The Obtainer - 1/10/24, Wednesday
↦ Get Yourself Some Good Boots
Wednesday, January 10th Edition
How’s the weather where you are? I’m guessing it’s pretty nasty. But never fear, at least your feet can be well-dressed, warm and dry.
- Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Good/better/Best
Who Makes the Best Boots?
When the weather is this cold, this wet and this treacherous, only a proper alpine boot will do. Good thing that hiker styles have never been more popular. That's probably because, unlike some trends, these boots are as practical as they are stylish—helping you trek through winter's harshest conditions while keeping your feet dry and looking damn good while doing it. And you will be able to wear them year after year (even after Gorpcore runs its course), so you might as well invest. But which is right for you? We tried on a handful of pairs to bring you three smart options, in a range of price points. But don't worry, they all look great and can stand up to everything from a city slush puddle to an icy mountain trail.
Constructed from heavy-duty polyurethane and waxed canvas with a Sympatex waterproof membrane
Fits and feels more like a heavy-duty sneaker
Removable quick drying merino-lined insulated footbed
Classic lug sole
Pallatrooper hiking boot, $200 by Palladium x Finisterre
Kudu leather upper, with full wax impregnation, is reliably waterproof
Made in Italy and finished with quick-lacing external metal hooks
Rubber toe cap for added protection from moisture
Vibram “Megagrip” toothed tread pattern sole for optimal traction
Andres hiking boot, $589 by ROA
Made in France with Norwegian welted construction
Distinctive wrap-over tongue system with gusset
The sturdiest of all the models, these will require a break-in period
Chunky natural rubber lug sole is easily able to be resoled
Avoriaz hiking boot, $705 by Paraboot
Stuff We Swear by
Sleek Insulated Winter Pants
UNIQLO has long been known for its reliable and affordable basics, but the brand’s HEATTECH collection comes in particularly clutch this time of year. The line is designed to provide warmth without the bulk of conventional thermal wear. It uses innovative fabric technology to generate and retain heat while wicking away moisture, keeping the wearer warm and comfortable in cold weather. I picked up a few pieces like their long-sleeved T-shirt, which is excellent for insulating body heat; however, I’ve been living in the warm-lined pants.
The pants exterior is made of a sturdy ripstop and has two hidden-cargo-style zipper pockets. They're ideal for wicking away moisture from the body, which is crucial for maintaining warmth in cold containers—moisture on the skin can make you feel colder. The interior of the pants is fleece-lined and feels like your legs are in a sleeping bag. They’re that cozy. And the fit is spot on. I’m typically between a 29 and 31, so the brand’s small size fits perfectly. If you need to size up, these also have an adjustable built-in nylon belt buckle.Get the pants while they’re now on sale. I highly recommend copping them in two colorways. Whether looking for après-ski wear or a blend between tech and sweatpants, the HEATTECH pants are your best option. My only gripe is if you get the black pair, keep a lint roller on standby because they somehow attract all the dust bunnies, but for the price, I can live with it.
- Leon Hedgepeth
HEATTECH warm-lined pant,$39.90 by UNIQLO
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
Need a side table that can fit into any area of the house? HAY’s ‘don't leave me’ side table will do just that. Featuring a handle so you can carry the table from room to room, the table’s slanted legs provide stability wherever it ends up.
$224 / $188by HAY
For their end of season sale, J.Crew is offering an extra 50% off marked down items. Which means this sturdy twill chore coat now rings in under 50 bucks.
$198 / $47.70(w/code SHOPSALE)by J.Crew
Pour your next cup of coffee from this stylish carafe. It holds one liter of coffee with a glass insert to keep liquids hot or cold for hours.
$100 / $70by Stelton
An alpaca sweater for under $200 is insane. Snow Peak's version is made of nylon, wool and alpaca blend with an oversized fit. Since it's a roll-neck, it'll keep your neck protected from the cold.
$239.95 / $119.97by Snow Peak
Saturdays' down-filled puffer jacket is crafted from pearlescent nylon. It's lightweight yet warm and features adjustable drawcords on the hood and elastic at the cuffs and hem.
$475 / $190 bySaturdays NYC
This made-in-USA cap from Noah is 100% wool and guaranteed to keep your dome cozy.
$44 / $27.92(w/code FW40)by Noah
STUDIO VISIT — with Mark Aver
November 17
