The Winter Wish List: Boots & Shoes

by Scott Wagner

There will come a time in the not too distant future when shoes will matter again. And by that we mean — and perhaps you’ll empathize with us on this one — footwear for the past nine months has boiled down to two options: “slippers or sneakers?” Simply put, it’s been slippers (or Birkenstocks) for around the house, as well as work days scheduled around Zoom, and sneakers for venturing out on a run or quite literally anything else. 

There’s been no reason to contemplate the matter further — no parties calling for a new pair of kicks, not enough weddings to justify fresh velvet slippers, and not nearly enough travel for a revised set of wear-without-socks vacation loafers. But soon, we will all have an occasion for which new shoes are necessary and now is the time to be thinking about what that pair will be. 

Fortunately, you don’t need to leave the house, or don footwear, to sip a good bourbon.

Smart shoppers know that the holiday stretch is the time to buy. The world is on sale and there is plenty of stock to go around. Browse now, buy at the end of December. 

And so, without further ado, we bring you the second installment of our Winter Wishlist, comprised of the boots, loafers, and brogues that’ve caught our eye. Most are pricey (it is a Wish List after all) but keep in mind that they’re all full price and there’s at least another month of promotions and markdowns working in your favor. 

So scroll, flag, consider, and contemplate where you’ll go and what you’ll pull on once the world opens up. 

Gucci Horsebit Leather Loafers, $980, available at mrporter.com

Put aside your well-worn Nikes and opt for something with a bit of flash. Gucci’s Alessandro Michele delivered just that with this pair inspired by the Duke of Devonshire with a hit of sex appeal à la Tony Manero. 

Christian Louboutin Rivaslide Tasseled Leather Backless Loafers, $850, available at matchesfashion.com

The almighty “mule” for men has eclipsed mere “trend,” proving an efficient choice for those who travel without TSA PreCheck. 

Paul Smith Leather Brogues, $495, available at paulsmith.com

Brogues with punk appeal. Wear them with jeans, a suit, or a tux if you dare. 

Church’s Superbuck Loafer, $750, available at church-footwear.com

Church’s in suede: The shoe for jaunts across the pond as well as dinners that call for a jacket. 

GH Bass Kiltie Weejuns, $120, available at ghbass.com

The same ones you wore in high school. If it ain’t broke …

Brunello Cucinelli Suede Hiker Boots, $1,295, available at neimanmarcus.com

The finest “hiker” boot ever made. Done in the style of its cousin the “hiking boot,” but with a level of luxe better suited to shoveled sidewalks than muddy trails. 

Saint Laurent Suede Western Ankle Boots, $995, available at saksfifthavenue.com

The no-nonsense cowboy boot reimagined by Saint Laurent. Perfect for treks across pavement or a weekend at the ranch. 

Tod’s Gommino Driving Shoe, $495, available at tods.com

Available in every color under the sun, this Italian staple was designed for driving, but wears well even without a pedal to push. 

Rubinacci Leather-Trimmed Suede Tasseled Loafers, $485, available at mrporter.com

The smoking jacket, in shoe form. Party on. 

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Suede Chelsea Boot, $1,295, available at ralphlauren.com

Chelsea boots so fine you’ll tend to them like you do your prized houseplant. Just be sure to keep the “alive” with a kit like this.   

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