Top 5 Men’s Boots For Autumn/Winter

Top 5 Men’s Boots For AW14

To help you make the right decision, I’ve pulled together a list of five specific silhouettes that will see you through even the darkest of nights. I’m not saying you have to buy them all. I’m not saying you have to buy only one. All I’m saying is that these are the boots I fall back on time and time again when it comes to handling whatever this unpredictable season throws at me.

As always, it’s important to purchase shoes that fit you. You’re going to be wearing them a lot and blisters are never fun. Much like fine tailoring, you really do get what you pay for – in terms of fit, quality and craftsmanship – so always buy the best you can afford.

Look for traditionally made styles and treat your footwear as an investment. After all, a great pair of boots will last you for many, many years.

So let’s get to it, shall we?

1. Leather Chukka Boots

These are an everyday essential for me. I used to be a brown suede desert boots type of guy, but they just weren’t a sustainable option.

Suede already gets a bad rap for being a delicate material, but when it comes to a night out it really is impractical. Have you ever tried cleaning suede hungover on a Sunday? Why do it when you can avoid it?

Chukkas are near enough the exact same height, shape and size as a desert boot, but more suited to the evening, especially in black or brown leather. They can be dressed up or down effortlessly and look superb matched with dark denim, grey chinos or tweed trousers.

Just a great all-rounder.

• H By Hudson Houghton Boots In Black
• Asos Chukka Boots In Leather
• Asos Chukka Boots In Leather
• Dune cradled Round Toe Chukka Boots
• Ted Baker Torsdi Casual Ankle Boot
• River Island Brown Leather Chukka Boots

2. Tan/Burgundy Brogue Boots

The perfect dress boot. The brogue detailing adds an element of formality to the otherwise relaxed silhouette and burgundy/tan has been every style-conscious gent’s go-to colour choice when wanting to stand out in a business environment for years.

While they work perfectly well paired with jeans and other rugged workwear items like cord shirts and leather jackets, they look particularly great teamed with traditional suiting fabrics like worsted wool, flannel and tweed.

To give your outfit an added touch of detailing, fold the hems of your trousers/chinos/jeans a couple of times. Not only does this help dress down the look slightly, but it also shows off your boot to the fullest.

For those that work in more conservative office environments, don’t worry, they will simply give off the same appearance as a brogue shoe once your suit trouser hangs over them.

• He By Mango Brogueing Leather Boots
• Oliver Sweeney Wren Brogue Boot Burgundy
• Okeeffe Felix Leather Brogue Boot
• Grenson Sharp Leather Brogue Boots
• Redwick Leather Brogue Boot
• Bertie calibrate Lace Up Brogue Boots

3. Brown Chelsea Boots

Made a comeback last autumn/winter and if you don’t currently have a pair of Chelsea boots in your shoe collection, you’re not doing yourself any justice.

Yet rather than going down the obvious Bob Dylan/early Beatles route by investing in black leather, why not opt for a Chelsea in a shade of brown – whether that be chocolate, walnut or tan?

Combine with your navy/grey cold-weather suiting during the working week and reference their rock ‘n’ roll heritage at the weekend by pairing with slim black jeans, a plain white tee and leather biker.

Tip: Look out for burnished toe styles this year, which will add character to your boots and show you are a man who pays attention to the details.

• Selected Homme Marc Chelsea Boots In Brown
• Rolando Sturlini Leather Chelsea Boots
• Asos Chelsea Boots In Leather
• River Island Brown High Shine Buffed Chelsea Boots
• River Island Brown Buffed Chelsea Boots
• Bertie Clapham Common-chelsea Boot

4. Duck Boots

Perfect for those days when you have to deal with torrential rain, sleet or snow.

Traditionally they come with brown rubber bottoms and olive leather uppers, but modern iterations are being produced in a variety of colours and styles.

They are probably the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn and a personal favourite due to their slightly more interesting shape and history in comparison to the Wellington.

Pair with heavy duty twill chinos, denim shirts, tweed blazers and quilted jackets for the ultimate town meets country look.

• J. Crew Lacrosse For J.crew Duck Boots
• Sperry Eva Duck Boot Shoes
• Nashoba Summit Black Suede Mens Casual Boots
• Traibreaker Duck Bt Wp
• Sorel Ankeny – Lace-up Boots – Brown
• Sorel Winter Boots – Brown

5. Hiking Boots

Or, in simple terms, a pair of boots that you’re not afraid to get down and dirty with. Some real skull crushers, as my punk friends would say.

I love anything made by Red Wing or Wolverine but these will really come down to your own personal taste and the role they’re set to play in your wardrobe.

I have a chocolate brown pair of Wolverine 1000 Miles that I exclusively wear with worn in denim, Oxford cloth shirts and rugby tops.

Tip: Try styling with thick boot socks poking out the top in a contrast colour or pattern. They offer a great way of injecting some colour and life into your practical winter looks.

• Bellfield Hiking Boot
• The North Face Mens Ballard 6 Inch Black Mountain Blue
• Mens Jules B Shearling Lined Hiking Boots
• Brasher Hillwalker Ii Gtx Mens Hiking Boots
• Sorel Mad Mukluk – Lace-up Boots – Brown
• He By Mango Leather Worker Boots