Text: Jiří KrálPhoto: Ilja Hubálek
Choosing shoes for spring, summer or autumn is not particularly difficult. There is a whole range of Oxfords, derbies and monk shoes on the market, and you will fairly quickly find a pair you will gladly incorporate into your formal or casual outfit. The problem arises in winter. Finding nice shoes that pair well with a suit, do not slip on ice and can handle a bit of snow is quite a challenge.
What to watch out for when choosing winter shoes
When choosing winter shoes, pay attention to three main parameters: height, material and sole. Winter shoes should reach above the ankle so they hold warmth better and can better protect you from wet and snow. The right material is quality polished leather, which not a single drop of water will penetrate. A grooved rubber sole is also very important so that the shoe does not slip.
Bear in mind that winter shoes are taller than the classic ones that end below the ankle. The trouser legs you wear with them should therefore be shorter. With a casual style, you can easily roll up a longer trouser leg. However, if you want to wear tall shoes with a formal outfit, you should have several pairs of trousers in a shorter cut in your wardrobe.
Classic tall lace-up shoes
The ankle-height version of the classic derby shoe is very easy to match with the rest of your wardrobe. As with ordinary low shoes, you can choose an unadorned formal version or brogue detailing suitable for a casual style. Usually a rounded toe and a heel give the shoes a stylish, slightly military look.
These shoes will give you a sure step on the way to a business meeting as well as on a walk along a frosty pavement. If you take good care of them and clean off the salt regularly, they really will last a long time.
What they go with: Just like derby shoes, tall lace-up boots pair splendidly with a suit and with chinos. Especially in tan and cognac colours, they look excellent not only with plain but also with checked suits and coats.
Origin: Tall lace-up boots are often adorned with brogue perforation. They were first worn by gentlemen of the English countryside, who hoped the perforations would drain water and provide ventilation. Today, however, the pattern is purely aesthetic.
The minimalist elegance of Chelsea boots
Thanks to their clean and elegant appearance, Chelsea boots have found a great many admirers around the world. Their hallmark is a wide strip of elastic fabric on each side of the boot that replaces the laces. They are very comfortable to put on and to wear and they fit any shape of foot beautifully.
Chelsea boots look particularly good on gentlemen of slimmer build in combination with narrow, slim-fitting trousers. To show them off properly, the trouser legs should be shorter.
What they go with: Chelsea boots are the best choice for an elegant business style with a slim-fitting suit. They can, however, also be combined with a more relaxed style.
Origin: Chelsea boots were worn during the Victorian era by horse riders. The boot reached the mainstream in the 1960s, when it was made famous by the members of The Beatles.
Chukka boots are typically characterised by two- or three-eyelet lacing and ankle height. In addition to their handsome appearance, their advantages include exceptionally comfortable wear. Unlike other types of welted shoes, they adapt very quickly to the shape of their owner's foot.
It is no wonder, then, that chukka boots made of firm, smooth polished calfskin rank among the most popular winter footwear. They hold warmth splendidly, yet they are also very light and airy, which makes wearing them all the more pleasant. Moreover, they do not rise as far above the ankle as the two types of shoes mentioned above, so you do not necessarily need shorter trouser legs than you are used to.
What they go with: Chukka boots are easy to match with both formal and casual styles. Chukka boots with a narrower toe suit suits better, while a wider rounded toe pairs with chinos and jeans.
Origin: The unusual name comes from polo, in which British colonial officers used to wear this boot. A "chukka" is the term for a 7.5-minute period in the game. During the Second World War they proved their worth in desert combat. That is why suede chukka boots are sometimes called "desert shoes". Their height protected soldiers from sand, and the leather tolerated both the daytime heat and the cool nights well. Excellent breathability was another advantage.
Are you looking for winter shoes, or are you unsure about the correct length or cut of your trousers? In Blažek stores, our experts will help you choose stylish winter shoes. They will also share a few tips on how to match them with the rest of your outfit.
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