Aug 31 2008
Superhero Visual References: Boots
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B. Mac provides these references for boots. These will help you design a character for a comic book or novel-cover.
1) These are classic military boots. They’ll probably be pretty effective if you’re looking for your character to come off as hardass, professional, disciplined, etc. If you’d like to make these come off softer, I’d recommend lowering the heel and making the toe protrude less.
2) These SWAT boots look pretty badass and contemporary, but I’d recommend taking away the zipper. You can also simplify this boot design by removing some seams to reduce the number of distinct sections.
3) These British assault boots combine some of the characteristics of the first two pairs.
4) These British fireman’s boots have a peaceful sci-fi vibe. They look ceremonial. I like the white stripe for a slightly gaudy touch.
5) These boots also feel sci-fi. The heel makes them look slightly foreboding. Also, Cadet Davis assures me that they are so deadly uncomfortable that he would rather march in stilts… the wuss!
6) These are civilian office shoes, like what a businessman or IRS agent would wear. I can assure you they are uptight and not very comfortable. To make the character seem more relatable, I would recommend making the shoes less shiny– otherwise it will seem like he regularly buffs his shoes, which is a bit creepy.
7) These Oxford shoes are more contemporary and laid-back than the previous pair.
I’ll offer some visual references for gloves, helmets, firearms and shirts/coats later.






