They're not the nicest looking footwear in my collection by a long shot, but definitely the most practical. I recommend that you get a pair and spend some days traversing the Peak District. Then off home to a hot bath and a nice chat on TI. (Not simultaneously though, for health and safety reasons.)

Paraboot I would love if it weren't for those damn tags. I just cannot imagine 1950s Lino Ventura or Jean Gabin with tags on their shoes.

Tags can be razored off of course: as with a Grenfell jacket I was wearing about twelve or so years ago.  Silly tag on a top pocket.  Off it went - sliced!

Anyone know where they're made now?

I saw a pair in a charity shop in Stamford around 2008, priced at around £10.  Can't remember where they were made or even whether they were my size.  I'd seen them on sale at Russell Street and taken a dislike to them - much as I was to do, slightly later, with Paraboot.  In the first instance, my aversion may well spring from the fact that, as a young manual worker, I had to wear boots on site.  Later, after obtaining my degree and training to be a teacher, I only wanted to wear shoes.  Does that make sense?

Leave it, reluctantly. I have no need for such a thing. So the threat of ersatz lumberjack looms. Wankerism. An unacceptable risk.

Years ago I actually had a need for some sturdy work boots and I found something called the Knapp farm boot. On those rare occasions now when I am actually operating some kind of machine, like a log splitter, and there is a good chance of something heavy falling on my foot, I dig them out.

Mack James - a pair of their loafers are being offered on Ebay.

Walkover: the OLD tradition of Ian Strachan and the Richmond Ivy shop.  I loved my old FBI shoes very much.  They came in their original, rather crumpled box, with the receipt (1967, I think the year was), but they were just a little on the small side.  I remember wearing them with an Alan Paine grey cashmere v-neck and probably a white Brooks Makers and grey flannels.  I still have the v-neck but, sadly, nothing else.
There are some Walkover bucks on Ebay, that look rather like my old Dexter.

There's a photograph of Robert Wagner in 'The Hip', holding a trumpet and wearing what look like battered work or even army boots.  It's not a good look, especially at a time when most genuine players were trying - and succeeding - in looking their best: Miles, Chico Hamilton, The MJQ etc.

Must admit I would never wear a pair myself but I get the wider Filson, Woolrich and Bean aesthetic.

On the mean streets of Birmingham I have occasionally spotted these urban lumberjacks. I suppose they're the bridge between us lot and hipsters in chore jackets, Patagonia and beards.

Didn't the Japanese guys term it Heavy Ivy.

If I venture out doors in muddy conditions or to watch some pointing I prefer wellies.