I’m heading off to Canada for the holidays, where there are real winters. San Francisco has been rather mild this season, save for one bitter cold spell, but in Canada, it starts to snow in December. It doesn’t get as bad as Russia, but it gets bad enough to need real winter boots.
Two that I’m bringing are these by James Purdey & Sons and Edward Green. The Purdeys are field sport boots originally meant for hunting, but I think they make for excellent general-purpose boots when the weather turns foul. The bottoms have studded Dainite rubber soles for extra gripping, and the bellow tongues help prevent water from leaking around the laces. The only problem is that they take a while to put on. The speed hooks are a great help, but you still have to explain to any company you’re with why you have to buckle down four straps when you’re both just going out to grab some quick lunch. Luckily, that extended shaft, which comes about mid-calf, gives some excellent added protection should you have to face cold shoulders.
The other pair of boots is Edward Green’s Galway made from the company’s walnut country calf (the rustic version of their dark oak leather) and built on their 64 last, which they originally developed for Holland & Holland’s shooting boots. The insides have been specially lined with shearling so that, when you have thick socks on, your feet never have to know what season it is. Pete, my e-friend and co-writer at Put This On, recently called them "Eddy Green Uggs."
What I like most about these boots is that all their special detailing - the buckle straps, bellow tongues, and shearling linings - are hidden when you actually have the shoes on. When worn, they look like any other suitable winter boots from a Northampton maker. They’re unique without having to scream so. Plus, they just feel incredibly sturdy and tough, making you feel ready for any Canadian weather.
(Photos by me, Purdey, GQ UK, The London Trading Company, and CTBrummie)