There’s the standard mass-marketing approach to men’s footwear, and then there’s the approach taken by Umberto Luce. The nuanced attention to detail in each pair of Umberto Luce men’s boots is worth applauding — and purchasing.
From the stylish design to the unique lock-sticker outsole, Umberto Luce takes rugged, refined boots very seriously. The brand’s distressed-yet-versatile aesthetic is influenced by the brand’s namesake and founder, who brings a rock ‘n roll attitude to shoes that’s as cool as any we’ve seen.
“Rock and roll used to be synonymous with a unique sort of counter-culture, a way of life that took a path of its own. Pushing forward when the world around you resists. I loved the sensation of being part of that,” Luce said. Umberto Luce footwear represent more than just a pair for daily wear — they represent a way of life for the designer.
The blend of music savvy and old-school craftsmanship is reflected in the names of the shoes, from the scuffed and broken-in Idol Ankle Boots made from bovine leather to the Ramone Boots, a beastly pair of lace-ups that would look right at home with a faded pair of Levi’s jeans. We love the Hendrix Ankle Boots especially; they’re the sort of pair you might see paired with a crisp black suit, a la Matt Berninger of The National.
The whole look and feel of the Umberto Luce brand stems from merging art and fashion together, an approach that anyone who’s ever attended a great rock show can appreciate. The company makes much of its footwear to order in small batches in Leon, Mexico, all the while keeping that decidedly rock-ready aesthetic. Umberto himself hand-selects leathers from local suppliers, which then end up on your feet (ideally at a music festival, right?). It’s that customized, tailored approach that’s admirable — and it means your shoes are entirely unique to you.
