The Iconic Style and Enduring Popularity of Calabasas Boots

The History and Popularity of Calabasas Boots

Calabasas boots, commonly referred to as clb boots, have become an iconic fashion staple over the past decade. Their sleek, minimalist design and comfort make them a go-to for many celebrities and fashionistas. But where did these trendy boots originate from and what led to their immense popularity?

The Creation of Calabasas Boots

Calabasas boots were first designed and produced in 2011 by Calabasas designer Gabriel Garcia. Garcia wanted to create the perfect pair of casual boots that seamlessly blended comfort, style and affordability. He drew inspiration from boots worn by farmers and workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on their simplicity and functionality.

Garcia minimized the design to a sleek, rounded toe and a short, approximately ankle-height shaft. He crafted each pair from high-quality Italian suede leather in neutral hues like black, brown and beige. The boots were finished with subtle stitching details and a small loop at the top rear of the shaft rather than pull tabs or straps.

This pared down style allowed the boots to be easily dressed up or down. Garcia pitched his new boot design to several major retailers and the boots first appeared on the market under the name Calabasas Boots in late 2011, retailing for around $150-$200.

Early Popularity Among Celebrities

Soon after their debut, Calabasas boots or "clb boots" gained traction among Hollywood celebrities looking for a minimalist, neutral boot to wear off-duty. Their sleek silhouette provided a simple complement to casual athleisure looks or jeans and a t-shirt.

Some of the first high-profile celebrities spotted wearing Calabasas boots included Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian and Gigi Hadid. Their viral social media posts helped propel the boots from an unknown new brand into a highly coveted designer item seemingly overnight.

Hadid, Jenner and the Kardashians continued wearing Calabasas boots regularly throughout the early 2010s, matched with leggings, joggers, dresses and more. Photos of the trendsetting stars in their clb boots circulated widely online, exposing millions of fans to the footwear for the first time.

Collaborations with Kanye West

In 2015, Calabasas designer Gabriel Garcia collaborated with rapper Kanye West, a longtime fan of the boots, on a limited edition line. West had relocated to Calabasas years prior and wanted to showcase his new hometown through a fashion project.

The West x Calabasas capsule collection featured clb boots in bolder colors like red, orange and yellow, and with subtle branded details like custom hardware. Unisex sizing expanded the appeal across West's broad fanbase. The collaboration sold out instantly and increased demand for standard Calabasas boots as well.

Following this successful team up, West partnered with Garcia again in 2018 for a second Calabasas collaboration with an expanded apparel line alongside redesigned boots. Unique earth tone shades and chunky soles reinvented the shoes, while still maintaining their distinctive minimalist vibe.

Both West collabs particularly accelerated popularity among younger demographics like hypebeasts and streetwear fans. The boots now had an undisputed celebrity co-sign and premium designer appeal.

Growth into a Fashion Staple

Throughout the late 2010s into the 2020s, Calabasas boots became a full-on fashion staple, expanding beyond their celebrity and streetwear roots into the mainstream. Their reputation for comfort and versatility made them an ideal choice for daily wear.

The boots maintained their core design but expanded into multiple styling options. Waterproof leather or suede, shearling linings, and lug soles provided cold weather functionality. Prints and patterns offered bolder stylings. Ankle, mid-calf and knee-high shaft heights catered to varied preferences.

While still priced at the higher end, clb boots were more reasonably accessible than many high fashion designer shoes, especially collaborations. This combination of quality materials, timeless design and attainable cost helped them stand the test of time in a fast-moving industry.

Today, Calabasas boots remain popular worldwide with celebs, influencers, fashionistas and everyday wearers. Their iconic minimalist look feels at home with modern casual outfits. Continued new colors and variations keep the line feeling fresh. Their ease to dress up or down also appeals across demographics and styles.

As Kanye West, the Kardashians and other celebrities move on to new trends, Calabasas boots remain steadfast in closets and street style. Their staple status seems poised to last in the footwear fashion world.

How to Style and Care for Calabasas Boots

Calabasas boots offer incredible versatility that makes them easy to incorporate into all sorts of outfits. But styling clb boots properly helps maximize their potential. Certain care practices can also extend the life of your shoes.

