Essential guide to men’s boots
PHOTO: RALMEZ COLLAB
There are pretty much no limitations when it comes to wearing sneakers for men. Dress shoes are also a staple of most men’s wardrobes. However, only a few people know where to begin when it comes to boots. This is because it takes a certain amount of knowledge to accomplish this because you can’t pick any boot and expect it to be dreamy. Considering how many wonderful designs, heights, materials, and styles there are in men’s boots, it’s a shame. Winter boots can be very stylish, comfortable, and durable. A shoe that fits like it was stitched by a cobbler is unsurpassed. Menswear survival kits can’t be complete without chunky boots. The quality of the materials used in the construction of them is just as critical if you want them to last. Here are some tips on how to wear men’s boots, including an overview of the different types:
1 ▸ Work boots: it wasn’t long ago that work boots were worn on building sites or in mines; nowadays, ad agency men wear them pretty much every day. This is excellent news, as the silhouette has been adapted by luxury brands to look more stylish and on trend. These boots usually have a chunky sole, a thick upper, a padded collar (the part around the ankle), and an ankle-wrapping collar to protect your feet from wayward nails or really big puddles. Classic examples include brown Timberlands. You can pair workwear boots with light denim and a long overcoat.
2 ▸ Cap toe boots: these, as their name suggests, are created by adding a layer to the top of the boots, giving them a cap-like appearance. They have stitching that may be changed horizontally using the welts on either side of the shoe. As a result, the boot’s “cap” is formed by the shoe. Additionally, the seams support the leather layer on the top box. Because of the additional leather layer, the shoes’ protection and appearance are improved. Cap toe boots go well with a winter coat and suit. Consider yourself an elegant Sherlock Holmes.
3 ▸ Chelsea boots: in terms of versatility, Chelsea boots are one of the most suitable options you have. As an alternative to lace-up riding boots, Queen Victoria’s shoemaker, J Sparkes-Hall, created the slip-on design in the 19th century. Often worn with slim-fit tailoring or smart, rolled-up denim, Chelsea boots are more commonly seen today under office desks or pub tables. As the Beatles’ footwear of choice, these boots made a comeback in British mod fashion in the 1960s. Semi-casual, but trendy, Chelsea boots are a smart choice for your wardrobe. Dark jeans and a leather jacket or blazer are a stylish combination.
4 ▸ Brogue boots: the Duke of Windsor, then the Prince of Wales, popularized brogues as a smart-casual staple in the Thirties. The style of these boots is similar to that of cap toe boots. But wingtips have a “W”-shaped crown that continues toward the heel instead of a straight seam across the toes. They are durable outdoor shoes made of untanned leather with ornamental holes along the seams. Brogue boots are semi-formal. They look great with dark jeans, a collared shirt, and a sweater or with a flannel suit.
5 ▸ Combat boots: as you might imagine from a boot that has its roots in the footwear that Roman soldiers used, combat boots are among the most durable shoes ever manufactured. These are meant for combat, but in current times, they also work well for commuting, heading out, or simply dropping down to the shops. They are traditionally manufactured from toughened and strengthened leather. Saint Laurent’s and Givenchy have given these boots a high fashion makeover. Pair these with dark jeans, a chore jacket with utility pockets, a simple t-shirt and a beanie to finish it all off.
6 ▸ Chukka boots: these boots first appeared in the 1950s as combat boots for British soldiers serving in World War II. Since they have fewer eyelets than the typical lace-up boot, they are simpler to put on and take off. These boots straddle the line between business attire and military dress. They are referred to as half boot, half shoe by several companies due to their unstructured toes, low-cut uppers, and thin soles. They look great layered beneath a jean jacket with rolled-up trousers and an untucked button-down shirt.
Some other inspirations for you:
PHOTO: RALMEZ COLLAB
