A good pair of leather boots are like the bread and butter of a well thought out, put-together man. We’ve been rocking them for centuries.
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Literally centuries.
As both a fashion staple to any man’s outfit and protective barrier between you and the ground you walk on, it makes sense to have a pair of boots that will take care of your feet and step up your wardrobe simultaneously.
But is that $300 pair any different than the $30 pair? And above all, is the price worth it?
I got to try out a pair of luxury boots from high-end designer M.Gemi, and here’s what I found out.
What’s The Difference Between a Basic Boot And A Boujee Boot?
For most boots and especially for M.Gemi, one of the biggest differences is materials.
Bargain boots at your everyday store are most likely made of materials that are cheap to make and therefore, cheap to use. Synthetic materials or PU leather is a common one used in many cheaper shoes and boots.
While man-made materials are more affordable initially, they can end up costing you more in the long-run. Cheaper materials tend to wear away much quicker, and can easily fall apart within even the first year depending on how often you use them.
M.Gemi uses one of the oldest and most reliable materials there is — leather.
Leather has been the main component of a solid boot for years, and to this day is one of the best materials to use for longevity.
Their Grotto line uses deerskin and features a distressed finish. It’s both soft, yet durable and makes the pair look both rugged enough for a night out, yet polished enough for a day at the office.
Another big difference that I’ve seen is how the boots are actually made. This will also affect the longevity and quality of the boot.
While machines are designed to create boots in bulk, M.Gemi works with small, family-owned workshops in Italy to create unique, handmade boots.
This gives their lines even more durability. A handmade boot will boast more precision in the stitching and will help keep them from falling apart long-term.
Between the materials and manufacturing — the main thing to take into consideration is how long you want your boots to last. If you want a good 2-10 years, go for a quality leather boot.
If you just need a pair to sling around in the mud and survive the crowded club floors, it may be safer to get a cheaper pair… just don’t get too attached.
Is M.Gemi Worth It?
In my opinion, I think it comes down to how you want to spend your money. I personally would rather spend more on a well-made pair of boots that will take care of me as long as I take care of them.
I also live in a small apartment, so the less I have in my shoe collection, the better.
Lastly, I’m on my feet a lot during the day, so it’s important for me to have a supportive boot, preferably that doesn’t take long to break in. M.Gemi’s boots come without any break-in period, support for my feet, and don’t carve into my ankles.
I enjoyed the versatility with the Grotto pair and loved how much they brought together the rest of my outfit for a variety of occasions.
Obviously, if you’re vegan or would rather not purchase products made with leather, this would probably not be the pair for you. They do offer other shoes, however, that don’t use animal products and are still handmade and durable.
Boots Made For Walking
Overall, I was impressed with the quality and comfort of these boots. They didn’t make my feet sore, looked great, and look even better with age and some scuffs. I also loved that they could be worn at the office or the bar. This is a pair that can be used for any occasion.
They’re a bit of an investment initially but are worth it as they’re made to last and will save money over time.
For men on the move, M.Gemi delivers boots that were made for walking.
Jack is a freelance writer in Illinois with a lot of unfinished tattoos. He likes whiskey, stand up paddle boarding, and being outdoors. When he’s not writing, you can find him at the pub with his friends and family.
