What Makes The Best Boots My Criteria For Selecting These 10 Boots
Before the list of the best boots, I wanted to start off by sharing the criteria I used in making my selections.
The main factors I looked at were value, comfort, quality, fit, and aesthetics. Together, I feel that these five variables make up a fair representation of the best boots. Let me quickly explain my thought process behind each of these:
- Value: When it comes to boots, you almost always get what you pay for. With that said, you can consider value instead: this speaks to what you get compared to what you pay. If I say a boot has great value, it means the brand could be charging more for the quality theyre offering.
- Comfort/Fit: Of course, the best boots need to be comfortable. Whether you wear them for a few hours or the entire day, you want your boots to be soft yet supportive, ideally with a measure of shock absorption. Oftentimes, you wont even notice youre still wearing the most comfortable boots!
- Quality: The best boots are more or less synonymous with the highest quality boots at least, to a certain point. The materials used should be premium, and the boot needs to be built to stand the test of time.
- Aesthetics: Finally, I considered the aesthetics that a boot provides. This is all about appearance, and sure, it may be a bit surface level but the best part about building out your collection is having a boot for every occasion!
- Wide variety of leathers
- Sturdy construction
How Many Pairs Of Boots Should A Man Own
Ideally, a man should have two to three pairs of boots in their wardrobe. The first is a pair of suede chukkas in a neutral color such as tan, which pairs well with semi-casual outfits such as chinos and jeans. Next, a pair of Chelsea or lace-up boots are also vital. Preferably you’d have both a pair of black Chelsea boots that can work with a suit, and more casual lace-ups to alternate with your chukkas. Then it’s onto optional boots. If you live somewhere cold and snowy, a good pair of insulated winter boots is vital. A pair of these will keep you safe and warm and prevent damage to your regular footwear. Lastly, if you’re into outdoor adventures, hiking boots would also be an excellent investment.
Mens Work Boots And Engineer Boots
Do you work to live or live to work? The best work boots do both. Designed to be worn during your 9-5 and well beyond it, with their tough aesthetic and reliable construction, traditional leather work boots, aka engineer boots, were first . These days, youre more likely to be wearing them on a cocktail terrace than a train track but the chunky old-school look still delivers results.
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Bottega Veneta Puddle Rubber Boot
Picture this. Youre out fly fishing on a secluded river somewhere beautiful. But the ground is sodden and boggy. What you need is a pair of puddle-optimized bootssuch as the perfectly named Puddle Rubber Boot by Bottega Veneta. Made from biodegradable rubber and durable enough to survive the wettest conditions, these designer boots for men come in a Chelsea-boot style with a cotton lining and leather footbed.
Best for: Ultimate protection from the soggiest and slushiest of conditions.
Awesome Mens Boot Styles
Filed Under: Boots, Buying Guides, Essential Styles, Fall Style, How To Style, Style, Winter StyleTagged With: Boots, Cap-Toe Boot, Casual Style, Chelsea Boots, Chukka Boot, Desert Boot, Dress Boot, Fall Style, Moc Toe, Plain-Toe Boot, Style Essentials, Winter Style, Work Boot
About the Author
Khoi left the advertising industry, transitioning into a full-time style blogger. He created Gentleman Within as a way to document his own style journey while helping others along the way. He believes that style is worth caring about, and that through style, men can become their best selves. Connect with him on , and .
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Fitkicks Original Womens Foldable Shoes
Planning footwear for cold-weather travel isnt all about protection from the elements. Youve also got to plan for chilly indoor floors. FitKicks foldable shoes have a rubber sole, so they can be worn outdoors as wellbut for winter travel, your best bet is to pack a pair of these fold-and-go shoes as a comfortable slipper alternative.
Arcteryx Acrux Tr Gtx
Arcteryx continues to enamor with its technical designs, and they arent confined to utility-approved outerwear. The brands Acrux TR GTX boot features a beautifully-realized SuperFabric upper that calls upon micro-plate technology to keep them as light as possible, while still promoting above-average abrasion resistance. Injected EVA midsoles provide ample cushioning over long distances, while a 3D-molded OrthoLite insert has been incorporated to keep your feet free of fatigue. A grippy Vibram MegaGrip rubber sole and GORE-TEX waterproofing tie the Acrux together.
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Bottega Veneta The Lean Boots
Like a cross between a Chelsea boot and a cowboy boot, Bottega Venetas The Lean evokes the original outlaw footwear but also has a stacked heel at a jaunty angle for a playful 60s mood. The thick outsole further amps up the fashion factor. Maybe they wouldnt be the boots of choice for John Wayne but for any fashion-minded 21st-century male, theyre a great choice.
Best for: Refined Wild West cool that will look as good on city streets as it does in stirrups.
