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Boots for professional dress.

Joined
Aug 27, 2008
Messages
854
I'm in school to become a teacher...which means professional dress every day. I'm accustomed to wearing boots, however, and I don't like the thought of being limited to wingtips or the like. Where can I find some sturdy boots that will look good in business-casual attire? (think khakis and dress shirts, no tie necessary).

I'd like something that covers my ankles for support, but something that doesn't necessarily look "like a boot" when covered by khaki pants. I'm putting this in W&SS because I know you guys know your boots...and also because one of the main reasons I want to have boots on each day is so that I can handle any kind of emergency in comfort, rather than in loafers.

Thanks, all.

Frosty.
 
Heya Frostyfingers,

When I am teaching or in an important meeting, I often wear a pair of Blundstone boots. Like you, I enjoy a bit of ankle support, or, at the very least, footwear that won't fall off if I break into a light jog. ;)

Check these out.

All the best,

- Mike
 
Maybe put a mirror polish on your boots if they're black.

Are you looking for zip up or lace up boots?

It might be time to visit a custom bootmaker if the market doesn't offer something that your school finds dressy enough.
 
Maybe put a mirror polish on your boots if they're black.

Are you looking for zip up or lace up boots?

It might be time to visit a custom bootmaker if the market doesn't offer something that your school finds dressy enough.

I like lace-up styles. I'm not actually teaching yet, but I will be shortly--hence, the shoe shopping. I'm sure I'll be able to find a production boot that will meet my requirements, I just thought you guys might know of some styles/makers that I'm not familiar with.

Thanks for the thoughts so far.
 
Something like this Clark's Boot would work with khakis and dress shirts.
If you are willing to consider pull ons, +1 for the Blundstone boots. I have worn mine with a suit.
 
Alden.

Oh so expensive. Oh so worth it.

These were about $425. Yes, they are worth every penny and the fit is exquisite. Should last at least 20 years with reg maintenance.

They look nice too!





For something more "casual Friday" check out Alden "Indy boots." These are the boots worn by Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones. Ford was working as a carpenter when he was cast and wanted to wear his favorite work boots for the shoot.
 
I think you should take a look at Dr. Martens. I have a pair of their work boots and a pair of their engineer boots. The engineer boots are the slip on type, but they look great with kahkis. My brother has a pair of Dr Martens chuka boots and he wears kahkis everyday for work. The one thing I love about my Docs is that I can stand and work all day in them and my legs don't feel tired.
 
I think you should take a look at Dr. Martens. I have a pair of their work boots and a pair of their engineer boots. The engineer boots are the slip on type, but they look great with kahkis. My brother has a pair of Dr Martens chuka boots and he wears kahkis everyday for work. The one thing I love about my Docs is that I can stand and work all day in them and my legs don't feel tired.

Dr. Marten's are now offering select classic style boots that are "Made in England" again instead of the usual "Made in China."

Worth a look. while not repairable,they are pretty nice boots.
 
Dr. Marten's are now offering select classic style boots that are "Made in England" again instead of the usual "Made in China."

Worth a look. while not repairable,they are pretty nice boots.

I'll third the Doc Marten idea. Something I learned last year though is that they are horrible on ice. I think it has something to do with the materials used and not the particluar tread pattern. For other types of bugout scenarios they are a great semi dress utility boot.
 
Thanks, all. Some of your ideas are a little outside a student/teacher budget :o but they all look great. I've got some ideas, now.
 
What is your price range? I'm sure that combined, we all have lots of boot/shoe shopping experience.

And, what are you teaching? Most teachers can get away with pretty casual clothing these days.
 
Look at the Rocky Boots,TMC duty Series#5015. They are USA made and US Postal approved. Which means they are a good boot .They shine up real nice too!
 
I have worn the Cabelas leather hiking boots teaching for several years. They are GORE-TEX, very comfortable and look pretty good with khakis.
 
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