Choosing the right style of boot can help you look and feel your best. And with so many options available it can get tough to navigate the best boots for your personal style. In this Boot Camp guide we introduce you to the 8 most common types of men's boots with plenty of examples.
The Dress Boot
Dress boots are the most versatile style of boot as they can be dressed up with a suit or down with denim for a sharp and sophisticated look. Dress boots are built much like a dress shoe but instead feature a longer shaft that cover the ankles. These boots are great for extra ankle support, overall comfort and tackling snowy commutes to the office. If you would like to learn more about dress boots make sure to check out our Essential Men's Dress Boot Guide.
The Casual Lace-Up Boot
Casual lace-up boots come in everyday versatile styles and are best complimented with denim. Unlike dress boots that can be worn with a suit, the lace-up boot is strictly casual in nature. Many of today's popular casual boots are workwear inspired and look great when worn in and distressed. Pair these boots with a pair of jeans for a masculine rugged look.
The Work Boot
Work boots are made for harsh working environments where our feet need the extra protection. Common features on a work boot include lugged rubber or anti-slip wedge outsoles, safety toes and reinforced leather uppers. While work boots often lack the cutting edge style or sophistication of dress or casual lace-up boots, they have their own stylish charm. Many work boot brands, like Red Wing, borrow heavily from vintage American workwear styles that pairs well with denim. Some work boot styles like the Timberland 6-inch boot have even become streetwear fashion favorites.
The Chelsea Boot
Popularized by the Mod scene in 1960’s Britain, this classic boot style is easily defined by it’s no lace design and clean close to the foot fit. The chelsea boot is a versatile boot style that can be dressed up with trousers or down with fitted denim. One of the best features of a chelsea boot is that it can come in classic dressy leathers or colorful suede making them easy to pair with just about any look.
The Chukka Boot
Also known as a desert boot, the chukka boot is often defined by it’s 2 or 3 lacing eyelets and ankle high uppers usually made of suede or leather. Chukka boots are casual in nature and suede chukka's are one of the only warm weather boots for men that can be comfortably worn in the spring and summer. Check out our list of Most Comfortable Chukka Boots for Men for our top picks in the style.
The HikER Boot
Hiking boots are made for trekking outdoors and come in a variety of designs and materials. The hiker style takes what we love about vintage hiking boots and updates it to a stylish modern boot that looks great on the trail and pavement alike. Traditional hiking brands are catching on to the style and making some cool hiking boots of their own that pair functionality and style.
The Combat Boot
Combat boots have their roots in military and law enforcement and are designed around functionality. Recently, this style of boot has become popular in casual streetwear with brands like Dr. Martens and some fashion designers who have released their own combat-style inspired boots.
The Winter Boot
Winter boots are made to combat cold weather, snow, ice and rain. A good winter boot is waterproof, insulated and has plenty of traction. Unlike the other styles of boots on this list, you are only going to ever wear winter boots in cold weather when your feet need the extra protection. Winter boots come in a variety of different styles with one of our favorites being the duck boot style that features a waterproof rubber toe on the uppers.
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