New boots

[TomFromBama]

I'm not a boot expert by any means, but I'm a big fan of Dr Martens in general both for wear-ability and durability. That first link you posted looks an awful lot like a Dr Martens Affleck:



I have a new pair of these in the black and white oxford style, and I think they are great boots, but they DO require a considerable break-in period!

http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Martens-Aff.../dp/B00IM55DOI

[gwynng]

I would totally avoid the taller moccasin looking boots you have on the second link. They are really specific and only seem right for Renaissance fairs or reenactment. A way too limited in wearing options. As where a nice brogue boot can go pretty much anywhere from casual to suit and tie type affairs. I am thinking that black might be more versatile, but that is based more on my kilt/sporran options than anything. Definitely go for one of the brogues.

[cookingkilted]

So looking into the recommendations all of them are around the same price. So I will keep thinking and looking. Thank you all for your input.

[brewerpaul]

I've a pair of Allen Edmonds Longbranch boots that I find I can wear with kilt, breeks or jeans. They are about as comfortable as you can get and are hand made. For a price of 350 they are steep but if you get on Allen Edmonds mailing list you might pick them up for the price I did, 250$. They have quite a few other nice boots and shoes to that are all kilt worthy.

[Llama]

I've a pair of Allen Edmonds Longbranch boots that I find I can wear with kilt, breeks or jeans. They are about as comfortable as you can get and are hand made. For a price of 350 they are steep but if you get on Allen Edmonds mailing list you might pick them up for the price I did, 250$. They have quite a few other nice boots and shoes to that are all kilt worthy.

I just saw these in my local Nordstrom Rack on clearance for $100. I really tried to fit my foot into them, but they were too small. I'm considering buying them full-price because I love the look so much.

[Michael Flemming]

The Longbranch boot is on sale on the Allen Edmonds web site at the moment.

http://www.allenedmonds.com/aeonline..._-1?style=6043

Does this boot have a removable insole?

[Livonian]

I highly doubt that Allen Edmonds would use removable insoles in their general line of footwear. I know that some of their "comfort shoes" and "golf shoes" do, but by and large, they use a leather and cork footbed (which is integral to the shoe's construction) as shoemakers have done for a few hundred years. Such construction prevents boot stink, allows for proper support of the foot (news flash: cushion and support are mutually exclusive in most cases), and makes for a sleeker profile (never a bad thing, in the opinion of most shoe-lovers). Go for it... just be prepared for the quality shoes to multiply.