Sebastian Öhrn founded footwear brand Myrqvist in his hometown of Stockholm, Sweden, back in 2016, with the goal of offering high-quality, handcrafted men’s shoes at a more accessible price point. Öhrn’s vision was to eliminate the costs associated with traditional retail channels, such as agents, distributors and retailers, thereby making premium footwear more affordable.
It’s fair to say this chunky-soled winter-repeller cuts an archetypal Scandinavian silhouette, having served its apprenticeship pounding snow-laden Nordic streets on your behalf. Combining style, functionality and comfort through its sophisticated whole-cut design, the boot is expertly crafted in northern Portugal from water-resistant, super-supple suede. Equally at home worn with jeans or cords as they are with tailoring, Funäs features an iconic top loader zip closure. Lined with luxuriantly warm, foot-cocooning shearling and robust lug soles which help maximise traction and grip, making them ideal for outdoor pursuits, particularly for enhanced stability and safety in wet and snowy conditions.
In Scandinavian winters where sub-zero temperatures are the norm, boots are a practical necessity. Nordic gents have long appreciated the convenience zip-front boots offer, and how easily they can be slipped on and off. As anyone who’s spent time in this part of the northern hemisphere will testify, the zipper style is super convenient, especially when having to frequently navigate multiple layers of clothing and the need to remove boots indoors. But they’re not just about function, their zip-front form offers a more contemporary and minimalist aesthetic compared to traditional lace-up boots – and they’re as comfortable as carpet slippers.
And if, like me, you suffer from cold feet in the winter months, these are a godsend. I, for one, wish they’d been around when I watched midweek football stood on bone-tingling concrete terraces as a kid back in the ’80s on perishingly cold nights. As the old saying goes, ‘There is no bad weather, just bad shoe choices.’
Funäs runs large, so I’d recommend sizing down if you’re usually between sizes. Head into its flagship store on London’s Jermyn Street or order the shoes online and ensure you’re season-ready for when the thermometer starts plunging southwards. And don’t neglect the care; be sure to keep your suede and nubuck footwear in pristine condition by investing in a durable rubber crepe bristle-head brush, which effectively removes dirt and debris while restoring the natural nap of the suede. You can thank me later.
Lee Osborne is a menswear consultant and a co-founder of Secret Trips
