The Thursday Buy: Step into Spring with These Rugged Chelsea Boots from Huckberry and Rhodes Footwear

Best men's Chelsea boots.

Folks, take it from me: When a new season rolls around, it pays to be prepared in advance with the best spring style essentials, and you should certainly start from the ground up. Of course, you certainly don’t need me to tell you that, but a reminder is always helpful, yes? And there’s one source I always head towards when it comes time to build a look from ground up with a pair of the most rugged boots for spring. That source, naturally, is Huckberry, and they’ve given us the Rhodes Footwear Blake Chelsea Boots.

Best rugged boots for men this spring.

The perfect hybrid between a Chelsea boot and the best work boots, the Rhodes Footwear Blake Chelsea Boots check off all the right boxes as you step into spring. That includes an additional panel on the boots themselves for added durability, plus a chunky wedge sole for a sturdy look and feel.

Yet, the sole on the Rhodes Footwear Blake Chelsea Boots should prove lightweight, rather than bulky, and the entire silhouette rests nicely beneath a pair of your favorite blue jeans. The Rhodes Footwear Blake Chelsea Boots are also made in footwear hub Leon, Mexico, another indicator that you’re getting a pair of the best Chelsea boots on the market.

We’re wrapping things up early today, because you know what you need to do: Get out there and get a pair of the best Chelsea boots for men, with some added rugged appeal, via the Rhodes Footwear Blake Chelsea Boots.

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See Now, Buy Now: The HELM Boots Ryder Boots are the Best Boots for Early Spring

HELM Boots Ryder Boots

Your new favorite pair of rugged leather boots.

Is it hard to believe we’re now back in (gulp) March, a year on from pandemic life? It sure is, but that’s not why we’re here today. We’re here instead to talk about the best boots for men for early spring, a decidedly much more fun topic that’ll get you off your feet and looking towards the future (and new seasonal adventures, of course). The boots in question would be the HELM Boots Ryder Boots, a pair of rugged leather boots from the Austin-based HELM Boots team that’ll have you planning to go off-trail and off-road in a hurry this season. They certainly look like an updated take on the best hiking boots, but just know that you need ’em in your life either way. Of course, it’s a major benefit that you can get $50 off when you order your first pair from the brand. HELM Boots says that these are a pair of “contemporary boots for all adventures,” and based on what I know about the brand — I’ve published a HELM Boots review in the past, after all — it’s very hard to argue with that logic.

These are quite simply some of the best men’s leather boots, what with bountiful craftsmanship and attention to detail. HELM makes some of the best men’s Chelsea boots and the best plain toe boots, too, but the HELM Ryder Boots are a different breed (in a great way, that is).

SHOP: The HELM Boots Ryder Boots

HELM Boots Review

These tough leather boots are ready to go just about anywhere this season.

The versatility and craftsmanship of the HELM Boots Ryder Boots starts from the ground up with HELM’s Stavos rubber sole for maximum traction and durability. The Blake Rapid Stitch construction sews the upper to the top of the sole for more flexibility and a smooth ride, and the D-ring lacing gives them that hiking boot feel. For even more comfort, they’re lined in smooth black leather.

These are rugged leather boots you can wear plenty of different places this spring, be it to an outdoor beer garden or for a park stroll (to name but a few favorite spring pursuits). The HELM Boots Ryder Boots, especially in the handsome Dark Natural Babbo leather, should pair well with everything from classic light wash denim to olive chinos and more. Up top, these dependable, classic leather boots are practically begging to be teamed with essentials like your favorite T-shirt or a timeless chambray shirt. Wear ’em casually or team the HELM Boots Ryder Boots with a white Oxford shirt and tan chinos, for starters. The end result is nothing less than your new favorite pair of boots for your spring wardrobe. Let me know on Twitter if you do lace ’em up.

SHOP: The HELM Boots Ryder Boots

#OOTD: Everyday Spring Style

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Thanks for joining us again today on The Style Guide — let’s get to it! Alright, who’s excited that it’s March? I sure am. Namely, that means we’re transitioning into a great season for menswear, and that also gives you plenty of chances to break out everyday spring style looks. We’re talking versatile, comfortable pieces built for layering — yet these are also pieces that work on their own, and can be added or subtracted depending on the weather.  Whether that means dressing for spring rain  or heading out on a weekend coffee date, we’ve got pieces you’ll recognize, want to buy and want to wear.  That includes classic pieces (cough, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, cough) and slightly edgier staples. OK, all good? Keep up with other #menswear inspiration on the daily via Instagram or Twitter — and weigh in on this look via the comments, as always.

Working in the versatile, the classic and the new into one outfit.

Working in the versatile, the classic and the new into one outfit.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — Recognize this sweater? Of course you do — right? Todd Snyder is an American menswear luminary precisely for pieces like the lauded Pocket Sweatshirt, and it’s a nice, easy-to-wear spring layering option.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $39 — There’s really never a bad time to wear a classic chambray shirt, is there?  This one is laidback, casual and versatile.

The Pants: Life/After/Denim Classic 5-Pocket Pant in White, $148 — White pants — even in a straightforward five-pocket silhouette — can be a bit of a leap stylistically. Don’t worry here, though — the tailored fit and use of other classic staples (like the Pocket Sweatshirt) helps dial these in.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $169.98 — A recent release from Astorflex by way of Huckberry, these lace-up boots are high-quality and no-frills — exactly what you need for stomping through inclement spring weather (just be sure to waterproof ’em).

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — We’re dialing in casual style right down to the last detail with this #OOTD — a woven leather belt provides some nice texture & casual style to complement the Astorflex Bootflex in particular.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138 — What better way to complement the Pocket Sweatshirt than with another stylish, sharp and durable Todd Snyder piece? The Military Watch could be your new favorite casual watch — trust me.

Frank & Oak

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — Told you we were keeping things laidback, didn’t I? Now, you can’t wear a ballcap every day, but if you’re checking out of the office early on a Friday (for example) … toss on the Explorer’s Cap as you head to a patio lunch.
Beckett Simonon

The Bag: Nisolo Lori Tote, $134.98 — When you want a durable yet easy-to-carry bag, reach for the handsome Nisolo Lori Tote. It’s handmade with minimal construction and beautiful leather that should develop a nice patina.
So, with that — let’s wrap up this #OOTD, shall we? Comfortable layering pieces like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt are easy to wear no matter the season, and a slim chambray shirt perfectly complements the more fashion-forward white 5-pocket pants. Given the company’s reputation for quality, sustainability and durability, the Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki should also be an extremely reliable spring footwear pick, finished off handsomely by the excellent Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch. Of course, keeping your accessories in line is crucial, and the textured Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt is a nice way to do that — as is the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. Got that all together? Shopping cart full? Join us tomorrow for a helpful Spring Style Wish List — and we’ll see you out there this spring!
-Beau