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.
A nice pair of perforated cap toe boots are perfect if you want something that can be dressed up or down. Sure, other design elements will affect a pairs formality level, such as sole, leather, and pattern,
1) Sanders: Picusa Cap Toe Boot
Sanders’s Picusa Cap Toe Boot is one of the best looking perforated cap toe boots on the market, and what makes that tragic is that it is a Japan exclusive model. Difficulty in acquiring a pair of these boots aside, their low price, historical design, made in England quality, and overall presence really makes them compelling purchase option.
While the shiny leather might not appeal to everyone, it can easily be dressed up if the mood strikes you.
Available for $335 from Clutch Cafe.
2) Alden: Reverse Tobacco Chamois Cap Toe Boot
If you’ve always wanted a pair of Aldens but never been able to find quite the right pair, then today might be your lucky day. Their Reverse Tobacco Chamois Cap Toe Boot, made from what many of us consider their most attractive non-shell offering, features 9 contrasting brass eyelets, tonal stitching, 360 degree welt, and a commando half sole.
All in all, this is a solid option for a good weather (or bad weather) boot, and can easily be paired with your casual or business casual wardrobe.
Available for $635 from Sherman Brothers.
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3) Tricker’s: Eaton Cap Toe Boot
Tricker’s Eaton Cap Toe Boot features a perforated cap toe as well as brogueing around the quarters. While British styled perforations are often larger in diameter that those from non-British shoemakers, the ones on this pair appear a bit more understated, possibly due to the dark color of the leather.
Whatever the reason, the natural storm welt, studded Dainite sole, half gusseted tongue make this a fantastic daily boot that can be dressed up on occasion.
Available for $545 from Division Road.
4) Oak Street Bootmakers: Cap Toe Trench Boot
Oak Street Bootmakers’ Trench Boot is a fan favorite, and the cap toe version in Natural Chromexcel is one of the attractive versions. Each pair is finished with a leather sole, 360 degree flat welt, and antique brass eyelets, which look fantastic whether you pair them with leather laces, flat waxed laces, or waxed round laces.
All in all these details come together to form a fantastic all around boot that will only get better with each and every wear.
Available for $426 from Oak Street Bootmakers.
5) John Lofgren: Combat Boots
If you’re looking for a perforated cap toe boot and aren’t afraid to drop some serious coin, then John Lofgren’s Combat Boots deserve some consideration. They’re made from natural Chromexcel leather which might not excite everyone, but the vintage-style Vibram 700 sole, curved back strap, rolled top edge, and storm welt give this boot an excellent appearance that will look even better on foot than in pictures.
Available for $820 from Standard & Strange.
Plus One – Carmina: Balmoral Boot
Thus far all of the boots on this list have been fairly casual while still allowing for easy dressing up. However, Carmina’s Balmoral Boot is a dress boot first and foremost, but can be dressed down to an extent if necessary.
Made from Horween Shell Cordovan these boots aren’t cheap, but are surprisingly reasonable given the cost of the materials and quality of the construction. These boots feature closed lacing, which denotes a more formal pair of boots, and the Balmoral line that wraps around the circumference of the the boot raises that formality level even further.
But if you have the need for some seriously dressy boots then look no further.
Available for $990 from Carmina.
