Last week I visited a Clark's shoe shop and tried on a pair of their classic desert boots. They felt tight and uncomfortable across the bridge (the top bit) of my foot very tight. They didn't seem particularly well made and the size seven was too large and the six was too small and they don't do half sizes. And they were £79.99!!!!!!!
I'd seen the Silverman's online catalogue that featured classic desert boots at £27.99 and as I was in the East End today I thought I go and try on a pair. The company that makes the shoes Silverman's stocks is called Roamers. I have included a link for you below so you can see the range (no personal connection):
http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Products/Mens/Boots/Desert_Boots_list.html
I tried on the 'ghillie' and the five eyelet boot in taupe in a size six. Both pairs were very roomy for my short wide hobbit feet and felt comfortable across the bridge. I bought a pair of the latter. Very pleased with them. They have a cambrelle-type lining which is supposed to aid moisture wicking in hot climes. Dunno if this is true but they felt very comfy in my little walk around London. I cannot believe how people spend that much on a pair of inferior Clark's when these are a less than half-price alternative.
Here's the link to Silverman's:
http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Product...+BOOTS/ItemId/2023/CurrentPage/0/Default.aspx
I didn't know what to expect from Silverman's. Most army surplus shops I've visited are a bit smelly and you kind of browse through a jumble of clothing. Not so at Silverman's. Of course it's a step up from an army surplus store as it supplies pukka kit to the military as well as high end retro motorcycle gear. Imagine an old-fashioned shop with a counter behind which staff ask what you require and then retrieve from the stock room in the back (which I imagine is massive; I'd love to see it!).
I would have liked to have had all the items on display because browsing is part of the fun for me, but the staff didn't baulk when I asked to try on differing sizes and colours of M65 jackets and fishtail parkas and shoes. They were helpful and offered advice without any pressure to buy. A real old-fashioned service. I'll be back.
I'd seen the Silverman's online catalogue that featured classic desert boots at £27.99 and as I was in the East End today I thought I go and try on a pair. The company that makes the shoes Silverman's stocks is called Roamers. I have included a link for you below so you can see the range (no personal connection):
http://www.christophershoes.co.uk/Products/Mens/Boots/Desert_Boots_list.html
I tried on the 'ghillie' and the five eyelet boot in taupe in a size six. Both pairs were very roomy for my short wide hobbit feet and felt comfortable across the bridge. I bought a pair of the latter. Very pleased with them. They have a cambrelle-type lining which is supposed to aid moisture wicking in hot climes. Dunno if this is true but they felt very comfy in my little walk around London. I cannot believe how people spend that much on a pair of inferior Clark's when these are a less than half-price alternative.
Here's the link to Silverman's:
http://www.silvermans.co.uk/Product...+BOOTS/ItemId/2023/CurrentPage/0/Default.aspx
I didn't know what to expect from Silverman's. Most army surplus shops I've visited are a bit smelly and you kind of browse through a jumble of clothing. Not so at Silverman's. Of course it's a step up from an army surplus store as it supplies pukka kit to the military as well as high end retro motorcycle gear. Imagine an old-fashioned shop with a counter behind which staff ask what you require and then retrieve from the stock room in the back (which I imagine is massive; I'd love to see it!).
I would have liked to have had all the items on display because browsing is part of the fun for me, but the staff didn't baulk when I asked to try on differing sizes and colours of M65 jackets and fishtail parkas and shoes. They were helpful and offered advice without any pressure to buy. A real old-fashioned service. I'll be back.
