The showstoppin "De Stijl" Hiking Show Boot by Raf Simons

The young adventurous backpacker has a futuristic revalation on his journey?... That's what I got from watching Raf Simons S/S2008 mens collection. He's one of the few menswear designers who are bringing new ideas to the table - specifically regarding shape; whether it be the clothes or his ambitious signature hiking show boots the models wore through out the show.

Here is a cleear example of something that works perfectly and looks good on the runway, but does NOT translate into a regular man's wardrobe. Ok, I lied; they'd look good on the slopes in Whistler or Banff, but that's it. The idea is definitely pushing the boundaries but personally, its gone over board. Does anybody else find it ridiculous that these boots/shoes or w.e the hell they are, are being sold? Obviously being a Raf Simons product, quality materials are used such as patent leather on the exterior and black suede for the interior lining of the boot. The models are all wearing different versions/colour-ways of the boot, which I could not see anyone rocking in the real world (Denver was the best season). Also, the cork heel is ridiculous and quite random.


The multicoloured straps, especially on the white version are way too much. They add visual interest, but come on - and let's not even get into the wacky layered rubber sole. Seriously, I'm a fan of the concept but not so much the actual execution. With a few tweaks here and there, I think the boot would look decent: the white version on the first model above - solid colour for all velcro/adjustable straps and minimize the # of straps, "normal" shaped sole, and white patent leather rather than cork. With MY logical version of the boot, it would be worth every penny of the $1,800US price tag.




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