John Elliott, the LA-based designer, has released the Speed Lace Up Boot, his first offering for 2021. Made in Italy, the rugged ankle-height silhouette lace-ups are actually modeled after traditional Italian mountaineering boots, but with updated details like a neoprene lining and extra cushioning in the footbed. The process of creating the boot was largely accomplished throughout 2020. Fortunately, Elliott spent time in factories just outside Florence pre-COVID, right up until February of last year, enabling him to establish the groundwork needed to get the boot designed and constructed. Elliott’s explained that his focus with the Speed Lace Up Boot was comfort and ease of wear, stating, “The goal here was really just to try to create something that is really easy to get on your foot, in terms of the amount of time and effort and feel.”

The John Elliott Speed Lace Up Boot merges a traditional hiker footwear silhouette with high-end materials including a choice of a desert suede calf leather or a black leather upper along with a black nylon webbing quick lace system. This is accented by a neoprene tongue to help provide a bit of visual and textural contrast. With a hiking-inspired sole made with Vibram cushioning, the boot is built atop authentic Italian outdoor soles. The Speed Lace Up Boot is an excellent example of the rise in fashion that sees designers drawing inspiration from outdoor wear in a bid to incorporate haute elements with conventional utilitarian finishes.

For more news on boots, check out IMBOLDN’s The Case For Cowboy Boots.