Searching for the perfect pair of men's boots...

September 30, 2005 6:58 AM

Searching for the perfect pair of men's boots...to compliment my kilts. Anyone own the perfect pair of boots?

I own two kilts, one khaki and one black (both Utilikilts, for those who are interested). I'm looking for a good pair of boots that will go with both colors, AND will be wearable with jeans, etc. In order to look right with the kilts, they tend to need to be a bit higher than ankle...more like 8-10 inch boots, rather than 6. No real limits on styles, although lace-up would be better than something cowboy. More than anything, I'm willing to invest in a pair that will last, from hiking through everyday wear. Guide me, MeFi!

posted by griffey to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (14 answers total)

Doc Martens or Red Wings would look really great with kilts. And by really great I mean really hot. They're both well-constructed, rugged, and good-looking.
posted by iconomy at 7:07 AM on September 30, 2005

Red Wing lace-ups. I have a pair of shorter ones that are 15 years old, they just last forever. Something like this or this maybe.
posted by jessamyn at 7:24 AM on September 30, 2005

Some previous boot selection threads.

http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/4251
http://ask.metafilter.com/mefi/15536
posted by rudyfink at 7:26 AM on September 30, 2005

In my opinion Gripfast and Grinders are much better quality than Doc Martens, unless you find a vintage pair of Docs. I've noticed the quality and durability of newer Docs aren't what they used to be since Nike bought the company. It's been a few years since I stopped wearing boots though so maybe things have turned around.

Also, in regards to kilts, uhm.... Don't read the new issue of Vice this month.

Finally, try Stompers Boots, a popular store for bikers, leather daddies, and leather daddy bikers to maybe get an idea for what you're looking for.
posted by atom128 at 7:27 AM on September 30, 2005

Boots with kilts indeed, just as well they're not tartan or my Grandfather would be spinning in his grave. Nowadays, Scotsmen, particularly those marching with the Tartan Army, tend to slip on a pair of Timberland Desert boots. Available as 8 inchers and in an array of materials, sandy nubuck being their particular design of choice. Finally, be sure to set the whole ensemble off with suitable headwear.
posted by brautigan at 7:43 AM on September 30, 2005

smegg commandos
posted by crush-onastick at 8:17 AM on September 30, 2005

Thirding Red Wings. They don't seem to make the pair I have anymore (pretty much like these that jessamyn linked, but in black and minus the fringy bit). They've lasted 8 years (three heel replacements) and only just started to show some wear at the seams.
posted by gleuschk at 8:29 AM on September 30, 2005

Oh, here they are.
posted by gleuschk at 8:31 AM on September 30, 2005

I still have my Red Wings from when I worked in construction. Great boots.
posted by prostyle at 8:49 AM on September 30, 2005

griffey - Just wanted to say "hey" to another UtiliKilt wearer! I picked one up at a local Scottish Festival.
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 10:10 AM on September 30, 2005

Fluevog makes some great boots, particularly their Angels. I have an older style that doesn't appear to be listed on the site, a mid-calf version of these, and they're still going strong after four (or is it five now?) years. They look good, they stand up to anything, and they're unusually comfortable.
posted by Mars Saxman at 10:11 AM on September 30, 2005

Mmmmmm... Men in Kilts. Damn. One of my best friends is nicknamed 'The Kilted One.' He makes more moves than Allied Van Lines - all the ladies are curious about what's under his kilt. He always answers 'My dignity.'
posted by Corky at 11:04 AM on September 30, 2005

I speak not as a Utilikilt wearer, but as someone who finds the black Doc Marten/Utilikilt combination irresistable.

Skinny guys, fat guys, hairy guys, not so hairy guys, older guys, younger guys--they all look good. (The one exception was the guy whose kilt was too short.)

Personally, I don't like the boots that come to the calf or higher. Show off your calves!
posted by luneray at 2:29 PM on September 30, 2005

Danners: Fort Lewis. i stood up in a wedding where the groom wanted us all to wear kilts. The other requirement was that we all wear our Danners. Looked great.

Also, they are rugged and waterproof. i've pratically lived in them for the last 10 years.
posted by quin at 3:48 PM on October 1, 2005