February 10, 2012 world of men's style / fashion / grooming RSS
“Desert Boots”
12/06/11
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Good Idea

Desert Boots Have Hit the Saturation Point

Desert Bootsvia Primer Magazine

Walking to work this morning, we spotted no less than five gentlemen wearing suede desert boots. Six, if you count the pair on our own feet.

It’s no wonder; they’re great shoes. On some level, we should have been glad that the men of New York are catching on to the glory of Clarks. But we weren’t glad. Instead we felt a creeping sense of unease, and wondered if we should sneak back to our apartment to change.

It’s a common moment for gentlemen of style—and for anyone as allergic to trends as we are, it’s a moment that deserves a closer look…

The saturation point, and what to do about it»
 

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07/09/10
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Object

The Other Desert Boot

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It’s hard to compete with Clarks’ poster boot for desert footwear, but we think we’ve found a contender: the Velskoen.

These “vellies” were first made by the Dutch East India Co in the 1600s, modeled on Khosian tribal footwear in Namibia. (Yes, Africa.) Herbert Schier still uses the original model and hide of the native Kudu—which recently found its way onto the ACL x Cole, Rood & Hahn chukka—but with an eight-person shop he’s only able to make 30 pairs a day. Which means you’ll be in very good company.

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04/24/09
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Object

Aiming High

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We tend to be a little wary of high tops, but this Clae pair has just about everything we need. They’re desert boot-ish without being desert boots, and the white soles give it a contrast missing in more earth-toned sneaks. And we can always use a little more matte black.

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03/03/09
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Dept. of Corrections

The Devil’s in the Details

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If you’ve leafed through the front of this month’s DETAILS, you might have seen the usual bunch-of-stuff section titled “Investment Pieces.” It’s not a bad angle—they certainly need to address economics in some way—but they don’t seem to have told their writers about it.

The result is a few safe staples mixed into the same trend-driven stock they’ve always specialized in. Luckily we’re here to separate the wheat from the chaff…

We catalog the errors of the monthly periodical»

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12/30/08
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Object

Half in the Boot

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Desert boots may have run out of novelty, but there still a few remnants kicking around.

For instance, Southern Gentleman Billy Reid’s shoe-boot hybrid. The bottom is all oxford, but we detect a notable Clarks influence around the sloping laces.

As for the non-sandproof soles, we doubt he’s trudging through many dunes in Tennessee.

(Hat tip to the Choosy Beggar for the find.)

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11/06/08
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The Biz

Bloomtown

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Business may be slowing down lately, but the menswear business is doing just fine according to the Bloomingdale’s CEO. Of course, he probably wouldn’t mention it if he were hocking the family jewels, but it’s nice to know we’re out-consuming the fairer sex.

Our theory: It’s all those desert boots.

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10/30/08
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Object

A Few of Our Favorite Things

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DC is usually a bit below our radar, but this shoe popped up by virtue of combining two of our favorite things: desert boots and mod culture.

Usually mod footwear consists of Beatle boots and the occasional sneaker, but Aaron Rose managed to bring the two together with a sly tartan lining and a red contrast stitch. And, of course, those thick, gummy soles that mean you won’t get too familiar with the pavement.

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10/22/08
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Object

The Madness Continues

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…and the desert boots keep coming.

This latest one is from the west coast (where, coincidentally, there are actual deserts), via Seavees, previously our source for summer-colored sneakers.

The model (named 12/62, after December 1962) takes its cues from something they call “Desert Modernism.” There are a handful of architectural influences, including the Coachella Valley’s Maslon House, but we’re just glad to see leather laces on something that’s not a boat shoe.

This one’s our favorite so far…but we imagine we’ll see a few more before the year’s through.

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10/20/08
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Object

Something in Common

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Apparently we aren’t the only ones with our eyes on desert boots. The latest Common Projects line just went up with the selfsame shoe tucked in among the usual leather shell-toes and upscale Chucks.

Mr. Varvatos cannot be far behind.

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09/25/08
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Across the Sea

Just Deserts

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So far they’re most popular among the hip-hop crowd, but Clarks Desert Boots are one item that’s ripe for crossover. The desert part means they’re impervious to sand, but the main appeal is the roomy, bubble-like front.

The Japanese have already caught on. Clarks is going halfsies with Japanese brand SHIPS to land in select Tokyo retailers with a rare ebony-leather version of the classic boot. They don’t look half bad…from here, anyway.

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06/13/08
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LinkOut

Jay-Z Sued for Style, Mustache Victorious, and Chris Martin Finds New

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Pure Oscar Gold: There’s something about Fridays and
Charilze Theron that just works. [ href="http://egotastic.com/entertainment/celebrities/charlize-theron/charlize-theron-nude-and-grabbing-her-breasts-in-gq-uk-003687"target="_blank">Egotastic]

Bush Warrior: A Scottish pilot get’s top-brass
approval for his handlebar mustache. Good to see there’s some progress
in Afghanistan. [ href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7451939.stm"target="_blank">BBC]

Kick Up Some Dirt: Seeking a leather alternative to
sneakers in these hot times? These boots are perfect for navigating
the sand storms of Manhattan. [ href="http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/12/feeling-for-desert-boots-in-summer/">The
Moment]

We Can’t Fix You: Aww, poor self-deifying mope rocker
Chris Martin didn’t like the questions Radio 4 asked him. Bono never
had to put up with this. [ href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7452341.stm"target="_blank">BBC]

Sweet Leaf: Hicky Freeman reopens, stoner iconography
intact. [NYMag]

Fighting Over the Flow: Some sucka is suing the Jigga
claiming he thieved his style. This may be the worst idea ever. [ href="http://www.newkerala.com/one.php?action=fullnews&id=72525"target="_blank">New
Kerala]

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