You might quibble with my designation of these as classics, but to me, any piece that can take you in several different sartorial directions—from punk rocker to lady to nature girl—proves its timelessness. Sometimes, I like boots in this category to be on the polished side, but this time around, I’m really feeling like the clunkier the better. This pair of Doc Martens is actually vegan, and I really dig the thick platform.
Here’s a boot from the sneaker brand Greats that I’ll bet is super-comfy. And of course I’m fond of the yellow laces.
A metallic boot that’s not too shiny, which is crucial with metallics.
The wedge heel here is good for anyone who craves a bit of height.
A slightly more polished option that still looks substantial.
More Doc Martens—these are fleece-lined, which is so luxe.
The small pops of color here are fun, but subtle enough to not be too much.
A patent leather pair that’d be aces with a dress.
So too would this slightly longer pair from Vince.
Blue suede isn’t for everyone, but if it is your jam, you couldn’t beat these (they come in—but are mostly sold out in—a couple of other hues too, BTW).
These also come in a tan suede iteration that’s quite nice.
A well-priced pair with serious treads.
And finally: this reminds me of old-school Timberlands, but with a nice, chunky heel.
I bought the Vince Cambria boots last year, and the soles are very hard and uncomfortable. Also, the heel is hard and gave me blisters every time i wore them, which was about a dozen times. Had to wear bandaids, and that combined with the killer hard soles was a bummer. Definitely size up so you can fit an insole for comfort.
You got me. the metallic all saints. and they had my size…impossible to resist. life is short…buy the shoes!
I love the look of many of these options. However, I can’t buy into the concept of lace-up boots with zippers. To me, it seems like wearing both a belt and suspenders. I bought a lovely (though not quite so chunky) pair of Madewell lace-ups in particular because they don’t have zippers.
It’s all about the ease factor for me, Toni. But, to be fair, I probably felt differently 20 years ago.
I need a zipper to get them on/off but love the look of laces so the combo is perfect for me.
I have very narrow feet so I have to lace up tight, but I appreciate a zipper that eliminates the need to do the yank/tug/tie thing every single time
This is a really great curated list––truly something for everyone and all classic. My last Docs lasted 15 years so cost per wear means they were practically free! And here’s a side note: Amy Siskind posted on Instagram this morning that the actresses in Golden Girls are YOUNGER than the actresses in And Just Like That…. (am I the last one to this particular party?)
I’m a purist about lace-up boots too: no zippers allowed. So of course the Stuart Weitzman’s are my favorite in this great selection. And has no one mentioned comfort? You can walk around a city all day in a lace-up boot.
I do not need a pair of chunky metallic boots. I do not need a pair of chunky metallic boots. I do not need….
oh, eloise, but you do. we all do.
My resolve was melting, even sans inner zipper, but they are sold out in my size.
Crap, they do have an inner zipper – wonder if they really will notify me if my size comes back in stock.
Those sly little devils are very, very tempting.
Ugggggh those metallic boots are beauties.
Absolutely a classic! I wear Docs almost every day in the winter (and then some).
Combat boots, hiking boots and lace up paddock boots are classics-there has been a pair of of one or all of these styles, flat or with heels, in my shoe collection since my freshman year of college way back in 1980.
And speaking of Timberlands, they are still pretty darn good and extremely comfortable;).
those paint splattered jeans, though.
Ok, those All Saints gunmetal ones… The hug of the shaft, the square of the heel, and–I think my favorite aspect–the seam across the top of the foot. The seam shifts the grain of the leather and the reflectivity of the finish, adding this elegant edginess. You’d think that could foreshorten the foot in a clunky way, but I think it adds dimension. –I’m always leery of a trip to SchmaltzyTown re: metallic shoes, but these veer away from that district. Cool.
I bought a beautiful pair of Docs a couple years ago and was so disappointed by the quality. They have a HOLE in the sole and the leather cracked even though I take very good care of my leather goods. My last pair lasted probably 20 years! Next time I’m just going to buy a pair from Solovair, the original manufacturer.
I was 15 – 24 in the 1990’s. This post is making my 90’s heart belt out all the lyrics to the Pixies while I online shop all posted. I want the metallics badly – If I think about them two sleeps later I will pull the trigger.
Boy, those lace-up Docs and all the variations thereon (Docs are the Ur lace-up, imho) hit me in a very mid-90s, Pacific-Northwest, vest-and-beret-wearing sort of way. I was cool, once upon a time. Lace-ups might be just what I need to get my mojo back. Any and all of these would do the trick.
I was relatively late to the Doc Marten lace-up boots party – in college I didn’t think i was cool enough to wear them – but embraced them when i was able to pay for them myself (in the 90’s). I wore them forever! And now my 26 year old niece has a pair, and I got her 15 year old sister a pair for Christmas! By the way, they both think I’m super stylish and not old at all. It’s possible they are sucking up, but I’ll take it. HA!
I was late to the Doc game (but have since made up for it). I am a size 5 and my first pair was a hand- me- down from my then 10-year old niece.