I’m sorry I had to type what you’re about to read, and I need you to know I do it only because I’m chronically online and need to seize an opportunity when I see one. Fall has befallen us, so it’s time for (you to) slay the house down boots.
Alright, but seriously. As we wipe the final tears shed over summer’s end, we rub our palms in cheeky excitement for our autumn wardrobe. There’s only so many jorts-mule-linen combos one can mathematically style, so we’re itching to layer up again, and diversify our footwear options.
We’ve said what we had to say about liner, rain and other waterproof jackets; spoken about loose knits, cardigans, popover hoodies and high top Jordans; and laid plain our seasonal shoe trend predictions. Something we have yet to get into this year, however, are heeled boots.
Not news, per se, but men are are and have been gradually overcoming their shyness toward the latter, thanks in part to the palpable uptick in the popularity of Margiela’s Tabis or male Mary Janes.
Of course, too, the bigger, broader developments at work to un-gender the rules of dressing are to blame, most recently on display at NYWF – though this is owed its very own investigation, and needn’t be dwelled on here any further. I
t’s more important, for now, to come into contact with the various shapes these heeled boots for men can take, for you may find them more intriguing than you do intimidating.
Heeled Boots: Men Need Some ‘High Heels On their Tippies’
CELINE Snake-Effect Chelsea Boots
The momentum backing heeled boots for men may stem from the revival of boho and glam rock aesthetics – all of which Hedi Slimane masters in. Just about any shoe crafted under his supervision could’ve made this list, but these recent CELINEs are especially serperb. Get it?
Dries Van Noten Suede Boots
Based on this silhouette, it’s not just the heels that are high this season, but the shaft of the boot, too. With a subtle wink at the Wild Wild West, Dries taps into what’ll be an autumnal suede craze.
Frye Bruce Pull On Boots
While we’re on it, for something a bit more on the nose: The cowboy theme’s been around a wee bit, though it’s not showing signs of galloping away any time soon. That means it’s safe to lasso these into your shopping cart.
GmbH Ankle Boots
You won’t catch anyone horseback riding across open plains in these babies – though you might catch a glimmer of their reflective metallic details in the throbbing dark of a Berlin club night.
Maison Margiela Suede Tabi Boot
If you do favor an earthier palette, Margiela’s iconic Tabis now come in a sandy suede. The older sibling, perhaps, to the sub-label MM6’s widely sold-out it-shoe.
Rick Owens Flared Kiss Boots
From one unlikely it shoe to another, Rick Owens’ infamous Kiss Boots were – and still are – all the rave to those in-the-know. Not for the faint of heart – neither price- nor look-wise – are their over-knee, flared counterparts.
Saint Laurent Ankle Boots
As far as heeled boots for men go, this shiny, skinny, near-stiletto’d ankle boot is probably safer in the hands – or on the feet, rather – of those who’ve already had some practice walking above ground.
Toga Virilis Buckle Boots
If you like your boots with a bit of hardware, these Americana-inspired ones are a classy collision of all that we love in footwear atm. They’re indie sleaze, Texan, and slender shaped to equal amounts.
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