Nowadays, we associate combat boots with black, shiny, chunky boots with a high shaft. This style emerged from two parallel developments in the second half of the 19th century, when the US Army switched to black leather boots and the Munich doctor Klaus Märtens launched the 1460 Dr. Martens boot in England in 1960 as a worker's shoe. This type of boot quickly found its way from the British subculture of the 60s into pop culture, where it gained popularity through bands like The Who and later The Sex Pistols. It was not until the early 90s that combat boots appeared in haute couture: in 1992, Marc Jacobs showed his spring "Grunge" collection, where he had the models walk the runway in Dr. Martens. While this led to Marc Jacobs' dismissal on one hand, it marked the beginning of the combat boot as a fashion statement on the other. Today, combat boots are an essential part of designer collections, and there is a huge selection available in every color, shape, and price point. We are presenting a selection.
Haute Couture
Ann Demeulemeester – Jomund Lace-Up Ankle Boots
Look and Design
The boots are striking for their robust look, which is emphasized by the chunky sole and round toe, but at the same time, they possess elegance, which emerges through the smooth outsole, the softly gleaming leather, and the careful stitching.
Material
- Upper: Cowhide
- Sole: Full leather sole
Price
€1,190
Newcomer
Look and Design
Much like the Ann Demeulemeester boot, this one from the Berlin-based label shows a sense of restraint. Its slightly squared toe, extended shaft, and 5 cm (2 in) heel, however, give it a bolder, more confident look. Offizin Watson places particular emphasis on longevity, underscored by its Goodyear-welted construction, German box calf leather, and Vibram sole with a discreet hidden tread.
Material
- Upper: Box calf leather (Weinheimer Leder tannery)
- Sole: Goodyear-welted leather mid sole and Vibram rubber outsole
Price
€560
Understatement
Viberg Service Boot® 2030 BCT
Look and Design
Made in Canada, this boot is significantly slimmer than classic combat boots. The heavy rubber sole and the shiny Shell Cordovan leather still give the boot a militaristic look and provide the wearer with the necessary authority. Produced since 1931, the Viberg Service Boot is a true classic, and one can expect the highest quality due to the stitchdown construction and indestructible Shell Cordovan leather.
Material
- Upper: Shell Cordovan
- Sole: Stitchdown leather insole and rubber outsole
Price
€2,000
Budget
Solovair - Classic
Look and Design
The Solovair looks strikingly similar to the Dr. Martens 1460. They both share the distinctive, slightly transparent rubber sole, the colored stitching, and the shiny leather. In the 60s, Solovair was the name for the sole construction that was used in Dr. Martens. Solovair has been making its own complete boots since the 90s, manufactured in Northampton, England.
Material
- Upper: Corrected grain cowhide
- Sole: Goodyear-welted full rubber sole
Price
€219
Elegant Look
Makers - Work out Blucher Hi
Look and Design
When it comes to timeless elegance, a look towards Japan is always appropriate. The fine pattern of the stitched toe cap, the tight eyelets, and the uninterrupted side panels would allow this boot to work in high society or a business context. At the same time, the high heel and the heavy, thick horsehide leather give it almost a biker character, which makes this boot truly special.
Material
- Upper: Horsebutt (Guidi tannery)
- Sole: Goodyear-welted leather insole and rubber outsole
Price
€740