There comes a time in every dad’s life—somewhere between the annual lawnmower tune-up and the deep existential reflection over grill temperature zones—when he realizes he needs serious shoes. Not dad sneakers. Not the boots that have seen more oil changes than trail miles. Real shoes. Enter: Irish Setter Shoes, because even your feet deserve a midlife crisis upgrade.
I recently had the pleasure- or at least the rugged, ankle-hugging experience- of trying out the Setter Fifty 6-inch boots. These boots look like they’ve survived a bear attack, even if you’ve only worn them to pick up mulch at Home Depot. They’ve got that “I’m outdoorsy, but also concerned about arch support” vibe.
Let’s start with the full-grain leather. It’s responsibly sourced, which means your conscience can feel almost as good as your feet do—assuming your conscience wears boots with CuShin™ comfort tongues. (If you’ve never felt a CuShin™ tongue, you’re either missing out or walking in a cruel joke.) That padded miracle is like a spa day for your shins, assuming your idea of a spa involves breathable nylon collars and recycled outsoles.
Speaking of the outsole—yes, it’s made from 51% recycled materials. So you can tell your friends you’re saving the planet one rugged step at a time, even if you’re stepping over your kid’s Lego minefield in the living room.
Now, if you’re not feeling the whole “boot that could double as a tire tread” aesthetic, there’s always the Setter Fifty Oxford. Think of it as the boot’s laid-back cousin who went to art school and drives a hybrid. It keeps the iconic moc stitching and white wedge sole (because heritage must be honored), but with a low profile that says, “I care about comfort, but I also own at least one pair of jeans without grass stains.”
The Oxfords also have the CuShin™ tongue—I’ll be honest: neither the boots nor the Oxfords improved me at hiking, hunting, or assembling IKEA furniture. But I did look significantly more competent doing all three. And isn’t that half the battle?
So whether you’re gearing up for the backwoods or just trying to win “Best Dressed in Flannel” at the local brewery, Irish Setter has something that’ll make your feet—and your rugged self-image—very happy. Don’t blame me if you start taking longer “trash runs” to show them off around the block.