While it’s not a federally mandated holiday, April 13 marks a very special occasion for anyone who has doted over their Doc Martens, fallen for their Fryes, or lovingly sighed over their Steve Maddens. Yes, it’s National Boot Day, a day to recognize the footwear that dares to be more than mere shoes. Be they bold with buckles, or coy with laces, or simple slip-ons, boots are just so damn cool, and today is the day to celebrate these amazing additions to your wardrobe. The power of the boot has reached beyond the fashion world to inspire some amazing music.
From Nancy Sinatra delivering her iconic “These Boots Are Made For Walking,” to Flo Rida and T-Pain singing about a shorty wearing “boots with the fur,” to Books & Dunn‘s country classic, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” the footwear has found its footing within the music world. The hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots is proof of that, so are Bob Dylan‘s “Boots of Spanis Leather,” Myylo‘s song “Doc Martens,” and even Wale proudly repping his “Nike Boots.”
Boots have been a mainstay in punk and metal, with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Franz Ferdinand, and Motion City Soundtrack adding a bit of edge to the playlist. Bootsy Collins brings the funk (how could we have a “Boots”-themed playlist without him), and there are plenty of cowboy boots, thanks to Dierks Bentley, Ashley McBryde, Luke Bryan, and Shania Twain.
Boots have been a mainstay on some of the world’s most famous feet. Stars love leather, and they love leather boots. Ciara, Pamela Anderson, Billie Eilish (check out her knee-highs!), Cardi B, and more know how to pull on a pair of leather boots. When stars want something more flashy, they bust out the sequined boots – even Michelle Obama will wear a glittery pair of knee-highs if she’s feeling the fantasy.
If your black boots feel too basic, and brown leather is dragging you down, there are colorful boots, like those worn by Chrissy Teigen, Rihanna, Rita Ora, and more in the past. Oh, and you know the KarJenners love boots. Who wouldn’t? They go with everything – from mini-dresses to mini-skirts to short-shorts!
A good pair of boots is worth its weight in gold. With skilled handwork, classic techniques, and a dedication to craftsmanship, Thomas Benjamin creates one-of-a-kind leather boots for men and women. His handmade boots are designed to gain texture, comfort, and age with wear, making each pair uniquely yours. The rising star of the footwear world recently teamed with Shopboy and The Balvenie for a celebration of craft in New York City.
As a tailor shop, atelier, and curated retail & gallery space located in Tribeca, Shopboy highlights brands, artists, furniture, and products that exemplify the ideal of craftmanship, an ideal shared by The Balvenie, an independent family-owned distiller that has been handcrafting whisky for over 125 years. That dedication to craft is found in Thomas Benjamin’s shoes, which will likely soon on the feet of some of your favorite celebrities.