The Best Boots For Men

Buying Guide

It’s a common myth that guys don’t have as many options as girls when it comes to clothing. In most areas, that might be true, but when it comes to boots? It’s a wide open field. When you think of a men’s boot, you might be talking about a short and stylish Chelsea, a tall, non-nonsense engineer’s boot or anything in between. Find the right one, and you’ve got go-to footwear you can count on for years — but you have to first narrow down where you plan to wear them.

There are more types of boots than we can possibly cover here, but let’s break them down into four main styles: Work, outdoor, casual or dressy.

Of the three, work boots will have the most uniform profile. The standard work boot covers the ankle. It has a thick tread with plenty of grip and an exterior that’s built to withstand both abrasion and rough weather. Leather is the go-to material for this kind of shoe for a variety of reasons: It’s resistant to moisture, holds in the heat and is very tough. Once a good leather boot gets broken in (which may take some time), you can expect it to last for years. There are several different grades of leather, but full grain leather is always a good investment if you can afford it. Oddly enough, boots that are designated as “genuine leather” are less desirable. This kind of leather might sound great, but it’s actually a patchwork made from the less-durable bottom layers of the hide. If you’re working on a construction site or other high-risk area, you’ll want to look for boots with steel toes and a tread that can handle rough terrain.

Speaking of rough terrain, let’s talk about hiking boots. These boots will usually be similar to work boots in profile, and for the most part they’re interchangeable. Leather is still a good material for this kind of footwear, though you’ll want a type that’s been treated with extra waterproofing. Since your feet will be working hard in these boots over a long period of time, you want something that’s protective yet still breathable. The fit is crucial, so make sure to break your boots in fully before taking them out on the trail.

Casual boots are those everyday boots that you can wear with a variety of outfits. As you might expect, comfort and versatility are the key attributes here. Over the years, changing trends have blurred the line between what kind of boots are fashionable and utilitarian, and once-edgy styles like the combat boot or cowboy boot are now acceptable even inside some offices. Depending on the type of boot, top-grain leather can be a good pick here since it retains the durability of full grain leather with a smoother look.

There’s also a variety of styles you can choose from when it comes to dress boots. Short, mid-ankle boots like the Chelsea or trench boot can go well with a variety of outfits, and the even lower Chukka boot is experiencing a resurgence for both its comfort and looks. You’ll want to look at materials like suede or full grain leather for this kind of boot, but buy with an eye toward how it will match your style. When it comes to longevity, regular care goes a long way. Be sure to buy some leather polish and use as directed.

No matter what type of boot you wear, the fit is critical. This is where finding the right one can be tough, because many boots need a little breaking in before you really find out how it will feel in the long run. To help this process along, make sure that you know what kind of socks that boot requires and have them on when you’re trying it out for the first time. That usually means thicker socks for work or hiking boots, slimmer socks (or none at all) for dressier types.