School Supplies: Deck Boot Discussion

-We've seen a lot of these deck boots in the past few years, and given my love of boat shoes, they've appealed to me a great deal. The first pair I saw were from Rogues Gallery, though I think the original deck boot was made by Quoddy (below.) The above pair, from Ronnie Fieg for Sebago, have been floating around the blogosphere in the past week, and even though I'm completely out of money, they're tempting my wallet. As a diehard Sperry aficionado, I really shouldn't be pumping Sebago, but $140 for a limited edition (120 made of both brown and black models,) hand-sewn boot is hard to pass up. The Quoddy version is undoubtedly better made than the Sebago, but it's also $300, and I actually like the look of the leather on the Sebago better. Any of these boots though, even this slightly more expensive but equally dope blue Sebago x Vane pair below, will look great after they've been worn in a bit. The blue boots are icy, but as I'd probably only ever buy one pair of the same style of boot, I'd stick with something a little more workable.

-Depending on how long the supply of the brown model lasts, I may be getting my hands on a pair of these pretty soon. But my one major trepidation is my aforementioned focus on the relationship between leg opening and shoe-width. I'm wondering how a boot that would be so narrow when laced-up would play against the leg opening¹. I keep my denim pretty slim, and I probably wouldn't rock these with anything besides jeans, but still think they might  be a little to slim for a boot. My general rule when wearing boots is to roll my pants a bit and just let them fall how they may. Laced-up, these wouldn't really have any girth for the pant leg to snag on, and might look a bit contrived. The obvious solution would be to rock the boots a bit looser, a practice I support when one is cognizant of the fine line between rugged nonchalance and streetwear contrivance, but ultimately it would depend on how well the shoe fit below the laces. If they could be worn looser without flopping around, then there's really no issue, but I've obviously thought entirely too much about this. Anybody have experience with deck boots?

1- To recap, I'm all about break. Therefore, if you've got a narrow show, so narrow that your leg opening just hangs without break, you can look clowny. There are places where conflicting proportion can work effectively. I don't think the ankle is one of those places. 

-Update: Blackbird recently posted this image of the Quoddy Deck Boot (below) and it shows the details a bit better than the images from the official Quoddy site. The Seattle shop is selling the boots for a $280. I'm not really a fan of black boots, but I didn't previously notice that the tongue on these is deerskin, which I think adds a nice contrast in look/texture to the Chromexcel outer. If you're considering buying Quoddy deck-anythings, be sure to check Jeremy's analysis, which exposes a bit of trouble with the insoles.

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School Supplies: Heritage Research Wilderness Parka

-I've strayed lately from posting about singular items, and I generally disregard any brand with the word "research" in the title (they're usually unattainable Japanese outfits.) But after being very intrigued by the Heritage Research x Quoddy Grizzly Boot collabo, I checked out the British (not Japanese) brand's site. Everything in their collection, which is heavily influenced by traditional military and outdoor wear, appealed to me on some level. The Wilderness Parka was my favorite of the bunch. It's not that often you find a Melton wool parka, and this one has a Pendleton lining which adds to the warmth/styling/NWcentrism appeal for me. I couldn't find a price on the site, but I'm sure it's out of my range. You can find some other offerings from HR, including these fantastic looking chinos, at Oi Polloi. more

School Supplies: Moccasins

-I wore moccasins pretty religiously throughout high school, and since my last pair disintegrated I have failed to fill the void left by their absence. Thus, I have decided that it is time to snag a new pair.
-Wisconsin's Russell Moccasin Co. had some nice options (below left), and I was impressed by Yuketen's unique design (below right) and recent collaboration with Woolrich.
-Of all the moccasins I looked at, the offerings from Quoddy were far and away the most enticing. Quoddy's mocs (above) are hand-sewn in Maine and they look absolutely perfect. The price tag is a a little intimidating, but the quality is unbeatable and I will surely own a pair of these someday. I have become a firm believer in the High/Low Philosophy championed by my co-editor, but after going relatively high on some A.P.C. denim and a new coat my bank account is hurting. Luckily, I found some leather Minnetonkas for an insanely low price, and I'm hoping they hold up until I win the lottery and can cop a pair of Quoddys.
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Winter Quarter: Boot Quest

-I've managed to live in one of the rainiest parts of the country for three years now without even owning a waterproof hooded jacket or waterproof shoes of any kind. But this winter the deluge of the century has descended upon us and I want some boots. I have Clarks, but they soak through. And I wear my Top-Siders like boots, I'm finally tired of having wet feet at school. I am on a quest to find perfect boots. I'm interested in a boot that rides the line between workwear and fashion. Above are some that I like, but most are in the $300-400 range and I don't think I can justify spending more than $200. 

-Above: 

-Blackbird Boot, handmade, local, expensive.

-Hunter Wellingtons from J.Crew, simple rubber, classic. 

-Band of Outsiders for Sperry, two of my all-time favorite brands.

-Red Wing from J.Crew.

-More fashion-y but still worn-looking boots from MARSéll.

-Sperry Top-Sider Chukkas, I'll probably actually get these, $120.

-I also like these, though I think they've sold out. I'm also looking at Quoddy, for a hella Native American feel. Click image to see it in greater detail. 

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