Men's galoshes: varieties, recommendations for choosing
Men's galoshes are still a popular accessory, but today they have undergone significant external changes and may well be considered a fashionable addition to the image of the modern dandy. However, they have not only a classic embodiment: rubber models for the city, EVA options, summer ones with holes, garden ones, put on shoes, insulated, for self-wearing - they are all found on sale equally often. The variety of the product range enables every man to find a suitable model for periodic or regular wear.
What models are most popular with fashionistas, what types of products are produced by modern manufacturers, we will consider in more detail.
Historical reference
To understand the modern assortment of men's galoshes, you first need to carefully study all the features of this accessory, which allows you to protect your feet from dampness in rainy weather.
Galoshes or, as they are also called, galoshes were known back in the 19th century and according to various versions, they were produced by the first American colonists or enterprising Englishmen who did not want to put up with constant colds due to wet feet. Be that as it may, but the discovery of rubber and its properties marked the beginning of experiments in the field of creating waterproof shoe covers. For a long time, the experiments did not give the desired result: the material hardened and broke in the cold, and literally melted in the heat. Everything changed with the discovery of the vulcanization process, which gave rubber the necessary characteristics.
By the way, the first experience in the field of mass production of galoshes was acquired by the world famous today companies specializing in the creation of car tires Goodyear and BFGoodrich. It was the creator of one of them, Charles Goodyear, who managed to revolutionize and give the world the vulcanization of rubber, and with it - a lot of rubber products. Later, galoshes came to Europe and the countries of Asia.
In Russia, rubber shoe covers have acquired the status of an irreplaceable addition to shoes made of natural felt - felt boots.
Varieties
Among the various types of all-weather accessories, men's galoshes are distinguished by a wide variety of types and types, as well as their versatility. Today, these shoe covers are made in different designs.
- On shoes... For model shoes, special products are produced that are as close as possible in texture and color to the shoes themselves.
- On the boots. Specialized products are most often targeted at fishermen, builders, electricians and other people who are forced to be outdoors for a long time.
- On felt boots. Protects the felt from getting wet.
- On sneakers. Models take into account the bulkiness of the shoe, often have an original design and higher sides.
- Summer with holes. They are used as garden or outdoor shoes and provide adequate ventilation for the foot and toes.
- Insulated... Option to be worn as a stand-alone shoe. Inside, depending on the design, there is a lining made of artificial or natural fur, fleece.
- Fashionable. They are worn alone or together with shoes. They have a bright original design and unusual colors.
Materials for making
Modern manufacturers clearly distinguish the types of materials that go to the manufacture of galoshes.
- EVA - lightweight polymer, used by most large manufacturers and is valued for its resistance to temperature extremes.
- Pvc - a cheap option, which is often used by manufacturers from China.It is only good for summer shoes, as it slips too much in winter.
- Silicone products are produced in regular and insulated versions, often have military-style colors.
- Rubber galoshes many domestic brands are produced for the city. Being a dielectric, they are included in the category of elements of the uniform of specialists whose work is related to the adjustment of electrical and communication networks.
- In fashion collections, rubber galoshes have already changed models made of Du Light material - foamed rubber, which minimizes heat loss, is not afraid of frost and retains elasticity in any weather.
The advantage of this option is the non-slip structure of the outsole.
Colors and combinations
Classic men's galoshes have traditional colors - black or dark brown, almost invisible on shoes. Shiny covers are produced for patent leather shoes. Bright options are also available - yellow, orange, blue, green, red, purple. Such galoshes are aimed at a youth audience or daring fashionistas. They can have different designs, look like sneakers or sneakers.
You can combine galoshes in a classic or lacquered format with trousers, suits. Bright designer models are suitable for the summer season or winter, if you add them to boots. With jeans, you can wear special summer options, more like clogs with a closed heel. Work galoshes are worn with special overalls and uniforms.
Country models made of PVC often have an original design due to the colors in the military style - in them, if you wish, you can go for a walk or fishing.
Popular brands
Among the products demanded by fans of men's galoshes are products of some brands.
- Speci all... Russian company that produces specialized galoshes for hunting, fishing, tourism. The company manufactures products on the basis of the Krasny Bogatyr MPO using modern Italian and German equipment.
- Oyo. A company with a design bureau in Spain and Russian production facilities. Specializes in the manufacture of garden galoshes.
- M & Go. French brand that produces multicolored galoshes for true fashionistas. You can find an option for different types of shoes.
- Fred & Matt. A Swedish company that creates high-tech breathable overshoes with a zipper and comfortable lining.
- Ecco... Mass-market brand offering galoshes for shoes of its own production.
- Tingley. Non-lining galoshes with different types of openness and fit. Considered a luxury product.
- Swims. Galoshes with a heel and a heel are made in Asia, but have a very decent quality, there are premium models, options for different types of shoes.
How to choose?
To choose the right galoshes, you first need to decide on their purpose. If these are garden models or for the garden, it is worth giving preference to options made of hypoallergenic silicone, unlined or insulated, in early spring. They are durable, practical, and inexpensive.
For fishing, hiking in the forest, performing various ancillary work, models from EVA are better suited. Foamed rubber of this type is very light - it weighs 6 times less than rubber, resistant to wear, oil and petrol resistant. It is hypoallergenic, does not allow electric current to pass through.
Galoshes provide additional cushioning of the sole, do not cause discomfort during long wear.
Today it is customary to choose fashionable contrasting accessories for model shoes, boots, sneakers. The fact is that it is still impossible to completely hide the galoshes due to the difference in textures. That is why designers offer to show them honestly. Bold orange, turquoise, lilac are considered actual colors. Lovers of the classics can diversify the palette of their galoshes with ink or dark brown options.
About what types of men's galoshes exist, see below.