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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Similarly to Utah weather, the Monty Hi is incredibly variable, and can be enjoyed in many different situations. My Grey/Teal Hi’s got inquisitive questions from a sneaker-connoisseur as I was strutting through the library in the morning, although he too wasn’t convinced they would hold up well in the snow when I told him they’re marketed as something of a sneaker-boot combo. We were both able to agree, however, that the shoe looked unique and would fit right in on his shelf next to his  newest Jordan’s. Later on, unbeknownst to me, it had begun to snow. Hard. When I finally got out of my evening Architectural Theory class, which ironically is held in a class with no windows, I was confronted with making my way to the other side of campus to catch the bus with nothing but snow in sight. To my surprise, I arrived home an hour later with my toes completely dry, thanks to the oiled suede and high grade nylon typically found only on seriously expensive hiking boots. Although I didn’t encounter too many slick surfaces, on the snow, I never slipped. This is thanks to the exposed EVA mid-sole with a heel stabilizer and the bespoke Ridgemont half cup outsole, making for sure footing regardless of if you’re boogyin’ at a club during Sundance, or trudging back to your ski cabin thereafter.

The structure of the shoe is quite rigid and feels like a boot, but definitely manages to pull off a modern, athletic silhouette successfully. The only criticisms I can offer are the limited color-way options, and the comment that the athletic silhouette does come with a tradeoff –  by no means is the boot exceptionally warm, so make sure to pair them with some thicker wool or thermal socks. All in all, if you’re looking a good-allrounder I can attest that the Monty Hi can get you from snow bank to date spot with no hesitation.

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During my commute to class, I felt quite comfortable and incredibly stable, even on a few more iced over inclines at the bus-stop. This level of versatility is nothing new from Ridgemont, yet is just as much of a pleasant surprise as the first time I came in contact with an Outfitters shoe: The Monty Hi. The Crest, in contrast, is significantly lighter, and although it offers comfortable ankle support, doesn’t quite match the level of the Monty – but then again, the Crest is a drastically lighter shoe that reminds more of the Southern California skate culture, and less so of the Colorado Rockies snow communities, the way the Monty does.

With Utah fitting right between the two, I took the liberty of introducing the Crests’ to some Utah habits to get a better understanding of their abilities: I stopped at home to drop by school backpack off, grabbed my board at the door, plugged my head into the newest Yeezy album, and went for a cruise. After blowing a few stop signs, sliding the board to a standstill to test the grip of the soles, and one or two emergency bails, I was sold this shoe could easily double as a quality skate shoe. As I boarded home and hopped on my motorcycle to study at the library, I continued to enjoy the Crest. It provided a rigid composite lasting board, combined with an Ortholite sole, making it stable enough for any hike, should you choose to throw one at it, but also comfortable after quite a few hours into the night studying at the library.

The Crest Hi is perfect for anyone needing improved ankle support and water proof grade construction, without having to sacrifice their steeze.

Under normal circumstances, you’d have to take your pick: active and capable but uncomfortable and uglier than your aunt’s Crocs, cool but only wearable during sunshine and blue skies, fashionable but flimsy, the list goes on an on of possible combinations that only sometimes are the right option.

With Ridgemont Outfitters, you’re able to find a shoe that meets all your needs without compromise, tailored to your particular style, that’s always the right option.

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