Vasque Breeze At Mid Gtx
Vasques Breeze AT Mid GTX is another formidable offering from the brand. It incorporates a durable and aesthetically-acute waterproof nubuck leather upper, GORE-TEX membranes, and an air-mesh upper for increased ventilation during those long ascents. To round things out, an All-Terrain Compound midsole provides wearers with increased cushioning and comfort, complementing its supportive thermoplastic polyurethane shanks for unprecedented stability.
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Sorel Caribou Waterproof Snow Boots
The ultimate no-messing-around footwear, Sorels signature Caribou boots can tackle the toughest of winter conditions. With their unfaltering durability, theyre the epitome of rough and ready, made from a combination of seam-sealed waterproof full-grain leather and vulcanized rubber and with a thick Sherpa pile snow cuff. Definitely some of the most comfortable boots around.
Best for: Venturing dauntless and determined into the chilly depths of winter.
Axel Arigato Chelsea Boot
We cant get enough of Swedish brand Axel Arigatos sustainably crafted sneakers and now these Chelsea boots have shot straight to the top of our to-buy list too. Theyre made from premium suede with a subtle yet high-impact Arigato gold stamp on the heel. The round toe and a pull-on loop mimic the classic Chelsea boot silhouette and the sole has a thread pattern for added traction on wet streets. Also available in glossy leather.
Best for: A restrained style that still has classic rocker edge.
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Crockett & Jones Tetbury Calf Boot
Todd Snyder
The chukka is a slippery category to define, but at its most generous includes any ankle-height boot with two-to-three eyelets. They can vary wildly in formality, but Crockett & Joness Tetbury is decidedly a dress chukka, distinguished by a waxed calfskin upper and a square, extended toe. My 10.5UK pair felt a bit large at first with thin cotton socks, yet there was a satisfying feeling of suction when I stepped inthis is a boot expertly contoured to the shape of the foot. Though I experienced heel slippage at first, the issue subsided as they broke in. The Tetbury is made on the brands 348 last, which allows for an extra inch of space at the toe and took some getting used to but did not impact the overall fit. I also appreciated its thick Dainite sole, which gives it a town and country feeling without detracting from its dressy appeal.
The Best Casual Boots For Men
A pair of boots is a must-have wardrobe staple for men. A versatile footwear choice, they’re both comfortable and stylish. Different types of boots can create endless style options. For the best casual boots for men, Kohl’s is where you need to be!
You can create a casual look by pairing Timberland boots with jeans and a t-shirt. Chukka style boots, like these men’s Clark boots, can add a sophisticated look to your outfit. Choose a combat boot if you want to add a little bit of edge to your style. Men’s cowboy boots are great for achieving a homegrown look. Or if you’re looking for a casual boot that can double as a work boot, try steel toe men’s boots like these men’s Caterpillar boots. Just be sure to keep your boots clean to avoid looking messy!
No matter what kind of boot you’re looking for, Kohl’s is the best place to find casual boots for men!
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Salewa Mountain Trainer Mid Gtx
Salewas Mountain Trainer Mid GTX is yet another mid-height offering that goes above and beyond in terms of technical capabilities. It calls upon a GORE-TEX performance membrane, Cleansport NXT antimicrobial odor control, and an OrthoLite midsole for increased support during your most arduous treks. On its exterior, supple suede leather and a Vibram Alpine Approach sole bridge the gap between form and function.
Northside Mens Back Country Waterproof Pack Boot
Men headed to cold and snowy environments will appreciate these boots by Northside. Built for outdoor activities, theyre lined with Thermolite insulation for warmth without bulk. A removable felt liner with faux shearling collar can be called in on extra cold days. And with its D-ring lacing system, the Pack Boots are easy to take on and off at airport security.
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Florsheim Lodge Plain Toe Gore Boot
MOST VERSATILE
A refined, black leather Chelsea boot is a cornerstone of the modern mans shoe collection. It looks super smart if you wear it with a pair of jeans, a tee and a flannel or jacket. It also looks super smart if you want to wear it with a blue suit. We think Florsheims upped their style game and created a smartly styled option for the Chelsea boot. One of the loudest gripes about Chelsea boots is that the circumference of the opening is too narrow for the foot to easily slide inside, but Florsheim widened the boots throat, making wrestling with your boot a thing of the past. Theres more sleekly styled comfort with this boot the toe is a rounded almond shape, meaning your toes wont get cramped like they do in pointy-toed boots. Inside is an OrthoLite cushioned footbed that absorbs shock while providing support and comfort. Dont like a black boot? Well, it also comes in two different shades of brown.
Mens Ankle Boots And Jodhpur Boots
The extensive category of ankle boots into which Jodhpur boots fall represents some of the most versatile and dependable footwear a man could ask for. Jodhpur boots were first worn by polo players in India in the 1920s and still offer some of that retro equestrian elegance. They, and other mens ankle boots, are perfect for pairing with skinny jeans or smart tailoring, bringing dapper decadence to any ensemble.
