Badly Worn Boots: I’m Finding This Distressing

What’s up with the scuffed shoe trend? I’m all for a little wear and tear, but these boots don’t look good. Call me old-fashioned, but when I buy new shoes (especially those in the triple-digit price range), I want them to resemble new shoes.

Maybe I’m just not cool enough to “get” the subversive irony. I know what Golden Goose, Maison Martin Margiela, and Henry cuir are all trying to go for – a rough-around-the-edges vibe that speaks of an “I don’t give a damn” attitude. But if you genuinely want to project the image you’ve worn your shoes down to the creased sole, go to a thrift store and save $1,000 bucks.

Golden Goose is known for their luxury-level-priced cowboy, riding, and moto boots that look like they got left on the train tracks for a few weeks too long. The Charlye ($1,295) has deeply aged calf leather with a beaten-up buckle touch to match. Even worse: Martin Margiela’s booties ($1,075). When a product description reads “beige water stain markings,” you can bet I’m not adding it to my cart! Wear these pebbled leather numbers and make everyone think you just trekked through horse manure. While Henry cuir’s saddle bags are rugged delights, this boot ($1,005) isn’t pleasing anyone. Seriously, what’s going on with that leather?