Timberland Premium Boot
$175; www.timberland.com
WHAT YOU GET: Rugged, waterproof, and straightforward in its design, the lug-soled, leather-topped Premium is one of Timberland's best-selling boots, used by everyone from construction workers to rap stars to casual hikers. At the Stratham, New Hampshire, company's online studio, you can create personalized stompers, choosing from almost 135 million combinations of colors and stitching styles. There's not quite as much choice with sizing: The boots come in standard lengths and widths.
THE PROCESS: Go to www.timberlandbootstudio.com and make your selections from 12 different style options, including colors for leather uppers (from black to cornflower blue), rubber soles (did you know they came in white?), and stitching. The site shows you what the boots look like as you try out various combinations.
THE PAYOFF: Even if I'd decided on pink boots with blue collars, gold laces, and white outsoles, the Premiums would still perform and wear as well as the original. While the ones I picked (above) are not comfortable enough to take on an overnight backpacking trip, I'd be hard-pressed to find another boot that makes the transition from street to streamside so seamlessly.