When the weather gets more chilly, it’s time to ease up on the sneakers and start wearing boots more often. A great pair of boots isn’t just a worthy investment, it’s a necessity. Not only it’s essential to own a comfy, functional boot but also a stylish one.
Invest in a good-quality pair of boots because they will last you for years, especially if you want a heavier duty boot. Luckily, there are options out there for every style and budget.
Whether you want to add few inches to your height or to find the perfect boots to keep you warm, take a look at this list. From most functional to purely fashionable, you will find all the boot styles to add to your fall/winter rotation.
Keep reading to find out all the possible ways on how you can style each type of boot!
THE 6 TYPES OF BOOTS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Hiking boot
No matter if it’s for hiking or going out for the next big outdoor excursion, a pair of good hiking boots is an essential piece for a man’s wardrobe. The classic hiking boot has crept into the mainstream in recent years. Given its durability and utilitarian appeal, it’s an investment that’ll stand the test of time.
Since a hiking boot has a bulky shape, you can style it perfectly with a pair of cargo pants and a chunky knitted sweater on top, or with chino shorts and a plaid overshirt.
The Ridge Flex boot is an excellent option if you’re planning an adventurous trip. Ideal for cooler conditions, this boot can tackle any daunting hillscape.
A more affordable choice is these chunky, tough-luxe lace-up boots from Asos, which you can style with a pair of denim jeans with cuffed hems and a graphic tee.
Work Boot
When you’re working hard in harsh conditions, a pair of rugged work boots is one of the most essential tools you need. Work boots are built to provide durability, comfort, and solid construction.
They emphasize pure utility through features like treaded outsoles, waterproof liners, and insulated uppers. But that’s not to say you have to compromise style. Thanks to upcoming trends, work boots have become real fashion statements.
Timberland’s PRO Direct Attach 6″ Boot is designed to keep you going during long shifts. It features a seam-sealed waterproof leather upper for dry feet, a metallic lacing system for durability and a padded top collar for comfort.
This particular design is a cultural icon, thanks to co-signs from musicians, fashion designers, and celebrities. Style them with raw denim jeans, a white t-shirt and a flannel on top. Or for a more edgy look, a total black outfit with black jeans and a leather jacket will do the trick.
Dress Boot
Dress boots are the footwear equivalent of “loosening your tie” – the high-top marks them as decidedly informal, yet with the right pants, most can pass for officewear in a pinch. From the streets of Milan to the New York subway, the world’s most stylish guys flocked to brands like Alden, Saint Crispin’s, and Allen Edmonds for their devotion to quality.
Dress boots are typically made in fashion-friendly materials and designed to mimic dress shoes from the ankle down.
Fair warning: dress boots don’t come cheap. However, for their versatility alone, good dress boots are well worth the investment.
One of the best pairs of dress boots you can get in 2021 is the Troy Boot in black color.
With an incredibly substantial suede and a full leather lining, you can wear this boot when you want to get attention.
You can easily style your Oxford dress shoes with your suits or with more formal outfits. Dress shoes are the perfect combination of sleek and rugged. You can wear a dress boot with anything from your favorite suit to a pair of jeans and everything in between.
Chelsea Boot
Chelsea boots are among the most versatile boots that you will have in your rotation. Any stylish guy worth his salt definitely has a pair or two of Chelsea boots in his closet. They’re sleek, elegant and minimalist with a little bit of an edge, and they often come in suede or smooth leather.
They are round-toe boots fitted with an elastic webbing instead of lacing, making them both easy to put on and distinctively fashionable. The best Chelsea boots work year-round – just go for chunkier soles in the winter and something sleek and fitted when things start to warm up.
From ASOS to Common Projects to Gucci and Prada, there’s a pair of Chelsea boots out there that will fit your taste and your budget.
One of the best boots to have in 2021 is the Winter Chelsea boot from Common Projects that equals quality and excellent craftsmanship.
If you want something more affordable, the Chelsea boot in stone suede from Asos is probably the better option. However suede can be a bit difficult to take care of so make sure to buy a protective spray to keep them clean.
Chelsea boots are more likely to be found underneath office desks or pub tables and worn with everything from ripped denim to Italian suiting, fitting both streetwear and formal styles with ease.
If your style leans more traditional, then a slimmer-soled pair will dress up with a suit. For a more street casual look, rock a pair of black Chelsea boots with slacks or jeans and a band tee and a leather jacket.
Combat boot
Inspired to look like an old military-style boot, combat boots are back and they’re more massive than ever. From Bottega Veneta’s Lug boots to Prada’s ultra-heavy soled nylon-paneled combat boots, this season it’s all about a boot with an elongated ankle shaft and a chunky platform sole.
Traditionally are crafted from hardened, reinforced leather thus it’s more associated with fall and winter season. They’ve got support in your ankles and the lug sole gives you nice traction.
Even if you’re not the edgiest guy in the room, that does not mean you can’t rock a pair of combat boots in a ton of different ways.
A go-to look that most women love seeing on men is classic black Doc Martens boots paired with black denim jeans, a simple black tee and a leather jacket.
For a more streamlined minimal look, mix different shades of denim to create a Canadian tuxedo-inspired outfit.
Extra tip: Remember to tuck the jeans into your boot!
Rain Boot
Although rain boots are often associated with uncomfortable, bulky shoes, thanks to Bottega Veneta, they’ve become a fashion staple in the last few years. There are endless options for waterproof boot options available, but rain boots have a distinctive style that’s impossible to miss.
Whether commuting, running errands, heading to dinner with friends, you can still rock a pair of rain boots styled with a suit for a more avant-garde appearance.