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Carhartt Composite Toe Boot
Were not sure when Carhatt became cool but well happily jump on the trend. These black work boots are the perfect halfway house between no-nonsense practicality and something you could wear to a posh cocktail bar with your date next Friday. As a pair of bonafide safety boots, they feature a composite safety toe for protection against impact, compression, and even electrical circuits of up to 18,000 volts. Because you can never be too careful.
Best for: Atrendingstreetwisestyle thats also as tough as nails.
Clarks Originals Desert Boot
A classic variation of polo-inspired chukka mens boots, the key difference is the casual and exceedingly comfortable crepe sole. Nathan Clark, whose grandfather founded the eponymous shoe store in 1825, first noticed the style on the feet of British troops in Myanmar in World War II. He sent sketches back home, and the design has remained virtually unchanged since 1950.
As staples go, this is quite possibly one of the most important pairs youll own, says Sarah Ann Murray, a stylist who has dressed the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Kit Harrington. Whats particularly relevant about them, given the ankle height, the weight of the boot and its fabric, is that they complement all heights and builds and pretty much all trouser styles, even suit trousers.
Clarks offers a handsome color palette with clean lines and unfussy finishings, though you cant go wrong with chocolate brown if you can only pick one, says Murray. Theyre perfect weekend attire, great paired with casual trousers or smarter jeans and offer a cool alternative to luxury sneakers.
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Ugg Mens Butte Snow Boots
The UGG Mens Butte Snow Boots have a solid 4.5-star rating on Amazon, thanks to their stylish yet practical design. These waterproof, leather-lined boots with warm wool protect your feet from dampness and the cold . The Vibram outsole has a special pattern on the bottom to help with traction on icy surfaces.
Best Chelsea Boots: The Rm Williams Comfort Craftsman
- Made in Australia
- Yearling leather is a great balance of soft and tough
- Versatile aesthetic
Chelsea boots are a fundamental part of any guys wardrobe and the best has to be R.M. Williams. Now, you might think Im biased because I am Australian and every single Australian owns a pair of these boots, but they have a solid reputation here in the United States as well.
The yearling leather is a great mixture of soft and tough, and Id say its one of the most versatile Chelsea boots you can get. Its not uncommon to see them worn with a suit in Australia, which is where they are proudly made in Manhattan dressing up Chelsea boots is a tad more controversial, but these boots can definitely be worn with a t-shirt or with a blazer.
Not everyone likes the slightly square toe but theyre insanely comfortable , they last forever, and Hugh Jackman does their commercials, so ~$550 may be perfectly justifiable for you.
- Robust, casual aesthetic
The final boot on this list is also the most underrated: the Ranch leather boots from Taylor Stitch.
Taylor Stitch is a clothing brand, not a dedicated footwear brand, so that might be why everyone slept on this boot upon its release but its really solid. The design is great, the leather is tough, the sole is grippy, theres some firm but supportive foam in the insole, and the boot has a storm welt like the Alden Indy for extra water resistance.
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Dsquared2 Leather Western Boots
These leather Western boots by Dsquared2 look like theyd be perfectly at home in the saddle. But with their glossy leather upper, sharp heel, and elegant profile, we can also imagine them being worn to a fancy restaurant as well as around the ranch. A top pick for anyone who considers themself an urban cowboy.
Best for: More trendy cocktail bar than Butch Cassidy and tumbleweed.
Boots Are Sexier Than Shoes
Guys functionality isn’t the only reason to wear a good pair of boots.
You know what they say. The first thing a woman notices about a man is his footwear. Let me tell you women find a stylish pair of boots hugely attractive. Boots show confidence, power, and style.
What more could a woman want in a man?
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Wingtip Boots And Brogue Boots
Once the remit of country gents, brogues have smoothly made the jump from rural chic to urban elegance and today can be found in all sorts of styles, including as brogue boots. Combined with the equally fancy wingtip toe style, the decorative perforations of brogues are a subtle way to dress up a casual outfit such as chinos or jeans and are also a great match for a suit.
What To Look For In A Pair Of Men’s Boots
A chunky boot can be the life raft in your morning commute when the puddles are deep, the snow is slushy and its too late to turn back. The criteria for cold-weather boots is different to the sleeker styles you wore all summer . Forget sleek, narrow silhouettes, look past fine suede and supple Italian leather, and opt instead for something that summons adjectives like, “chunky”, “hefty”, “shit-kicking” etc.
Though the human race can knock out a new iPhone every 12 months, the tech that keeps our feet warm and dry has gone largely unchanged for 5,000 years. I would always recommend boots with leather uppers, says Neil Kirkby, from heritage shoemaker Cheaney. The natural material adapts to the shape of your feet with each wear, making them extremely comfortable for the long term, and when looked after properly can endure many seasons to come.
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to leather. The gold standard is full-grain leather, which can often be identified by a pebbly, textured finish. As the name suggests, full-grain uses the complete skin and as a result is stronger and more water-resistant.
Not only are boots one of the easiest pieces to incorporate into a mans winter wardrobe, they are also extremely comfortable, and offer great support and warmth during the cold and unpredictable months.
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