Move aside Balrogs-wings for...Gandalf's boots

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Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

You know what they say about big gloves and big boots...

Maybe this here is the key. Gandalf, being an elderly chap, perhaps felt a growing need to accentuate his manliness by getting himself the right attributes? While some gents buy themselves a Porsche, Gandalf has chosen the oversized boots so he can make his point without uncloaking too often, a gesture which rarely is appropriate in such a conservative society.