Probably This Picks: BOOTS!
Let’s kick this off with a somewhat dramatic story about boots.
The year was 2012, and I was 19. I walked into Steve Madden in Lakeside Mall in Metairie, Louisiana, and I fell deeply, relentlessly, chaotically in love with a pair of floral print leather boots with a pointy toe.
Before that moment, I’d never experienced such a love for a pair of shoes. To be clear: they were ugly as sin. Around this same time, I got a Pisces tattoo the size of a softball on my back. People change. I’ve changed.
But I loved those boots. I remember exactly how much they cost, a whopping $105, which at the time was most of my money. And I wore them relentlessly. I owned those boots and a pair of converse, and if my feet weren’t in one of those pairs of shoes, I was barefoot.
Two years into boot ownership, the heel literally tore off, and I glued it back on with hot glue. When the hot glue would begin to fail, out came the glue gun again.
And then something happened that hot glue couldn't fix.
We were visiting our friend’s home and, of course, I was wearing my floral print boots. By that time, the flowers had faded, and they just looked like worn leather boots to the untrained eye. But I could still see those flowers dancing beneath the age and scuff marks.
If you’ve ever been married to me, you know I don’t take the best care of my possessions. This is not new.
Every time I get my glasses lens replaced, they add the additional $100 scratch-resistance coating without asking me.
In the Lowe’s parking lot, adult men offer to fix my bumper and the dents in the tailgate…perhaps even my cracked windshield.
Until finally succumbing to the allure of screen protectors last year, my phone screens have always been a danger to my fingertips.
With that in mind, this will come as no surprise: on that fateful night at our friend’s home, there was an offer to help her paint her bedroom. I love to paint! We were having cocktails. It was to be a fun night. I was wearing my boots.
The shade of paint? Periwinkle. A bright but soft blue with so much blush undertone it appeared purple. One wrong move – my hand slipped from the roller, the roller plunged to the ground, where my boots were – and it was over. My boots were covered in paint. And they were so worn and old and the leather had aged so much, they absorbed the color like a sponge. No amount of hot water and Dawn soap could completely remove it.
As I sat there on my friend’s floor at 10 p.m. with a few cocktails in me, scrubbing the paint that would not budge off of my shoe, I uttered, “I have so little.”
I told you this was a dramatic story about boots, and you still chose to read it.
At the time, it was true. I did have very little. Those boots were the one physical possession I cared about. A lot has changed in the years since that I’m so grateful for, but I will never forget that feeling. Also, like, I’ll never paint with leather boots on ever again???
That said, here’s a boots round-up we curated just for you. I hope you find a pair that makes your heart sing and keeps your toes warm.
Matt is wearing No. 8 below & Beau is wearing No. 13!
Blundstone Classic Chelsea Boots | Known for their comfort and durability, we had to include a classic Blundstone on this list.
Steve Madden Hauley Boot | A sleek, suede version of the cowboy boots we know and love. The heel height is just right.
Steve Madden Adamo Boot | On sale now, this affordable option doesn’t skimp on style.
Steve Madden Huston | A subtle nod to the yeehaw aesthetic, but date night appropriate.
Jacquemus Les Pavane Chelsea Boots | A “worth it” splurge from Jacquemus to add to your Christmas list.
Madewell x G.H.BASS Ranger Moc Boots | Every boot from this Madwell and G.H.BASS collab fits the bill.
G.H.BASS Alpine Hiker Boots | A serious-looking boots for the outdoorsy and even the outside-y among us.
Merrell MQC 2 Tactical Boot | Matt is always rocking these combat-style boots, and they’re great for navigating the tall grass on our property.
L.L.Bean 1912 Boots | A classic for a reason, you’ll have these knocking around you shoe rack for decades to come.
Steve Madden Xandy Brogue Wingtip Boot | For formal winter events, a wingtip leather boot is a staple.
Dr. Martens 2976 Chelsea Boots | You can’t go wrong with any Dr. Martens, another brand that with proper care will last forever.
Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Platforms | A punk rock moment! Plus, the added height never hurts.
Teva Midform Boot | Featured on Beau, these are technically women’s boots. To find your size in men’s, subtract 1.5 from the sizes listed.
Sorel Hi-Line Chelsea Boot | A futuristic, tech-forward approach to a classic Chelsea boot. We love all three color options!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE…
