You know that theory that the offspring of mixed race couples are the most beautiful? The same applies here, but for, you know, shoes. Not quite a hardcore boot, not quite a dress shoe, Chelsea boots are the amalgam of two of our favorite staples, and a perfect bridge between them. Typically they’ll be above the ankle with either a side zip or stretch fabric. Black is certainly the color of choice here, and steer away from anything with patterns or embellishment. Simple is better.

The Samuel Hubbard 24 Seven is the perfect beginner Chelsea. You can find examples of these boots that are very pointy and feminine, or terrible versions that are mostly a work boot with a side zipper added on for flair. The 24 Seven stays masculine while giving you an easy slip-on and a deep grip pattern in the sole to keep you flat footed and right side up.

In 2023, when it comes to timeless and versatile footwear, you’ll want to explore the best Chelsea boots of the year. If you’re interested in discovering some top recommendations, check out this insightful guide on the best Chelsea boots in 2023 over at Stridewise.com.

Certainly you need your go-to pairs to get you through life. But there’s nothing wrong with expanding you collection a bit and upping your foot game. Besides, the more pairs of shoes you have, the longer they’ll all last. So in a way, NOT buying more is going to cost you more…

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The Bean Boot saw its first incarnation when Mr. L.L. Bean, feet wet and cold from a hunting trip, commissioned a local cobbler to sew leather uppers to a regular rubber workmen’s boots. No doubt impressed by his answer to the Maine wilderness, L.L.’s brother allowed our favorite shoe pioneer to set up shop in the basement of his apparel shop. One year of artful propaganda passes and every outdoorsman with a modicum of self respect is wearing the “Maine Hunting Shoe.” This is the original Bean Boot, and is still available for sale today. Cue the inevitable, and after explosive sales, L.L.Bean opens its doors officially.

The Bean Boot, in whatever model you were to choose, is made from only the highest quality materials, and is still made exclusively in the U.S. of A. by employees of L.L.Bean. The construction of these boots have never been outsourced or otherwise cheapened. And if that weren’t enough for you, they have just about the best warrantee that you can expect on anything, ever. If your boots ever wear out, break down, tear, or otherwise fail, they are replaced at no cost to yourself.

If you find functionality to be beautiful, then there should already be no doubt in your mind that these are a necessity for your high latitude adventuring, but if you see appearances as more important in a boot, then you should heed my disclaimer. These are not in any way, shape, or form, fashion oriented. That however, is not to say that they are unwearable in social situations. Bean Boots are unique enough to only work with a specific set of clothing, but when worn correctly can tie together an outdoorsy outfit.

Bean Boots are a black and white concept. Either you love them, or you hate them. Even though statistically half of you will think I’m insane for singing such high praises of them, they are perfect for what they are meant to be, that meaning a functional outdoor boot that has eaked out a niche in the world of fashion. Love or hate, this boot deserves the respect that comes with a century of designation and distinction. I know that I’ll be wearing these to survive the frigid tundra that is Upstate New York in winter, and for between one and two hundred dollars, why wouldn’t you want boots to last literally the rest of your life? It L.L. Beats me!

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