Salvatore Ferragamo was the 11th of 14 children.  Before moving from Italy to Hollywood in the early 1900s, he actually worked at a cowboy boot factory in Boston.  To make his shoes more comfortable he studied anatomy at USC.  Shortly thereafter he founded his company in Florence.  These classic Croc Oxfords are built to last and have it all.  Enjoy. $2,100 BUY

Le Chameau has been making boots since the 1920′s. Started by an agricultural engineer, the company usesonly sustainable, eco-friendly suppliers. The rubber is extracted from Hevea trees in the Amazon, and the bark grows back for the process to be performed again years later. Natural rubber means no cracking and years of wear. The calf-leather interior lining forms to your feet over time and the waterproof zipper and buckle top means you’ll stay clean no matter what you’re doing. The best money can buy. $400. BUY