Styling Tips

Here are some top tips for styling Calabasas boots:

• Match them with jeans, leggings or joggers to emulate their signature casual vibe
• Pair them with dresses, skirts or shorts for an on-trend model off-duty look
• Go monochrome by wearing them with pants or tops in the same neutral tone
• Layer with socks in a complementary color or print for extra flair
• In chillier weather, style them over top of skinny jeans or leggings to show off the shaft
• For formal occasions, wear them with sleek trousers or a midi skirt and blouse
• Incorporate patterned or printed clb boots as a statement piece in otherwise simple outfits

Care Tips

Follow these care practices to get the longest wear out of Calabasas boots:

• Use leather conditioner every few months to moisturize and maintain the material
• Wipe suede boots down with a suede brush weekly to revive the nap and prevent dirt buildup
• Store boots with cedar shoe trees inserted to absorb moisture and prevent creasing
• Keep boots stored in breathable dust bags when not being worn
• Blot spills and stains on leather boots immediately to prevent discoloration
• Take leather and suede boots to a cobbler for repairs to extend their wearability
• Use a protective spray to waterproof suede and leather boots in wet conditions

With some care and strategic styling, Calabasas boots can deliver countless wear for years to come!

Where to Buy Authentic Calabasas Boots

Due to the immense popularity of Calabasas boots, fakes and knockoffs abound both online and in stores. Only purchase clb boots from authorized retailers to ensure you're getting the real deal.

Directly from Calabasas

Purchasing directly from Calabasas.com or one of their brick-and-mortar stores guarantees authenticity. You'll get access to the full range of colors, materials and silhouette options from classic suede to limited collaborations.

Shopping directly from the brand also ensures you're getting the highest quality Italian leather and suedes. Beware unauthorized retailers using cheaper, inferior materials.

Authorized Retailers

There are a select number of authorized retailers that stock authentic Calabasas footwear. These include luxury stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's, plus footwear specialists like Zappos and Nordstrom.

Before purchasing from a third party, check Calabasas' website for their full list of approved retailers. This will help avoid counterfeits slipping into the supply chain of unauthorized sellers.

Resale Market

Sites like Poshmark, The RealReal and GOAT authenticate pre-owned items, allowing you to score deals on gently used Calabasas boots. Look for detailed photos showing identifying marks when shopping resale.

You can verify shoes purchased pre-owned by checking for signs like the embossed Calabasas logo on the insole and Italian size markings. Cross-check details like stitching, hardware and sole logos against photos from Calabasas.com.

Buying resale can save you money, especially for sold out and limited release styles. But be vigilant in your authentication checks to avoid being duped by fakes.

Why Calabasas Boots Remain So Popular

Calabasas boots have managed to remain one of the hottest footwear styles for over a decade. So what is it that makes them such a perennial favorite?

Celebrity Obsession

The early adoption of Calabasas boots by style stars like Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid and Rihanna cemented their status as a must-have item. When the biggest names in fashion wear a single type of shoe this regularly, it's sure to generate ongoing buzz.

Cool and Classic Styling

The pared down, slightly retro design evokes timeless workwear with a modern twist. They straddle the line between trendy and timeless. This versatility adds to their longevity and wide age appeal.

Premium Construction

Calabasas boots are crafted from the finest Italian leathers and suedes, prioritizing quality over cost cutting. This ensures they last through seasons of wear, not just a few outings. The construction echoes pricier designer brands.

Brand Values

Calabasas has cultivated brand recognition and values like high quality, comfort and effortless cool. Consumers feel connected to what the name represents. The boots allow them to tap into that lifestyle identity.

Affordability

While positioned in the premium bracket, Calabasas boots cost substantially less than other major luxury brands. This makes them an obtainable status symbol for a wider demographic compared to say, Prada or Gucci.

Calabasas boots check off all the boxes: celebrity connections, standout style, quality construction, aspirational branding and just the right price point. Their winning formula makes them a fashion staple that's here to stay.

FAQs

Who founded the Calabasas boot brand?

Calabasas boots were founded in 2011 by designer Gabriel Garcia, who wanted to create the perfect minimalist casual boot.

What makes Calabasas boots so comfortable?

The boots are made from soft, premium Italian leather or suede. Their rounded toe shape and minimal styling also contribute to their renowned comfort.

Where are Calabasas boots manufactured?

Calabasas sources its high quality leathers and constructs the boots at its company-owned factory in Italy.

How can you make sure Calabasas boots are authentic?

Only purchase directly from Calabasas.com or authorized retailers. Check for the embossed logo and Italian size markings to authenticate pre-owned pairs.

Can you wear Calabasas boots in winter?

Yes, they make styles with shearling lining and rugged lug soles perfect for colder weather wear.