The Best Boots For Men
If you're looking for shoes that are equal parts hardy, comfortable, and stylish, what you're looking for is a pair of boots. These versatile all-rounders are built for work and wear, but the right pair could also serve as a cozy, casual option or as a stately accompaniment to formal get-ups. Wherever you're headed next, there's a pair for you. We've rounded up a few of our favorite designs, so take a look below and you won't be disappointed.
What to Look For
Be sure to put your best foot forward when choosing new boots by considering three features: sole cushioning, weatherproofing, and fit. We love the Captain boot from the Thursday Boot Company for its updated take on a classic footwear form. These versatile lace-ups are well suited for casual and formal getups alike. If your wanderings are likely to lead you off-road, you might want to check out the all-terrain option from Keen Utility. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.
Thursday Boot Company Captain Lace-Up Boot
These durable boots will keep your feet in good hands for far more than just a single day of the week. The Thursday Boot Company pride itself in sticking to the classics when it comes to shoemaking, and these rugged leather boots keep true to the books in every sense. With the characteristic stiffness of all leather dress shoes, it may be best to order a half size down from your usual sneaker size for the best possible fit.
Pros:
- These versatile boots clean up well and are well-suited for formal outfits, but they can just as easily add a touch of class to casual wear.
- With a range of handsome styles, including both polished and matte finishes, there’s plenty to choose from here.
Cons:
- The composite cork, leather, and rubber soles are built to traditional specifications for incredible durability underfoot. Sure, they might be a little stiff, but if you’re used to more support at the sole.
Timberland Premium Waterproof Boot
If you thought the almost-eponymous singer/producer was tough, check out this premium offering from one of the world’s most loved bootmakers. Timberland boots rest on a deliciously supportive rubber sole, offering the wearer unbeatable traction and practical comfort that will serve reliably during long working days or treks into the great wide open. Best of all, they’re waterproof through and through, so you won’t find your feet soaked when you accidentally step into a puddle.
Pros:
- These boots are built for the cold, with 400 grams of Primaloft insulation to keep you toasty in frosty climes.
- Rust-proofing on the metal hardware will help keep these boots looking good as new.
- The iconic Timberland padded collar adds a touch of comfort at the ankle.
Cons:
- If you’re looking for a design that’s a little off the beaten track, these well-worn boots might not be the choice for you. That being said, there are a few less-known color styles on offer here.
Keen Utility Braddock Steel Toe Workboot
Come rain or shine
Whether you’re trawling through mud or climbing rocky trails, these resilient workhorses from Keen are a trusty pair for ventures in any terrain. Keen’s patented waterproof membrane seals these boots tight, keeping any water from breaking through even in the event of submersion. And when traction counts, you can depend on the grippy outsoles, which are oil- and slip-resistant, to keep you on two feet.
Pros:
- We appreciate that the extra-wide, asymmetrical cap toe box is reinforced with steel caps to keep each and every toe protected from high-velocity impacts.
- If you like to keep it local and sustainable, these boots are manufactured in Portland using minimum-waste production methods.
Cons:
- The steel toe support adds weight to these boots, so they may not feel as maneuverable as lighter boots might.
Dr. Martens Chelsea Boot
Walking on sunshine
No list of boots would be complete without a nod to one of the oldest shoemakers in the game. While many might picture the classic lace-up fare when thinking of Dr. Martens, you can enjoy the comfort of their iconic Airwalk soles on this stately pair of Chelsea boots and be rid of laces once and for all. Their slip-on form brings comfort and practicality by the bucketload, and with a design that’s been going strong since the ’70s, there’s not much that could be improved on.
Pros:
- These boots can take some serious punishment. Each join is reinforced with welt stitches and heat-sealed at 700 degrees centigrade for unmatched durability.
- Crafted with premium ambassador leather, these handsome boots each come with a unique grain.
Cons:
- Dr. Martens’ boots famously take a while to break in, so be prepared for discomfort during the first few wears.
Wolverine 1000 Mile Fashion Boot
Vintage modern
Wolverine has been crafting workwear for the people of America for generations, and the iconic 1000 Mile boot draws on an archival design pattern to take things back to where they started. Don’t be fooled by the handcrafted soles or premium leather upper, though; these boots are certainly not outdated. Their practical design and durability make them well-suited to rigorous work, and boy, will you look good in the process.
Pros:
- This durable design is built to last. With proper care, they should look as good as new after years of wear.
- The spacious insides offer plenty of room to adapt these boots with your favorite insoles.
Cons:
- These soles don’t offer the traction of rubber or other synthetic treaded outsoles, meaning these aren’t best suited for off-road excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I repair the soles of a damaged pair of boots?
All that climbing, clambering, and wandering in the wild can leave a serious mark on the traction under your boots. If you’re looking for a pair that you can spruce up year after year, leather outsoles might be the way to go, as they can be easily repaired at your local cobbler. Thick rubber traction is our first choice for the outdoors due to its superlative traction, but they aren’t so easy to repair once damaged.
How should I look after my leather boots?
Real leather needs attention, and if you invest a little time and energy, you can be sure to make the most out of your new boots. By seasoning the uppers with leather oil from time to time, you can preserve the finish and retain its natural waterproof seal. But beware if your ventures lead you through salty territory, as this can dehydrate and damage the structural integrity of the leather.
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