The Yearn Soho Boots are the latest addition to this rising star’s footwear collection. I have always had a love/hate relationship with short chelsea boots. In theory, I love their look, but in reality, I have never liked how they looked on my own feet. Part of the issue is the last shape. They are almost exclusively made on elongated chisel lasts. And chisel lasts are simply not my favorite for my own style and foot.
Yearn’s new Soho boots appear to have a slightly more blunt toe, which means they opted to cut down some of the elongation, which I think helps for guys like me. Being that I am drawn to tapered denim jeans, a shorter toe makes me feel more proportional and less ‘winkle-picker.’ I do think that the imagery makes them appear more blunt than they really are, though. I know the last and it is not quite as squarish as the ‘top down’ photos would have you believe.
The leather side panels were a smart choice, too. It makes them more formal, so to speak, and I think, more elegant and thus versatile. While I am a staunch advocate for never wearing chelsea boots with a suit, I dare say that these could potentially be pulled off in the black version. If they had elastic, it wouldn’t be a big no-no, at least for me. That subtle change makes a big difference.
The Yearn Soho Boots are said to be inspired by the style of 1970s Soho, New York. My personal frame of reference for that era is admittedly shaped by Saturday Night Fever, with its sharp, unapologetic silhouettes and attitude-driven style that John Travolta embodied and popularized. That look itself drew heavily from The Beatles, which is where the term “Beatle Boot” comes from—a phrase long used to describe a short, slim chelsea boot.
The new collection currently comes in five color options. My favorites are the dark brown suede and the black grain leather. Personally speaking, I would use these more casually and think that those two choices offer impeccable versatility and style.
Yearn continues to offer cool styles, great craftsmanship, and unique offerings. Learn more about their footwear by reading these posts.
Access their website: https://www.yearnshoemaker.com/
—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob
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***Yearn Shoemaker is a supporter of The Shoe Snob Blog and this can be considered a sponsored post***
