What Even Are Sneaker Boots?
You’re about to head out of the door and can’t decide between wearing sneakers or boots, the weather is in that strange in-between stage where it’s a bit cold and wet, but sunny and you want to be fast on your feet… Enter: the sneaker boot. Quite literally a blend between sneakers and boots, these hybrids offer comfort and practicality.
Sneaker boots, otherwise known as trainer boots often feature a high-top design that gives them a cool silhouette. They’re usually available in a variety of leather or canvas and are mostly built upon a bouncy but durable sole that can handle a variety of activities. Strangely, they’re quite a new type of shoe in the footwear market, which is surprising when you consider that they tick so many boxes. Offering something that’s not quite as rigid as a classic boot, but still more sturdy than a pair of sneakers. The result? Well, you can wear sneaker boots on casual hikes, during morning commutes, or just for running errands. Let’s see what else they have to offer.
The Reason Why Everyone Should Try Out a Pair of Sneaker Boots
We won’t keep you any longer than we have to, and we’ll get to the good bit first: Sneaker boots are the ultimate smart-casual footwear option.
After trying them out, they’re just super practical and wearable for any day-to-day activity. Not only this, they go with pretty much all outfits. For this reason alone, we’d recommend giving them a test run! Once you try a pair of sneaker boots, you’ll find that they quickly become your go-to footwear choice.
They’re comfortable enough to wear all day long, you can easily wear them with your favourite jeans, or dress them up with chinos or smart trousers for a more refined look. These hybrids offer a near-perfect combination of style, comfort, and practicality, making them a must-have for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable pair of boots.
If you’re here for the headlines – we love the Blundstone sneaker boots, because they’re a close cousin to the Chelsea boot, which use an elastic side panel, rather than laces or zips. They come in a range of colours and are made with high quality materials, making them a pretty solid choice for their price point.
The Versatility of Lightweight Boots
A huuuge positive of sneaker boots is that they’re not heavy and will make you feel light and bouncy. The mental impact that this can have should not be understated. When you wear heavy, clunky boots, you may feel quite sluggish after a long day. But with sneaker boots, you’ll feel quick, energetic, and generally light on your feet.
If you’re just dotting around the city all day or going for a long walk in the countryside, lightweight boots will keep you feeling comfortable and agile. You won’t have to worry about getting tired or feeling weighed down, which means you can focus on enjoying your activities. This can have a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being.
Finding the Right Pair of Sneaker Boots
If you are picking up some sneaker boots, remember that it’s important to ensure a proper fit. Pay attention to the toe feel. Sneaker boots should provide ample space for your toes to move around, without feeling too cramped. If the toe box feels too narrow or tight, it can cause discomfort and even lead to blisters or calluses. This will mean you don’t get any of the benefits that they are supposed to offer.
Consider how snug the boots feel around your foot and ankle. While you want them to fit comfortably, they shouldn’t be too loose or too tight. If they’re too loose, your foot may slide around inside the boot, causing friction and maybe even blisters. This can also lead to twisted ankles if you’re walking on uneven ground. If they’re too tight, you may feel restricted and uncomfortable, particularly if you’re planning to wear them for extended periods of time.
Sneaker boots with features such as zippers may rub against your skin, so we tend to suggest going for a simple design that has less risk of rubbing, check out the Active Series by Blundstone which have a minimal design. Before you commit to them, try walking around a little in the boots (inside your home if you’ve shopped online), that way you can always exchange them for a different size if they’re not quite right.
Caring for your Sneaker Boots
Proper care and maintenance can help keep your boots looking clean and ensure they’re functional for many years. Of course, this is only the case if you purchase a decent quality pair, using quality materials. Applying a waterproof spray on the shoe can help prolong their life.
So, the cleaning methods differ based on the type of material your boots are made of. For suede trainer boots, a suede brush is recommended. This can be used to scrub off any surface stains or dirt. If there are scuff marks, you can remove them with a gum eraser. After that, dampen a suede brush with a little water and apply suede cleaner. Dry them off with a towel and leave them to air dry.
Another common material for sneaker boots is canvas, whichis relatively simple to clean. Scrub away any dirt with a an old toothbrush. Use a cloth and warm water to clean the entire surface of the boot and leave them to air dry.
Lastly, don’t forget about the sole itself. Make sure to clean out any excess dirt from time-to-time, particularly if you’ve been on a muddy walk. You can use a stiff brush to get inbetween the tread pattern, and a damp cloth to give them a wipe, then just let them air dry.
And there we have it! With a little care and attention you can keep your sneaker boots looking fresh and extend their life, ensuring you get the most out of them.
Have you tried sneaker boots yet? Let us know what you thought and what your favourite pair is! We expect you’ll love them just as much as we do!
