A winter boot, designed for the cold, but available in suede. Fashion footwear, but warm to a fault. The lines of a Chelsea boot, but with a zipper running down the centerline. Myrqvist’s Funäs boot is contradictions from start to finish. Does it work?

Founded in 2016, Myrqvist is a relatively new player in the world of approachable luxury shoes. They design in Stockholm, manufacture in Portugal, and have a focus on online direct-to-consumer sales, though they have a growing family of corporate boutiques: Stockholm, London, Oslo, and most recently New York. Their Funäs boot (USA: $399; EU: 349 €) is perhaps their most interesting offering, a hybrid they describe as having “a minimalist silhouette… a central zipper, and a robust Explorer sole for confident traction. Inside, a soft shearling lining ensures warmth and comfort”. It’s offered in four models: black and dark brown country calf, and black and dark brown water-repellent suede. The suede models are even more intriguing, given their intended use in winter weather.

On the feet, Funäs feels comfortable and inviting, running a bit large, though in a good way. The shearling wraps around the entire interior except for the insole and gives an immediate impression of coziness and warmth—like a favorite indoor slipper transformed into a boot. Surprisingly, the warmth doesn’t extend to overheating in most situations. Outdoors, they keep one’s feet warm down to at least 35˚F (2˚C) (and perhaps lower); but remain comfortable up to at least 72˚F (22˚C) for an entire day at the office.

Now about that suede… Myrqvist specifically describes it as “water repellent”, not “waterproof”. They also recommend using a suede waterproofing spray, which they sell, though I have heard suede experts recommend Crep Protect Spray. In practice, suitably protected, the suede seems to hold up well to light rain, or medium-to-heavy rain with an umbrella, and the occasional puddle.

Reparability and sustainability aren’t as good as they could be. Myrqvist says their shoes are “predominantly made with the Goodyear Welted construction that allows them to last for decades”, but in fact Funäs is made with cemented construction—a fact they could do a better job of highlighting on the product information page. Cemented shoes aren’t generally built to be resoled, so when the sole is done, it’s done. It’s impossible to say how long one could expect a pair of Funäs boots to last—that would depend on type and frequency of use, weather exposure, and other factors.

If you’re a city dweller looking for an approachable luxury boot with distinctive styling that will keep your feet warm and comfortable in the winter, Funäs might work for you. If you live in the country or otherwise spend significant time in harsh conditions, or if you expect your luxury footwear to last decades, look elsewhere.

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