Saturday
Nov212009
Ring Boots
Posted on 
November 21, 2009 by Ryan Willms
November 21, 2009 by Ryan Willms 
I posted some Ring Boots by Quoddy in the last 'LOOK' update, and it was interesting to read the comments about people's preferences on which ring boot they like the most. I tracked down a few different models which I like the look of, but as a shoe I would be very particular about, I think the Quoddy or Yuketen would be my first choice. In fact, Yuketen make this ring boot with their crepe sole as well which is even better. Than cut of the ankle, the colour of the leather, the size of the mid-sole, the leather used and of course the type of sole are all things to consider. I'm not overly excited by some of the shoes with crepe soles climbing their way up and over the foot, but I think the balance and shape of the crepe on Quoddy's ring boot is just right. The sole on Arrow Mocs might be too thin for some, and wear out quickly. I might switch our their chrom-pac leather for something lighter or more pliable, such as something Yuketen uses. When it comes down to it, there are elements of each that I quite like, and maybe it will be possible to combine them in the future. In the meantime, I'd be interested to hear what style of ring boots you most like? I'm not even sure I've seen anyone wearing ring boots around the city to be honest, so do you even like any of these?
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Tags : Arrow Moccasin, Quoddy, Yuketen
Arrow Moccasin, Quoddy, Yuketen 
Reader Comments (20)
I think I'm leaning towards the Yuketens. Right now I have ring strap slip-on sneakers with a cup sole by Ubiq. Also visvim has its own version called the Skynyrd.
I have the Double Ring Skynyrds by Visvim from a few years ago that I wore the hell out of. Speaking of which, I need to break those out again. I love ring mocs.
Gotta say, I'm not a fan of the ring boot style in general.
+1 sealan
although i've seen somebody rocking the Bernard Wilhelms x Camper ring moc quite good..
those are looking the best imo compared to the ones ryan posted.
not a fan of rings on boots (or any shoe really). looking very 80's to me. these boots need laces.
i just can't get into these for some reason
I'd have to see these on someone's feet to see whether or not I like them. I think the Yuketens are the most unique, but I prefer the Quoddy crepe soled ones.
i've been wanting a pair of the Arrow's for a long time now - hope to buy some day. From pics i've seen the leather looks very very thick - i would think they would hold up if double sole. and they can be resoled. I'm gonna get them some day! there's a great pic on MisterMort of a dude at a flea market wearing them - probably a few months ago...
not a fan.
Elf boots
hate to reference my blog but these glamb ring mocs while not traditional in most aspects, and after some considerable time, have grown on me. As for traditional I think it's hard to beat Quoddy's crepe sole.
http://www.thisisnotnew.com/2009/09/i-have-been-looking-at-ring-moccasins.html
This may or may not be the picture D in TX is referring to, but I think the ring boots are in it are nice
http://mistermort.typepad.com/.a/6a010535d07789970c011570a1f6bd970b-pi
I have a pair of Black Chomexcel Ring Boots From Quoddy for South Willard. They have a Camp soul which gives a lower profile. I have to say when I saw them on the shelf I thought nope, but I haven't taken them off my feet since I tried them on. They get better with age, and they will last forever given that the leather is about 3/16" thick.
i have the same pair as james, in an 11. they're awesome but a little roomy. who has a 10 they'd be willing to trade? i have to wear them with two pairs of socks. luckily they don't look big, but i'm used to wearing my joints snug. they're incredible.
I do think the Quoddy and Yuketen models are my top pics, but the Arrow Mocs look wonderful as well for a certain look.
Chris M - the shot is great and the guy looks very cool. I think thats a great way to wear the ring boots. Pant rolling is essential.
—rw
i once saw Gordon from Blue In Green SoHo rocking a pair of ring boots that he got in Mexico. I never really dug 'em before that, but I'll admit they look awesome in brown w/ a good pair of really broken-in straight leg denim
Chris M - thats the one! and i think the "elf boots" comment is right on... but i'm thinking more garden gnome as i'm a bit too tall to pull off an elf...
Guess I'm in the minority. I really like ring boots, especially the Quoddys (though the Yuketens—maybe made by Quoddy?—are really nice). It definitely depends what they're worn with, as they can look rather bulky, but with the right get-up they're pretty great. Agreed about the pants rolling; that picture from Mister Mort is pretty good at illustrating that. (Are those particular ones Visvims?)
These are timeless. They were timeless back in the late 70's when I had my pair in college ...
Flash forward 30 plus years and as I peck away at the keyboard I'm wearing the latest version of these same style ring boots. Just goes to show that outstanding quality, attention to detail and simple good looks never go out of style.This time they come from Quoddy ...a company that reinvented itself into a high end boutique custom shoemaker specializing in handmade moccasins. They used to put out stuff like Minnetonka makes. My new mocs are black with the crepe sole. For some reason the rings are an antique brass color (versus the chrome) and the rivets are brass; I think they actually look better that way. I'm impressed how these moccasins have evolved over the years since my college days; much more comfortable with the padded insoles and a wee bit 'o arch support. The squishy crepe soles make them terrific for hiking the urban jungles and ...ta-da ...they make 'em wearable in wet weather. The expense comes at a slightly "clunkier" look than the double-soled all leather version. Quoddy’s are obscenely expensive bought new; most styles well above the $200 mark and many styles approaching $300. They are, however, works of art disguised as moccains and given a modicum of care will probably last you most of your life; based on that, they are almost a bargain. And you can have them rebuilt when the soles wear (double and crepe soled versions only). Like I said, these are timeless; then, now and for time to come.
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