Boots have been around for a long time and have proven to be among the most favorable footwear for men. Through the years, boots’ style has evolved, but one thing is for sure — they’re used on almost all occasions. From fun gatherings to formal ones, or any given day, boots have undeniably become a staple, and there should be at least a pair in your rack just to be safe.
In case you’re a little late to the party and you have just recently taken an interest in this classic, we have created a guide to help you figure this type of shoes out and give you an idea what boots you should get, where you should use them, and how to know if they are appropriate. Read on and embrace the boot life, my friend.
Boot styles
Boots come in all shapes and sizes. Here are the most common styles and how you can differentiate them from one another.
Biker boots
Originally made for bikers, this casual pair is no longer worn only if you have a motorcycle. This tough and edgy-looking boot style usually features low heels and buckle details, perfect when you want to add an extra accent to your outfit.
How to wear them: Biker boots are great for casual wear. Pair them with dark skinny jeans and a shirt, and then top it off with a leather jacket for an edgy overall look. Want to tone it down a little bit? Just ditch the jacket and stick to your plain ensemble of shirt and jeans. The boots will bring that extra flair to your outfit.
Brogue boots
Brogue boots are laced-up boots characterized by their toe detailing — usually in wingtip — that makes them a unique choice of footwear. They’re great for different occasions, from casual to business and formal.
How to wear them: Brogue boots, depending on the color, can be used on different occasions. Get a black leather pair and you can easily wear it with your charcoal, navy, or tweed suit. Grab a brown suede pair and wear it with your more casual pieces like a casual shirt, a jacket, or maybe even a pullover.
Chelsea boots
A versatile boot style dating back to the Victorian era, Chelsea boots are a timeless gem that can blend perfectly into any style. They are designed without laces and are meant to let your feet slip easily into them. They are also characterized by their elastic side ankles.
How to wear them: Chelsea boots are incredibly versatile and are perfect with jeans and trousers — just make sure that they are outside and over the boots. If you want to dress down, these boots are a great alternative to sneakers. Suede is usually a more relaxed material that you can easily wear with skinny jeans, a white shirt, and a denim jacket. Grab a leather pair and wear it with smart casual or business casual pieces, such as chinos and blazers.
Chukka boots
Chukka is an ankle-length type of boots with open laces and three eyelets. This classic style of footwear is usually made from leather or suede.
How to wear them: Just like most boots on this list, chukka boots are a versatile pair that you can easily pair with multiple outfits for different events. Want to dress down and enjoy a relaxing day looking stylish? Pair your boots with simple jeans, white button down, and top it off with a denim jacket. If you want a smart casual look, just rock them with black jeans, a plain shirt, and a blazer. Level it up by pairing your chukka boots with some trousers and blazers for a business casual look that looks great at work.
Work boots
As the name suggests, this footwear was originally created for work and construction, but through the years it has truly evolved into a stylish piece. These sturdy boots are now paired with casual outfits, perfect for more relaxed aesthetics.
How to wear them: Work boots are mostly worn for a more casual, modern, and stylish approach. Because they are more laid back compared to other styles, they look best with jeans and are great when paired with a simple top.
They’re another pair of those that can work as an accent to your overall look. Basically, if you’re a little lazy to work on your outfit, just throw these on, and you’ll be good to go.
How to choose the right fit
Depending on the boots that you are getting, some of them might be a little heavy so it is best to choose the right fit for your size. Choose a pair that makes you feel right, one that feels snug and supported. Make sure that you can still move your feet around without feeling any discomfort. If you’re not sure if they are too small, you can try placing a finger behind the heel without your toes pressing against the ends.
How to store your boots
Just like any item, it is always recommended to store your boots properly. You can stuff your boots with paper, shoe trees, or old magazines so they will keep their shape when not in use. You can also place them in a dust bag or a shoe box to keep moisture away. Also, make sure that they are stored upright as this is the best way for them to stay in shape.
