Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
There’s nothing better than a warm pair of boots, and there’s nothing warmer than high-quality shearling lining. While the boots on this list certainly cover a wide range of styles and formality levels, they all have one thing in common: a toasty shearling lining that will keep your feet warm all winter long. You may not live in a part of the world where the weather requires a blanket for your feet, but we hope there’s something on this list for everyone else.
1) Meermin: Derby Boot in Calfskin
Meermin is one of the most commonly suggested entry-level shoe brands, especially for those looking for shoes that are on the dressier side of things. While most of their shoes are fairly understated in terms of design and material choices, they do offer several more extravagant options such as shell cordovan or these Shearling Lined Calfskin Derby Boots. While derby style boots aren’t the dressiest type of shoes out there, these will still work wonderfully for the business casual dresser or those who wear less formal clothes daily.
Available for €240 from Meermin in Oak Antique, Black, and Dark Brown.
2) Frye: Essex Chelsea Boot
I’m a big fan of shearling lining, sneaker cup soles, and Chelsea boots. So it should come as no surprise that Frye’s Essex Chelsea Boot found a place on this list. Due to the elastic panels and shearling lining these shoes are sure to be incredibly comfy, but it’s this combination that makes them hard to produce (and a bit odd, given the lack of lining across the elastic). That said, this boot is quite simplistic in terms of style and it features some understated leather choices which make them difficult to pass up if you’ve been looking for a pair of boots with this combination of design elements.
Available for $298 from Frye.
3) Quoddy: Made-to-Order Camp Boot
There are a bunch of custom-order true moccasin construction brands out there, but Quoddy is certainly at the top of the list in terms of popularity. With a large selection of styles, leathers, and soles, it’s easy to find a pair that you’d be happy to wear daily; one great option is their Made-to-Order Camp Boot with the white sheepskin lining. Moccasin style boots aren’t for everyone and will definitely only be wearable in casual situations, but for those of you who like the aesthetic, you’ll end up with a pair of boots that feature the warmth of shearling and the comfort of moccasins.
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Available for $525 from Quoddy.
4) L.L. Bean: 10″ Bean Boots
L.L. Bean is one of the biggest names in cold weather boots, and their Shearling Lined 10″ Bean Boots are some of the warmest that they offer. Sure, you could get some additional insulation if you switch to Thinsulate lining. But the shearling has a certain attractiveness and comfort that just can’t be beaten. Again, these aren’t the kind of boots that can be worn with anything but the most casual of outfits, but they’re perfect for winter excursions or traveling through the snowy streets on your way to work.
Available for $230 from L.L. Bean.
5) Vince: Counter Shearling Lined Boots
If you are a fan of Italian-style tight ankle boots but still want the lusciousness of shearling then Vince’s Counter Shearling Lined Boots are the way to go. They feature a vertical velcro closure on the inner ankle which allows the boots to remain tight fitting despite the bulkiness of the shearling lined. They are completed with a heavily lugged sole making them a great choice for this winter, no matter how cold or wet the day is.
Available for $315 from East Dane.
Plus One – Edward Green: Galway
If you want what is arguably the nicest shearling lined boot available and don’t mind paying the associated price, then Edward Green’s Shearling Lined Galway is the obvious choice. This particular pair features the same leather for both the quarters and the vamp—black Utah calfskin. As is the case with everything Edward Green produces, their attention to detail is immaculate; this pair features a matching black-shearling lining, black edge dressing, and some of the best construction quality of any brand currently available.
Available for $1805 from Mr. Porter.
