customary. For the urban professional, I would see one use though, people driving scooters or even cycling to work. Therefore, the boots should be formal yet keep some ruggedness (grained leather or Degermann type leathers) in order to face harsh winter condtions (meletd snow, mud, salt…).
As for other models I agree that what Santoni is offering is pretty good but Caulaincourt has been making these wonderful boots lined with rabbit fur https://www.caulaincourt.paris/fr/souliers/4419/bull-shark/.
Sorry for the lenghty post. Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Paris
Pascal