While I can’t say that I am the biggest fan of heavy country brogue boots,� but I have a reader that is facing a dilemma, in what to buy versus what to spend on a pair of brogue boots. Since, I do not wear them nor know of many makes, I thought that I would do this post finding as many as I could, but also leave it up to all of you for any possible recommendations. I think that the criteria is nothing too far over 350 GBP. So I am looking for all of you to leave comments on things that you have found/own that you might be able to post/recommend in the comments section
The reader is currently debating between the two above, which are Trickers (right) and Cheaney (left) but is not completely sold on either one.
I have always like the idea of a brogue boot but have never got into wearing them. This is most likely due to the heavy nature of them and the fact that I am a 5’9″, skinny guy, and wearing these with slim jeans just makes me look like a tool. Not to say that I would not wear the pair by Alden, below, which I find very attractive, but then again, they are not so ‘country,’ they are more like the city brogue boot, being a little bit more slim looking. Even though the one at the very top (which is by Lodger) is quite chunky, I have also been a fan of it, the look of it that is. We actually sell it at Gieves & Hawkes, but I just don’t think that it would suit me very much. Nevertheless, I wished that I would look better in a pair of these, as I think that they would make a fantastic shoe to own for English Autumn through Spring. Thanks in advance for any suggestions that you may leave.
Two Above By: Alden
Two Above: Grenson
Two Above: Alfred Sargent
Boots Above: Mark McNairy
Yes, I’ve had the same problem, Justin. But it’s the wide commando soles that make them look really chunky, I think – especially if you’re used to wearing well fitted dress shoes. But I think most of these styles, if put onto a dainite or leather sole would look much slimmer and more elegant. Of course they’re then less functional if you intend to wear them on the moors! Anyone who does made to order should be able to offer that option, I would have thought? John
I live in Oregon where wet is the word from September through early May. I’ve recently discovered Herring Shoes (www.herringshoes.co.uk) and have thus far liked the two shoes I’ve purchased from their house line. There are several brogued country boots in their lineup. If lug soles are not required, the Herring Burgh is leather-soled with a storm welt, and their Hawkshead has a Dainite sole. Not MTO, but better quality than the price would suggest.
Justin – I have the Lodger boots pictured above. I love them. Last winter walked through a 30 foot long puddle that was two inches deep and my feet stayed completely dry. Amazing.
John Rogers – You are probably right, but then again, like you say this is why you don’t see it done, because it’s not as practical. I might have to think about going the MTO route one day with this, but then again, I am not sure that many of the companies that actually offer MTO, have a boot like this??
Boojumhunter – Coming from Seattle, I know what you mean by Oregon’s wetness. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion and for commenting.
Anonymous – That does sound amazing! Thanks for sharing.
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
I have the impression that Alfred Sargent certainly does MTO on their boots; if you scroll through the AS blog, you can find some examples of various MTO boots they’ve done.
I’m moderately fond of my Loake Bedale boots, though those are obviously a step down from Trickers et al. They are, not surprisingly, a bit more difficult to get on and off than regular shoes.
Peter Erwin – Yea, I can imagine that if Alfred Sargent has these heavy boots in stock then they would definitely be available on a MTO basis. Thanks for sharing!
-Justin, “The Shoe Snob”
Hi,
I know this post is kinda old, but…
Anyone know what model the Alfred Sargent full brouge in burgundy is? The one on the left that is.
I am after a boot, and I think is just sport on!
Anon – If you can Chay Cooper (of AS) he will be able to assist. I have already gave him the heads up so he will be expecting you.
[email protected]
best,
Justin
Thanks for this topic that has proven very helpful.
Thanks to it I’ve found two models I can’t make up my mind on and I’d appreciate some advice (especially that they exhibit a hefty price tag). These are:
– Crockett & Jones’ Islay (http://www.crockettandjones.com/Product/Islay-Darkbrown#.UQfjP_K0OSp)
– Herring’s Coniston (http://www.herringshoes.co.uk/product-info.php?&brandid=6&shoeid=6228)
What justifies the �100+ difference in price? To be honest, the C&J is way over my budget so it would require a serious differentiator to pick them over the Herring…
Please help!
Teo – the difference will be in the quality of the making and the leather….I will venture to say that the C&J is better and is worth it. But that is not to say that the Herring is no good. If the extra �100 is hard for you to justify, then you won’t be going wrong with the Herring…but if you can do the C&J, go for that!
-Justin